Summary

Dave Edmunds – Twangin… (Swan Song SSK 59411, 1981) It is a lean, lively slice of roots rock from one of Britain’s great studio obsessives. Best known for fusing rockabilly snap, pub-rock grit, and pop craftsmanship, Edmunds turns this record into a jukebox with good manners and sharp shoes. It is not his loudest album. It is one of his most charming.

About the Artist

Before Twangin…, Dave Edmunds had already built a cult reputation as a guitarist, producer, and defender of old-school rock ’n’ roll. He came up through Love Sculpture, scored a huge hit with “I Hear You Knocking,” and later helped shape the pub-rock and roots-rock scene around Rockpile. His influences were clear: Elvis, Sun Records, Chuck Berry, country swing, and clean, punchy 45-era production.

A fun bit of trivia: Edmunds was admired for the knobs behind the mixing desk as much as for the guitar in his hands. That perfectionist streak gives his records their glossy snap.

About the Record

Twangin… lives where rockabilly, country, blues, and barroom pop shake hands. It followed the breakup of Rockpile, so it feels more like Edmunds reclaiming his own record shelf and showing off his taste. Covers sit beside originals, but that is part of the trick: he curates songs like a DJ with a hot lacquer cutter.

Critics did not treat it as a blockbuster, but many later writers and collectors have praised its craft and consistency. Its cultural impact is subtler than the headline albums of the era. Still, in 1981, when slick new wave and arena rock were everywhere, Edmunds quietly proved that twang was timeless.

About the Cover

The cover art is wonderfully odd. The neon-tinted portrait, geometric streaks, abstract inner-sleeve patterns, and classic Swan Song labels give the package a stylish, slightly surreal look. It is more of a modern art gallery than a roadhouse bar. That contrast works. The visuals say “art-pop,” while the grooves say “let’s hit the dance floor.”

About the Lyrics & Music

The standout joy here is the sound. Crisp guitars. Tight rhythms. No wasted motion. “Something Happens” kicks things off with bounce, while “Almost Saturday Night” brings John Fogerty energy through Edmunds’ polished, revved-up lens. “Singing the Blues” and “The Race Is On” show his love of American roots music without turning the record into museum rock.

Lesser-known gem: “Baby Let’s Play House” is an older 1968 recording, slipped in like a secret handshake for collectors. Production-wise, the sleeve credits Edmunds as producer, with sessions at Eden Studios and a time-capsule cut from Rockfield. Very on-brand.

Conclusion

Twangin… is an underrated Dave Edmunds LP: stylish, tight, and packed with taste. If you like roots rock with sparkle, this one earns shelf space fast.

Other Recommendations

Try Dave Edmunds – Repeat When Necessary, Rockpile – Seconds of Pleasure, Nick Lowe – Labour of Lust, and Carlene Carter – Musical Shapes.

Price Evolution & Why Invest

On Discogs, Twangin… has generally stayed affordable for years, which is great news for collectors. The broad pattern over the last two decades is familiar: budget-bin pricing in the early 2000s, gradual lift during the 2010s vinyl boom, and firmer prices in the 2020s for clean UK originals with the printed inner sleeve.

Why invest? Three reasons: it is a Swan Song pressing, it has striking artwork, and it is an underrated title by a respected cult artist. In short: low entry price, strong replay value, and plenty of collector charm.