The Wombles – Golden: The Remastered Singles + Rare Tracks – Vinyl Review

The Wombles were a band built by Mike Batt who recorded the original theme tune that was subsequently released as a single. The track was a massive hit and the TV stations at the time needed a band for their shows. 

This sent Mike into a bit of a panic. As there were no costumes there was no band either. The suits were hastily made and filled by Mike Batt as Orinoco, Chris Spedding (Sex Pistols producer and Sid Vicious NY guitarist) as Wellington and Clem Cattini of The Tornados as Bungo. For other live TV performances, the other suits were filled by members of Steeley Span.

The band sadly split in 1976 when Wellington recorded a solo single entitled Rainmaker (which makes an appearance on this album) but not before the band released 4 albums all achieving gold statusThe rarest track on this album is Wombling USA which should’ve had Brian Wilson quaking in his boots with fear that The Wombles were coming to take the crown of Surf Rock.

At the height of Womblemania, they had 8 top-40 hits and were outselling the likes of Slade and Abba, along with many others.

The Wombles were the only band at the time to equal The Beatles when they had 3 singles simultaneously in the chart (Wombling Song, Remember You’re a Womble, and Banana Rock) and all 8 singles are here in one handy package.

Despite it only being 12 tracks and there are other Womble compilation albums around, this is the first time they’ve been remastered and released in an analog format since 1989. Not only is this a fairly decent slice of Glam rock mixed with a touch of reggae, folk, and classical this is so much more. This is a fun album and I challenge ANYONE to not have a smile on their face who listen to it. 
Score 8/10

Tracklisting

Side A

The Wombling Song

Remember You’re A Womble

Banana Rock

Minuetto Allegretto

Wombling Merry Christmas

Wombling White Tie & Tails

Side B

Superwomble

The Womble Shuffle

Let’s Womble To The Party Tonight

Wombling USA

Rainmaker

The Wombling Song (Film Version)

Label – Dramatico
Release – 21st Jue 2024

For all things Womble-related, click HERE, and to purchase the album, click HERE