---

ARTIST: Tygers Of Pan Tang
ALBUM: The Cage
LABEL: MCA
SERIAL: MCF 3150 (UK), MCA-5381 (USA)
YEAR: 1982
CD REISSUE: 1992, MCA, MCA-5381 * 2006, Metal Nation (UK), MNR008
SPONSOR: -

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

LINEUP: Jon Deverill - vocals * Robb Weir - guitars * Fred Purser - guitars * Rocky - bass * Brian Dick - drums

TRACK LISTING: 01 Rendezvous * 02 Loenly At The Top * 03 Letter From L.A * 04 Paris By Air * 05 Tides * 06 Making Tracks * 07 The Cage * 08 Love Potion No 9 * 09 You Always See What You Want To See * 10 Danger In Paradise * 11 The Actor * 12 Life Of Crime * 13 Love's A Lie * 14 What You Sayin' * 15 Making Tracks (Extended)

WEBLINKS: www.tygersofpantang.com

---

Background
I still remember the Sounds review for this album back in 1982. A Geoff Barton written masterpiece if I recall? Probably not so bombastic as the Uriah Heep review of 'Abominog' which Geoff wrote that same year, declaring that we should all 'run for the hills' in typical Maiden-esque fashion! Up to this point, the Tygers had released three albums; all reasonable and hard hitting, with the enigmatic John Sykes adding the X factor to what was (in my mind at the time) a typical working class British rock band. The departure of Sykes to Thin Lizzy paved for the way for the addition of one Fred Purser (formerly of Penetration) who provided the Y factor for the Tyger. Y was in why? Or should that be the W factor.. W as in who? Never the mind, as 'The Cage' moved the Tygers into commercial territory for the first time, and put them in front of British audiences thanks to carefully placed print adverts and singles releases into the market. Purser was drafted in as a quickfire replacement for Sykes who had departed the Tygers on the eve of a French tour, leaving Fred two days to get up to speed with the Tygers material. He did a great job and was retained for the next studio album.

---

The Songs
'The Cage' contained two bonafide hits, the first being the opening 'Rendezvous', a familiar track if you are an RPM fan. Tingly synths and melody rich vocals occupy the space, so disturbing to Tygers fans who were wondering if this was the same band? Equally, the cover of 'Love Potion Number 9' was a relative kick up the backside for this 60's chestnut, and was a pretty reasonable version to be honest. There were other goodies onboard that commanded attention. The flighty 'Paris By Air', the dramatic ' Danger In Paradise', and the interesting 'Tides' with shifting sands between verse and chorus.. 'that was a long time ago..' are good examples throughout. The stomping drum work of 'Making Tracks' is akin to material from the Sweet or Slade side of hard rock.

---

In Summary
It was ironic really that MCA, having invested a packet with the band were reluctant to break them in places other than the UK or Japan where they were already popular. This stalemate proved to be the undoing of both band and label, with the Tygers breaking apart at the seams. Various personnel comings and goings further helped fragment the band and they never really regained the momentum they had achieved up to 1982. Still going to this day, the Tygers have various albums released but I think it' the first four albums, plue the 1987 album reviewed here that are worth having a listen to.

---

All written content on this website is copyrighted.
Copying of material without permission is not permitted.