THE ELEGANT ONES - RHYTHM STREET (REVIVAL SERIES #9)

Formed in Madrid in 1979 by two former members of Bernardo Bonezzi's Zombies, Juan Ignacio de Miguel "el Chicarrón" (now the singer) and guitarist Juanma del Olmo, along with fellow guitarist Emilio López, the band recorded their first demo with the help of Javier Teixidor, guitarist for Mermelada. The demo featured the tracks "Nada" and "No charles más." Both songs were included on the third volume of the compilation album "Viva el rollo" by Chapa Discos, a sub-label of Zafiro Records, which also released it on a 7" single in 1980. That same year, bassist José Luis de la Peña (formerly of Glutamato Ye-Yé) and drummer Carlos Hens joined the band. They quickly became a favorite among Madrid mods, especially for their sweaty live shows filled with R&B, mod revival sounds, and touches of ska.

In 1982, they recorded their second single for the Madrid record store Record Runner's label, "Me debo marchar/Este es mi tiempo," which was also released in the USA. Shortly after, "El Chicarrón" left the band due to work commitments and was replaced as lead singer by Emilio López. Now a quartet, in 1983 they released a 12" EP on the independent label Rara Avis, containing three songs: the now-classic "La calle del ritmo" and, on the B-side, two of their best songs, "Cristina" and "Estoy fuera de sitio." This is the record we have chosen to reissue for the first time on a 7" EP, with the original artwork.

After five studio albums and two live albums, containing such memorable songs as "Mangas cortas," "Apunten y fuego," "Soy tremendo," and "Dos años atrás," among many others, Juanma del Olmo left the band in 1991, and they decided to split up. After years of silence, in 2018, their singer reappeared as Emilio Elegante and has since released two new 7-inch singles, recapturing the sound of his original band. The second of these, also released on Snap!! Records, features him declaring his love for Atlético de Madrid, with a vinyl record in the team's colors.