Michael Olga Algar

Release lavrado por Jay Williams (revista Sounds) na contracapa de “Dig That Groove Baby” (1983):

“The first time I ever heard of the Toy Dolls was when they played ‘Everybody Jittetbug’ on the North Eastern ‘Orange Programme’, about 18 months ago. For ages I heard little else about them, but I carried about with me a mental picture of the lead guitarist and singer – in my mental briefcase – a maniac, low budget Buddy Holly with more energy than a classroom full of kids at 3 o’clock and a way of handing Chuck Berry riffs that would have the old master sweat with frustration. He zipped up and down his guitar, fingers quicker than an Aborigine’s feet on hot coals. Cocky, yes. But there was something else. He actually seemed to enjoying himself, which became more apparent as he executed a perfect tongue in cheek Townshend-type jump. Right on, I thought.

And so came ‘Nellie the Elephant’, this year’s single which gave them their biggest indie success to date, and my consequent visit to Sunderland to see Olga, Flip and Happy Bob playing to over 350 very hot people (that’s people, not specifically punks or skins or whatever) in Le Metro, a tiny spot which makes London’s Marquee look like the Houston Superbowl. But atmosphere? Upon my soul, it was splendid. The music came, fast as hell but twice as happy and those lucky enough to have room to stand leapt around as best they could, as though standing still was some kind of rare tropical skin disease.

The sign on Le Metro’s door said ‘No Groovediggers’ (Olga’s idea). Heed the order, wherever you may be. Wear whatever is at hand, prepare to bounce and grin. The music enclosed says everything. After this, laughing with the band could become fashionable all over again”.