In The Land Of FREE we still Keep on Rockin'

It's Not Dark Yet

Plain and Fancy

Music gives soul to universe, wings to mind, flight to imagination, charm to sadness, and life to everything.

Plato

Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Free - Highway (1970 uk, solid classic rock, 2002 remastered and expanded)



Highway was recorded just three months after the band scored the career-redefining hit "Alright Now," with their profile at an career-topping high, but morale heading toward an all-time low. Guitarist Paul Kossoff was reeling from the death of friend Jimi Hendrix, a new single, "The Stealer" -- the follow-up to The Hit -- bellyflopped ignominiously and, when the album followed suit, the band itself was not far behind. 

Heavily influenced by their admiration of the Band, Highway has understandably been described as Free's answer to Music From Big Pink, sharing both the laid-back vibe and mellow looseness of that role model. Where it went awry, of course, was in the fact that Free was not cut out to be country-rock guitar-twangers, no matter how fiery their missionary zeal. Yet, the strutting rockers "The Stealer" and "Ride On Pony" alone shatter the brave new mood, while reflective romancers like "Love You So" and "Be My Friend" could well have been composed specifically to rid the band of the shadow of "Alright Now," and prove that underneath the coolest exterior, there beat a heart of the molten gold. 

Of course, Free had bathed in such waters before, and the closing "Soon I Will Be Gone" certainly bears comparison with any of their past ballads. Nevertheless, too much of Highway reacted to the pressures of the recent past, rather building upon the strengths that had made such events possible in the first place, and you reach the bonus tracks appended to the 2002 remaster despairing that they will ever rediscover that earlier flair. But the 1971 hit single "My Brother Jake" is a gorgeous knockabout clearly informed by the Faces' recent assault on Free's own throne, while a couple of BBC session tracks, sensibly highlighting both the best - "Ride On Pony" and the worst - "Be My Friend" of the album itself, pack a punch that was clearly absent in the studio. 

In fact, whatever your opinion of Highway itself, the bonus tracks comprise an entire new reason to pick up the album. 
by Dave Thompson


Tracks
1. The Highway Song - 4:17
2. The Stealer (Andy Fraser, Paul Rodgers, Paul Kossoff) - 3:18
3. On My Way - 4:03
4. Be My Friend - 5:49
5. Sunny Day - 3:10
6. Ride On A Pony - 4:19
7. Love You So (Paul Rodgers, Simon Kirke) - 4:55
8. Bodie - 3:07
9. Soon I Will Be Gone - 3:11
10.My Brother Jake - 2:52
11.Only My Soul - 2:30
12.Ride On A Pony - 4:30
13.Be My Friend - 5:37
14.Rain - 3:57
15.The Stealer (Andy Fraser, Paul Rodgers, Paul Kossoff) - 3:23
All tracks written by Andy Fraser, Paul Rodgers unless otherwise stated
Bonus Tracks 10-15

Free
*Paul Rodgers - Vocals
*Paul Kossoff - Guitar
*Andy Fraser - Bass
*Simon Kirke - Drums



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Saturday, September 25, 2021

Redeye - One Man`s Poison (1971 us, marvelous swamp folk rock, 2013 korean remaster)


Redeye's  second album "One Man`s Poison" released in 1971, is an extension of the first, with swamps and west coast folk-rock elements, but with more laid-back and mature music than the debut work. 

Includes the hit single  ‘Redeye Blues’, was issued in the spring of 1971, although it was banned in many radio markets owing to its lyrical content - some programmers objected to the song’s story-line about a person getting stoned and then unable to find his drug stash. 

Nevertheless, the single charted at number #78. The group was unable to follow it with another hit and split up in 1972.  


Tracks
1. I`m Going Blind - 2:48
2. Red Eye Blues - 2:51
3. The Seeker - 3:20
4. I`ll Get Better - 3:16
5. The Making Of A Hero - 5:02
6. You Don`t Need It - 2:58
7. Walter Why Knott - 2:22
8. Someone - 3:02
9. Beginning To End - 2:39
10.Cold In The Night - 3:21
All songs by Dave Hodgkins

Redeye
*Douglas "Red" Mark - Vocals, Guitar 
*Dave Hodgkins - Guitar, Vocals
*Bill Kirkham - Bass, Vocals
*Bob Bereman - Drums, Percussion

Related Acts

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Tuesday, September 21, 2021

The Steampacket - The Steampacket (1965-66 uk, awsome r 'n' b)


Because their ranks included a future superstar, the Steampacket have received more attention than they really deserve. Featuring vocalists Rod Stewart, Long John Baldry, and Julie Driscoll, as well as organist Brian Auger, misleading reissues of the group's demos bill the act as "the first supergroup." That's simply not the case. They were an interesting conglomeration, and innovative in the respect of featuring several singers. But their true status is as a short-lived footnote, and not one that rates as a highlight of any of the principals' careers.

Though the Steampacket played gigs at small venues around London as early as 1962, the nucleus of the band formed in mid-1965, after the demise of Baldry's backing outfit, the Hoochie Coochie Men. Baldry envisioned a soul-type revue, each singer taking the material for which he or she was most suited. Management by Giorgio Gomelsky (who also handled the Yardbirds and several other interesting British groups) and a supporting slot on the Rolling Stones' summer 1965 British tour seemed to promise a bright future.

Their professional activities were complicated by the fact that Baldry and Stewart retained separate managers for their individual careers. Additionally, Baldry was already signed to United Artists as a solo act, thwarting Gomelsky's plans to record the band. This led to disputes between the different managers, and the Steampacket broke up before they managed to enter the studio.

Officially enter the studio, that is. Gomelsky did record some tapes with the band at a rehearsal at the famous Marquee club in London. These have been reissued numerous times since the 1970s, and show the band to be a competent but hardly thrilling soul-rock outfit, anchored instrumentally by Auger's jazz blues organ. Stewart moved on to the Jeff Beck Group, the Faces, and solo stardom; Baldry moved into middle-of-the-road pop, landing some British hit singles in the late '60s. Auger had recorded as a backup musician on Baldry's mid-'60s solo records, and his Brian Auger Trinity group continued working with Julie Driscoll, reaching the U.K. Top Five in 1968 with "This Wheel's on Fire." 
by  Richie Unterberger


Tracks
1. Can I Get A Witness (Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, Edward Holland, Jr.) - 3:36
2. The In-Crowd (Billy Page) - 3:42
3. Baby Take Me (Nickolas Ashford, Valerie Simpson, Jo Armstead) - 2:12
4. Baby Baby (Unknown) - 2:26
5. Back At The Chicken Shack (Jimmy Smith) - 3:52
6. Cry Me A River (Arthur Hamilton) - 2:46
7. Oh Baby, Don't Do It (Unknown) - 3:28
8. Holy Smoke (Unknown) - 3:28
9. Lord Remember Me (Unknown) - 4:18

The Steampacket
*Long John Baldry - Vocals
*Julie Driscoll - Vocals
*Rod Stewart - Vocals, Harmonica
*Brian Auger - Keyboards
*Rick Brown - Bass
*Micky Waller - Drums 
*Vic Biggs - Guitar

Related Acts
1970  Brian Auger And The Trinity - Befour (SHM 2013 remaster with extra tracks) 
1970 Brian Auger's Oblivion Express (2013 Japan SHM edition)
1971  A Better Land (2006 japan remaster)
1972  Second Wind (2006 japan remaster)
1973  Closer To It (2006 japan remaster) 

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Friday, September 17, 2021

Redeye - Redeye (1970 us, beautiful folk soft rock with vocal harmonies, and even occasional jazzy-styled guitar segments, Big Pink 2013 remaster)


Prior to forming Redeye, singer/guitarist Douglas Marks obtained a bit of glory with the Sunshine Company and the Grains Of Sand. Active from 1967-68, this Los Angeles band parented a moderate amount of airplay with radiant Mamas and Papas-styled songs such as “Happy” and “Back on the Street Again.” The Sunshine Company released a trio of enjoyable albums, as well.

In 1970, Redeye – which also included rhythm guitarist/vocalist Dave Hodgkins, bassist/vocalist Bill Kirkham and drummer Bob Bereman – secured a contract with the Pentagram label. By the end of the year, the band notched a No. 27 nationwide hit single with “Games” that also appeared on Redeye’s self-titled debut album.

Listeners are guaranteed to experience a dose of deja vu (pun intended) when hearing “Games,” as the high-pitched harmony blend coating the bright and buoyant track are hijacked straight from the Crosby Stills Nash and Young songbook. A repetitively catchy chorus of “Yeah, you know” calls for a sing-a-long fest, while a clanging cowbell and an energetic jam rock with strength and substance.

Although “Games” sounds too close to comfort to CSNY to give Redeye a unique identity, there is no denying it is nattily crafted and sports plenty of appeal.

Riding the success of “Games,” Redeye toured and shared bills with the likes of the Byrds and Cactus. Things certainly looked good for the band, but their next single – the funky blues-oriented “Red Eye Blues” – failed to make much of an impact. Breaking up in 1972, Redeye’s short-lived popularity is rather a pity because they definitely had what was required to juggle commercial characteristics with edgier aspects.
by Beverly Paterson


Tracks
1. Games - 3:05
2. Empty White Houses - 2:44
3. Mississippi Stateline - 4:00
4. Green Grass - 3:10
5. Down Home Run - 2:18
6. Dadaeleus` Unfinished Dream (Bill Kirkham, Dave Hodgkins) - 2:46
7. Oregon Bound - 3:15
8. Your Train Is Leaving - 2:46
9. 199 Thoughts Too Late - 2:30
10.Collections Of Yesterday And Now (Dave Hodgkins, Douglas Mark) - 4:31
All songs by Dave Hodgkins except where nored

Redeye
*Douglas "Red" Mark - Vocals, Guitar 
*Dave Hodgkins - Guitar, Vocals
*Bill Kirkham - Bass, Vocals
*Bob Bereman - Drums, Percussion

Related Acts

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Thursday, September 9, 2021

Bonnie Koloc - After All This Time (1971 us, gorgeous jazzy folk psych rock, 2015 korean remaster)


"After All This Time", Koloc’s debut album, released in 1971 by local label Ovation Records. At age 25, Koloc was already the doyenne of the north-side folk scene, having left behind her studies at the University of Northern Iowa in the late 60s and come to Chicago to pursue music. Her warm, clear voice and friendly stage presence helped her quickly line up performance time at venues such as the Earl of Old Town and the Fifth Peg. After All This Time includes a cover of “Jazzman,” by folk-scene comrade Ed Holstein, and her version got a lot of airplay on Chicago radio in the ensuing year.

“It was an exciting time,” Koloc tells me via her manager, David Koppel. “The record release for my first album was being held at the Old Town School of Folk Music with Studs Terkel as master of ceremonies, which was an honor in itself.” Terkel had been a fan of Koloc’s work from the beginning, and would later invite her onto his WFMT radio show several times. 
by Salem Collo-Julin, January 6, 2021


Tracks
1. Don't Leave Me - 4:05
2. After All This Time - 3:47
3. New York City Blues - 4:19
4. Devil's Nine Questions - 4:36
5. Another New Morn' (Bonnie Koloc, Ron Scroggin, Stu Heiss) - 3:57
6. Rainy Day Lady - 3:40
7. Jazz Man (Ed Holstein) - 3:31
8. Victoria's Morning (Ed Holstein) - 4:49
9. Got To Get What You Can - 3:20
10.One Sure Thing (Jean Glover, Jim Glover) - 4:58
Music and Lyrics by Bonnie Koloc except where indicated

Personnel
*Bonnie Koloc - Guitar, Vocals
*Ron Scroggin - Guitar, Harmonica, Vocals
*Allen Barcus - Piano
*Norman Christian - Drums
*Stu Heiss - Guitar
*Phil Upchurch - Bass
*Lizzie Scroggin - Vocals 
*Sid Simms - Bass



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Saturday, September 4, 2021

Joey Stec - Joey Stec (1974-76 us, elegant folk classic soft rock, 2011 japan remaster)


Joey Stec will be a familiar name to fans of The Millennium, a Southern California group who were the brainchild of producers' Gary Usher and Curt Boettcher, and Keith Olsen. The group's album, Begin (Columbia 1968) is an obscure classic of the period, as well as being one of the most expensive albums recorded by Columbia at the time. Joey Stec was one of the main members of that band, and his own self-titled album is, in its own way, a classic of the period that it was done in as well. 

Released in 1975, The Joey Stec Album is loaded with great pop-rock hooks ("Do You Know"), introspective ballads ("No Knowing," which recalls Neil Young's work from this period) and delightful, joyous singing, songs and performances. Unlike many records like this from the mid-70's, this album actually has retained its freshness, and that alone is an incredible feat. Masterfully produced by the great Jimmy Miller (Traffic, Rolling Stones, etc.), the album features stellar guest performances by such heavyweights as Bobby Keys, Jim Gordon, Cale Radle and others. In fact, this album can accurately be described as a poppier version of The Dominos, crossed with the Beatle-esque pop sensibilities of groups as Badfinger and Big Star. Mostly, though, it sounds like Joey Stec, which is a wonderful thing in itself. Absolutely delicious. 
by Matthew Greenwald
Tracks
1. Do You Know (Joey Stec, Warner Schwebki) - 3:22
2. Happier (Than I've Ever Been Before) (Joey Stec) - 3:38
3. I Wish It Would Rain (Barret Strong, Norman Whitfield, Roger Tenzabene) - 2:58
4. No Knowing (Joey Stec) - 3:37
5. Give My Love To You (Joey Stec) - 3:16
6. Easy To Love (Joey Stec) - 2:56
7. Back Again (Albert R. Morris, Joey Stec) - 2:48
8. Standing Here Alone (Joey Stec) - 3:34
9. Then (Joey Stec) - 2:31
10.Even Angels (Art Delgudico, Joey Stec) - 3:04
11.Desire (Joey Stec) - 3:44
12.Turn Back The Page (Joey Stec) - 3:37
13.Tired Out Soul (Joey Stec) - 4:27
Bonus Tracks 11-13

Musicians
*Joey Stec - Acoustic, Electric Guitar, Organ 
*Nancy Casta - Vocals
*Art DelGudico - Electric Guitar
*Jim Gordon - Drums
*Bobby Keys - Baritone, Tenor Saxophone
*Joe Lala - Percussion
*Jimmy Miller - Vocals
*Albert Morris - Vocals
*John Nuese - Rhythm Guitar 
*Carl Radle - Bass
*Peggy Sandvig - Keyboards, Organ, Piano 

Related Acts
1967-68  The Millennium - Pieces (2013 Blu Spec)
1968  The Millennium - Begin (2013 Blue Spec edition)
1966-68  Sagittarius - Present Tense

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