In the summer of 1965, the Dave Clark Five followed the trend of the Beatles and Gerry&thePacemakers by releasing a feature film, in co-operation with Warner Brothers, called "Having a Wild Weekend". It significantly followed the formula of "A Hard Days Night", accenting chase scenes and comedic mayhem. Predictably, Dave Clark plays through his alter-ego as a film stunt man, and Dave gets the girl. Originally titled "Catch Us If You Can", the film came out in black and white, and the British accents were often difficult for American audiences to follow. With those two communication difficulties, the film struggles to past the test of time, and it recommended for hard core DC5 fans only. Nuff said on the movie..
If the film leaves a little to be desired, the LP DOES NOT! This, the bands sixth album, displays the groups maturity and versatility. It kicks off with the title track : as hot-a-rocker as they've ever recorded. Add a few more voices to the chorus, and it would be a signature song. Then, NEW KIND OF LOVE, another Clark-Smith effort, settles in with a well-syncopated groove in classic DC5 style. DUM-DEE-DEE-DUM, penned by Dave and Dennis, bears a striking resemblence to "Diamonds", a similiar instrumental by Jet Harris and Tony Meehan that reached number one on the British charts in 1963. Then, with Mike pounding out a three-note-theme on a grand piano, and Lenny answering on guitar, I SAID I WAS SORRY (Clark-Davidson) creates a new dimension in arranging for the group. NO STOPPING, another killer instrumental, explores new guitar/sax/organ harmonies on the main theme, accented by Mike's ripping Vox Continental Organ solos in between. Side one ends with DON'T BE TAKEN IN, a bit of pleasant British country music by Dave and Lenny.
Side two opens with the LP's hit release CATCH US IF YOU CAN, a July 1965 single that splashed both sides of the Atlantic: #4 in America, #5 in England. The clever percussion, the double-beat chorus, and the harmonica solo whetted American appetites for a "sequel song" called OVER AND OVER (not on this album) that would give the band their only #1 song in the states later in 1965. WHEN I AM ALONE is basicly soundtrack music, a nice melody featuring harmonica and guitar, presumably Dennis and Lenny. Another venture into the DC5s own country style, IF YOU COME BACK demonstrates how effortlessly the band can shift gears into a different feel. SWEET MEMORIES is another soundtrack instrumental, with a sort of "Summer Place" piano underlining. Next is DON'T YOU REALISE, by Clark-Smith. This off-hit is a prime example of how unique the DC5 style was. Don't overlook this one. The exit song, ON THE MOVE, is yet another driving rock instrumental featuring Dave's pounding drums, Rick's driving bass glides, Dennis with cheeks blown out, and Mike on full-bore distorted Vox organ.
Summary: HAVING A WILD WEEKEND is unfairly a much-overlooked moment in British invasion history. In the US, the album charted at #13 for 1965, in spite of the movie's near non-existence. It's a must-listen for all, and should be enshrined in a prominent place in rock history. - H.C. Phillips, 5/99.