Scam – Demos 1986-1993
Self released [2026]
Death Train – Hang Over – The Eyes – I Can’t See – Goodbye So Long – I Can Tell – Running – Drink That Bottle Down – Too Drunk – Fool In Love – Trainride – King Bee
It is a brilliant idea for Scam to release these twelve demos recorded between 1986 and 1993. We can compare these early versions of Hang Over, Death Train, The Eyes, and I Can’t See with those released on Gamblin’ Fever and Infant Years They feature the Neo-Rockabilly tinged with Psychobilly (or perhaps it’s the other way around) typical of the band, but with an even rawer and more energetic edge. There are also early versions of tracks that were later recorded for A Million Dollar Scam Goodbye So Long is an energetic Neo-Rockabilly number on which Marcel van den Berg is completely unleashed. These demos also offer the chance to hear van den Berg’s version of Drink That Bottle Down, a furious boogie blues (the track originally appeared on the bonus CDs of A Million Dollar Scam, sung by Frank Kok).
There’s also an early version (probably from1991 or 1993) of Too Drunk, that recently appeared on King Con, the band’s album released in 2025. While the new version is in a Neo Rockabilly vein, this demo is a mid-tempo blues reminiscent of the Paladins.
But there’s more. Half of the tracks are completely unreleased in any form. They all seem to date from the early 1990s when the group took a more rockin’ blues turn with harmonica. Particularly noteworthy are Trainride, a too-short instrumental that is a real tour de force from the harmonica player (probably Johan De Roos the same one as on the album, or maybe Frank Kok); their excellent, high-energy cover of Bo Diddley’s I Can Tell; and especially Fool In Love, an excellent jazzy ballad worthy of being placed alongside Stray Cat Strut and The Nitros‘ Midnight Special.
This is a digital release only, so go to the platform of your choice and enjoy this special treat from the past.
Scam – A Million Dollar Scam
Rockhouse LPL / ROCKCD 9114 [1991]
The getaway – Dead and gone – Cold as ice – Where did I go wrong – Stop bugging me – I’m going crazy – Hang ’em high – Stop that gorilla – You can’t trick me – Goodbye so long – Which way now – Devil’s music – It ain’t right – Bloodbrothers – Trouble tonight – Loved that woman – Drink that bottle down – Candy man
Released in 1991, this album (their third after Gamblin Fever and Infant Years) marks a new step for the band. To their usual brand of light psychobilly/neo-rockabilly, they add a good dose of rockin’ blues with blues harp, saxophone and slide guitar. The set is varied and the song inspired. A guest singer is present on a couple of songs and brings a bit of diversity. A good album that shows the evolution and the maturity of the band. Reissued on cd with four bonus tracks.
Scam – Infant Years
Tombstone – Tomb-Disc 679 [1990]
Haunted House – Death Train – Can I Get A Witness – Cry Out – I Can’t See – The Eyes – Boogie Disease
Despite an ugly cover, this mini lp, recorded in 1989, shows an improvement from the first album. If there’s not a big departure in term of sound but the band is tighter and the songs less repetitive.
Scam – Gamblin’ Fever
Count Orlock –ROCK V [1988]
Pirates And Thieves – Captain Caveman – Magic Bus – Searching -. Hangover – Nutcrackers – Island Of Rock -. Somebody Tell Me – Losing Touch – Gamblin’ Fever – Dr. No – Ready, Willing And Able
Scam released their debut album on Count Orlock in 1988, this first album is very representative of the sound of the day. Light drums, slap bass and a clean electric guitar, influenced by Restless and fellow Dutchmen Batmobile. The sound is good (Johnny Z. produces. Any link to Johnny Zuidhof from Batmobile?) but could be a bit “fuller”. They have good original songs (Hangover, Captain Caveman, Ready Willing & Able) but the long distance (12 songs) tends to disadvantage the band and the album sounds a bit repetitive, they could have reduced it to eight solid songs. They also cover the Who’s Magic Bus,a band previously covered on the Juvenile Delinquents album (My Generation). I’m not sure sure it’s been reissued on cd, so try to grab a vinyl copy on ebay.
Fred “Virgil” Turgis
