Rockasteria

1972 Joe Walsh - Barnstorm (2011 japan SHM remaster)

Monday, July 7, 2025

Joe Walsh - But Seriously Folks... (1978 us, wonderful insightful, melodic classic rock, 2017 japan SHM remaster)

Joe Walsh's fourth album, ... But Seriously Folks, is best known for producing the hit single "Life's Been Good." But that's just the most obvious starting point of a record that proved to be one of Walsh's most durable LPs.

Comparisons to the Eagles for the album came early and often – and not just because this was the first stand-alone project Walsh released after he joined the group before 1976's Hotel California. All four of his bandmates appeared on ... But Seriously Folks, though they're mere footnotes on an album that strikes a more considered balance of introspection and biting wit, and of smart balladry and tough rockers, than the reconstituted Eagles' deflating finale The Long Run.

Walsh moves with cunning and verve through the expected joys of country rockers like "Second Hand Store" and the surprising reggae rhythms of "Over and Over," from the incisive nostalgia of "Indian Summer" to the fully realized instrumental wit of "Theme From Boat Weirdos."

Even casual fans will notice signature elements of the Eagles sound throughout, from the soaring background vocals of Glenn Frey, Don Henley and Timothy B. Schmit on "Tomorrow" to Don Felder's pedal steel on "Second Hand Store." Walsh and Felder then reanimate their twin-guitar "Hotel California" entanglement on "At the Station."

Still, ... But Seriously Folks arrived on May 16, 1978, as a Walsh record at its core, dominated not by the Eagles but by his vision. Don't let the winks and nudges fool you. As with Walsh's other must-buy solo album, The Smoker You Drink, the Player You Get, he's in complete command of his muse, something that becomes utterly clear on the hilarious album closer "Life's Been Good."

A comic depiction of the "hardships" of rock stardom, the song appeared on ... But Seriously Folks not in the zippy four-minute version that went to No. 12 on the pop chart but as an extended anthem of double that length.

Along the way, it earned fame separate from the charts when Walsh ran for president in 1980 as a lark. He suggested, tongue firmly in cheek, that "The Star-Spangled Banner" be replaced by "Life's Been Good." That didn't happen. But it certainly became Walsh's personal good-time anthem – and a staple of his concerts, with and without the Eagles.

Many fans understandably listen to ... But Seriously Folks decades later to relive that moment in time. But there's an entire album's worth of Walsh to enjoy here.

by Nick DeRiso, May 16, 2023

Tracks

1. Over And Over - 4:53

2. Second Hand Store (Joe Walsh, Mike Murphy) - 3:35

3. Indian Summer - 3:03

4. At The Station (Joe Vitale, Joe Walsh) - 5:09

5. Tomorrow - 3:39

6. Inner Tube - 1:25

7. Theme From Boat Weirdos (Bill Szymczyk, Jay Ferguson, Joe Vitale, Joe Walsh, Willie Weeks) - 4:42

8. Life's Been Good - 8:56

All songs written by Joe Walsh except where stated

Musicians

*Joe Walsh - Guitars, Synthesizers

*Joe Vitale - Drums, Percussion, Flute, Synthesizer,

*Jay Ferguson - Keyboards, Background Vocals

*Willie Weeks - Bass

*Joey Murcia - 2nd Guitar

*Don Felder - Pedal Steel, Vocals (Track 2), Guitar, Vocals (Track 4)

*Bill Szymczyk – Tambourine, Vocals (Track 4), Background Vocals (Track 8)

*Jody Boyer - Background Vocals (Tracks 2,3,8)

*Don Henley - Background Vocals (Track 5)

*Glenn Frey - Background Vocals (Track 5)

*Timothy B. Schmit - Background Vocals (Track 5)

1973 Joe Walsh - The Smoker You Drink The Player You Get (2009 HDCD)

1974 Joe Walsh - So What (2015 SACD)

1971 James Gang - Live in Concert (2010 SHM)

1970 McGuinness Flint - McGuinness Flint (2016 japan SHM bonus tracks remaster)

Thursday, July 3, 2025

McGuinness Flint - Rainbow (1973 uk, splendid county classic rock, 2020 korean remaster)

Third album for McGuinness Flint, titled "Rainbow", released in September 1973. It features individual compositions by Tom McGuinness “High Again,” with a country feel, “Bye Bye Baby” a piano-heavy ballad, Lou Stonebridge's “Rocking Chair,” pedal steel guitar driven rockin' beat, “Dear Folks at Home” a honky tonk hybrid. The album also includes one song each by Hughie Flint “If You Love Me” hello pedal steel, we already know each other, Jim Evans cajun “This Song” with Harmonica and banjo and handclapping in a quick tempo. Evans again co-wrote the true rocker “Berry Blue Tuesday” with Dean, who co-wrote the opening track “Ride On My Rainbow” with outside partner McGann.

Tracks

1. Ride On My Rainbow (Dixie Dean, Mike McGann) - 2:58

2. If You Love Me (Hughie Flint) - 3:13

3. High Again (Tom McGuinness) - 2:25

4. Berry Blue Tuesday (Dixie Dean, Jim Evans) - 3:35

5. Rocking Chair (Lou Stonebridge) - 5:50

6. Take It Down (Dixie Dean) - 3:55

7. Dear Folks At Home (Lou Stonebridge) - 3:23

8. Bye Bye Baby (Tom McGuinness) - 4:51

9. Just One Woman (Dixie Dean) - 3:37

10.This Song (Jim Evans) - 2:48

McGuinness Flint

*Dixie Dean - Vocals, Bass, Horns, Harmonica

*Tom McGuinness - Vocals, Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin

*Hughie Flint - Drums

*Lou Stonebridge - Vocals, Keyboards, Guitar, Harmonica

*Jim Evans - Vocals, Guitar, Steel Guitar

1971 McGuinness Flint - Happy Birthday Ruthy Baby (2016 japan SHM)

1974 McGuinness Flint - C'est La Vie (2020 Korean remaster)

1972 Coulson • Dean • McGuinness • Flint - Lo And Behold (2007 remaster and expanded)

1964-71 John Mayall - Thru The Years

1965 John Mayall - John Mayall Plays John Mayal (2008 japan SHM)

1966 John Mayall Bluesbreakers With Eric Clapton (Japan SHM double disc set)
1967 John Mayall And The Bluesbreakers - A Hard Road (Double Disc Set)

1974-80 Jess Roden - The Best Of (2009 remaster)

Sunday, June 29, 2025

The Jess Roden Band - Blowin' (1977 uk, fascinating funky groovy blues rock, 2019 korean remaster)

Jess Roden was born on December 28, 1947, in Kidderminster, England. Jess Roden's first band was The Raiders, followed by Shakedown Sound from Worcestershire. In 1966, Jess Roden joined the soul-rock-jazz band Alan Bown Set. Here he participated in the recordings for "The Alan Bown – Second Album ." The Alan Bown Set included Robert Palmer and John Anthony Helliwell (Supertramp), among others.

Jess Roden In 1970, Jess Roden founded his first band, Bronco. The other members were Robbie Blunt (guitar, vocals), John Pasternak (bass), Kevyn Gammond (guitar), and Pete Robinson. “Country Home” and “Ace Of Sunlight” were recorded. Ian Hunter, Terry Allen, and Paul Bennet, along with several other musicians, helped out on “Ace Of Sunlight.” After two albums, Bronco was over.

In 1973, Keef Hartley tried to get back into the business without Miller Anderson. Jess Roden was hired as the singer for "Lancashire Hustler .“ Around the same time, another band, The Doors, was looking to continue without their late frontman Jim Morrison. John Densmore and Robbie Krieger brought Jess Roden to Jamaica for their Butts Band. The album ”The Butts Band“ was created. The following album, ”Hear & Now," was recorded without Jess Roden.

In 1974, Jess Roden worked on a solo project in New Orleans. Allen Toussaint was the producer and The Meters were his backing band on the self-titled “Jess Roden.” The interpretation of “On Broadway” is superb. Art Neville (Neville Brothers) and Rebop Kwaku Bahh (Traffic, Free) also dropped by the studio. The last track, “What The Hell,” was recorded in London with his friends Simon Kirke, John ‘Rabbit’ Bundrick, Mick Weaver, and Pat Donaldson. The album received consistently good reviews. As early as 1972, Jess Roden contributed to Paul Kossoff's album “Back Street Crawler” as a singer and composer.

Jess Roden was looking for a tour band. The Iguana from Southampton was found. This new Jess Roden Band went on tour with Roxy Music and Herbie Hancock. The albums “Keep Your Hat On” and “Play It Dirty, Play It Class” were recorded in the studio. The Jess Roden Band included: Bruce Roberts (guitar), John Cartwright (bass), Pete Hunt (drums), Chris Gower (horns), Ronnie Taylor (saxophone), and Steve Webb (guitar).

Jess Roden Fed up with constant touring, Jess Roden disbanded the band in 1976. The concert recording “Blowin'” was released later, but by then the Jess Roden Band no longer existed. Jess Roden became a guest singer with Stomo Yamashtas Go Too, in The Who's “Tommy” musical, with Jim Capaldi, Sandy Denny, and others.

Tracks

1. The Ballad Of Big Sally (Bruce Roberts, John Cartwright) - 5:56

2. In A Circle (John Cartwright, Steve Webb) - 5:51

3. Can't Get Next To You (Barrett Strong, Norman Whitfield) - 9:20

4. Me And Crystal Eye (Jess Roden) - 7:11

5. Blowin' (Jess Roden, John Cartwright) - 5:14

6. Jump Mama (Jess Roden) - 4:45

7. Blowin' Reprise (Jess Roden, John Cartwright) - 2:45

Musicians

*Jess Roden - Vocals, Guitar

*John Cartwright - bass, harp

*Pete Hunt - Drums

*Steve Webb - Guitar, Vocals

*Bruce Roberts - Guitar, Vocals

*Billy Livsey - Keyboards, Vocals

*Chris Gower - Trombone

*Ron Taylor - Saxophone

1976 The Jess Roden Band - Keep Your Hat On / Play It Dirty..Play It Class

1977 Jess Roden - The Player Not The Game (2010 japan SHM remaster)

1973-75 The Butts Band - The Complete Recordings

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

The Kudzu Band - Chittlin' Circuit (1976 us, awesome hard southern rock, 2017 remaster)

I tried to get a job and settle down. Worked at a musical instrument distribution house for a while, then for Rhythm City for a while but the music bug had me. I wound up in a couple of bands just trying to find my way back to music. I think there was Southern Comfort, The band that got me back on the road, but through much trial and tribulation lol! Then there was Snagglepuss, a band I enjoyed very much. I played with Danny Miller in that band and enjoyed his playing a lot! He was the first to introduce me to playing in an improvisational blues style. I was new to it then since everything in The Apolloes was largely memorized. Then there was Osmosis. But I have no recordings from those bands unfortunately. One important thing happened here though. I had always wanted to play bass and in Osmosis I played bass for the first time in a band. I had always wanted to play with Spencer Kirkpatrick of Atlanta Vibrations fame and he was the guitar player in that band. I loved it! But it wasn't time yet.

Again I tried to settle down and got a job in a record distribution company where I worked for Gwen Kessler who basically ran the place. My job was to send records that had been returned when they didn't sell, back to the manufacturers. I replaced two guys who had had the job before. I soon had it organized well enough to keep up, but Jimbo called me about this time and asked me to come play bass for his band at the time called Beggar's Opera and I accepted. It was 1970.

The line up was Jimbo Thornton on guitar, OT Hewitt on guitar, Jimmy Martin on drums and I played bass. We had three Jim's in the group and Mojo from the Apolloes had taken to calling me "Birdlegs" one summer when the Apolloes were playing an extended stay at the pier in Daytona FL. So needing to simplify this "Jim" situation, I became Birdlegs more less permanently. We now had a Jimmy, a Jimbo, and a Birdlegs.

Jimmy, our drummer, decided to leave the group and we replaced him with Nathaniel. And a group from England called, you guessed it, Beggars Opera, released an album in the states. So we needed a name change.

Enter Kudzu. If I remember correctly, OT's girlfriend had a little dog she named Kudzu and since it was a vine that had spread all over the south, we decided to call ourselves Kudzu. We were all past school or college age and it was us against the world so to speak. Jimbo was into booking the band and He and I did a lot together to build the band along with the other members.

Nathaniel looked a lot like Jimi Hendrix and he started learning to play guitar and he got good at it. So before long he set off to conquer new worlds. He was a good one though. Tons of energy. His replacement would prove to be the other corner post in the band. Enter Creig Harber.

Creig had gone to school at Jacksonville State University as a music major. Double bass drums and ability to spare. We were now complete. We had double guitars that had been working together 7 or 8 years prior to Kudzu, a drummer with fire, a singer that could definitely keep up and I was loving playing bass. Full Time!!

Soon we were booked most of the time either week ends or clubs at first but more and more we got to play festivals and opening act for several headliners. We were starting to write, but something started to happen. We could jam. We would just start to play and things would begin to happen. It's a shame we didn't record more of that and then make things from it. Though in retrospect, I guess that's how we wrote most of our stuff anyway. Jimbo was becoming a good writer as well as OT. I wrote some and so did Creig. But when we jammed, Phil could ad lib words like we did music. It's a shame we did not have the equipment to record this early version of the band a bit better like we did when we finally ended up a trio.

However, we were driving home through Nashville one night, and Creig mentioned that a friend of his that he had played with in his previous band was working at Colmubia studios in Nashville. We stopped several miles out of Nashville and called him. He asked Creig what we were up to and Creig told him about the band and the new music etc and to our surprise he asked Creig if we could record some that night. We did and that turned out to be the only studio recordings I remember doing with the five piece Kudzu.

He took us to New York and introduced us to the people at Columbia and we got to meet Carlos Santana who was there at the time making an album with John McClaughlin. Columbia heard the demos and sent reps to see us at Funochio's in Atlanta but said they wanted to see us again in about 6 months.

Time went on and one night we were playing at Richard's in Atlanta. It was one of the very first large venue Rock night clubs in Atlanta to install a truly professional sound system. As it turned out, Frank Zappa was in town and unbeknownst to us, he made a practice of going to the best clubs in town after their concerts in various cities. Turned out that for Atlanta it was Richards. We were at our peak about this time and there was some buzz that he might come by. We went out to play our set, and sure enough, there he was. Our music had different time signatures in places and one piece was even in 7/4. But it was still rock with a hint of Allmon Brothers. I guess he heard something he liked.

When our set was done, he came back and introduced himself. We talked for a good long time. He was curious as to my background and such and I enjoyed talking to him. It's like we instantly related to each other. I went home that night and told my wife that I felt like I had been interviewed for a job. Again time moved on.

Once again things were about to change. Before Columbia could get back to see us we lost OT, one of our guitar players. Where do you go to get another guitarist that has been playing with Jimbo for all those years. You don't, so we were able to get Ted Straton a super Hammond Organ, Keyboard player who later went on to play with Les Dudak. And then we lost Little Phil. Now either of these changes would radically change things, but both, well it was quite a different band.

We went into a more conventional song mode as opposed to jam band mode. We went back and this time actually recorded in Columbia's main studios in Nashville, but the magic was gone. It was clean and pretty and all that, but no real fire. But then we lose Ted. We're down to Jimbo, Creig and me. What do we do. We briefly added another bass player and I began to play different instruments on different songs, mostly keyboards and guitar and doubled at times with Creig on drums. We even did a show on one of the PBS stations at that time with that line up. But then we lost the bass player. Again, what to do.

I had a Wurlitzer piano and we had purchased an Aarp synth for Ted to play so we still had it and I had an idea. I had been playing bass for about 6 years full time by now but had grown up playing piano. I told the guys that I thought I could play keys and bass at the same time if given a short period of time to work on it. It took about a month or so but I learned to do it well enough that we could play. But as we began to work more and more again, it got smoother and soon became automatic.

by James Youman "Birdlegs"

Tracks

1. Chitlin Circuit - 6:11

2. Believe In Yourself - 5:21

3. Words - 5:05

4. Give Your Love Again - 3:59

5. I Need You - 2:40

6. Go On Go Away - 3:59

7. Back Door Man - 5:13

All songs by "Jet" Jimbo Thornton

The Kudzu Band

*Jimbo Thornton "Jet" - Slide, Electric Guitars, Piano, Bass (Track 3)

*Creig Harber "Uzduk" - Drums, Percussion, Flute

*James Youman "Birdlegs" - Arp Bass, Piano, Synthesizer, Acoustic Guitar

Friday, June 20, 2025

Jackson Highway - Jackson Highway (1977 us, awesome southern rock with funky vibes, 2024 remaster)

In 1977, Muscle Shoals Sound Studio cofounder and Swampers guitarist Jimmy Johnson offered a local band called Jackson Highway a song called “Old Time Rock and Roll.”

The band, named after Muscle Shoals Sound’s 3614 Jackson Highway address, centered around songwriting brothers: singer/guitarist Dennis Gulley and bassist/backing vocalist Russell Gulley. Dennis had sung lead vocals on the original demo for “Old Time Rock and Roll,” penned by Shoals songwriters George Jackson and Thomas E. Jones.

“Our first record was already in Nashville being mastered,” Russell recalled, referring to final sonic adjustments on a recording. “I told Jimmy, ‘It’d be kind of like the movies where you run in and say, ‘Stop the presses!’ I don’t know if we do it or not. But then the next thing, of course …”

Detroit singer Bob Seger ended up recording “Old Time Rock and Roll.” Initially, Seger wasn’t into the song. But after his manager insisted it was a hit and a trial live performance in Europe got a huge crowd response, Seger saw the light. He tweaked the lyrics some.

Dennis Gulley said, “The original demo is about a girl. ‘She takes those old records off the shelf …’ And there was a whole verse about Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis. He [Seger] took that verse out, made it first person, and rewrote the verse. ‘Call me a relic, call me what you will, say I’m old fashioned, say I’m over the hill,’ that was Bob’s lyric.” According to Dennis, he was paid $75 for singing on the demo. It’s worth nothing that Seger didn’t take a songwriter’s cut on “Old Time Rock and Roll.”

It took Seger a couple tries to decide the right recording to release, eventually settling on one anchored by Swampers drummer Roger Hawkins and bassist David Hood. In 2016, Hood told me Seger was the most profitable artist the prolific Swampers, aka Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, ever worked with. “Because we got to share in the production, publishing and then played on his stuff,” Hood said.

“Old Time Rock and Roll” became Seger’s signature hit after his version’s 1979 release. “And that’s the way it should have been,” Russell said. “I’m so glad that George Jackson and Tom Jones got that song to Seger because it was great for all of them and helped us in the long run, too.” According to Russell Gulley, Seger later recommended Jackson Highway to Capitol Records, who released the band’s 1980 sophomore album and major label debut, which like their 1977 Muscle Shoals Sound Records debut, was self-titled. “He returned the favor,” Russell said.

Jackson Highway wasn’t destined for stardom. But the band -- also featuring guitarist Britt Meacham, keyboardist Tommy Patterson and drummer Ronny Vance -- got to tour with ‘70s stars like Ted Nugent, Triumph and UFO. And, according to Russell Gulley, Meacham’s guitar licks from the “Old Time Rock and Roll” demo appear uncredited on Seger’s hit version. Today, Jackson Highway’s two classic era albums hold up well. They’re an “almost famous” band more Southern rock fans should know.

“We were at our peak like when we split up,” Dennis said. “We recorded live on a cassette that I have now. I’ve listened to it recently and I was amazed at how tight and how good we were playing. It was like geez, we should’ve hung together another year, and we probably would have gotten another record.”

Dennis and Russell grew up in Fort Payne, the humble North Alabama municipality that also produced Country Music Hall of Fame band Alabama. In their youth, the Gulleys crossed paths with future Alabama members like guitarist Jeff Cook, and performed at the same local talent contest Cook did. Russell says the Gulley family was “poor but we were rich in other ways. I didn’t get a record player until I was in eighth grade.”

Like many kids back then, Russell fell under the spell of The Beatles, Rolling Stones and other British Invasion bands. Younger brother Dennis introduced him to psychedelic rockers like Jimi Hendrix Experience and Cream. Rock pioneers like Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly and Bo Diddley in their ears too. Even pop bands like Herman’s Hermits. A bit later, Southern rock vanguards Allman Brothers entered the mix. Russell played in local bands with names like the Decades.

There was a seismic change when Russell was drafted to serve in the Vietnam War. He was a member of the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division. He spent around two years in a combat zone, stationed about 50 miles south of the DMZ. “I’m one of those guys that came home,” Russell said.

Back in Alabama, his marriage went kaput. “We both had changed completely since we were very young.” Russell said he and his wife parted amicably, “I found myself in a position with nothing to keep me back from chasing whatever my dream was.” That dream was music.

Dennis had joined a popular Southeastern touring band called Cross, whose horn-powered sound echoed that of “25 or 6 to 4” hit-makers Chicago. Russell became a roadie for the band. The brothers also started writing songs together.

“When they went to Muscle Shoals to do their demos,” Russell said, “Jimmy Johnson asked, ‘Who wrote the song?’ And that opened a conversation about me.” At the time, Russell was touring with Southern soul singer Ruby Winters, who had a hit in the U.K. with the song “I Will.”

He got a call from Johnson to come to Muscle Shoals. “Muscle Shoals Sound had only been open a few years and Jimmy felt like it all starts with the song,” Russell said. “And if he could get the songwriters to move into Muscle Shoals the way they were congregating in Nashville that would be the future of the music business. So he recruited us first as songwriters.”

The band that became Jackson Highway, like many local musicians, made their bones playing in bars on the Alabama-Tennessee state line. The Gulleys’ songwriting publisher, Mike O’Rear, got them a house band gig at a place called Johnny’s Club. They played three or four nights a week, developing musical chemistry.

“He [O’Rear] was pitching our songs to other people,” Russell said. “But he came to a conclusion pretty quick, ‘You’re not writing songs for other people. These are Jackson Highway songs.’ He gave us that name, by the way, since the band formed around a dream of a bunch of guys going to Muscle Shoals and being taken in by Jimmy Johnson.”

Jackson Highway wrote their debut album at Muscle Shoals Sound’s auxiliary demo studio at 102 East Second Street. Johnson gave them the keys to the demo studio. They’d record there each night after the state line bar gigs.

The recording console, according to Russell, was the same one used to record Percy Sledge’s seminal Shoals ballad “When A Man Love A Woman.” Russell lauded Johnson for his support of the band. “He believed in musicians being in business for themselves. He wanted us to be our own bosses.”

Occasionally, Jackson Highway would be working out music and someone would come in to retrieve a microphone for Muscle Shoals Sound clients, like shaggy rocker Rod Stewart, who cut his 1975 “Atlantic Crossing” album at Muscle Shoals Sound.

The band shaped much of the first Jackson Highway album, including standout cuts like rocker “Wayne County, Tennessee” and the melancholic “Circles,” themselves. Johnson and Hood had a more hands-on approach to the Capitol Records follow-up.

by Matt Wake, Jun. 12, 2025

Tracks

1. Piece Of Good Earth (Russell Gulley) - 2:53

2. Pick-Up Truck (Tommy Patterson) - 2:31

3. Circles (Russell Gulley, Tommy Patterson) - 3:11

4. Honky Music (Dennis Gulley, Russell Gulley, Tommy Patterson) - 2:51

5. Hook, Line And Sinker (Dennis Gulley, Russell Gulley, Tommy Patterson) - 3:25

6. Wayne County, Tennessee (Mike Lawley) - 2:35

7. You Got Me Dancin' (Ronnie Brown, Dennis Gulley) - 2:40

8. Mississippi Funk (Doug Mays) - 2:48

9. Every Day Will Be A Holiday (Booker T. Jones, William Bell) - 2:57

10.Stick It Back In The Mud (Britt Meacham, Dennis Gulley, Russell Gulley, Ronny Vance, Tommy Patterson) - 2:31

Jackson Highway

*Dennis Gulley - Piano, Organ, Bass, Acoustic, Electric Guitars, Lead, Background Vocals

*Britt Meacham - Acoustic, Electric Guitars, Background Vocals

*Tommy Patterson - Piano, Synthesizers, Harmonica, Lead, Background Vocals

*Ronny Vance - Drums, Percussion, Background Vocals

*Russell Gulley - Bass Guitar, Background Vocals

With

*Jimmy (Bebob) Evans - Drums (Tracks 3,4)

*David Hood - Bass (Track 3)

*Tim Henson - Piano (Track 7), Arp String Ensemble (Tracks 3,9)

*Roger Hawkins - Additional Percussion

1973 Elliott Murphy - Aquashow

Sunday, June 15, 2025

Elliott Murphy - Just A Story From America (1977 us, a foundation of indelible melodies commanding vocal work in a rich lyrical landscape, 2004 digipak)

For his fourth album, Just a Story from America, Elliott Murphy moved on to his third major label, appropriately finding a berth with Columbia Records, home of Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. A follower of Dylan and a contemporary of Springsteen, Murphy also attempts to invest rock & roll with poetry and then sings it in an alternately husky and whiny tenor. For Just a Story from America, he traveled to London and recorded with a band including Genesis drummer Phil Collins and, for a bluesy solo on "Rock Ballad," former Rolling Stone guitarist Mick Taylor. "Drive All Night" sets the scene early, an uptempo rocker paced by a Farfisa organ reminiscent of Del Shannon, while the lyric reflects the same sense of youthful adventure via a fast car on a highway that Springsteen describes so often. Murphy's artistic vision is more urban and literary than Springsteen's, however, his short stories in song concern self-consciously arty characters bent on an escape as much spiritual as economic.

Murphy is, as ever, up-front about his influences, putting a line from Raymond Chandler on the LP sleeve, crediting "Nick Caraway" (the narrator of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby) for background vocals, and dropping movie names including Errol Flynn and Rhett Butler. If Dylan uses names like that for comic and absurd effect, and Springsteen is serious about the lives of his hometown heroes, Murphy is deliberately creating a rock & roll equivalent for the novels and movies he loves; he's serious, too, but he also has a perspective on the scenes he describes. Thus, when he writes a rock ballad, he calls it "Rock Ballad." He never lets his audience forget that it is watching a show, which may go against the supposed authenticity and emotional directness of rock. But that's the point. In Murphy's world, the great Gatsby is a rock star, and life is a movie.

by William Ruhlmann

Tracks

1. Drive All Night - 3:37

2. Summer House - 3:20

3. Just A Story From America - 2:32

4. Rock Ballad - 5:04

5. Think Too Hard - 3:30

6. Anastasia - 5:10

7. Darlin' - And She Called Me - 3:49

8. Let Go - 3:43

9. Caught Short In The Long Run - 4:49

Stories and Music by Elliott Murphy

Personnel

*Elliott Murphy - Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica, Farfisa Organ, Marimba, Tambourine, Harmonium, Portuguese Guitar

*Phil Collins - Drums, Backing Vocals

*Mick Taylor - Guitar (Track 4)

*Dave Markee - Bass

*Peter Oxendale - Piano, Organ

*Morris Pert - Percussion

*Chris Mercer - Saxophone (Track 1)

*Steve Gregory - Saxophone (Track 1)

*Barry De Souza - Drums (Track 9)

*Mike Moran - Keyboards (Track 9)

1974 Elliott Murphy - Lost Generation (2014 bonus track reissue)

1976 Elliott Murphy - Night Lights (2006 Japan)

1965-69 Fading Yellow - Vol. 1

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Various Artists - Fading Yellow Vol. 21 Dreamy Day (1966-73, world wide selection of magical pop-sike gems and more, 2025 release)

The compilation series Fading Yellow has become its own genre for those who enjoy the sunnier side of psychedelia. Released early 2025, volume 21 explores the entire world for more 60’s-70's sunshine psych pop, making it one of the strongest in the series. And as always on a compilation for the first time. Groups on Fading Yellow 21 include The Garnets from Belgium, Gents from Sweden, Jade & Pepper from Singapore, Hedgehoppers from South Africa, Cats Eyes from the UK, and The Lotus from Hong Kong.

Artists - Tracks - Composer

1. The Garnets - Dreamy Day (J. Vincent Edwards) - 3:45

2. The Majority - Time Is On Your Side (Bob Long, Peter Mizen) - 2:44

3. Gents - Walksong (Bjarne Löwdin, Ronnie Larsson) - 2:06

4. Malcolm Holland - Sally (Malcolm Holland) - 3:04

5. Bitter Almond - We Need Someone (Bruno Kretschmar) - 2:35

6. Jade And Pepper - All Alone (Jay Shotam, Peter Diaz) - 3:11

7. Hedgehoppers Anonymous - My Friend John Carter The Kind Magician (Mick Matthews) - 2:58

8. Dobbelt Opp - Baby You're A Seener (Birger Dahlman, Steinar Fjeld) - 2:52

9. David McNeil - The Machine (David McNeil) - 2:30

10.Simon - The Little Tin Soldier (Simon Adams) - 2:55

11.Cats Eyes - Where Is She Now (Cliff Brittle, Roger Banning, Roy Banks) - 3:00

12.January - It Sings For Me (Nigel Havers, Philip Havers) - 3:36

13.Gerry Morris - Nothing To Declare (Gerry Morris) - 2:44

14.Mandarin Kraze - Magazine Cottage (Robert Worton) - 3:02

15.Earl Okin - Stop And You Will Become Aware (Earl Okin) - 3:10

16.Tony Merrick - Wake Up (Bob Amato) - 2:20

17.Three Hits Med The Sapphires - Ever Since I Met You (Leif Strøm, Ole Neegaard, Kari Diesen) - 2:16

18.John Christian Gaydon - Wait By The Fire (Al Gorgoni, Chip Taylor) - 3:44

19.Canticle - Who Put The Light Out (Norman Coates) - 3:43

20.The Silvers - Where Has Love Gone (Noel Burns) - 2:53

21.The Lotus - Cute Little June (Samuel Hui) - 2:24

1965-69 Fading Yellow - Vol. 2

1965-69 Fading Yellow - Vol. 3
1965-69 Fading Yellow - Vol. 4
1970-73 Fading Yellow - Vol. 5
1966-70 Fading Yellow - Vol. 6
1968-72 Fading Yellow - Vol. 7
1968-75 Fading Yellow - Vol. 8
1966-72 Fading Yellow - Vol. 9
60-70's Fading Yellow - Vol. 10
60-70's Fading Yellow - Vol. 11
60-70's Fading Yellow - Vol. 12
1960's Fading Yellow Vol.13

1967-73 Fading Yellow Vol. 14
1966-74 Fading Yellow Vol.15

1966-76 Fading Yellow Vol.16

1968-76 Fading Yellow Vol.17

1966-74 Fading Yellow Vol.18

1965-71 Fading Yellow Vol.19

1964-70 Fading Yellow Vol.20

1971 Howlin' Wolf - Message To The Young (2007 Japan)

Friday, June 6, 2025

Various Artists - The World Of Blues (us, blues pioneers, double disc remaster)

Blues artists compilation with a wide range of aspects, from folk acoustic blues to electric Chicago blues and rock blues. Includes some of the top bluesmen of the 20th century, such as B.B. King, Willie Dixon, Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters among others.

I'm very curious about the first track, a Hooker classic played by some guys that, they look to me as a studio project and not as an official band, with polished sound. Also the recording dates going back from early sixties to nineties. a very enjoyable collection, especially if you are on the road. Mr. Highway Man get out of my way.........

Artist - Title - Composer

Disc 1

1. The Cryin' Fox - Boom Boom (John Lee Hooker) - 3:20

2. B.B. King - The Thrill Is Gone (Athur Benson, Dale Pettite) - 5:01

3. Willie Dixon And Memphis Slim - That's My Baby (Willie Dixon) - 3:24

4. Elmore James - Mean Mistreatin' Mama (Leroy Carr) - 2:44

5. B.B. King - Payin' The Cost To The Boss (B.B. King) - 6:11

6. John Lee Hooker - Hobo Blues (John Lee Hooker) - 2:50

7. Howlin' Wolf - My Mind Is Ramblin' (Howlin' Wolf) - 2:48

8. Muddy Waters - Goin' Home (McKinley Morganfield) - 2:33

9. Big Joe Turner - Roll Me Baby (Big Joe Turner) - 8:05

10.Memphis Slim - Gambler's Blues (Memphis Slim) - 4:07

11.Sonny Terry And Brownie McGhee - Gonna Lay My Body Down (Bernard C. Solomon) - 3:16

12.Jimmy Reed - My Baby Is So Sweet (Jimmy Reed) - 2:42

13.Little Walter - Walters Blues (Little Walter) - 3:34

14.Howlin' Wolf - Highway 49 (Big Joe Williams) - 3:05

15.Lightnin' Hopkins - Automobile Blues (Sam Hopkins) - 4:32

Disc 2

1. Elmore James - Dust My Broom (Robert Johnson) - 2:56

2. B.B. King - Please Love Me (B.B. King, Jules Taub) - 2:49

3. Gary Browne - Still Got The Blues (Gary Moore) - 4:20

4. John Lee Hooker - Crawling King Snake (~~Unknown~~) - 2:41

5. Jimmy Reed - Honest I Do (Jimmy Reed) - 2:41

6. King Curtis - Trouble In Mind (Richard Jones) - 2:59

7. B.B. King - Everyday I Have The Blues (Memphis Slim) - 5:00

8. Otis Rush - It's Hard For Me To Believe My Baby (Otis Rush) - 5:58

9. Howlin' Wolf - 'Cause Of It All (Clement Burnette) - 2:47

10.Muddy Waters - Forty Days And Forty Nights (Bernard Roth) - 2:51

11.Sonny Terry - Ida Mae (Sonny Terry) - 3:20

12.Big Joe Turner - Roll 'M Pete (Pete Johnson) - 4:00

13.B.B. King - Sweet Sixteen (Ahmet Ertegün) - 4:16

14.Otis Spann - The Blues Never Die (Otis Spann) - 3:40

1968 Muddy Waters - Electric Mud (2013 Japan)

1969 Muddy Waters - Fathers And Sons (2001 remaster)

1969 Muddy Waters - After The Rain (2011 digipak)

1967 B.B. King - Lucille (MFSL ultra disc)

1969 B.B. King - Completely Well (2012 SHM)

1968 Otis Spann - Cryin' Time (2005)

1969 Otis Spann - The Biggest Thing Since Colossus

1969 Otis Rush - Mourning In The Morning (2006 remaster)

1970 Willie Dixon - I Am The Blues

1964-72 Koko Taylor - What It Takes / The Chess Years (2009 remaster and expanded)

1970/73 Memphis Slim And Canned Heat With Memphis Horns - Memphis Heat (2004 remaster)

1971 John Lee Hooker And Canned Heat - Hooker 'N' Heat