If you think that cult acts become bitter as they get older and release records that are pale copies of their (albeit fleeting) glory days, I'm here to tell you that ain't the case with
the Savages.
Ritual of the Savages may not be as totally berserk as, say, Dig Yourself, but
Barry and band still make fine records, alternately energetic and soulful; their repertoire has expanded, and
Milton Reder's writing chops (e.g., "Got Your Love Right Here" and "House of Love") have become a valuable asset to the sound. Since the late '80s,
the Savages have had a relationship with
Ben Vaughn, and his presence and songwriting contributions have helped them continue to refine their sound without loosing the sense of manic energy that made their earlier releases so important. Now a decade-plus on,
Barrence Whitfield and the Savages are clearly no the same band they were in 1984, but they're still a fine band; spin "Wiggy Waggy Woo" if you think I'm crazy. You'll see. ~ John Dougan