In the annals of one-hit wonder-dom, there might not be a stranger configuration of musicians than the trio that comprised Thunderclap Newman. Meanwhile, their one hit stood as one of the most subversive of its era. It felt like a peace-and-love anthem but quietly promoted something quite different.
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They had no real chance at a second hit, largely because of how they were thrown to the lions as a live act before they were prepared. Yet that one smash single, “Something In The Air”, holds its undeniable power all these years after its release in 1969.
Keen Observations
Thunderclap Newman never would have formed without the efforts of Pete Townshend. The Who guitarist and songwriter was looking for side projects away from those he was developing with his band. Who knew that his personal driver would be the centerpiece for his new endeavor?
John “Speedy” Keen not only chauffeured Townshend to and fro in the late 60s, but he also shared an apartment with him for a bit. More importantly, he was an aspiring musician, having served in a few short-lived bands as a drummer and guitarist. His songwriting piqued Townshend’s interest.
On the 1967 album The Who Sell Out, fans of the band likely noticed a strange name listed as the songwriter for the opening track, “Armenia In The Sky”. Speedy Keen wrote the song. Having granted Keen that honor, Townshend decided to go one further and assemble a band to further showcase what Keen could do. That was Thunderclap Newman.
Hello, Newman
The band took their name from their keyboardist, Andy “Thunderclap” Newman. Townshend had long admired his playing, even though his style was more jazz than rock. For a lead guitarist, Townshend chose Jimmy McCulloch, a young gunslinger all of 15 years old when he played on the band’s first single, “Something In The Air”.
You can hear all of their contributions on the track. McCulloch’s stately guitars carry the track along. Newman gets the opportunity for an elongated piano solo. And Keen’s songwriting shines, thanks to a soaring melody tinged with a bit of psychedelia. (Townshend chipped in on bass and also produced the track.)
“Something In The Air” proved a sensation in the UK, hitting No. 1, although it did much more modest business (No. 37) in the US. Yet Thunderclap Newman lasted just a single album before imploding. Forced to tour before they had their live performance legs under them, they struggled and then quickly called it a day.
Behind the Lyrics of “Something In The Air”
When you hear a song called “Something In The Air” and know that it was released in 1969, you can’t help but assume that it’s going to be filled with flower power. But Keen’s lyrics sneak into some more aggressive territory. Consider the first line: “Call out the instigators.”
Later, he makes this suggestion: “Lock up the streets and houses.” And, in the final verse: “Hand out the arms and ammo / We’re gonna blast our way through here.” Keen was deliberately playing this incendiary commentary off the uplifting strains of the music in a nifty bit of contrast.
Keen and Newman largely faded from the public eye after Thunderclap Newman broke up. McCulloch served a stint in Wings with Paul McCartney and died young at 26 in 1979. Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers did a stellar cover of “Something In The Air”. Petty proved that this one-off band might have faded quickly, but they certainly weren’t forgotten.
Photo by Chris Morphet/Redferns
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