Richard Supa - Homespun (1972 us, raw rhythmic swamp rock, 2016 korean remaster)

Richard Supa, the New York-born singer-songwriter/guitarist known as the composer of ‘Chip Away the Stone’, recorded by Aerosmith and Humble Pie. Following last year's first album under the name Supa's Jamboree, his second album, Homespun (1972), has now been released on CD.

As a boy, Richard Supa (real name Richard Goodman) vaguely dreamed of becoming a songwriter whose name would appear in small print on the hit records of Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry. His career began in the mid-1960s with the Long Island band Dennis Belline & The Rich Kids. Following the Northern soul single "It Happens That Way/ Little Lonely Girl‘ (RCA Victor) in August 1965, followed by the album ’Dennis Belline & The Rich Kids" (RCA Victor) the following year. The album featured danceable covers of songs ranging from The Beatles (‘Rain’, ‘The Night Before’) to The Young Rustics (‘Do You Feel It?’), Motown (‘Mickey Monkey’ ‘Mustang Sally’) and Burt Bacharach numbers (‘Any Day Now’), all danceable covers. The label marketed this early incarnation, fronted by Berrini's blue-eyed soul-style vocals, as rivals to the Young Rascals. The following year saw the release of the studio recording ‘Money Isn't Everything/Summer Girl’ (June 1966/RCA Victor), followed by Dennis Belline's solo release ‘Grey City Day/Outside the City’ (December 1966/RCA Victor).

Around 1968, the Rich Kids became the house band at The Barge club in East Quogue, New York, and were active on the East Coast live scene, based on the college/coffee house circuit. They changed their name to MAN in 1969. Bob Johnston and Nee, who were also part of the production team for Bob Dylan's Columbia release that same year, “Nashville Skyline”, served as producer and engineer.

Welcoming Le Wilburn, they released their sole album, Man (Columbia). The quintet comprised Spa (g, vo), Dennis Belline (g, p, vo), Richie Cardenas (b, vo), Gilbert Slavin (key, harpsichord, f), and Anthony Krzinski (ds, perc, harmonica). The highlight is “Sister Salvation” (Krzinski/Sara & Dennis Belline), featuring a gospel-like intro and a catchy melody. Moving beyond 60s-style blues rock and psychedelic rock, their style hinted at the later radio-oriented mainstream rock trend. In that sense, it was perhaps an album ahead of its time.

After the group disbanded, Dennis Belline released the solo single ‘Living Without You / Forget About Me’ (March 1970 / Columbia / A-side a Randy Newman cover). Meanwhile, Supa also released his first album, Supa's Jamboree, on the Paramount label in 1971. This featured a regular band comprising Liberty David (ds, perc), Ivan Elias (b), Jonathan Hipps (key, p) were joined by members of the Atlanta Rhythm Section: Dean Daughtry(key, org), J.R. Cobb (acoustic g), Barry Bailey (electric g), Robert Nicks (ds), Paul Goddard (b) and others as guest musicians. The arrangement credits are listed as ‘Richard Supa & Jamboree’, while the label side credits read ‘Supa's Jamboree / Supa’. According to the original LP liner notes, ‘Supa's Jamboree’ appears to be Richard Supa's new group comprising David, Hips, and Elias.

The Atlanta Rhythm Section, who participated on two tracks, formed in 1970 from former members of two Southern bands active in the 60s: the Classics IV and the Candymen. Their first gold disc was their sixth album from 1977, 'Rock “n” Roll Soul' (Polydor) in 1977. Compared to other Macon/Capricorn acts, they were late bloomers as a Southern rock band, but thanks to Rodney Mills (engineer) and Buddy Buie (later ARS's manager), they established themselves locally in Atlanta in 1970.

As the house band at Studio One, they gained experience through various recording sessions. Supa's debut album thus became one of the very first releases from Studio One/ARS (the studio closed in 1989). Whereas the previous album featured them only on select tracks, this second album, “Homespun” (1972/Paramount/Jacket notation: Supa, Label notation: Richard Supa), saw the Atlanta Rhythm Section members—Robert Nicks (ds), Barry Bailey (g), Paul Goddard (b), J.R. Cobb (key), Rodney Justo (vo) — provided full backing (with Dobro player Howard Emerson and keyboardist Jonathan Hipps continuing their participation). Alongside originals, it included a re-recording of Smokey Robinson & The Miracles' '6 and a re-recording of a song by Mann, who had once been a member. His blues/R&B/country-based rock “n” roll/swamp rock possessed an East Coast sophistication amidst its grit, hinting at his later connection with Steven Tyler (Aerosmith). 

Naturally, his strengths lay not only in songwriting but also in his distinctive, understated vocals, particularly on mellow ballad numbers. He subsequently released two albums under the name “Richard Supa”: “Life Line” (1976 / Epic) and “Tall Tales” (1978 / Polydor). However, the most notable aspect of his subsequent career remains his long-standing partnership with Steven Tyler. Following “Chip Away the Stone” (the author's version featured on “Tall Tales”), which was also covered by Humble Pie, he provided Aerosmith with songs such as “Lightning Strike” (1982), 'Amazing' (1993 / co-written with Tyler), and “Pink” (1997 / co-written with Tyler). When Joe Perry left in 1979, he even stepped in as a support guitarist until a replacement was found. Following the unexpectedly huge response to “Amazing”, based on his own experience of recovering from over twenty years of drug addiction, Supa now works at the Recovery Unplugged Treatment Centre in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, a rehabilitation facility for drug and alcohol sufferers.

by Masaru Konishi, October 2016

Tracks

1. Motorcycle Man - 4:54

2. Tractor To His Trade - 4:03

3. Goshen Road - 3:58

4. Heap-a-Trouble - 3:32

5. Sister Salvation (Denny Belline, Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller, Sandra Belline, Tony Krasinski) - 2:49

6. Tracks Of My Tears (Marvin Tarplin, Smokey Robinson, Warren Moore) - 3:55

7. Ride The Wild House - 3:14

8. Rainbows Colored Right - 4:18

9. Monkey Joe - 4:31

All songs by Richard Supa except where noted

Personnel

*Richard Supa - Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Vocals

*Robert Nicks - Drums 

*Barry Bailey - Guitar

*Paul Goddard - Bass

*J.R. Cobb - Acoustic Guitar

*Rodney Justo - Vocals

*Howard Emerson - Dobro

*Jonathan Hipps - Keyboards

1971  Supa - Supa's Jamboree (Big Pink 2016)

Related Acts

1969  Man - Man

1972  Atlanta Rhythm Section - Atlanta Rhythm Section (2018 Japan SHM-CD)

1973  Atlanta Rhythm Section - Back Up Against The Wall (2018 japan SHM)  

1974-80  Atlanta Rhythm Section - The Polydor Years (2019 remaster and expanded 8 discs box set)  

1975-76 Atlanta Rhythm Section - Dog Days / Red Tape (2005 remaster) 

1979 Atlanta Rhythm Section - Are You Ready! (2012 remaster)

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rep>>> Index - Index (1967-70 us, great dark psych experimental rock, 2010 double disc edition with unreleased material)

Index were formed in early 1966 in Grosse Point, Michigan. In ‘66 drummer Jim Valice (17 years old) met Gary Francis. Jim played in a garage band, and Gary played another band. One day they had a jam session with one more cool guitarist John B. Ford.  Their first jam was exciting, the sound was full and powerful with John’s technical guitar playing.

In early ’67 the band played “Johnny B. Good” and “Mustang Sally”. At the time Gary didn’t have his own bass. Jim and John bought a violin shaped bass for Gary as present. They became a party band, playing at a pool,and in the living room, in the summer. They covered Chuck Berry, Animals, and played their original songs. At the time the band was called “Chicken Every Sunday”. One afternoon after a session, they decided to change the name. John went over to a book shelf, and said taking a book” "Let’s make the name from what ever page falls open!"”. He tossed the book to the floor. The band changed their name to the Index. best of hideout

The Underdogs, The Rationals, unique girl band Pleasure Seekers(including Hideout clerk girl, Suzi Quatro) Fugitives(SRC) and more garage bands played at teenage nightclubs like Hideout and The Undercroft.

In the summer of ’67 Index was attracked to a new record, with unique, innovative sound, it was The Jimi Hendrex Experience. Hearing it they tried to make their own “psychedelic” sound. John wrote “Fire Eyes”, ”Shock Wave” and “Feedback”.

In the fall Jim got into The University of Detroit, John went to Yale in Connecticut. He came Detroit every other weekend to play with the band. Index was playing around Detroit area. During the Christmas holidays in ’67, Index opened for The Rationals.

Next morning the band tried their own recording. The basement became recording studio. Throughout December they had gigs in evening and rehearsed for first album during the day. After 3 days recording, they spent a couple of days mixing and adding sound effects to make feedback.

The album cover was basic black and white. On the cover was a picture of “Orpheus and Bacus” founders of a singing club John had joined at Yale. On the back was their picture. The record pressing company in Detroit needed a label and logo to press on the record, they selected DC from their friend Dwight Conger (aka. DC) for his great help with the band.

In mid ’68 John made the sound a more acoustic, mellow style. He began to listen The Buffalo Springfield, The Byrds, and Bee Gees. Gary switched to rhythm guitar.They found new bass player, Tom Ballow who was only 16 years old. He played soul music like James Brown, Wilson Pickett in his former band Joe’s Soul Repair.

By the summer of ‘68, John met young girl called Jan and fell in love with her. She hated the feedback sound and encouraged John to play mellow and tone down his music. This is one of the reasons why many people mixed up their first and second album.

The band’s sound changed. He wrote “Rainy Starless Nights” and “I Love You”. In the summer they made one more album called The Red Album which included John’s love songs along with wild “Breakout”, cover of Bee Gees “New York Mining Disaster”, Birds’ “Eight Miles High”. It was finished in the end of August, But the album was not pressed for a month because they didn’t have recent photo.  John was busy on the East Coast. Gary went to college in upstate Michigan and lost interest with the band.

After the recording they had their own house party at John’s home. His parents were traveling. It was early September. Detroit “punks” gathered there, The Underdogs, Scott Richard Case (SRC), Alice Cooper. Suzie Quatro arrived very late along with the drummer Nancy. About 10AM the next morning the house was trashed inside and out.

At the time John’s parent came back! Beer bottles had leaked a trail across the hall rug and now onto Mr. Ford’s foot. Everyone was immediately expelled from the house.

To release red album, Jim sketched silhouettes of the band members for the sleeve using the photo for theback cover of Black album. A local radio station WABX played the cuts from Black and the Red albums. But it was too late.  Gary left the band in January ’69.Tom quit too. It was the end of their history. In December  ’69 Jim and John joined again , they recorded some songs to make one more album . It was released as JUST US, only 150 copies were pressed.

In ’84 Voxx reissued the Red Album, the echo fuzz sound enchanted the listener. In late of ‘80s unknown Sears label released the Black Album. (it seems bootleg)  And at last, in ’95 Jim Valis released the CD called Index Anthology on his own label, Top Jimmy Productions. It includes 5 cuts from Black Album, 7 cuts from Red album and 9 bonus songs of ’69 recording. In ’97, as a 30 year anniversary Anthology II was released as 2 CD which including ’69 live recording, rest of Black album and the last recording as Just Us. Here we have a 35 tracks double disc edition from 2010.

Sixties Punk

Tracks

1. Eight Miles High (Roger McGuinn, David Crosby, Gene Clark) - 3:33

2. Israeli Blues (John B. Ford) - 4:05

3. John Riley (Bob Gibson, Ricky Neff) - 4:00

4. Turquoise Feline (John B. Ford, Jim Valice) - 3:30

5. Rainy, Starless Nights (John B. Ford) - 2:25

6. Fire Eyes (John B. Ford, Jim Valice) - 4:08

7. Shock Wave (John B. Ford, Jim Valice) - 3:20

8. You Keep Me Hanging On (Brian Holland, Edward Holland, Jr., Lamont Dozier) - 3:00

9. Feedback (John B. Ford) - 4:50

10.Turquoise Feline (John B. Ford, Jim Valice, Tom Ballew) - 3:50

11.I Can't See Nobody (Robin Gibb, Barry Gibb) - 3:00

12.Spoonful (Willie Dixon) - 4:50

13.Eight Miles High (Roger McGuinn, David Crosby, Gene Clark) - 3:33

14.New York Mining Disaster (Robin Gibb, Barry Gibb) - 3:20

15.Paradise Beach (John B. Ford, Jim Valice) - 3:30

16.Break Out (John B. Ford, Jim Valice, Tom Ballew) - 2:45

17.I Love You (John B. Ford) - 3.40

18.Rainy, Starless Nights (John B. Ford) - 3:10

Songs 1-9 from "The Black Album" 1967

Songs 10-18 from "The Red Album" 1968

Disc 2

Yesterday and Today
1. Jill (John B. Ford, Jim Valice) - 4:37
2. Long Tall Shorty (Don Covay, Herb Abramson) 3:38
3. Mustang Sally (Sir Mack Rice) - 2:42
4. You Like Me Too Much (George Harrison) - 2:10
5. Yesterday and Today (John B. Ford, Jim Valice) - 2:19
6. It's All In Your Mind (John B. Ford, Jim Valice) - 2:08
7. I Got You (I Feel Good) (James Brown) - 2.39
8. Dear Friend (Paul McCartney) - 3:03
9. Yesterday and Today (John B. Ford, Jim Valice) - 4:09
10.I Met a Man (David Crosby) - 3:04
11.Morning Dew (Bonnie Dobson) - 3:14
12.I Used to Be a King (Graham Nash) - 2.53
13.431 Lakeshore Drive (John B. Ford, Jim Valice) - 2:47
14.Don't You Know (John B. Ford, Jim Valice) - 4:43
15.Sunny Skies (James Taylor) - 4:14
16.Kick It Out (John B. Ford, Jim Valice) - 2:58
17.Helplessly Hoping (Stephen Stills) 2:38

Index
*Jim Valice - Drums, Backing Vocals
*Gary Francis - Guitars. Bass, 12-String Guitar
*John B. Ford - Lead Guitar, Lead Vocals
*Tom Ballew - Bass   (only on the "Red" album)

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rep>>> Perth County Conspiracy - Perth County Conspiracy (1970 canada, beautiful trippy acid folk psych. 2018 remaster)

Taking their name from the Stratford, Ontario region of the same name, Perty County Conspiracy was centred around British immigrant Cedric Smith and American draft dodger Richard Keelan (ex of Spikedrivers). They gigged up and down the Toronto strip in the late '60s and released their debut album, Mushroom Music on the independent label, Rumour Records in '69.

A healthy dose of trippy acid/folk rock was served up, and thanks to the CBC, it was followed in the spring of 1970 with a self-titled promotional only album. By now guitarist Terry Jones, bassist Michael Butler, and George Taros on piano were added. Only 250 copies were pressed, and although mostly experimental folk with the occasional mandolin or ukelele and bongo drums, it also contained covers of Donovan's "Hurdy Gurdy Man" and Dylan's "I Shall Be Released," and a folksy cover of Smokey Robinson's "If You Can Wait." But the music wasn't very audibly accessible, and the record was soon forgotten about by the radio station programmers.

Still, it fuelled them on to continue playing, and they eventually caught the attention of reps at Columbia. They were a hit with the live crowds and Perth County Conspiracy Does Not Exist was on the store shelves before the end of the year.

Nothing from the first two albums was re-recorded, and instead 40 minutes of new acoustic melodies with the occasional vocal harmonies made up the bulk of the John Williams produced album. "You've Got To Know" b/w "Listen To The Kids" was released as a single, but never really caught on. A few years later, the b-side did however make it to the Maple Music compilation series. The album also featured sampling from Shakespeare's "As You Like It," and a couple of endeavors that contained multiple segments, including the single "Fantasia" b/w "Listen To The Kids." Met with little fanfare, it was followed by "You've Got To Know" b/w "Keep of the Keys," and also featured an interpretation of English poet Christopher Logue's "Come To The Edge."

Recorded in the Bathhurst Street United Church in Toronto, their next outing was 1971's double album, Alive, with Williams returning as producer. Oddly, it was all new material, and Jones contributed to the writing this time. An edited cover of Dylan's "You Ain't Got Nothing" was put out as a single. But as usual, it didn't light the radio waves on fire. Other noteable cuts included the b-side "Uncle Jed," "Broken Wing," and the reflective "Stratford People."

Columbia dropped them by '72 but undaunted, the band carried on and eventually Bob Burchill came in on guitars to replace the departed Terry Jones. Now back on Rumour Records, they released another live album, What School Bus Tour? in the summer of '73. The band wasn't known for extensive engagements, but the record was a culmination of performances in Ottawa, Sudbury, and Winnipeg earlier that year. It again featured all new material, and Burchill's presence was immediately seen in the credits writing three cuts. It also featured a rendition of Arlo Guthrie's "Pastures of Plenty," and a pair of tracks written by Milton Acorn.

Following the stand alone single, "Black Creek" in '74, their next album wasn't until a year later. Breakout To Berlin again featured all new material, and a German pressing with a different cover and under the title of Kanada was released.

Following the band's demise, Burchill released the ill-fated Cabin Fever on Rumour Records in late '75, then became a session player. Smith carried along on the Toronto scene for awhile, and hooked up with Terry Jones again for the album, Ten Lost Years And Then Some in '77, then made it on to a CBC compilation in '81 called Touch The Earth before turning to acting. Along with regular roles in the series Road To Avonlea and Anne of Green Gables, he also landed a spot in the X-Men franchise.

What School Bus Tour and Ten Lost Years were both released individually in 2008, but neither contained any bonus material. In the early '90s, band members started reuniting annually a coffee house in Stratford in support of the homeless. In 2011, the band's name was resurrected again when CBC Radio profiled them during its "Inside The Music" series.

by Michelle Dionne, Dawn Edwards, Jaimie Vernon

A true legend of the psych-folk rock genre, the very first album by Canadian band Perth County Conspiracy was conceived, recorded and designed to look and sound like the product of a commercial record label. But with only 250 copies produced the record quickly reached mythic status as the band went on to begin a commercial career with Columbia Records.

 A huge influence on later generations of Canadian artists, original copies are incredibly rare and change hands for hundreds of dollars. Defining the zeitgeist as the 60s became the 70s, the band sound has touches of Nick Drake, Donovan and Terry Reid as well as more acid folk influences. Standout tracks include a version of Donovan’s ‘Hurdy Gurdy Man’, the trippy ‘Take Your Time’ and the smokey flute-led ‘So Many Things’.

Tracks
1. Welcome Surprise (Richard Keelan) - 3:13
2. Take Your Time (Richard Keelan, Cedric Smith) - 3:23
3. If You Can Want (Smokey Robinson) - 4:31
4. Woman For All Seasons (Cedric Smith) - 4:15
5. Hurdy-Gurdy Man (Donovan Leitch) - 4:37
6. Mr Truthful Licks (Richard Keelan) - 2:49
7. So Many Things (Cedric Smith) - 2:53
8. Hindsight (Richard Keelan) - 3:41
9. Lace And Cobwebs (Cedric Smith) - 2:43
10.I Shall Be Released (Bob Dylan) - 6:35

Perth County Conspiracy
*Michael Butler - Bass
*Richard Keelan - Vocals, Guitar
*Cedric Smith - Vocals, Guitar
*Terry Jones - Vocals, Guitar

1970  Perth County Conspiracy - Does Not Exist (Vinyl edition)  
1972  Perth County Conspiracy - Alive (Vinyl edition)
Related Act
1965-68  The Spike Drivers - 60's Folkrocking Psychedelia From The Motor City

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Kim Fowley - Wildfire The Complete Imperial Recordings (1968-69 us, pure energy rock 'n' roll, maverick visionary three Imperial albums, 2013 double disc set)

Producer, songwriter, scenester, svengali, unrepentant opportunist and spectre at the feast: if Kim Fowley’s name is attached to a project, you can’t help perking up – either in eager anticipation or amused dread.

Wildfire compiles the three albums Fowley gifted to the Imperial label in the late 60s. The first, Born To Be Wild: The Exciting Organ Of Kim Fowley, is a likeably makeweight instrumental set intended as an unthreatening entrée into the “now sound” for middle-aged rocking daddies. With its accessible, meekly groovy organ-led covers including Pictures Of Matchstick Men, Hello, I Love You and Soul Limbo, it’s fun if not fundamental, and is wisely relegated herein to the back-end of both CDs.

The real meat is provided by 1969’s Outrageous, a bestial, largely improvised, straight-society-baiter on which Fowley’s hoarse shamanic yelling, hyperventilating, “method” commitment and primordial regressions (Nightrider, Inner Space Discovery) suggest Iggy at the end of his not-inconsiderable tether, or Lorenzo St Dubois (LSD) from The Producers.

The same year’s Good Clean Fun melds Zappaesque comedic duologues (Motorcycle, Ode To Sweet Sixteen) with queasy country-rock (Baby Rocked Her Dolly) and distressingly horrible musique concrète (Energy, Lights The Blind And Lame Can See). Somehow, Fowley emerges as the freak-flag-waving sexual predator it’s ok to love.  

by Oregano Rathbone

Tracks

Disc 1

1. Animal Man (Kim Fowley, Marty Cerf) - 2:46  

2. Wildlife - 4:10 

3. Hide And Seek - 2:10 

4. Chinese Water Torture - 0:46 

5. Nightrider - 2:24 

6. Bubble Gum (Kim Fowley, Marty Cerf) - 2:30

7. Inner Space Discovery - 4:03 

8. Barefoot Country Boy - 2:03 

9. Up - 4:05

10.Caught In The Middle - 5:40

11.Down - 4:47

12.California Hayride - 1:22 

13.Born To Be Wild (Mars Bonfire) - 2:46 

14.I Can't Stop Dancing (Gamble Huff) - 2:07 

15.Shake A Lady (Ray Bryant) - 2:05

16.Hello I Love You (John Densmore, Ray Manzarek, Robby Krieger, Jim Morrison) - 2:06

17.Soul Limbo (Al Jackson Jr., Booker T. Jones, Donald "Duck" Dunn, Steve Cropper) - 2:39

18.Space Odyssey - 2:48

All songs by Kim Fowley except where stated

Tracks 1-12 from "Outrageous" LP 1968

Tracks 13-18 from "Born To Be Wild" LP 1968

Disc 2

1. One Man Band (Michael Lloyd) - 2:13 

2. Ode To Sweet Sixteen (Harlowe) - 1:26

3. Good Clean Fun (Michael Lloyd) - 2:18 

4. Search For A Teenage Woman (Rodney Bingenheimer) - 2:17 

5. Energy (Kim Fowley) - 2:04 

6. Baby Rocked Her Dolly (Merle Kilgore) - 2:21

7. Motorcycle (Jerry Landis) - 2:22 

8. Kangaroo (Warren Zevon) - 3:55

9. Light The Blind And Lame Can See (Kim Fowley) - 1:55

10.Good To Be Around (Michael Lloyd) - 2:15 

11.The Great Telephone Robbery (Kim Fowley) - 6:30 

12.I'm Not Young Anymore (Warren Zevon) - 4:29

13.Wild Weekend (Phillip Todaro, Thomas Shannon) - 2:30 

14.Pictures Of Matchstick Men (Francis Michael Rosi) - 3:04 

15.Savage In The Sun (Mars Bonfire) - 2:44 

16.Sunshine Of Your Love (Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, Peter Brown) - 2:30 

17.Classical Gas (Mason Williams) - 2:29 

18.Fresno 1963 (Tom Ayres) - 2:23

Tracks 1-12 from "Good Clean Fun" LP 1969

Tracks 13-18 from "Born To Be Wild" LP 1968

Musicians

*Kim Fowley - Vocals, Keyboard, Percussion

*Mike Allsup - Guitar

*Eddie Hoh - Percussion 

*Mars Bonfire - Guitar

*Jimmy Greenspon - Keyboard

*Joe Schermie - Bass

*Orville "Red" Rhodes - Steel Guitar

*Wayne Talbert - Keyboard 

*Carmen Riale - Bass

*Ben "Blues" Benay - Harp, Guitar

*Joe Torres - Percussion

*Skip Battin - Bass

*Mars Bonfire - Guitar

*Neil Innes - Piano, Guitar, Vocals

*Michael Lloyd - Keyboards, Guitar

*Vivian Stanshall - Vocals, Trumpet

*Warren Zevon - Vocals, Guitar

*Richard  & Thomas Frost - Vocals

1960-69  Various Artists - Impossible But True The Kim Fowley Story (2003 ACE)

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rep>>> Space Opera - Space Opera (1972 us, superb post psych prog rock, 2014 korean remaster)

An obscurity from day one, Space Opera is an overlooked classic-rock wonder. Three of the four members of Space Opera (Philip White, Scott Fraser, David Bullock) had previously recorded a stellar country-folk gem in Whistler, Chaucer, Detroit, and Greenhill. As good as that record was, they were still green compared to the fully developed band (adding drummer Brett Wilson) they would become by 1972.

From Forth Worth, Texas, but recorded in Canada, Space Opera forged a familiar rock sound in an unheard context, combining blissful three part harmonies with searing guitar leads and righteous, intricate jams. The reissue is appropriately billed as “12 string prog rock” and while references to the Byrds and Zappa abound in other reviews, it behooves me to agree. Though it is a must; Space Opera combines these musical forces like nothing I have ever heard before. Still, if you have ever hankered for the sounds of local FM radio rock, this is an album you won’t believe didn’t hit the airwaves.

Songs are well developed and near classical in form, developing into finely tuned suites. “Country Max” leads off as the clear “hit” record, remarkably recognizable, it’s the kind of record you feel like you’ve heard a million times. Moodier numbers like “Holy River” and “Riddle” jangle their way into your head with good craftsmanship and memorable refrains. “Guitar Suite” is the album’s instrumental centerpiece that successfully merges prog and country rock during every moment of sound; gnarly double-tracked harmonica and tape effects stealing the show. The recordings are so warm it’s as if the master tapes were filtered through a rainbow of vintage tape machines, and the flutes on “Outlines” even sound suspiciously mellotron-esque. Some of the beauty to this record must be owed to the warmth and grit that you just can’t get with modern digital technology.

More than pleased to discover one like this. Beautiful songs that are truly unheard classics. These fellas clearly understood how to create rock music in a way more advanced than many better known contemporaries and are still awaiting their recognition.

by Brendan McGrath

Tracks
1. Country Max (David Bullock) - 3:19
2. Holy River (Scott Fraser) - 5:26
3. Outlines (Philip White) - 4:11
4. Guitar Suite (Scott Fraser, David Bullock, Philip White, Brett Wilson) - 7:38
5. My Telephone Artist (Has Come And Gone) (David Bullock) - 3:46
6. Riddle (Philip White) - 3:07
7. Prelude No. 4 (Philip White) - 3:52
8. Lookout (Scott Fraser) - 2:47
9. Blue Ridge Mountains (David Bullock) - 2:13
10.Over And Over (Scott Fraser) - 5:54

The Space Opera
*David Bullock - Vocals, Flute, Harmonica, Guitar
*Scott Fraser - Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards
*Philip White - Vocals, Bass, Guitar, Keyboards
*Brett Wilson - Drums, Percussion

1970-78  Space Opera - Safe At Home (2010 Issue)

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rep>>> Trapeze - You Are The Music We're Just The Band (1972 uk, exceptional hard bluesy jazz funky rock, 2003 remaster)

Trapeze has long been underrated in hard rock and metal circles, as along with bands like UFO, Thin Lizzy, Uriah Heep, Black Sabbath, and Deep Purple, helped define European heavy metal and shape "riff" rock of the 80's. Comprised of Glenn Hughes on vocals, bass, and keyboards, Mel Galley (later of Whitesnake) on guitar, and Dave Holland (later of Judas Priest) on drums, the band was a bona fide supergroup, but only recorded a few albums together before Hughes left to replace Roger Glover in Deep Purple in 1973, shortly after the tour for this album.

Songs like "Keepin' Time" and "Way Back to the Bone" contain huge guitar riffs from Galley, while Hughes and Holland lay down some funky rhythms. In fact, listening to some of these songs it is apparent who really came up with those chunky riffs on the Whitesnake album Slide it In. "Coast to Coast" is Hughes' signature melodic rocker, and the singer also shines on the earthy "What is a Woman's Role", a tune that features some neat electric piano and big rock guitar riffs. The band walks into Humble Pie or Bad Company arena rock territory on the funky blues rocker "Feelin' So Much Better Now", with Hughes' Steve Marriott inspired screeching leading the way over Galley's crushing power chords. 

Atmospheric sax and liquid electric piano give the crooning "Will Our Love End" a jazzy quality, while "Loser" is a heavy, funkified affair that sounds like it could have come off a Grand Funk Railroad album from the same time period. Galley's guitar solos are just plain dirty and nasty here, as he shows what an unknown talent he really was. The title track is a busy funky romp, littered with Hughes' intricate bass work and Galley's meaty riffs. A great ending to a landmark album.

Those new to Trapeze would be doing themselves justice by starting off here or with Medusa, another excellent release from this same line-up. Only then will you begin to realize just what all the fuss is about. 

by Pete Pardo, November 5th 2003

Tracks
1. Keepin Time (Mel Galley, Tom Galley) - 3:42
2. Coast To Coast (Glenn Hughes) - 3:57
3. What Is A Woman's Role (Glenn Hughes) - 5:39
4. Way Back To The Bone (Glenn Hughes) - 5:25
5. Feelin So Much Better (Glenn Hughes) - 3:36
6. Will Our Love End (Glenn Hughes) - 5:04
7. Loser (Mel Galley, Tom Galley) - 4:38
8. You Are The Music, We're Just The Band (Mel Galley, Tom Galley) - 5:13

Trapeze
*Glenn Hughes - Bass, Piano, Vocals
*Mel Galley - Guitar
*Dave Holland - Drums, Percussion
With
*B. J. Cole - Steel Guitar
*Rod Argent - Electric Piano
*Kirk Duncan - Electric Piano
*John Ogden - Percussion
*Frank Ricotti - Vibraphone
*Jimmy Hastings - Alto Saxophone

1970  Trapeze - Trapeze (2004 remaster with bonus tracks) 
1970  Trapeze - Medusa (2008 remaster)
1974  Trapeze - Hot Wire (2015 remaster)
1975  Trapeze - Trapeze (2015 remaster)
1975  Trapeze - Live At The Boat Club

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rep>>> Keith Cross • Peter Ross - Bored Civilians (1971-72 uk, magnificent folk rock with jazzy drops, 2010 J 'n' S bonus tracks issue)

Keith Cross first band was Bulldog Breed and one year later he joined T2. Keith was hailed as the new Eric Clapton when T2 released their album It'll All Work Out in Boomland. He left T2 after a few months and 2 years later Keith Cross joined a partnership with Peter Ross. 

Peter sung and played harp for Hookfoot, he also worked with Richard Thompson. The duo separated after their album Bored Civilians was released.

Their one and only effort is a fascinating trip, unlike the title of the album you won’t be bored for a moment. It starts with mild melodic ballads and their duet magic voices , continues with more free forms, like jazz nuances. 

Acoustic folk is always the element from which stems each separate inspiration, amazing vocals and great range of top musicians, offer an unforgettable journey which you hope it will never comes to end.

Tracks
1. The Last Ocean Rider (Peter Ross) - 6:56
2. Bored Civilians (Keith Cross) - 2:34
3. Peace In The End (Trevor Lucas, Sandy Denny) - 3:27
4. Story To A Friend (Keith Cross) - 11:06
5. Loving You Takes So Long (Peter Ross) - 4:20
6. Pastels (Keith Cross) - 4:07
7. The Dead Salute (Peter Ross) - 3:35
8. Bo Radley (Keith Cross) - 2:28
9. Fly Home (Keith Cross, Peter Ross) - 7:02
10.Can You Believe It (Keith Cross) – 2:53

11.Blind Willie Johnson (Peter Ross) – 3:41

Musicians
*Keith Cross - Guitar, Vocals
*Peter Ross - Guitar, Vocals
*Peter Arnesen - Keyboards
*Tony Carr - Percussion
*Steve Chapman - Drums
*Brian Cole - Pedal Steel Guitar
*Sid Gardner - Bass
*Jimmy Hastings - Wind
*Nick Lowe - Guitar
*Jenny Mason - Vocals
*Dee Murray - Bass
*Lea Nicholson - Vocals
*Tony Sharp - Voices
*Chris Stewart - Bass

Related Acts
1967-69  Bulldog Breed - Made In England
1970  T2 - It'll All Work Out in Boomland

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rep>>> White Cloud - White Cloud (1972 us, splendind country folk funky blues rock, 2018 korean remaster)

Although energy and effort to please, are not the only requirements of quality in a group of musicians, they certainly make the package more pleasurable. White Cloud seven people from different parts of USA, uses this energy to put together an act that varies from a country blues tune like “Hoe Bus” to a soulful number “Qualified” to some decidedly Joplinesque efforts by their lead female Joanne Vent.

Kenny Kosek fiddle some nice riffs and Don Payne is consistent on bass, while Richard Crooks maintains a steady heavy beat on the drums. Charlie Brown is the sun behind the cloud, definitely the shinning member of the group, emitting strong rays of good music from his electric guitar. White Cloud also backed John Hammond and Loudon Wainwright.

by Abigail Lewis

Tracks
1. All Cried Out (Mann Curtis, Michel Deborah) - 3:39
2. Hound Dog (Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller) - 3:20
3. Hoe Bus (Thomas Jefferson Kaye) - 4:44
4. Is That Somebody You (Joanne Vent, Thomas Jefferson Kaye) - 3:07
5. Rocky Roads To Clear (Joanne Vent, Thomas Jefferson Kaye) - 2:49
6. Qualified (Mack Rebenack, Jesse Hill) - 3:55
7. Colleection Box (Joanne Vent, Thomas Jefferson Kaye) - 4:03
8. Funky Bottom Congregation (Thomas Jefferson Kaye) - 4:24
9. Thanks For Nothin' (Thomas Jefferson Kaye) - 3:56
10.The Sun Don't Shine The Same (I. Vent, Joanne Vent, Thomas Jefferson Kaye) - 2:54

The White Cloud
*Charlie Brown - Guitar
*Richard Crooks - Percussion
*Thomas Jefferson Kaye - Guitar, Vocals
*Kenny Kosek - Violin, Vocals
*Don Payne - Bass
*Joanne Vent - Vocals
*Eric Weissberg - Banjo, Steel Guitar
*Teddy Wender - Keyboards, Vocals

Related Act

1969  Joanne Vent - The Black And White Of It Is Blues (2015 japan SHM remaster)   

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Universe - Universe (1977 us, stellar prog acid space rock, 2025 remaster)

The world of prog is full of surprises. In my search for obscure prog bands I stumbled across Universe. Although not quite as profound or mysterious as the universe we inhabit, the band is by far one of the best in American prog. Mixing the sounds of Hawkwind and Syd Barrett-era Pink Floyd, Universe successfully created their own acid rock sound.  Formed in the mid 1970s in California by Gary Paul Van and Dennis Lee Askew, Universe released one eponymous album in 1977, and what an album it was.  Before you listen to the music, you should dedicate some time to appreciate the album cover in all of its psychedelic beauty.

Notice the dove and the crosses on the cover.  There are religious overtones on this album: “Rock in the Sky” and “Light from Above”, for example, refer to God. But they lyrics are far from preachy, and Van’s ethereal vocals only emphasize the brilliant cosmic vibe. Keys, synthesizer, and guitar dominate, and all are performed with equal dexterity.  Some highlights:

Touchdown features fine acoustic and electric guitar work.  It is the longest song on the album (about 10 minutes) and reminds me of the Yes masterpiece Awaken.

Dream is the “spaciest” song on the album and may remind some listeners of The Beatles’ psychedelic classic Tomorrow Never Knows.

Remember the Stars opens with a bang and transitions with cosmic delight to Light From Above; it is one of the best American acid rock songs I’ve ever heard and my favorite piece on the album.

This is another one of those albums that does not receive the attention it deserves.  Although Universe will appeal mostly to fans of acid and space rock, anyone who enjoys prog will appreciate at least some of the songs here.

by Connor Mullin, January 19, 2014

Tracks

1. Rock In The Sky - 5:47

2. If - 1:00

3. Touchdown - 10:16

4. Dream - 3:18

5. Oceans - 4:28

6. Remember The Stars - 3:57

7. Light From Above - 3:50

Songs 2,4-7 Music and all Lyrics written by Dennis Lee Askew

Songs 1,3 Music written by Gary Paul Van

Universe

*Dennis Lee Askew - Harmony Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Percussion

*Gary Paul Van - Lead Vocals, Harmony Vocals, Keyboards

With

*John Sterling - Guitar

*Adam Shandel - Percussion (Tracks 4-6)

*Walfredo Reyes - Percussion (Tracks 1-3,7)

*Maritta Boyle - Backing Vocals (Track 7)

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rep>>> Love Affair - New Day (1970 uk, superb melt of mod beat psych and prog rock, 2008 bonus tracks remaster)

During the summer of 1970 Love Affair began recording the tracks destined for "New Day". The music here is something of a revelation and stills up after forty or so years ago. The album open with the tittle track, written by Mick Jackson, which sets the tone with bold progressive themes. Menacing chords from the keyboards help build up the tnesion befoe the drums come in and Gus Eadon sings with passionate clarity.

In May 1970 the group appeared on BBC TV's Top of the Pops to promote their single version of "Speak Of Peace, Sing Of Joy" looking very determined and serious as they played the four minute number "Live".

But it was an uphill battle to play down their old pop image. The LA name was quietly drop the group reverted back to Love Affair. By the end of the year, August 'Gus' Eadon had left the band. In 1973 he released a solo single Times Are Hard Now, Aint They?' / 'Ladybird' on the Dawn label. In 1974 he joined jazz rock group Zzebra, billed as 'Gus Yeadon' and played piano, guitar, flute clavinet. The band also included Terry Smith (guitar), Dave Quincy (sax) from If and John McCoy (bass) who later worked with Ian Gillan. Zzebra released an album on Polydor and a single, 'Zardoz', used to promote the film 'Zardoz' starring Sean Connery. Gus left Zzebra after a year and joined the Darryl Read Band in1979

After the failure of LA, Morgan Fisher and Maurice Bacon formed a duo called Morgan and released an album 'Nova Soils'. Morgan later joined Mott The Hoople and also worked with Queen. He played in short lived British Lions before moving to Japan in the 1980s, where he lives, studies meditation rarks as a prolific recording artist.

Love Affair's original vocalist Steve Ellis formed his own band Ellis in 1972. This subsequently Ellis Group, with Zoot Money on keyboards. They released the album  “Crest Of A Slump', which was produced by The Who's Roger Daltrey. In 1974 Stever joined the heavy rock outfit Widowmaker. They toured America supporting The Who without much success.

Steve Ellis signed as a solo artist with Arista in 1979 and recorded 'The Last Angry Man', an album destined to be shelved for some years. In 1980, he quit the music business and took up a job as a dockworker. Sadly he was involved in a serious accident when a forklift truck cut his feet and left him incapacitated. He spent the next eight years in and out of hospitals. Steve eventually learned to walk again and took up singing once more in 1991. In December 2001 he joined old friend Paul Weller on stage at a concert in Croydon for a heart-warming acoustic version of “Everlasting Love”.

In final twist to the saga “Love Affair” without Steve or Gus, but with three original members Morgan Fisher, Mo Bacon and Michael Jackson - were reunited in 1999. They appeared in a TV documentary and wrote a new song together called 'Love Affair By Love Affair', which encouraged them to reform the band once more in 2000.

by Chris Welch, London England, December 2007

Tracks
1. New Day (Mick Jackson) - 4:29
2. Walking Down The Road (August "Gus" Eadon, Rex Brayley) - 3:13
3. Ge's Whiz (Morgan Fisher, Rex Brayley) - 4:41
4. Gypsy (Morgan Fisher, August "Gus" Eadon) - 5:04
5. Goodbye Brother Farewell Friend (August "Gus" Eadon) - 3:39
6. Hurt By Love (August "Gus" Eadon) - 5:52
7. Bad Girl (August "Gus" Eadon, Rex Brayley) - 4:15
8. Nine To Five (August "Gus" Eadon) - 5:04
9. Thank You Bean (Morgan Fisher, Mick Jackson) - 3:44
10.Speak Of Peace, Sing Of Joy (August "Gus" Eadon, Mick Jackson) - 4:08
11.Baby I Know (Phillip Goodhand Tait, John Cokell) - 3:41
12.Accept Me For What I Am (Rex Brayley, Maurice Bacon, Mick Jackson, Steve Ellis, Morgan Fisher) - 3:25
13.Lincoln Country (Phillip Goodhand Tait) - 2:57
14.Sea Of Tranquility (Rex Brayley, Maurice Bacon, Mick Jackson, Steve Ellis, Morgan Fisher, August "Gus" Eadon) - 4:11
15.Brings My Whole World Tumbling Down (Mick Jackson) - 3:33
16.Wake Me I Am Dreaming (Lucio Batisti, Giulio Rapetti "Mogol", Tommy Scott) - 3:14
17.That's My Home (August "Gus" Eadon, Rex Brayley) - 3:20
18.Help (Get Me Some Help) (Nelly Byl, Daniel Vangrade) - 3:24
19.Long Way Home (August "Gus" Eadon, Rex Brayley) - 3:22
20.Io Senza Te (Daniele Pace, Buzz Carson, Mac Gayden) - 3:55

The Love Affair
*Rex Brayley - Guitar (1967-71)
*Maurice Bacon - Drums (1967-71)
*Mick Jackson - Bass (1967-71)
*Steve Ellis - Vocals (1967-70)
*Lynton Guest - Keyboards (1967-68)
*Morgan Fisher - Keyboards (1968-71)
*August "Gus" Eadon - Flute (1970)

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