Racing Cars - "Downtown Tonight" {UK} [1976] (Rock)

They were signed to one of the biggest British record labels of the time, Chrysalis Records. Racing Cars debut album yielded their only hit single with "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?". It reached number fourteen in the UK singles chart in 1976, and was inspired by the film, They Shoot Horses, Don't They? of the same name. Touring to promote their debut releases, Racing Cars backed Bad Company in 1976, including dates at Earls Court and the York Theatre Royal in York.

Without any similar further chart appearances, Racing Cars ultimately acquired the dreaded one hit wonder label. However, the band was sufficiently established on the touring circuit to issue two further albums. These never reached the same commercial heights, and Racing Cars split up in the early 1980s. Those albums included bit parts for the session pianist Geraint Watkins; American saxophonist Jerry Jumonville; The Bowles Brothers Band (on vocal harmonies); and, perhaps most significantly Ray Ennis.

Since they parted, lead singer Morty has sung backing vocals for artists including the Beach Boys, Tina Turner and Bryan Adams. Of the reformation, he said "We were a bit reluctant. We're a bit long in the tooth and a bit out of touch but we finally said yes". They continue to play gigs across Europe, reforming in 2000 with a new album, Bolt From The Blue and a gig at the Cardiff International Arena. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Racing_Cars


Originally released in 1976 this fantastic album contains the massive hit "They Shoot Horses Don't They". Originally released on Chyrsalis, the vinyl version carried a six minute version of "They Shoot Horses" which has, until now, never been featured on a reissue. Fans of Poco, Little River Band, April Wine are likely to dig this one. Country Rock with heaps of soul and a fantastic vocalists. http://www.freakemporium.com/site/advanced_search.cgi


1 - Calling The Tune (4:18)
2 - Hard Working Woman (4:14)
3 - Ladee-Lo (4:32)
4 - Downtown Tonight (5:56)
5 - Pass The Bottle (4:42)
6 - Moonshine Fandango (3:52)
7 - Four Wheel drive (3:11)
8 - Get Out And Get It (3:05)
9 - They Shoot Horses Don't They (3:41)


- Graham Williams / Guitar, Vocals, Guitar (Electric)
- Gareth Mortimer / Guitar, Vocals (aka Morty)
- Robert Wilding / Drums, Vocals, Percussion
- Ray Ennis / Banjo, Guitar (Electric), Vocals, Slide Guitar, Guitar
- Bowles Brothers Band / Vocals
- Geraint Watkins / Keyboards
- David Land / Bass, Vocals
- Simon Davies / Keyboards and vocals
- Roy Edwards / Keyboards
- Tony Carr / Percussion
- Roger Hand / Keyboards


9 - They Shoot Horses Don't They ...


Thanks to my friend ribeirorock for his recommendation.


Link for download "Racing Cars - Downtown Tonight" in comments ...