Pantherman/You Are My Friend (45'', 1974)

4.5 of 5 

Pantherman was the brainchild of Dutch rock impresario, Frank Klunhaar, and managed to chomp up the glam pop scene of the Netherlands with the release of three, hard-driving 45"s in a tradition that only Adam West's 'Miranda' may be capable of rivaling. As the story goes, Klunhaar had attended a Roxy Music concert in 1974, with Leo Sayer opening in clown-like attire. The outlandish extravagance of this show, along with the garish showmanship of other English-speaking, glam rock imports, galvanized Frank, and propelled him to forge his own, freewheeling alter ego of the stage.

 Draped in a black, leather S&M Panther-suit that could have astounded even Julie Newmar, Klunhaar made an earnest stab for the attention of the Dutch pop circuit. Of the ten tracks originally cut, the eponymous title song and it's B-side were pressed and unleashed to an audience of largely confused record buyers and teeny boppers.

 Nonetheless, the Pantherman gained a small, yet loyal fanbase of nederglam junkies. The self-acknowledging title tack is a fierce cavalcade of kooky rhyme and panther-partying pride. Klunhaar plays most of the instruments himself, and has us stomping and chanting along with primal fervor.

 The flip side of the single, 'You Are My Friend' is memorable as well, incorporating a sense of futurism within it's musical textures. A very primitive synthesizer is laid down brilliantly, and weaves a flighty ambience, that sits comfortably between a Gerry Anderson television series and Ennio Morricone's score for 'Danger: Diabolik.' Enjoy this deranged mastery of mutated, Bryan Ferry-esque crooning and fine-tuned pre-punk hysterics. If you have the cash, add this 45'' to your vinyl collection. Heck, if you know of anyone selling this single for an affordable price, help me keep tabs on Ebay if I ever have the money.