Sweet have released a new video for their current single ‘Still Got The Rock’. The single is reworking of a song that first appeared as a newly-recorded bonus track on the 2015 Sweet compilation album Action: The Ultimate Story, by the band’s previous line-up. The new version features the current line-up of Andy Scott, Bruce Bisland, Lee Small and Paul Manzi. You can read my interview with Andy Scott about how the new line-up came about here.

Sweet’s new album, Isolation Boulevard, recorded within the necessary constraints imposed by the Covid-19 global pandemic, plays on the title of the mid-70s album by the band’s classic line-up: Desolation Boulevard.

In a statement on the band’s Facebook page, Sweet’s Andy Scott says:

“Once again you, the hard-core Sweet fans have stepped up and reacted positively to the new album Isolation Boulevard. The cover artwork tips a hat to Desolation Boulevard, 1975 and the band’s first Headline Tours in the USA. The comparison between the old and new is obvious as they are both a compilation of the best of Sweet’s recordings, satisfaction guaranteed.“

Scott continues:

“Let’s go back to February 2020 and the world was just getting reports of a new virus, identified as Covid 19. Reaction to the news was slow at the start. I had some news of my own that I was dreading at this time, my cancer had returned. After our Denmark trip in March where we had a show cancelled due to new virus rules on social distancing, I started my treatment during the first lockdown in late March. This meant I was out of action until July/August and was naturally kept in total isolation. I have come through all clear thankfully and am looking forward to getting to grips with some new material next year when we as a band can be all together in a studio without restrictions.“

“The new album Isolation Boulevard was put together between lockdowns in September and October. It was pointed out to me that it had been more than 5 years since our last successful album release and as we hadn’t got Paul or Lee on any recordings especially the hits, we had better put that right as soon as possible. Most of the recording and editing was done in my studio and the results speak for themselves. The drum tracks and new bass lines are very powerful, the guitars are so clear you can hear the plectrum hit the strings and the vocal performances from Paul and Lee are perfection personified. Bruce and I cannot believe how lucky we are that this line up has hit the ground sprinting never mind running. I would personally like to sing the praises of Tom Cory, TC from the Novatines for his technical know-how and engineering skills during the recording of the album. Genius!“

“So, there you have it. Enjoy the single and album and with any luck we may just get back on the road next year.”

The ‘Still Got The Rock’ single was released in digital format on 8th December 2020. 18th December will see the digital release of the album Isolation Boulevard. There will be a limited-edition colour vinyl of both to pre-order on the release dates with delivery early in 2021. There will also be a CD format of the album available sometime in the new year.

Pre-order the vinyl album and single here:

https://www.prudentialmusicgroup.com/store.html#!/Sweet-Isolation-Boulevard-LP-&-7-SINGLE-Bundle-PRE-ORDER/p/260247381/category=28915503

http://www.thesweet.com/

Album personnel:

Andy Scott – All Guitars, Synthesizers and Vocals
Bruce Bisland – Drums and Vocals
Paul Manzi – Lead Vocals
Lee Small – Bass Guitar and Vocals
Guest Musicians –
Steve Mann – Keyboards on Love is Like Oxygen
Producer – Andy Scott
Engineer – Tom “TC” Cory
Studio assistance – Kevin Smith
Recorded, Edited and Mixed at Black Rock Studio, Wiltshire

Album track list:

1. Fox On The Run (2020)
2. Still Got The Rock (2020)
3. Action (2020)
4. Love Is Like Oxygen (2020)
5. Hellraiser (2020)
6. The Six Teens (2020)
7. Blockbuster (2020)
8. Set Me Free (2020)
9. Teenage Rampage (2020)
10. Turn It Down (2020)
11. New York Groove (2020)
12. Ballroom Blitz (2020)

Related posts:

‘The Sweet in the 1970s’ by Darren Johnson – published 30th July 2021

Interview with Andy Scott

News: All change at The Sweet

Review: Sweet at Bexhill 2015

Review: Sweet 50th anniversary concert – Berlin

Review: Sweet live 2017, London and Bilston

Review: Rainbow and Sweet, Birmingham 2017

Review: Sweet, Bilston 2016

The Sweet versus Bowie: the riff in Blockbuster and Jean Genie – origins and influences

Review: Sweet at Dartford 2015

Review: Sweet at Bilston 2014