Meal Ticket - The Albums (1977-78 uk / canada, beautiful country soft rock, 2017 three disc box set)

Meal Ticket’s first album “Code Of The Road” was released in 1977, possibly the worst possible timing ever as the pub-rock movement into which they could have fitted had dissipated in 1976 to give way to punk-rock, a real shame as that first LP is a cracking record that will satisfy every fan of American country-rock. This first album firmly dominated by the writing partnership between keyboard player Rick Jones and lyricist Dave Pierce (which Steve Simpson describes as an integral part of the band in the liner notes) and sees lead vocals spread between Willy Finlayson and Rick Jones. “Code Of The Road” is probably the mellowest of the three LP’s with a feel not too far removed from what band like Poco were doing on the other side of the Atlantic at the same time. The guitar work courtesy of Ray Flacke and Steve Simpson is fabulous throughout. To sum things up: a great debut album.

During the Watford gig, great covers of  tracks by Boz Scaggs, Tony Joe White, Randy Newman proved  that Meal Ticket’s main influences came from the US. The band opened for several American artists on their UK tours but never toured Uncle Sam’s country. Their follow-up album “Three Times A Day” (also released in 1977) is often considered a lesser effort which is untrue but turns out to have a  more spontaneous feel than its predecessor. Opening track “This Could Be The Town” (a song from Willy’s days in “Bees Make Honey” penned by Barry Richardson) has turned out to be the band’s most famous song due to an appearance on The Old Grey Whistle Test. Finlayson’s vocals on the excellent version of “Yesterday’s Music” prove that he was a more than worthy competitor to Glen Frey and Bob Seger.

by Craig Chaligne, 1 February 2017 

Their third and last album "Take Away" from 1978, is splendid and fully demonstrates their unique characteristics of being pop and catchy despite their extremely earthy sound. They play The Band's famous song "Shape I'm In." and Mike Heron's, "Down On My Knees", is a little mellow and a great piece. 

Tracks

Disc 1 Code Of The Road 1977

1. Out Of The Blue - 4:46

2. Keepin' The Faith - 6:31

3. Ok Bar - Same Old Story - 3:53

4. Last One To Know - 4:36

5. Day Job - 4:26

6. The Man From Mexico - 6:52

7. Snow - 3:21

8. Golden Girl - 4:26

9. Standing On The Wrong Corner - 3:29

10.Georgia Syncopator - 3:02

11.The Code Of The Road - 1:17

Tracks 1-5 written by Dave Pierce, Rick Jones, Steve Hammond

Track 6 written by Michael Ross, Rick Jones

Tracks 7-11 written by Rick Jones, Dave Pierce

Disc 2 Three Times A Day 1977

1. This Could Be The Town - 2:38

2. Oh Sister - 3:35

3. Last Port Of Call - 4:54

4. Comes The Dawn - 3:09

5. River Man - 5:45

6. Yesterday's Music - 3:31

7. Rural Routes - 3:19

8. I Wish, I Wish - 3:06

9. Laughing Daughter - 4:01

10.This Dream I Have Of You - 4:01

Track 1 written by Barry Richardson

Track 2 written by Rick Jones, Steve Simpson

Tracks 3,4,8,9,10 written by Dave Pierce, Rick Jones

Track 5 written by Steve Simpson

Track 6 written by David Clayton-Thomas, William Daniel Smith

Track 7 written by Dave Pierce, Rick Jones, Steve Hammond 

Disc 3 Take Away 1978

1. Why In The World? - 3:21

2. Down On My Knees - 4:09

3. Lucy - 4:29

4. Lonestar Motel - 3:32

5. The Shape I'm In - 4:06

6. Blame - 2:46

7. Simple - 3:05

8. Bonnie Lee's Dinette - 3:33

9. At The Funny Farm - 2:51

10.Get On Board - 3:19

11.Son Of The Creature From The Black Lagoon - 4:34

12.Boogie Queen - 4:27

Tracks 1,8 written by Dave Pierce, Rick Jones, Steve Hammond

Track 2 written by Mike Heron

Tracks 3,6,7,9,11 written by Dave Pierce, Rick Jones

Track 4 written by Dave Pierce, Rick Jones, Willy Finlayson

Track 5 written by Robbie Robertson

Track 10,12 written by Barry Richardson

Bonus tracks 11,12 live recordings

Meal Ticket

*Richard Jones - Keyboards, Lead Vocals

*Steve Simpson - Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica, Keyboards, Fiddle, Mandolin

*Willy Finlayson - Guitar, Keyboards, Lead Vocals

*Jack Brand - Bass, Vocals (Discs 1,2)

*Chris Hunt - Drums, Percussion (Discs 1,2)

*Ray Flacke - Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Dobro, Vocals (Disc 1)

*Alan Coulter - Drums (Disc 3)

*Rod Demick - Bass, Vocals (Disc 3)

With

*Alby Greenhalgh - Saxophone (Disc 1, Track 5)

*Don Weller - Saxophone (Disc 2, Track 4)

1978  Meal Ticket - Take Away

Related Acts

1969-73  Writing On The Wall - The Power Of The Picts (2007 double disc edition)  

1965-66  The Wheels - Road Block (2012 release)  

1970-71  Rod Demick And Herbie Armstrong - Little Willie Ramble (2012 reissue) 

1974-76  Ronnie Lane And Slim Chance - Ooh La La An Island Harvest (2014 double disc set)  

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Thomas Jefferson Kaye - First Grade (1974 us, wonderful folk classic rock, 2016 korean remaster)

Thomas Jefferson Kaye's second solo work “First Grade'' is perfect. Along with the 1st, it can be recommended as a masterpiece of a swamp singer-songwriter. All three albums he released in the 70's, including White Cloud, are all essentials, and the works he has been involved in producing are all wonderful.

The participating members are all famous, Steely Dan's Donald Fagen, Walter Becker, Jeff Baxter, Rick Derringer, Richie Huley, Timothy Schmidt, Jim Gordon, Joe Osborne, Dean Parks, Clydie King, Dusty Springfield, and a strong lineup including Jimmy Haskell, who arranged the horn and strings.

Thomas Jefferson Kaye a talented man was also active as a producer for Bob Neuwirth, Gene Clark, Gordon Waller, Link Wray, he also produced and participated on Dr. John's, Hammond's and Bloomfield's "Triumvirate" in 1973. Thomas Jefferson Kaye (real name Kontos), died in hospital in Warwick, New York, September 16th, 1994.

Tracks

1. Northern California (Thomas Jefferson Kaye) - 1:12

2. Easy Kind Of Feeling (Thomas Jefferson Kaye) - 3:38

3. She Bout To Drive Me Wild (Alvin Robinson, Jessie Hill, King Floyd, Mac Rebennack) - 4:13

4. Say That You Love Me (Loudon Wainwright III) - 2:26

5. American Lovers (Donald Fagen, Walter Becker) - 5:00

6. Jones (Donald Fagen, Walter Becker) - 3:17

7. Shine The Light (Link Wray) - 3:36

8. All Cried Out (Thomas Jefferson Kaye) - 4:23

9. L. A. (Thomas Jefferson Kaye) - 2:44

10.One Man Band (Thomas Jefferson Kaye) - 3:14

Personnel

*Thomas Jefferson Kaye - Guitars, Vocals

*Rick Derringer - Electric, Acoustic, Slide Guitars

*Jim Gordon - Drums

*Dean Parks - Electric, Acoustic Guitars

*Joe Osborne - Bass

*Victor Feldman - Percussion

*Michael Omartian - Keyboards

*Jeff Baxter - Guitar

*Walter Becker - Bass

*Donald Fagen - Keyboards

*Richie Furay - Vocals

*Jimmie Haskell - Horn

*Clydie King - Vocals

*Jim Mason - Vocals

*Sherlie Matthews Vocals

*Timothy B. Schmit - Vocals

*Dusty Springfield - Vocals

1973  Thomas Jefferson Kaye - Thomas Jefferson Kaye (2016 korean remaster)  

Related Acts

1972  White Cloud - White Cloud (2018 korean remaster)  

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

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The Stanky Brown Group - Our Pleasure To Serve You (1976 us, fine brass funk rock, 2010 edition)

The Stanky Brown Group was an industrious rock sextet from New Jersey. With a varied blend of sounds and exceptional musical talent, the Stanky Brown Group has delivered a mix of brass mellow and funky free soul elements with their debut album " Our Pleasure To Serve You’ in 1976. Recorded at Ultima Sound Studios in Blauvelt, New York, and featuring first rate guests such as “Mountain” Leslie West on lead guitar, Eric Weissberg on pedal steel guitar among others and nice songs like “A Hundred Times Around”.

Tracks

1. Masquerade - 3:28

2. You've Come Over Me - 3:52

3. Let's Get to Livin' - 3:28

4. U B U - 2:30

5. A Hundred Times Around - 5:15

6. Don't You Refuse - 2:47

7. Friday Night Without You - 2:50

8. Matthew - 3:02

9. Misery Loves Company - 3:09

10.Ravin' Beauty - 3:25

11.Where Have They Gone - 3:45

Songs 1,2,3,5,6,9 written by Jeffrey Leynor

Songs 4,7,8,10,11 Music by James Brown, Lyrics by Frank Greene

The Stanky Brown Group

*James Brown - Keyboards, Vocals. ARP 2600, ARP Pro-Soloist

*Richard Bunkiewicz - Assorted Fender Basses, Mostly Fretless

*Jerry M. Cordasco - Pearl Drums, Percussion, Vocals

*Jeffrey Leynor - Acoustic, Electric Guitars, Vocals

*Allan Ross - Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute

*Frank Greene - Lyrics

With

*Leslie West - Lead Guitar (Tracks 1,3,10)

*Stan Bronstein - Tenor Saxophone (Tracks 2,4,7,9)

*Eric Weissberg - Pedal Steel Guitar (Tracks 2,11)

*George Devens - Chimes (Track 3), Bass Marimba (Track 4), Vibes (Track 5)

*Santos - Latin Percussion (Track 4)

*Al Steckler - Tambourine (Track 5

*Ron Frangipane - Tambourine (Track 5)

*Joe Shepley - Flugelhorn (Track 8), Piccollo Trumpet (Track 11)

*Artie Kaplan - Clarinet (Track 9)

*Frank Green - Tambourine (Track 11)

1977 The Stanky Brown Group - If The Lights Don't Get You The Helots Will (2010 edition) 

1978 Stanky Brown - Stanky Brown (2010 reissue)

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Rain - Tomorrow Never Comes The NYC Sessions (1967-68 uk / us, fantastic sunny beat psych, 2024 remaster)

One popular noun used in songwriting is “Rain”, expressing a wide range of feelings and emotions. Here, I’m using this concerning a band, and there are a number of groups who have chosen to take this as their moniker. Be this Rain, the ‘90s indie band who achieved minor success with their song ‘Lemonstone Desired’. Or the Basingstoke band The Rain, another indie-pop band who began their activity, even earlier, in 1986. Another group who predated both of these are Rain, the band unearthed by Cherry Red and imprint Grapefruit, on the release of Tomorrow Never Comes: The NYC Sessions 1967-1968. This Beatles-meets-West-Coast vibe comes from a band who played at both the Gilmore and Whiskey a Go-Go, in the early ‘60s, but failed to make headway or achieve a recording contract. An early US-only single was issued under the name One, but the band renamed themselves Rain, after their favourite Beatles B-side. No complaints from me, both The Beatles and their track are favourites, but what about this West Coast band. Will they deserve to have their music held with the same esteem as both of these?

Well, early on, I can confirm that the 16 tracks here both surprised and fed my wish for great sounds, albeit with a hippy-trippy vibe. This single CD package comes complete with reproductions of some of the vintage handbills and posters the band advertised their appearances with, as well as photos from New York friend, Linda Eastman, perfect for these fans of The Beatles. This is the first-ever release of this lost psychedelic pop album, which both pleases and leaves me questioning why it is only now that TNC has been made available. Maybe it’s that ‘Tomorrow Never Knows’, but enough of my frippery, let me press play.

Wow, now this is music sprinkled with some fairy dust, as the first track ‘Sapphire Skies’ makes its debut. Music that is not the same as, but certainly inspired by the likes of Jimi Hendrix and his Experience, this track kicks ass. With musical effects laid on the vocal and instrumentation, it has the feel that it has consumed a dose of LSD before recording. But if this opening track was a little full-on for you, then the second track ‘One Is All, And All Is One’ might be a little more to your flavour. A country-tinged number, although this may be down to the instruments used and how they are played. The melody is extremely moreish and when the vocalist pronounces that “…Love will change your mind…”, it’s a number that speaks of Flower Power and its ethos. There is nothing to dislike about this track, that you might find yourself taking it home at the end of the evening. Followed by ‘No Deposit, No Return’, another song I liked its message. The line “…Is it true, that when you give your love to someone, you are never ever all alone…”, continuing “…Cause when you give your love to someone, you will always get love in return. No deposit, no return, you don’t get something you don’t earn…”. Yes, some would say hippy-trippy, but Rain is expressing a wish that life be much simpler. As this number plays out, the guitarist uses a bottleneck, to allow the guitar to express laughter, or maybe it’s descending through the scale. Whichever way, a nice touch.

This first-time release of an album that was laid down over 50 years ago feels something special and sounds as fresh as ever. Although as I have suggested it is filled with elements that speak of the day it was produced, the mastering and production feel new. From track 4 is ‘Sundrops’ with its lo-fi string arrangement, the harmonies from this Anglo-American trio are simply perfect, although briefly the recording does show production anomalies. Track 5 is ‘So Unhappy’, which proves far from it. With an upbeat tempo played in what comes across as a West-Coast Byrds-style moment. Again harmonies are used when it comes to the track ‘Didn’t Lie’, in its very Beatles-style delivery, this album is just so easy to accept and goes down like your favourite milk shake.

During these 10 tracks, recorded for the album, I have to say that I felt nothing less than exhilaration, this is indeed a great lost album. Although is the first time the album has seen the light of day, or cry in the morning and coming complete with bonus tracks to make an album of 16 tracks, increasing the original 34 minutes to 54 and making a more acceptable 21st Century release. This is a wonderful album, for anyone who appreciates music coming from the 1960s and the birth of pop. But when you’re looking for the band, these are Rain, not to be confused with Rain – a tribute to the Beatles, are an original band and not a tribute band. I could play this album to death and still go back for more.

But before I leave you, I want to clarify that track 15 on the album ’She’, is not the Charles Aznavour song. Slightly different in tone and time, the opening line runs “Everybody’s got to have themselves a woman, to love and keep him company…”, so before equality I guess, but a song projecting its own message. Seriously though, this is a great album, once lost, now available to all. Rain, a band I’m very glad to have made their acquaintance.

by Nick James, July 19, 2024

Tracks

1. Sapphire Skies - 3:21

2. One Is All, And All Is One - 4:10

3. No Deposit, No Return - 3:36

4. Sundrops - 3:12

5. So Unhappy - 3:07

6. Didn't Lie - 3:34

7. You Can't Hide Your Love - 2:42

8. Something Is Happening (Thom Caccetta) - 3:15

9. Midnight Blue - 4:35

10.You, You, You - 2:43

11.The Brightest Light - 3:55

12.A Daily Thought - 2:33

13.Spreading Love All Around - 2:27

14.The Old Man - 3:45

15.She (Thom Caccetta) - 3:16

16.In Deadication - 3:47

All songs by John Cannon except where stated

Tracks 11-16 as The Gypsy Wizards Band

Rain

*John Cannon - Guitar, Vocals

*Thom Caccetta - Bass, Vocals

*Buggs Pemberton - Drums, Vocals

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