When Landslide cut their album Two Sided Fantasy on Capitol Records, the band and the label probably had no clue that everything would end so fast. The album became a rare collector’s item because of their lack of success. I am sure the album disappeared from LP racks in stores very quickly giving it the “hard to find” tag that turned it into a valued and sought after piece. This was a good rock band that had a sound comparable to Cream and at times early Santana. They did not do anything special or out of the ordinary, at least not anything that was unique at the time that would separate them from all the other bands doing the same thing. Possibly, with more time to develop as a group and a campaign to spread the word about their music, it may have changed the outcome of their fate. We have evidence of their efforts and one that has survived many years on this reissue. The fact that this LP resurfaced is a nod to their legacy. It does not matter how short their stay in the music world was or the importance to the history of music, they were a part of the early ‘70’s rock that would become the classic rock that you now hear on top rock radio stations to this day. I read a review that considered their labors as inconsequential, I do not agree. If in fact what they recorded did not matter, this album would not have become a collector’s item nor would music fans have the opportunity to hear it again today. Indeed this is not a great memorable album that ranks amongst the all-time classics; it is however, a solid and enjoyable listen.(Keith "Muzikman" Hannaleck) Tracklist: 01. Doin' What I Want (05:08) 02. Creep Feelin' (04:01) 03. Everybody Knows [Slippin'] (07:18) 04. Dream Traveler (04:37) 05. Susan (05:54) 06. Sad And Lonely (03:01) 07. Little Bird (04:58) 08. Happy (05:51)
Credits: Tommy Caglioti - Percussion, Drums, Sitar Joseph Caruate - Guitar Ed Cass - Percussion, Drums, Vocals Bobby Sallustio - Bass Billy Savoca - Guitar, Vocals, Slide Guitar Link
This band was originally from Israel and they were known as the "Churchills". They moved to England in 1968 and released an album under the name of the "Churchills". They later re-named the band to "Jericho Jones" and released an excellent album in 1971 named "Junkies, Monkies and Donkies". For some reason they changed their name again, this time only dropping the "Jones" and going as "Jericho". This album was released in 1972 and received some FM airplay. It was very well received by the critics. "Ethiopa" - This song got some airplay from self-respecting radio stations that were allowed to play their own setlists. This is a fast tempo, hard rocker right out of the early RUSH soundbook. The first two and a half minutes are a hardrocking instrumental that sets the tempo and melody. There is some great bass playing and guitar soloing. Rob Huxley's throaty vocals then scream in. The tempo is fast and heavy with plenty of guitar fills (a mixture of King Crimson and Led Zeppelin). A fantastic hard rock song. Rating - ***** "Don't You Let Me Down" - Acoustic guitar opens this tune, but doesn't stay long. Electric guitar, drums and vocals soon take over. Heavy bass lines and drum beat with vocals that sound like Badfinger on steroids. The tune has a strong, surging rhythm with fantastic bass work and guitar playing. A very hard rocking song. Rating - **** "Featherbed" - The sound is reminiscent of early Alice Cooper, "Killer" era. There is some nice vocal harmonizing with a strong '60's vibe going on. The song has a few tempo changes ranging from hard and fast with blazing guitar solos, to slow and mesmerizing like Iron Butterfly's "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida". Extended guitar solo with psychedelic echoing and distortion. The guitars are given ample room to shine. The song then returns to its main theme and ends with Who-esque drum crashing and power chording. Another fine piece. Rating - **** "Justin And Nova" - Synthesizer effects of a spaceship landing opens this song. Acoustic guitar and piano with some group humming, followed by drums and bass. A very psychedelic, spacey feeling envelopes this song. Orchestral strings in the background helps the mood reach the stars. There again is great bass playing and nice guitar fills throughout. The lyrics are space flight oriented (chemical or mechanical determined by the listener)! The piano and strings get alot of attention. The tempo changes throughout but the ethereal feeling remains. High pitched "AHHHHS" along with Keith Moon-like drumming and repeating guitar melody lands you back to Earth. A beautiful piece. Rating - **** "Kill Me With Your Love" - The sound of water accompanied by acoustic guitar, clears the way for the electric guitar with echo effects. Flute playing then joins adding color and ambiance. Thunder-like effects gives one the feeling of listenig to a storm while laying in bed. The tempo and mood then makes a 180 degree turn, as the drum and bass kick in. The tempo turns fast; the drums are hard, bass heavy and guitar chugging. "Move it up and down. That's what she told me. Spin it round and round. That's what she told me." Hey! She told me the same thing! Oh, well. The lyrics are funny but the musicianship is excellent. This a very heavy, hard rocking song that KILLS! Great work. Rating - **** This was the last album the band did, as the group split up shortly after this release and returned to Israel. Even though the band no longer exists, thankfully this music still does. This is a lost gem from the progressive/hardock era that highlights the awesome musicianship from that bygone time. The playing is topnotch and the album is as well. (By doggiedogma "doggiedogma") Tracklist 01. Ethiopia (4:34) 02. Don't You Let Me Down (3:40) 03. Featherbed (9:41) 04. Justin And Nova (8:30) 05. Kill Me With Your Love (11:17)
Credits Robb Huxley – Guitar Ami Triebich – Drums Haim Romano – Lead Guitar Michael Gabriellov – Bass Danny Shoshan – Lead Singer
This one doesn't show up too often, but from time to time you'll see it as a big dollar item on psych lists. That's kind of a misnomer since Joseph Longeria's album is actually more blues-rock oriented than traditional psych. Maybe we're just being too anal here ... Regardless, he's a helluva guitar player and the album's well worth the asking price. We'll be real honest and admit we can't tell you much about this guy. Different reference works show him as being from Texas, or Tennessee. What little we do know is lifted from the liner notes accompanying his sole album, so take the information with a grain of salt. A&R man/producer Steve Tyrell apparently discovered Longeria playing in a Houston, Texas battle of the blues bands competition. Signing him to a contract with Scepter Records (a surprising choice given the label's fondness for MOR acts such as Dionne Warwick), Joseph's 1970 debut "Stoned Age Man" was recorded in Memphis' famed American Studios. Produced by Chips Moman, Mark James and Glen Spreen, the latter two were also credited with co-writing the majority of the nine tracks. So what's the album like? As we said earlier, the bulk of the album has a bluesy feel to it. Longeria doesn't have much of a voice, but his ragged growl and blazing guitar compliment one another, giving tracks such as "Trick Bag", his adaptation of "The House of the Rising Sun" and the title track considerable kick. The collection's also pretty cool in that Longeria writes some of the strangest lyrics we've ever heard - check out the bizarre "I Ain't Fattenin' No More Frogs for Snakes" and the sitar-propelled "Cold Biscuits and Fish Heads". As far as we can tell, this is Longeria's only foray into recording. Anyone know what happened to him? (By RDTEN1) This album is an amazing mixture of hard-blues, primitive hard-rock with obvious psychedelic influences. The husky voice of Joseph is powerful and wild. The tracks are excellent. There is a cover of "House of the Rising Son". It is said that Joseph "Long" Longeria, a gifted guitarist and singer, has been discovered by Steve Tyrell during one of those guitar duels ("Battle of the Blues Guitars") which were very popular and attracted the crowds in the Blues clubs. Joseph was not afraid of challenging T. Bone Walker and B.B. King. This band, due to a lack of success and promotion disbanded after their only one album. Glen Spreen, the keyboard player, is later mentioned playing for Elvis Presley, Dan Fogelberg and Ian Matthews while Joseph disappeared of the scene. This forgetten gem deserves to be discovered, especially for the wild blues freak with good guitar playing and husky voice.(By PC_Music) Tracklist 01- Trick Bag (Joseph Longeria - Mark Jones - Glen Spreen) - 02- I Ain't Fattenin' No More Frogs for Snakes (Joseph Longeria - Mark Jones - Glen Spreen - Steve Tyrell) - 03- Cold Biscuits and Fish Heads (Joseph Longeria - Mark Jones - Glen Spreen) - 04- Stone Age Man (Joseph Longeria - Mark Jones - Glen Spreen) - 05- I'm Gonna Build a Mountain (Joseph Longeria - Mark Jones - Glen Spreen) - 06- Mojo Gumbo (Joseph Longeria - Mark Jones - Glen Spreen) - 07- The House of the Rising Sun (adapted by Joseph Longeria - Mark Jones - Glen Spreen) - 08- Gotta Get Away (G. Allman - J. Hurley - R. Witkins) - 09- Come the Sun Tomorrow (S. Walton - D. Collins) -
Credits Vocals, Guitar - Joseph "Long" Longeria* Keyboards - Glen Spreen Recorded at American Sound Studios, Memphis, Tennessee.
This is one of the many harder-edged and organ dominated progressive bands that emerged in the early Seventies. Unfortunately very little is known about FUZZY DUCK's history. The musicians were Paul Francis (drums, percussion), Mick (Doc) Hawksworth (bass, vocals, acoustic 12-string, electric cello), Roy (Daze) Sharland (organ, electric piano) and Grahame White (guitar, vocals, acoustic guitar). The eponymous album from 1971 was released on CD by both the German Repertoire Records and the UK Aftermath Records. It has obvious hints from mainly Atomic Rooter but also Vanilla Fudge.(ProgArchives) Though the brief career of Fuzzy Duck may only have consisted of one album and two singles the musical history of its various members reads like a "Who's who of rock and roll". Formed in 1970 and based in North London the original line up consisted of guitarist/vocalist Grahame White, ex-Andromeda, bassist Mick Hawksworth, organist Roy Sharland and ex-Tucky Buzzard drummer Paul Francis. Managed by Gordon Mills, who also managed Tom Jones and Gilbert O'Sullivan, Fuzzy Duck signed to MAM Records, a subsidiary of Decca, and recorded their self-titled debut LP (MAM LP 1005). However just before the album was released White left (later turning up in Capability Brown, Krazy Kat and Jackie Lynton Band) and was replaced by Garth Watt Roy. His first recordings with the band came via the "Double Time Woman"/"Just Look Around You" single (MAM 37) released in August 1971. A second single "Big Brass Band"/"One More Hour"(MAM 51) was released in November 1971 but by the end of the year they decided to go their separate ways. Garth Watt Roy teamed up with his bassist brother Norman to form the Greatest Show On Earth who released two albums, "Horizons" and "The Going's Easy", for EMI's progressive Harvest label. Since then he's recorded with the likes of East Of Eden, Limey, Marmalade, Steamhammer, Bonnie Tyler, Barbara Dickson, The Barron Knights and was also a founder member of The Q Tips. Mick Hawksworth went on to work with Matthew Fisher before teaming up with Alvin Lee for The Ten Years After LPs "Rocket Fuel" and "Ride On". Drummer Paul Francis went on to work with Tranquillity, Maggie Bell, Mick Ronson, and Chris Spedding and has recently been touring with Steve Harley.(Mark Brennan) Tracklist 01- Time Will Be Your Doctor (5:06) 02- Mrs. Prout (6:45) 03- Just Look Around You (4:20) 04- Afternoon Out (5:20) 05- More Than I Am (5:30) 06- Country Boy (6:00) 07- In Our Time (6:49) 08- A Word From Big D (1:51) Bonus Tracks 09- Double Time Woman (2:58) 10- Big Brass Band (2:56) 11- One More Hour (3:58) 12- No Name Face
Credits Mick Hawksworth - bass, vocals (lead Vocals 3-5-7), 12-string acoustic guitar and electric cello on "In Our Time" Roy Sharland - organ, vocal on "A Word From Big D", electric piano on "Just Look Around You" Paul Francis – drums, percussion Grahame White (album tracks) – electric guitar, vocals (lead Vocals 1-2-4-6), acoustic guitar on "Mrs. Prout" Garth Watt Roy (bonus tracks) - electric guitar, vocals (lead Vocals 9-10-11-12) Link
Tracklist 01. Forgotten Dreams (2:41)
02. Pretty Haired Girl (2:52)
03. Springs' Sweet Comfort (5:09)
04. Early Morning Eyes (3:52)
05. Follow Me (4:56)
06. Evening (4:58)
07. Don't Be Sad (3:21)
08. Little Goldie (3:20)
09. To Happiness (3:04)
10. Home (7:37)
Credits Peter Filleul - lead vocals, keyboards, rhythm acoustic
Pix - vocals, lead vocals (6), wah wah Gibson
Craig Anders - vocals, electric & acoustic & slide guitar
Mark Ashley Anders - vocals, bass
Jerry Robins - percussion
"Parlour Band's only LP is progressive rock-tinged mainstream early-'70s British album-oriented rock, competent but no more than that. Both keyboard and guitar parts take a strong role, and there's a bit of the multiple tempo changes and classical-tinged organ burble of bands like Yes in songs like 'Forgotten Dreams.' Some other songs steer well clear of art rock, though, 'Pretty Haired Girl' coming across like prototypical early-'70s mellow California harmony rock. Even when it doesn't sound as Californian, though, the album's a pretty laid-back affair and, though it's agreeable, it's lacking in both power and first-rate songs. 'Little Goldie' sounds a good deal like the early-'70s work of Todd Rundgren in its bouncy pop optimism and relatively sophisticated keyboard-based arrangement, though it's not typical of the record. A bit, though no more than a crumb, of art rock pretension creeps into the final cut, the three-part, seven-minute mini-opus 'Home.'"
Disc 1 (First Set) 01. Ready For You4:38 02. Monterey Pen6:35 03. Intros0:27 04. Saint James Infirmary10:04 05. Problem Child6:29 06. Caress Me Baby7:59 07. Night Time6:06 (Second Set) 08. /Hartford Blues 6:45 09. Tuning1:00 10. Mustang Sally8:02 11. Oh Carol5:26 12. Got My Mojo Working5:12 13. Love In My Soul/ 9:17 Disc 2 14. Teeny Weeny Bit6:19 15. Intro, Tuning1:31 16. Walking The Dog *4:33 17. Unknown *6:51 18. Key To The Highway3:44 19. The Thrill Is Gone7:42 20. Hall Street Jive5:51 (Encore) 21. Rock And Roll Me Again4:34 John Cipollina- Guitar, Vocals Marc Benno- Guitar, Vocals Pete Sears- Keyboards Rolly Sally- Bass Scott Lovontia- Drums Guest * Teresa- Vocals Third song "Southern Women" is missing. Tape is unusable due to tape speed problem caused by an accident in the sound booth.
A long time in coming, but well worth the wait. This album contains the first efforts of a group that has endured all the changes of the fast changing music scene. I personally feel they have made all the necessary transitions. Not only does the album contain beautiful slow type ballads, but it moves easily into hard rock in grand fashion. Each member of the "Estes Brothers" puts forth fantastic energy and drive into each number and everyone gets his own style across in the last cut of side two. Lead guitarist, John Estes, and drummer, Joe Estes, have been together for as long as two brothers can be. Don Smith and Bill Marren have both paid their dues in different groups. We hope you take the album, relax, and get right into the music. Share it with a friend! I feel this is only the beginning of some great music that we'll be hearing from the "Estes Brothers." Anyone lucky enough to have heard the group perform will notice a definite change in their live music. This is an indication of the varied talents each member possesses. In this, their first album, each of them has one of his own original numbers included. This is advantageous as they do not depend solely upon one member for their material. Is it any wonder,with this type of attutide and talent, fame is predicted for the "Estes Brothers!" by Milan R. Relic The Estes Brothers are from a family of 7 brothers and 5 sisters. The beginning of Estes Bros, was late Bro. Bill on vocals and harmonica. Jerry keyboards, John guitar and late Bro. Joe on drums with Richard managing the band in 1966. From 1966 till present there has been 38 different members and numerous styles of music, but always leading back to Blues and Rock. At present, the band line up is Jerry as original member on keyboards and bass. John also original member on guitar. Jerry s son Brian, on drums and vocals, and our great friend and guitarist Dennis Caldweall. When the album was done Jerry was in the army from 1969-71. but recorded on Tomorrows Sunlight/ Yesterdays Blues. Joe was 14. Jerry 15 and John 18, Fred Hanker played bass - the recording took 3 hrs! We wrote the songs on the way to the studio. The album cost 500 Dollars to record and we only had 1 song written plus at that time Bill Marren had about 3 songs. It took 8 hrs of Jamming and partying. Only one song "Wooden Thoughts" was rehearsed. And 100 demo copies were made. Tracklist 01. Never coming down 02. This morning 03. Wooden thoughts 04. Do what is real 05. Let me live my own life 06. Gary's thought 07. Tomorrow's sunlight (single version) 08. On the wings of a butterfly 09. Love is all I need 10. Tomorrow's sunlight 11. Wooden thoughts 12. All along the watchtower 13. Blue skies 14. Woman
Credits Don Smith - Bass Guitar Bill Marren - Piano, Vocals John Estes - Lead Guitar Joe Estes - Drums. Vocals
Good grief! I started as a student at Keele in late 1973, and even then the place was still buzzing about Spirit's performance earlier that year (maybe because according to those who were there & actually remembered the event Randy finished the set naked, it was so hot) but despite rumours of a bootleg, about which I've heard nothing for over 30 years, I never imagined I would actually get to hear the concert. This is so unlikely it can't even be called my Holy Grail - I'd never even hoped to find a copy. Oh Wow!!! - (Terry) Hi, I saw the Walthamstow show and then three or four more on the tour. been wanting to hear the Keele show for ages too.(Martyn) Tracks Listing 01 Fresh Garbage 02 Turn To The Right 03 Nature's Way 04 Miss This Train > 05 Rain // * 06 It's Such A Drag 07 Instrumental 08 Prelude / Nothin' To Hide > 09 Why Can't I Be Free 10 Mr Skin > 11 It's All The Same > 12 Drums / Jam > 13 It's All The Same 14 1984 > 15 I Got A Line On You (cut very end) Credits Randy California ; Guitar,Vocals Larry "Fuzzy" Knight : Bass, Vocals Ed Cassidy : Drums Very Good Audience Recording Link
Great gig by Randy and his band .Good audience ...Enjoy !!! Tracklist Veruska Nature's Way One Man's Heaven Restless Night Like a Rolling Stone Downer Vietnam Run to your Lover Jack Rabbit (tape flip) Childhoods End Hey Joe I got a line on you Sister tell me > Band intro Don't walk away Wild Thing Second Child > If I miss this Train
Credits Randy California - guitar & lead vocals Scott Monahan - keyboards & vocals Mike Sheppard - bass & vocals Les Warner - drums Link
Mitch Ryder had his first successes with the Band "Detroit Wheels" in the 1960s. He managed to tour in Germany frequently with some guitarists from the USA. This way he was able to build a fanbase in Germany together with "Engerling" from eastern Germany. The recordings of this live-concert perfectly carries the voice of Mitch Ryder to the ear of the listener. Tracklist 01. War 02. Terrorist 03. Freezin' In Hell 04. Ain't Nobody White 05. Heart Of Stone 06. Wicked Messenger 07. Red Scar Eyes 08. True Love 09. Gimme Shelter 10. Soulkitchen
Hydra was one of those 70´s Southern rock bands that didn´t quite reach the commercial success they deserved. Hydra released three excellent albums between 1974 and 1977 before becoming frustrated with the growth of their success along with some management issues. They broke up in 1977 and have since only played handful of live shows in few different occasions. Hydra was started in Atlanta, Georgia around 1968 by Steve Pace (drums) and Spencer Kirkpatrick (guitar) and Wayne Bruce (vocals/guitar) under the name Noah Mayflower. They briefly changed their name to Osmosis before taking the name Hydra in 1971 and added Orville Davis to bass. After building a reputation as killer live band by supporting various major bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers Band and ZZ Top, Phil Walden signed them to his Capricorn Record label in 1973. Hydra´s self-titled debut album came out in 1974. After year of touring and writing new songs on the road, their sophomore effort, Land Of Money, was released in 1975 and bassist Orville Davis left the band soon after to launch his own career as a country singer. In 1976 Hydra signed a deal with Polydor Records and Rock the World came out in 1977 featuring three piece band with Wayne Bruce moving from guitar to bass, but by the end of 1977 Hydra broke up only to make a brief come back in 1997 with handful of live shows. In 2005 Hydra played two more live dates, which were recorded into a live album called Hydra: Live After All These Years. The band haven´t completely shut out the option of recording new music under Hydra name in the future. Tracklist 01- Glitter Queen - 4:04 02- Keep You Around - 5:20 03- It's So Hard - 4:49 04- Going Down - 3:06 05- Feel A Pain - 6:25 06- Good Time Man - 3:23 07- Let Me Down Easy - 4:23 08- Warp 16 - 4:22 09- If You Care To Survive - 2:59 10- Miriam - 7:42
Credits Spencer Kirkpatrick - Lead Guitar, Slide Guitar Wayne Bruce - Vocals, Guitar Steve Pace - Drums Orville Davis - Bass Guitar Randall Bramlett - Alto Saxophone Oscar Jackson - Tenor Saxophone Earl Ford - Trombone Todd Logan - Trumpet Link
On 'Seven', released in 1974, Bob Seger introduces his Silver Bullet Band (consisting of Drew Abbott on lead guitar, Chris Campbell on bass, Rick Manasa on keyboards, and Charlie Martin on drums), which would soon carry him to fame and fortune with his subsequent albums 'Beautiful Loser' and 'Live Bullet'. 'Seven' is, obviously, Seger's seventh album, but the dice on the cover, which add up to seven, suggest Seger was also hoping for a bit of luck as he rolled out this release. 'Seven' was following Bob's best album (IMHO), 'Back In '72', which only aspired to number 188 on Billboard's album charts, and the artist simply had to be wondering just how good he would have to be in order to achieve steady, national recognition. 'Seven', unfortunately, would not crack the Top 200. No surprise then that Bob began penning songs such as 'Beautiful Loser'. But 'Seven' is far from being a loser. Unlike many musicians, who put out a lot of dubious work before gaining widespread acclaim, Seger had been putting out quality albums and singles since the mid-1960's. He was signed by a major label and toured extensively, so his inability to bask in the limelight is a mystery. Ironically, several of the songs on 'Seven' mark the transition in Seger's musical style that would finally turn popular attention his way. 'Seven' is a short disc, tallying just 30:24 over nine tracks. There were three singles released from the disc, the adrenalin-laced rockers 'Get Out of Denver' and 'Need Ya', and the bit more restrained, upwardly mobile 'U.M.C. (Upper Middle Class)'. Each song received significant airplay but failed to crack the Top 40. Nevertheless, each of these songs found a place in Seger's setlists in his more fertile years. The first five tracks represented the opening side of the original vinyl version of 'Seven', and it was rock and roll heaven. Every song is infused with high levels of energy and emotion, especially 'Get Out Of Denver' ("...'cause you look just like a commie and you just might be a member...") and 'Need Ya'. Seger seems to be offering a history lesson on William Jennings Bryan with 'Cross Of Gold' ("you can crucify the world on a cross of gold") and a lesson on long-distance lust on 'School Teacher'. Side two on the original vinyl opened with the mid-tempo rocker 'U.M.C.', featuring a nice wah-pedal guitar from Abbott, which unfortunately was becoming passe in the mid-1970's. 'Seen a Lot of Floors' is a barroom stomper, and probably the weakest track offered. On '20 Years From Now', a piano ballad, Seger heralds in the sound that would evolve into solid hits such as 'Like a Rock'. The closer, 'All Your Love', is a country rock number with a catchy melody and chorus suitable for Texas line-dancing. The last two songs make it apparent that Seger is branching out into unexplored territory, genres beyond the traditional garage-rock fare that had fueled so many of his previous discs. As Seger moved beyond 'Seven' he left me behind. I may be a bit unusual in that I find much of Bob's earliest work to be his best. Tracks like 'Ramblin' Gamblin' Man', '2 + 2 = ?', 'Heavy Music', 'Ivory', and 'Rosalie' represent the Seger sound I love. Unfortunately, Bob has divorced himself from his early releases, so great albums such as 'Back In '72' and 'Seven' will cost you an arm and a leg to purchase in the CD format. I used a cassette to make this review, but Seger could give those fans who loved his music when others ignored it a real gift by re-issuing the CD versions. Doesn't sound like a bad way to make a buck, does it Bob? By Running Man (Chesterfield Twp., MI) Tracklist 01. Get Out of Denver 02. Long Song Comin' 03. Need Ya 04. School Teacher 05. Cross of Gold 06. U.M.C. (Upper Middle Class) 07. Seen a Lot of Floors 08. 20 Years from Now 09. All Your Love
Credits Bob Seger - guitar, vocals Drew Abbott - lead guitar Tom Cartmell - saxophone (Later known as Alto Reed) David Briggs - piano Kenneth A. Buttrey - drums Chris Campbell - bass Tommy Cogbill - bass Dave Doran - lead guitar on Long Song John Harris - organ Rick Manasa - organ, piano Charlie Allen Martin - drums Jim McCarty - lead guitar on Denver & Floors ,slide on Need Ya Charlie McCoy - guitar, rhythm guitar Bill Meuller - guitar Randy Meyers - drums Bill Mueller - lead guitar on School Teacher Alto Reed - horn Link
Released on vinyl in January of 1973, 'Back In '72' cues up Bob and his band (including JJ Cale and the Muscle Shoals Band) on what has always been my favorite Seger recording. It has several strikes against it (it reached only #188 on the Billboard album charts, did not spawn any Top 40 hits, and even Bob has refused to release it on CD due to dismay over the mix and his own vocal performance... which sounds great to me), but it also includes several of my favorite Seger tracks. And my favorites aren't even the ones Bob or his fan base seem most infatuated with. 'Back In '72' picks up right where Bob left off on his previous album, a collection of covers titled 'Smokin' O.P.'s', with a superb cover of The Allman Brother's 'Midnight Rider'. Bob beefs up the chorus with the soulful sound of Motown backing singers as he lays into "...not gonna let 'em catch the midnight... RIDER!". There's plenty of solid rock and roll where that came from in the form of 'Stealer', a ragged, gritty, love gangster number, and my two favorite Seger tracks, 'Rosalie' and 'Back In '72'. 'Rosalie' roasts one Rosalie Trembley, then program director for one of the most powerful AM radio stations in the world, 50,000 watt CKLW, located in Windsor, Canada, just across the river from Seger's Detroit. At the time, getting your song on Rosalie's playlist all but insured a hit, so Seger's chorus chimes "she's got the power, she's got the tower, Rosalie". It's a churning rock number with a great rhythm guitar riff. The title track opened side two on the original vinyl, and features a solid beat, quality guitar riffs, and fine sax solos. The lyrics trumpet some key national and local political events from 1972, such as "Sherriff Gribbs (elected as the last white mayor of Detroit in 1969), and his grim ad libs, cryin' 'bout the crime in the streets", and "Tricky Dick, he played it slick, something I was afraid he'd do, back in '72". It's first rate from start to finish. Many Seger fans, however, cherish this disc for the side one closer, 'Turn the Page', which to this day remains one of Seger's favorites, and has become a staple of his concert setlists. This five minute-plus, slow tempo blues track laments the rock and roll road life with lyrics such as "there I go, playing star again". There are two romantic ballads that harken as precursors to Seger's 'Night Moves' sound, 'So I Wrote You a Song', and the nearly six minute 'I've Got Time', which may be too sluggish to serve as an album closer. The remaining two tracks aren't slouches, however. 'Neon Sky' is a pulsing rock number, again lamenting the never-ending money chase, and a cover of Van Morrison's 'I've Been Workin', honoring the blue-collar work ethic of Segers hometown, and featuring a sweet lead guitar solo. All in all, it's hard to understand why this particular Seger album failed to gain national acclaim. It did grow up in an era, however, where people had become accustomed to albums that featured absolutely no filler, ranging from The Stone's 'Sticky Fingers' to Carole King's 'Tapestry'. Unfortunately, the fans who loved Seger during lean times, certainly among his most dedicated fans, are the ones from whom Bob is holding 'Back In '72' hostage, regardless of whatever warts he may feel it has. Although Bob has kept open the possibility of re-recording some of these tracks, these songs will never be recorded again with the same vitality and sincerity as Bob and his band delivered them back in '72. Let's just hope that Bob rewards his loyal fan base with a remastered disc, perhaps embellished with out-takes or alternate versions of these great tracks. What do you say, Bob? (By Running Man (Chesterfield Twp., MI) Tracklist 01 - Midnight Rider 02 - So I Wrote You a Song 03 - Stealer 04 - Rosalie 05 - Turn the Page 06 - Back in 72 07 - Neon Sky 08 - I've Been Working 09 - I've Got Time 10 - Persecution Smith (Bonus) 11 - Chain Smokin' (Bonus) 12 - Lookin' Back (Bonus) 13 - Heavy Music - Part 2 (Bonus)
Personnel Bob Seger - guitar, vocals Jack Ashford - maracas, marimba, tambourine Barry Beckett - organ, piano, electric piano Philip Bliss - steel guitar, vocals Eddie "Bongo" Brown - conga J.J. Cale - guitar Pete Carr - guitar Tom Cartmell - flute, saxophone (Later known as Alto Reed) Roger Hawkins - drums David Hood - bass Jimmy Johnson - rhythm guitar Marcy Levy - background vocals Bill Mueller - guitar Jamie Oldaker - drums Sergio Pastora - conga, tambourine, timbales Scherrie Payne - background vocals Dick Sims - organ, piano, keyboard, clavinet, pedal bass Luke Smith - background vocals Link
Detroit was a latter-day incarnation of Mitch Ryder's Detroit Wheels; formed in 1970 after the singer returned to the Motor City following a stint in Memphis recording with Booker T. and the MGs, the new group reunited Ryder with his former Wheels drummer John Badanjek, and also featured guitarists Steve Hunter and Brett Tuggle, bassist W.R. Cooke and organist Harry Phillips. An energetic, R&B-influenced outfit firmly in the tradition of Ryder's past projects, Detroit issued their lone self-titled LP on Paramount in 1971, scoring a major radio hit with a gritty rendition of Lou Reed's "Rock and Roll" which so pleased its writer that he later recruited guitarist Hunter to join his own backing band. As throat problems began plaguing Ryder more and more, he was forced to quit singing in 1972, and his relocation to the Denver area a year later dashed any hopes of a second Detroit album; local singer Rusty Day (Amboy Dukes & Cactus) then assumed control of the group, guiding the unit until its 1974 break-up.(By Jason Ankeny From All Music) Tracklist 01. Long Neck Goose 02. Is It You (Or Is It Me) 03. Box of Old Roses 04. It Ain't Easy 05. Rock & Roll 06. Let It Rock 07. Drink 08. Gimme Shelter 09. I Found a Love
Credits Mitch Ryder - Vocals John "Johnny B" Badanjek - Drums, Vocals Steve Hunter - Guitar W.R. Cooke - Bass, Vocals Mark Manko - Guitar Harry Phillips - Keyboards John Sauter - Bass Brett Tuggle - Guitar Dirty Ed - Congas & Tambourine Link
An extremeley consistent blend of heavy metal style, power-trio hard rock, and some boogie blues driven hard rock, featuring some good wah-wah guitar. This is a great party album, leading one to believe they must have been a truly excellent live act. They were from Ohio.(By Tymeshifter) Nice hard rockin' release. If you like Wildfire, Tin House and early BTO you will dig this! There's even some British influence (John's Tune, Saga Of Yeti) here.(From RYM) Heavy hard Southern tinged rock from circa 1972. Killer cuts like "Water Song" and "Song of Yeti"..This is a killer throughout and unknown heretofore. Sounds great and cool cover completes package.... Sounds like a mix of Bolder Damn and Allman Brothers, with maybe a little Feather Da Gamba. Lost music from a lost time. 'Water Song,' 'Right On.' New." "The mystery and music of The Prodigal Sons continues to thrill and mesmerize listeners to this day. Who are they? Where are they? The answers my friend lay in the vault of the Void. One thing is for certain... they know how to play kickass rock 'n' roll early '70s style before all the head bangin' mumbo jumbo. Listen on, as many have already... to the power and the glory that is and was... The Prodigal Sons as they Emerge From The Void." 01 Water Song 02 Right On 03 Lightning Strikes Twice 04 Gollem 05 Two Thousand Miles 06 Movin' On 07 John's Tune 08 Saga of Yeti 09 Goin' Home
Recorded live on Sept. 19 & 20, 2009, these records captures The Maniacs in top form performing songs from the Shake ‘Em On Down disc as well as killer versions of The Train Kept A’Rollin’ (Yardbirds), Let Me Love You (Jeff Beck Group) and Oh Well (Fleetwood Mac). Also features Louisiana Blues and It Hurts Me Too (Savoy Brown), Ain’t Done Wrong (Yardbirds), and a short excerpt of Coming Your Way (Fleetwood Mac). Also dynamite live versions of Shake ‘Em On Down and Needle & Spoon. Mark Doyle - lead guitar Phil Broikos - guitar/harp/keys/trombone and vocals Joel Kane - bass/guitar and vocals Frank DeFonda - drums/percussion Tracklist Disc 01 (Live At Shifty's) 01- Dave Frisina Intro - 1:03 02- Train Kept a Rollin' - 4:10 03- I'm Not Talkin' - 3:00 04- Shake 'Em On Down - 4:37 05- Messin' The blues - 9:27 06- Smokestack Lightning - 6:38 07- Let Me Love You - 4:43 08- Mystic Eyes - 6:48 09- Sandy Mary - 5:56 10- Oh Well - 4:21 11- Needle & Spoon - 8:58 Disc 02 (Live At Bear Bones September 19 2009) 01- Louisiana Blues (Part 01) - 6:02 02- Louisiana Blues (Part 02) - 1:46 03- Coming Our Way (Excerpt) 1:41 04- Ain't Done Wrong - 3:53 05- Shake 'Em On Down - 4:46 06- Needle & Spoon - 10:48 07- It Hurts Me Too - 5:02
This album is a true representation of Stan Webb's Chicken Shack live set even today, I have seen them as recently as June 2003 and the set still contains some of this material. This is one of the best live recordings I have come across and is a mix of true blues, and rock / blues. The guitar work from both Stan the man and Gary Davis is a pleasure to hear, supported by a strong bass and drum section that is rock solid all the way through. This album is well worth buying as an introduction to a very sadly overlooked guiter hero who's explosive and soulful style equals most of the top guitar names, also this is a live act well worth seeing for pure power blues at its best.(By David Rea) Tracklist 01. Going Up Going Down 02. The Thrill Has Gone 03. Love Her With A Feeling 04. Look Out 05. Lost The Best Friend I Ever Had 06. C.S. Opera 07. Broken Hearted Melody 08. (I) Poor Boy (II) Oh Well (III) Poor Boy 09. (I) Dr. Brown (II) Reconsider Baby
Credits Stan Webb - Guitar, Vocals Gary Davis - Guitar James Morgan - Bass Guitar Bev Smith - Drums Link
