samedi 10 novembre 2012

Crow - Mosaic (1971 US Strong Bluesy Hard Rock - Wave)


Minnesota's Crow were one of those bands who made an impressive dent in the charts early on, only to be victimized by a ruthless business and left in disarray before they could truly capitalize on their success. Led by Dave Wagner, this quintet flourished in the midwest for several years under the guise of 'South 40', before changing their name in 1969. That year, Crow bypassed an offer from Atlantic Records and signed with the smaller Amaret instead. This decision marked the beginning of what would eventually cause the band to implode. Their debut, "Crow Music" was issued that year and quickly their first single began its run up the Billboard charts. "Evil Woman" (which was later covered by Black Sabbath) went on to be the band's highest charting single. Despite the grand entrance the band had made, Amaret was unable to market the band properly due to their financial limitations and soon the band's momentum began to wane. Crow hurried into the studio and released "Crow By Crow" in 1970, which did not measure up to the success of their debut. A few singles made low chart entries and the album quickly vanished from distribution.

This album, "Mosaic" was released the following year and features some of the band's most memorable material. With Wagner's gritty vocals falling somewhere between Jim Dandy Mangrum and Janis Joplin, the material here is fiery and driving. Bearing a strong bluesy hard rock feel, each of the nine cuts smolder with a passion that borders on spiritual. Despite the quality of the songwriting, this album sank without a trace and the band fizzled by late 1972. It's sad because alot of the band's early material had been saddled with horn sections, which was forced upon the group by Amaret Records. The band were never happy with the change of direction and it is this album where the band finally return to their true sound. Unfortunately, it was a case of too little too late. Adding insult to injury, the band's three albums have never seen reissue. Luckily, this clean vinyl rip will provide listeners a chance to hear the band at its most distilled and clear. Try this out....you'll dig it.

Tracklist
01. (Don't Try To Lay No Boogie Woogie On The) King Of Rock & Roll (2:22) 
02. Easy Street (4:48)
03. Yellow Dawg (2:54)
04. Sky Is Crying (5:41)
05. I Need Love (4:08)
06. Keeps Me Runnin' (2:48)
07. Watching Can Waste Up The Time (3:53)
08. Satisfied (4:56)
09. Watch That Cat (5:11)
10. Let's Not Say Goodbye (4:52)
11. Something In Your Blood (Bonus Track) (2:37)
12. Mobile Blues (Bonus Track) (3:22)
13. I Want Sunshine (as South 40) (Bonus Track) (3:10)

Credits
David Wagner – Lead Vocals 
Dick Wiegand – Guitar  
Larry Wiegand – Bass & Vocals 
Dave "Kink" Middlemist – Keyboards & Vocals
Denny Caswell – Drums, Percussion & Vocals 

Link

vendredi 9 novembre 2012

Crow - Crow Music & Crow By Crow (1969/1970 US Strong Bluesy Hard Rock - Wave)

CROW had a truly unique sound which included aggressive musical interpretations combined with a distinctive blues rock sound. “Evil Woman Don’t Play Your Games With Me” charted nationally and hit the top ten of the national Billboard 500 during the winter of 1969. So diversely influential in the music world this release from the band was that Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath covered the hit on their very first release in 1970, an album which was not at the time released in the United States, but has since been released in the United States on the 2004 Black Sabbath Greatest Hits compilation CD. Also, Ike and Tina Turner covered “Evil Woman Don’t Play Your Games With Me” on their album “Come Together.”

During its original hay day of the 1960’s and 1970’s, CROW toured nationally and shared the bill with the likes of Janis Joplin, Iron Butterfly, Jefferson Starship, The Steve Miller Band, Eric Burdon and the Animals, and numerous others. Top honors for a top band. A total of four albums were released including “Crow Music”, “Crow By Crow”, “Mosaic”, and “The Best of Crow”.
1st and 2nd Lps of Crow in one cd .

Credits
David Wagner – Lead Vocals 
Dick Wiegand – Guitar  
Larry Wiegand – Bass & Vocals 
Dave "Kink" Middlemist – Keyboards & Vocals
Denny Caswell – Drums, Percussion & Vocals 



Links
01
02

mercredi 7 novembre 2012

Landslide - Two Sided Fantasy (1972 US Psychedelic Heavy Blues - Wave)


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

Jericho - Jericho (1972 Israel Great Heavy Psych Hard Rock - Wave)


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


mardi 6 novembre 2012

Joseph - Stone Age Man (1970 Great Us Heavy Psychedelic Rock - Wave)


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. 

Fuzzy Duck - Fuzzy Duck (1971 UK Great Heavy Progressive Rock - Wave)


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

lundi 5 novembre 2012

The Parlour Band - He's A Friend - 1972 (Progressive Melodic/Hard Rock "Pre Band Called O" - Wave)

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.'"



Link 

dimanche 4 novembre 2012

Marc Benno Band & John Cipollina - Live At Chi Chi Club - S.F - April 2nd 1988 (Flac)


Disc 1
(First Set)
01. Ready For You 4:38
02. Monterey Pen 6:35
03. Intros 0:27
04. Saint James Infirmary 10:04
05. Problem Child 6:29
06. Caress Me Baby 7:59
07. Night Time 6:06

(Second Set)
08. /Hartford Blues 6:45
09. Tuning 1:00
10. Mustang Sally 8:02
11. Oh Carol 5:26
12. Got My Mojo Working 5:12
13. Love In My Soul/ 9:17

Disc 2
14. Teeny Weeny Bit 6:19
15. Intro, Tuning 1:31 
16. Walking The Dog * 4:33
17. Unknown * 6:51
18. Key To The Highway 3:44
19. The Thrill Is Gone 7:42
20. Hall Street Jive 5:51

(Encore)
21. Rock And Roll Me Again 4:34
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.

Link

Estes Brothers - Transitions (1971 Great US Psychedelic Rock - Flac)


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


vendredi 2 novembre 2012

Spirit - Keele University - Keele - UK - March 15Th 1973


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

jeudi 1 novembre 2012

Randy California Band - Marquee Club - London - UK - May 15th 1985 (Flac)


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 & Engerling - The old Man Springs A Boner (2002 Great Live Album - Wave)


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

Credits
Mitch Ryder - Vocals
Boddi Bodag - Keyboards
Heiner Witte - Guitar
Robert Gillespie - Guitar
Manne Pokrandt - Bass
Vincent Brisach - Drums 


Link