Rockasteria

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

Fragile - Fragile (1976 holland, stunning melt of hard rockin' funky boogie psych prog rock, 2004 remaster)

Fragile was an obscure band that played a heavy, twin guitar rock. They choose this name as a tribute to the band Yes, who had released an album by the same name. The music of Fragile is not unlike Cargo or Wishbone Ash. The band saw the light around 1972. They recorded an album in 1974 but it was not released until 1976. After the album was released their rehearsal location, including their equipment, was burnt down. This didn't make them stop performing, but eventually they did disband the band due to lack of income. In 2004 their album was released on cd.

Tracks

1. Sweet Introspect - 5:17

2. Caroline Funk - 3:56

3. Good Evening - 6:49

4. Back On My Feet Again - 5:07

5. Face To Face - 5:04

6. So Sad - 13:01

7. I Wonder - 4:45

Fragile

*Henk Limaheluw - Guitars

*Ferry Limaheluw - Guitars

*Hank Oraille - Vocals, Percussion

*Chris Limaheluw - Bass

*Ted Tahapary - Drums

Saturday, September 30, 2023

Various Artists - Lost Innocence Garpax (1965-68 us, splendid garage psych, 2021 release)

Top-rated West Coast garage sounds from the vaults of maverick genius Gary S Paxton. Acknowledged classics, tantalising obscurities and several previously unheard gems, all from the original master tapes.

Vintage garage rock is only one of the many tributaries of popular music that the maverick Gary S Paxton recorded and produced in his 1960s heyday, and compared to other genres, the off-kilter genius behind ‘Alley Oop’ and ‘Monster Mash’ was hardly prolific with it. But for a producer-engineer of his repute, it was inevitable that Paxton would cross paths with the sudden surge of teenaged rock groups that emerged in the wake of the British Invasion. We’ve gathered the best of them on “Lost Innocence”, and for any aficionado of the genre, a treat is in store. As well as a brace of acknowledged Californian punk classics present and correct for the first time direct from master tape, this rockin’ little disc also shares further booty from the Garpax vaults, including some obscurities well worthy of re-appraisal, along with completely unreleased nuggets of note.

Counting among the well-known are the Avengers, Bakersfield’s top dogs in the punk bracket thanks to snot-nosed missives such as ‘I Told You So’ and the controversial ‘Be A Cave Man’. Ken And the Forth Dimension and Limey And the Yanks serve up the highly regarded items ‘See If I Care’ and ‘Guaranteed Love’ respectively, with a trio of ear-opening unissued tracks from the latter as a bonus. Riverside’s Whatt Four weigh in with the popular ear-burners ‘Our Love Should Last Forever’ and ‘You're Wishin’ I Was Someone Else’. And the Buddhas’ title cut is still the most eloquent ode to carnal knowledge in the entire 60s punk pantheon.

Most of the material on “Lost Innocence” was recorded at Paxton’s two Hollywood studios between 1965 and 1967, but some of the freakier cuts derive from facilities he ran from a converted bank in the Bakersfield suburb of Oildale in the last three years of the decade. These include the trippy ‘My Dream’ by the aforementioned Buddhas, the soul-punk of Canadian transplants the New Wing, and fantastic unreleased cuts by the Fog and Mental Institution, the latter one of the many pseudonyms Paxton acolyte Kenny Johnson used while recording at the studio.

The eccentricities that are never far from a Paxton production inform a couple of tracks that nevertheless have punk merit. In particular, the unbelievable screaming on Carl Walden And the Humans’ ‘I’ll Never Let You Go’ would put James Brown or Wilson Pickett to shame. Last but not least, the voluminous Garpax tape library revealed a tantalising mystery in the unknown group responsible for a marvellous Raiders-style pounder titled ‘This Freedom I Have Found’.

In the commercial environs of mid-1960s Hollywood, the producer remained omnipotent and Paxton would happily call on his seasoned session crew if you weren’t cutting it, musically speaking. On “Lost Innocence”, however, most of the players remained those same wide-eyed teenagers that had been ushered into his presence. Their stories also have the same ring of truth as most youthful combos in that era: hearing your record on the radio for the first time, the expanded social and career possibilities afforded by membership of a successful local band and seeing that dream rent asunder by the draft. Yet having Gary S Paxton behind the controls, with his innate expertise and guidance, not to mention a soupçon of the appropriately bizarre, helped these same “typical” groups make some truly memorable music.

by Alec Palao

Artist - Song - Composer

1. The Whatt Four - Our Love Should Last Forever (Tom Bitters) - 1:44

2. The Avengers - Be A Cave Man (Gary S Paxton, William Powell) - 1:55

3. Limey And The Yanks - Guaranteed Love (Denny Reed, Gary S Paxton) - 2:26

4. The Buddhas - Lost Innocence (Dane Nelson, Dennis Roark, Gary Lettiere, Larry Meadors, Michael McCarthy, Rick Starr) - 2:11

5. The Fog - Grey Zone (Gary S Paxton, JD Wilson) - 3:32

6. New Wing - I Need Love (Al Wilson, Len LaLiberte) - 2:03

7. Ken And The Fourth Dimension - See If I Care (Kenneth Johnson) - 2:16

8. Mental Institution - In The Heat Of The Night (Kenneth Johnson) - 2:19

9. The Avengers - When It's Over (Gerry Blake, Henry Gonzales) - 1:51

10.The Whatt Four - You're Wishin' I Was Someone Else (Greg Sanders, Kenneth Johnson) - 2:21

11.Limey And The Yanks - Flight Of The Dead Bird (Unknown) - 2:57

12.The Buddhas - My Dream (Dane Nelson, Dennis Roark, Gary Lettiere, Larry Meadors, Michael McCarthy, Rick Starr) - 2:26

13.The Avengers - I Told You So (Kenneth Johnson) - 1:56

14.Don Hinson - Peddlers Of Hate (Don Hinson, Kenneth Johnson) - 2:05

15.New Wing - Melodyland Loser (Al Wilson, Doug Policha) - 2:03

16.Chocolate Tunnel - The Highly Successful Young Rupert White (Kenneth Johnson) - 2:20

17.Limey And The Yanks - Tomorrow Never Comes (Kenneth Johnson) - 2:26

18.The Whatt Four - You Better Stop Your Messin' Around (Greg Sanders) - 2:28

19.The Avengers - Shipwrecked (William Powell) - 1:48

20.Unknown Artist - This Freedom I Have Found (Unknown) - 2:38

21.Limey And The Yanks - Leather Coated Cottage (Unknown) - 2:25

22.New Wing - Brown Eyed Woman (Al Wilson, Doug Policha, Len LaLiberte) - 2:31

23.The Avengers - My True True Love (Buddy Wayne) - 2:58

24.Carl Walden And The Humans - I'll Never Let You Go (Carl Walden) - 2:17

The Whatt Four

*Greg Sanders - Bass

*Tom Ference - Drums

*John Langdon - Lead Guitar

*Tom Bitters - Rhythm Guitar

The Avengers

*Ken Zigoures - Bass

*Gary Bernard Drums

*Greg Likins - Lead Guitar

*Henry Gonzales - Rhythm Guitar

*Gerry Blake - Vocals, Electric, Farfisa Organ

Limey And The Yanks

*Bob Batman - Bass

*Wes Hunsinger - Drums

*Tim Dunne, Wally Downing - Guitar

*Steve Cook - Lead Vocals

The New Wing

*Doug Policha - Bass

*Len Saidman - Drums

*Henry LaLiberte - Guitar

*Al Wilson - Organ

*Davey Peters - Vocals

Ken And The Forth Dimension

*Don Johnson - Bass

*Eddie Hilton - Drums

*Kenny Johnson - Lead Guitar, Vocals

*Mike Valdez - Organ

*Bob Hopps - Rhythm Guitar, Lead Vocals

The Mourning Dayze - Lost Recordings 1967

Monday, September 25, 2023

rep> The Mourning Dayze - Lost Recordings (1967 us, rough garage psych, 2007 Gear Fab issue)

Friday, September 15, 2023

Diamondback - Diamondback (1974 canada, fantastic blues brass rock, 2008 remaster)

In the midst of the uncertainty in the future of McKenna-Mendelson Mainline, band members McKenna and Nolasco put together this side project supergroup which also featured Scott “Professor Piano” Cushnie (Robbie Lane & The Disciples), Endersby (The Tripp, Maple Oak), and Smith (Ugly Ducklings). The band would record an entire album for Atlantic Records but the label only released on single before scrapping the full LP. Pacemaker Entertainment managed to salvage the record and finally issued it in 2008; Cushnie died in August 2018.

Tracks

1. How Many More Years (Chester Burnett) - 6:42

2. Good Old Days - 2:39

3. One Track Open - 4:26

4. Just My Way Of Loving You (Mike McKenna) - 4:14

5. Wait My Time (Mike McKenna) - 2:36

6. Better Days (Howard Smith) - 3:31

7. Ramblin' Man (Mike McKenna) - 3:45

8. Boogie The Night Away - 3:07

9. Save Yourself - 2:32

10.This Old Train - 2:56

All songs by Scott Cushnie except where stated

Diamondback

*Scott Cushnie - Keyboards

*Stan Endersby - Guitar

*Mike McKenna - Vocals, Guitar

*Tony Nolasco - Drums

*Howie Smith - Bass

With

*Jack Zaza - Saxophone

*Donnie Walsh - Blues Harp

*Danny McBride - Guitars

*Mickey McCallum - Congas

*Stan Endersby - Rhythm Guitar, Backup Vocals

1969 McKenna Mendelson Mainline - Stink

1971 McKenna Mendelson Mainline - Canada Our Home And Native Land (2006 remaster)

1972 Mainline Bump 'N' Grind Revue – Live At The Victory Theatre (2006 edition)

1975/78 Downchild Blues Band - It's Been So Long / Ready To Go

1970-71 Mapleoak - Mapleoak

Monday, September 4, 2023

Burnt Suite - Burnt Suite (1972 us, misty rural stoner psych acid rock, 2023 digipak reissue)

Growing up in Canton, Connecticut was an ideal out in the country type of town. Like a lot of kids during that period, Isaw the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show, heard all the girls screaming, and decided to make music my life! In seventh grade I had a trio with some friends, they were older than me. And then in 8th grade a quartet called the Hellions. And then in 10th grade Woody Andrews, Jym Cifaldi, and I started performing and writing songs together. We were all about the same age, very creative! We originally named the band, Strange Brew, after the song by Cream. But the principal of the high school didn't want the word 'brew', relating to beer, advertised on the walls of the high school for dances. So we changed the name Burnt Suite meant...hot music.

BJW stood for Billy, Jimmy, Woody. We made it up. We decided to record an album of the songs we had already written. Woody's father was a singer and director of plays and helped us produce The record. We actually got $1000 loan from the local bank in Canton to record the album!! Woody's father most likely co-signed for us. Both my father and Woody's father were always extremely supportive. We were still seniors in high school when we did that record. So it had to be 1970 or 1971 when we began recording. We actually took advance orders from other kids in high school to help finance the record.

We mostly performed locally at local events and dances. We sold the records our selves at the venues. We didn't really have somebody helping us to present our selves nationally. The band broke up because I decided I wanted to move to Massachusetts and be near the ocean and Cape Cod. I just needed to spread my wings, travel, and experience other parts of the country!

by William Florian

Tracks

1. Tonight (William Florian) - 3:49

2. Sally Salamander (Jym Cifaldi) - 2:22

3. Coming To An End (Jym Cifaldi) - 2:31

4. Finest Thing In Life (William Florian) - 2:58

5. Lightning (Jym Cifaldi) - 5:17

6. Enjoyment Of The Dawn (William Florian) - 2:59

7. Got Time (Jym Cifaldi, William Florian, Woody Andrews) - 3:35

8. Vindati Shanti (William Florian) - 6:29

9. It's What You Wanted (Jym Cifaldi, William Florian, Woody Andrews) - 4:06

Burnt Suite

*William Florian - Guitar, Piano

*Woody Andrews - Bass, Claves

*Jym Cifaldi - Percussion

Saturday, August 19, 2023

The Countdown 5 - Complete Recordings (1965-69 us, garage beat rock, r 'n' b, 2018 double disc release)

Members of the Galveston Bay, Texas’ rock scene of the middle to late 1960’s, The Countdown 5 were part owners of the renowned Houston recording studio Andrus Productions, where producer Walter Andrus recorded many bands, including the 13th Floor Elevators and Fever Tree. While the group never got the big break to record an LP, they did manage to release several singles on a variety of labels, and while none hit big in the US, years later the group did learn that one of their singles had actually topped the charts in Germany for a short period of time. Finally, nearly fifty years after the band called it quits, their entire recorded legacy has been compiled on a two CD collection by Gear Fab Records, and quite a treat it is.

The band consisted of Mack Hayes who possessed a wide, versatile vocal range and was quite comfortable fronting the band, while the rhythm section of bassist/vocalist Tommy Murphy and drummer Tommy Williams was indeed formidable, always solidly holding down the band’s bottom end sound, Left handed John Balzer was one of the most talented, versatile and innovative guitarists of the day as well as being a fine singer in his own right and Steve Long’s keyboards gave the band their special style of 1960’s Texas rock, while he also contributed saxophone to the group’s sound. The Countdown 5’s recorded repertoire was mostly original material, with Hayes and Balzer being especially prolific writers, mixed with tasty covers of tunes written by the likes of The Isley Brothers and Johnny Otis.

Disc one of the set opens with a series of rhythm and blues numbers, beginning with the saxophone led “Bamboo Hut,” a Balzer composition taking its title from the Galveston Beach club that the band often played. This was the Countdown 5’s debut single backed by a faithful cover of The Isley Brothers r & b standard “Shout,” highlighted by the band’s call and response vocals. “Do What You Do Well” was the a-side of their second single, with Long’s keyboards and the group’s vocal harmonies on display. These songs also contained the group’s Texas rock foundation reminiscent of Buddy Holly and The Bobby Fuller Four. Without question one of the collection’s highlights is the hard rocking “Uncle Kirby (From Brazil)” with its heavily echoed vocals from Hayes reminiscent of The Beatles and Balzer’s fuzzed out guitar filling the air. The tune contains a ‘George of The Jungle” chant giving it a danceable quality.

Balzer also contributes a couple of hot solos to the track which unbeknownst to the band at the time found its way into European discos in the 1970’s and was a hit in London and Paris among other places. The versatility of The Countdown 5 is apparent throughout. Their cover of Johnny Otis’ “Willie And The Hand Jive” has a Bo Diddley feel while remaining rather loyal to the original. By contrast “We Are All One” features delicate, melodic vocal harmonies and harpsichord while “Shaka Shaka Na Na” is a dance number with its title becoming a repeated chant, yet Balzer’s fuzz guitar and a driving beat driven by Williams’ drums gives it lots of energy. Like “Uncle Kirby (From Brazil)” the song found its way into European discos and in fact topped the German Billboard charts for a period of time in 1968, a fact not discovered by the band until long after the fact. In “Money Man” the band exhibits Eastern influences, its gentle guitar intro emanating a raga feel.

The songs repeated chorus of “Don’t Try To Impress Me” is accentuated by Balzer’s lead guitar slashing in and out, and the tune features not only another hot solo by Balzer but also a tasty organ interlude by Long. Two tracks from disc one come from compilation appearances, namely, “Candy” and “Sweet Talk” both feature Balzer’s guitar, snarling lead on the former, and hot dashes of stinging fuzz on the power pop latter. Also included on disc one are stereo versions of four of the single sides, with the bouncing beat, organ led “Time To Spare” and the previously mentioned “Uncle Kirby (From Brazil)” and “Money Man” in particular standing out. The track is rounded out by the acetate of “Something On Her Mind” a mid tempo keyboard driven tune spotlighting the band’s vocal harmonies.

The second disc of the set features eighteen unreleased tracks recorded at Walter Andrus Studio and two radio spots for a New Year’s Eve show. The first track, the interestingly titled “Don’t Buy Meat From The Milkman” sounds like Crosby, Stills and Nash, well before their existence, with its gorgeous vocal harmonies, tasty guitar and delicate keyboards added for texture. “Big Big Man” is folk rock melody with banjo and keyboards complementing luscious vocals. “Unfair To Me” is a snappy rocker featuring numerous tempo changes and the group’s ever present vocal harmonies. “Good Woman” is a mid-tempo song with a fuzz intro by Balzer and Farfisa organ by Long leading up to a fuzz filled solo that plays the song out. “I Gotta Keep What I Take” shows more Eastern influence with its insistent guitar riff, another fine lead guitar line, more Farfisa and a restrained guitar solo. Long’s harpsichord, Balzer’s understated guitar and vocal harmonies give “So Pass Me By” a Beatlesque feel.

Just as quickly the band switches gears to the upbeat rocker “What Can You Do When You’re Down” with Balzer’s lead guitar pushing the beat as he throws the tempo into overdrive. The tune’s tempo slows, but only long enough for Balzer to fire it up, his lead guitar stabbing to and fro. The group’s mellower side shows through on “When I’m Gone Away” a ballad with handclaps and percussion taking charge. “Legs” is a real head shaker, and a nice dance tune, complete with an a capella section, yet filled with pumping Farfisa organ and fuzz guitar. “Sallazar” spotlights Balzer’s acoustic guitar and more Crosby, Stills and Nash style vocal harmonies. Despite its title “Stone Fire Garden” has a gentle acoustic intro which gives way to delicate vocal harmonies with horns added for accent. “One Way Traffic” brings Joe South to mind, as its vocals harmonies accompany pounding drums and driving guitar with a twist of organ added for good measure.

The disc closes with three gentle numbers, “These Few Things” with its delicate vocals and “I Gotta Leave You” with swirling organ, gentle rolling guitar and sensitive lead vocals, set the stage for the final song, a cover of the theme from the musical “Hair” another melodic tune with horns added for accentuation. The set closes with two radio spots for a New Year’s Eve gig by The Countdown 5, indicative of the group’s versatility and a most fitting end to the complete works of a sadly overlooked and underappreciated works of this talented, versatile Galveston Beach quintet.

“Complete Recordings 1965-1969” comes in a double slimline jewel case and is accompanied by an 8 page full color booklet containing a forward by Gear Fab owner Roger Maglio, an essay by Mack Hayes, wonderful photos of the band and artwork from the band’s singles released on the Toucan, Pic, Cinema, Hansa, Cobblestone, Polar, Saint Martin and Audiodisc labels, and other band memorabilia. This collection will be of interest to garage bands, especially the Texas variety, as well of fans of mid to late 1960’s rock in general and comes most highly recommended.

by Kevin Rathert

Tracks

Disc 1

1. Bamboo Hut (John Balzer) - 2:18

2. Shout (O'Kelly Isley, Ronald Isley, Rudolph Isley) - 3:45

3. Do What You Do Well (Ned Miller) - 2:00

4. My Own Style Of Living (John Balzer, Mack Hayes, Steve Long) - 1:43

5. Uncle Kirby (From Brazil) (John Balzer, Mack Hayes, Tommy Murphy) - 2:41

6. Speculation (John Balzer, Mack Hayes, Tommy Murphy) - 2:18

7. Time To Spare (Mack Hayes) - 2:16

8. Elevator (Mack Hayes) - 2:32

9. Maybe I'll Love You (John Balzer, Mack Hayes, Tommy Murphy) - 2:25

10.Willie And The Hand Jive (Johnny Otis) - 2:40

11.We Are All One (David Mitchell, Gary Lum) - 3:29

12.Shaka Shaka Na Na (Mack Hayes, Steve Long) - 2:40

13.Money Man (Mack Hayes) - 3:10

14.Uncle Kirby (From Brazil) (John Balzer, Mack Hayes, Tommy Murphy) - 2:58

15.Time To Spare (Mack Hayes) - 2:22

16.We Are All One (David Mitchell, Gary Lum) - 3:31

17.Money Man (Mack Hayes) - 3:09

18.Something On Her Mind (John Balzer, Tommy Murphy) - 2:19

19.Candy (Steve Long) - 3:18

20.Sweet Talk (John Balzer, Tommy Murphy) - 2:31

Disc 2

1. Don't Buy Meat From The Milkman (John Balzer, Mack Hayes) - 3:03

2. Big Big Man (John Balzer, Mack Hayes, Steve Long, Tommy Murphy, Tommy Williams) - 2:32

3. Unfair To Me (John Balzer, Mack Hayes, Steve Long, Tommy Murphy, Tommy Williams) - 2:18

4. Good Woman (John Balzer, Mack Hayes, Steve Long, Tommy Murphy, Tommy Williams) - 3:24

5. Beneath My Rug (John Balzer, Mack Hayes, Steve Long, Tommy Murphy, Tommy Williams) - 4:07

6. We're Just People (John Balzer, Mack Hayes) - 2:42

7. I Gotta Keep What I Take (John Balzer, Mack Hayes, Steve Long, Tommy Murphy, Tommy Williams) - 2:32

8. So Pass Me By (John Balzer, Mack Hayes) - 2:44

9. What Can You Do When You're Down (John Balzer, J. Permemter) - 2:30

10.When I'm Gone Away (John Balzer, Mack Hayes, Steve Long, Tommy Murphy, Tommy Williams) - 2:14

11.Legs (John Balzer, Mack Hayes, Steve Long, Tommy Murphy, Tommy Williams) - 3:03

12.Sallazar (John Balzer, Mack Hayes, Steve Long, Tommy Murphy, Tommy Williams) - 2:42

13.Sally Greene (Steve Long) - 2:21

14.Stone Fire Garden (Tommy Murphy) - 3:46

15.One Way Traffic (John Balzer, Mack Hayes, Steve Long, Tommy Murphy, Tommy Williams) - 2:54

16.These Few Things (John Balzer, Mack Hayes, Steve Long, Tommy Murphy, Tommy Williams) - 2:26

17.I Gotta Leave You (Traditional) - 4:14

18.Hair (Galt MacDermot, Gerome Ragni, James Rado) - 2:09

19.Countdown's Radio Commercial - 0:34

20.New Years Eve Greeting - 0:36

The Countdown 5

*John Balzer - Guitar

*Mack Hayes - Lead Vocals

*Tommy Murphy - Bass, Vocals

*Tommy Williams - Drums

*Steve Long - Saxophone

Sunday, August 13, 2023

Thomas Jefferson Kaye - Thomas Jefferson Kaye (1973 us, marvelous blend of folk country gospel classic rock, 2016 korean remaster)

Thomas Jefferson Kaye was a bit of a prodigy. Born in North Dakota, by the age of 18 he was already in New York working for the record label Scepter as an A&R man. In next to no time he was producing and writing material for their acts The Shirelles, Judy Clay, Maxine Brown, Chuck Jackson and The Kingsmen. But it was when he produced Loudon Wainwright III first release for Columbia in 1972 that his stock really rose. He then followed that up with work on the country funk fuelled Be What You Want to by Link Wray and it was around this time that Kaye moved to the sunnier climbs of California and started recording the self-titled solo album we're looking at here. He passed over the production duties to Gary Katz dedicating himself to the writing and performing of this collection of music.

The opening number Body Song creeps in unsteadily, like a drunk with his shoes in his hands, sneaking through the door before inevitably tumbling over and collapsing in a heap on the floor while the room spins round and round. The tempo lifts with Collection Box and the sound toughens up with a groove still lazy enough for the band to dig in deep and then completely out of nowhere the strings come in. Oh yeah! The Stonesy strut of The Door Is Still Open is up next, followed by some finger picking boogie on Learning How to Fly. Although I'll Be Leaving Her Tomorrow is in serious danger of veering too far into slushy country ballad territory it is saved by some excellent vocal harmonies courtesy of Donald Fagen. His Steely Dan cohort, Walter Becker, also appears on the album and his bass playing on the next track Hole in The Shoe Blues helps create the Dr John-ish spooky-funk groove that underpins the songs repeated refrain "I read in the paper this morning that you were dead". The tune Snake in The Grass sounds like it was recently exiled from Main Street for bad behaviour while the wistful air of Thanks For Nothing is complimented by the subtle interplay of Tom Salisbury's piano dancing round the steel guitar of Bobby Black.

But if you need just one reason to track this hidden gem down then it's the albums closer Hoe Bus. Driven along by some seriously salty guitar playing from Rick Derringer, the song is a full-on embodiment of the Whiskey Preachin philosophy, all wrapped up in a five-minute mind-meld of country, soul, blues, gospel, rock and funk. There's even a middle eight detour into something akin to High Heeled Sneakers and the final few bars of the track wouldn't even sound out of place on Sly Stone's There's a Riot Goin On. It's a real renaissance song from a real renaissance man who would then arguably go on to produce Gene Clark's finest recording, No Other, to be reviewed here sometime soon. But that's a whole other story.

by Michael Hosie

Tracks

1. The Body Song - 4:17

2. Collection Box - 4:07

3. The Door Is Still Open - 3:26

4. Learning How To Fly - 3:36

5. I'll Be Leaving Her Tomorrow - 4:22

6. Hole In The Shoe Blues - 5:18

7. Snake In The Grass - 5:01

8. Thanks For Nothing - 4:29

9. Hoe Bus - 5:01

Music and Words by Thomas Jefferson Kaye

Personnel

*Thomas Jefferson Kaye - Guitars, Vocals

*Rick Derringer - Electric Guitar

*Donald Fagen - Keyboards, Piano, Vocals

*Jeff Baxter - Guitar

*Walter Becker - Bass

*Joe Frank Carollo - Bass

*Terry Adams - Cello

*Victor Feldman - Percussion

*Venetta Fields - Vocals

*Richie Furay - Vocals

*Jim Gordon - Drums

*Randy Jo Hobbs - Bass

*Clydie King - Vocals

*Jim Mason - Vocals

*Sherlie Matthews - Vocals

*Diane Morrison - Vocals

*Dorothy Morrison - Vocals

*Michael Omartian - Keyboards

*David Palmer - Vocals

*Dean Parks - Bass

*Micki St Clair - Vocals

*Tom Salisbury - Piano

*Rick Shlosser - Drums

*Mark Springer - Vocals

*Dusty Springfield - Vocals

*Chris Williamson - Vocals

Tuesday, August 8, 2023

Valdy - Country Man (1972 canada, awesome folk country rock, 2020 korean remaster)

Valdy, was born of Danish parents, in 1946 as Valdemar Horsdal in Ottawa. He began his career playing guitar in rock and country groups. In 1966 he made his home in British Columbia, where he farmed for several years near Sooke. Adopting a country-folk style, he performed in Victoria coffee houses and in 1972 came to national notice with his 'Rock and Roll Song' (from the LP Country Man, Haida HL-5101). Other popular singles for Haida and A & M followed 1973-6: his own songs 'A Good Song' and 'Simple Life,' and David Bradstreet's 'Renaissance (Let's Dance That Old Dance)'. Valdy has also recorded several songs by Bob Ruzicka, including 'Yes I Can (Anyway You Want Me).'

Although less prominent during the 1980s, Valdy remained a fixture on the Canadian folk circuit and also appeared for children and, on occasion, with symphony orchestras, maintaining a yearly itinerary of some 200 performances. He released three more LPs: Valdy (1980, Sloth SL-1001), Valdy's Kid's Record (1982, Sloth SL-1003), and Notes from Places (Duke Street DSR-31010, which included a version of Ron Hynes's 'Sonny's Dream,' a country hit in 1985). To his early concern as a songwriter for environmental and social causes, he added a decided political slant with such titles as 'Living Next to a Candy Store' (re the Canada-US Free Trade agreement, 1988), 'Ten Little White Men - The Ballad of Meech Lake' (1990), and 'Hey Mr. Michael Wilson' (re the Goods and Services Tax, 1990). His, however, has generally been a voice of concern and caution rather than anger, the passion of his message moderated by his sweet, relaxed tenor.

Tracks

1. Country Man - 2:38

2. Place At The Table - 2:30

3. A Good Song - 2:08

4. Mm-Mm-Mm-Mm - 2:31

5. Rainmaker - 5:40

6. Rock 'N' Roll Song - 3:00

7. Hello Mr. Record Man - 2:07

8. See How The Years Have Gone By - 3:03

9. Goin Down Slow - 3:03

10.Bruce And The Green Stock - 2:41

11.Goin To The Country - 2:35

12.Country Man - 1:43

All songs by Valdemar "Valdy" Horsdal

Personnel

*Valdy - Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Piano

*Jim Gordon - Drums

*Max Bennett - Bass

*Brett Wade - Acoustic, Electric Guitars

*Claire Lawrence - Organ, Flute

1978 Bob Hughes - The Kids Are Ok! (2011 korean remaster)

Wednesday, July 26, 2023

Bob Hughes - My Old Man (1976 uk, nice folk rock, 2011 korean remaster)

My Old Man is the first release of Bob Hughes, a great musician and singer/songwriter. It was recorded in only one session of 12 hours - two sessions for the The Kids Are Ok!, with the help of the guitarist Ron Turner - aka The Boy and Carmen Cinque - Chic who added extra vocals. What is very impressive, regarding the quality of the LP, a lost folk classic album? There is not much to say except it's beautiful, touching and poignant.

Tracks

1. Satori - 4:12

2. Pierre Laval - 5:10

3. Drifting Away - 2:38

4. Send Away My Passport - 3:53

5. Ask For God - 2:19

6. High Clay Lands - 3:34

7. Dear Friend - 3:35

8. Why Don't We Do It - 2:47

9. High And Dry - 4:17

10.You're Following Me - 3:31

11.That's How Life Flows - 3:24

12.My Old Man - 4:52

Words and Music by Bob Hugues

Personnel

*Ron Turner - Lead Guitar

*Carmen Cinque - Vocals

*Bob Hugues - Vocals, Guitar

1970 Don Cooper - Bless The Children (2008 reissue)

Friday, July 7, 2023

Don Cooper - Howlin' At The Moon (1969-73 us, fascinating groovy jazzy folk rock, 2005 release)

Laden with sunshine soaked melodies, round-the-campfire guitars, troubadour vocals and hip hop beats, despite being recently sampled by the likes of hip hop giants MC Search and Dilated Peoples, Don Cooper has previously been resigned to obscurity, but no longer… Howlin’ At The Moon is first ever “best of” of this enigmatic singer/songwriter.

A must-have compilation taken from only 4 albums (’69-’73) he ever recorded. Side-men include: Terry Plumeri, Toots Thielman, Davis Sanborn, the genius of Richard Davis and one of the world’s most important drummers ever to do it, Bernard Purdie.

Compiled by, and featuring original artwork and sleevenotes from Andy Votel (Twisted Nerve) and Chris McBride (45 Kings), This compilation on Delay 68 is an enthralling collection of songs from this forgotten sensation.

Tracks

1. Rhinstone In The Rough (Ken Shephard) - 2:30

2. A Better Way - 1:39

3. Fat Love Birds (Michael Cochran) - 5:39

4. Bless The Children - 3:56

5. A New Gun - 2:05

6. Blueberry Pickin' (Don Cooper, Thomas Whitfield) - 4:16

7. Captain Spangles Crystal Song - 2:47

8. Easily Said - 2:00

9. Mad George - 2:34

10.Rapid Rainbow Times - 2:20

11.Howlin' At The Moon - 2:23

12.Step Away (Ken Shephard) - 4:07

13.Cotton Candy Dreams - 3:11

14.Revelation - 2:30

15.Tin Cans And Alleyways (Ken Shephard) - 2:39

Music and Lyrics by Don Cooper except where noted

Personnel

*Don Cooper - Vocals, Guitar

*Elliott Randall - Guitar

*Terry Plumeri - Bass

*Bobby Notkoff - Fiddle

*Dixon Van Winkle - Bass

*Richard Davis - Bass

*Terry Plumer - Bass, Double Bass

*Al Rogers - Drums

*Bernie Purdie - Drums

*Herb Lovelle - Drums

*John Plutonia - Guitar

*Toots Theilman - Harmonica, Guitar

*Hugh McCracken - Guitar

*Paul Griffin - Keyboards

*Gary Malabar - Vibraphone

*Tom Daws - Bass

*Frank Owens - Keyboards

*Gordon Edwards - Bass

*Neal Larsen - Keyboards

1971 Raw Material - Time is...

Saturday, July 1, 2023

Raw Material - Raw Material (1970 uk, exceptional prog psych bluesy rock, 2020 double disc digipak, plus two more editions)

Not many may remember Raw Material, an early British prog band who, along with similar groups like Cressida and Spring, helped shape the sound of the legends that were shortly to follow. Perhaps themselves inspired by such 60's stars The Doors as well as The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, Raw Material's songs were rooted in jazz and blues, yet a touch of classical mixed with rock firepower evolved into progressive rock as we now know it.

The first trhree songs of their eponymous debut album, from the London based quintet, includes three strong, long tracks: "Time And Illusion", which had a long instrumental break and vibraphone on leading role; "I'd Be Delighted", which featured strong vocals, good flute and sax work and "Fighting Cock", which builds in strength after a mellow beginning.

Their classic debut album was originally issued in October 1970, and receives its definitive reissue with this deluxe double-CD. As well as the full album, it features both sides of all three singles they'd made to date, as well as the whole of the Sounds Progressive LP they'd released under a pseudonym. The set includes a 16-page booklet offering detailed background notes (drawing on original interviews) and copious photos and promo materials, as well as a reproduction of the promo poster sent to a few UK record shops at the time.

Tracks

Disc 1

1. Time And Illusion (Vic Coppersmith) - 7:30

2. I'd Be Delighted (Ed Welch) - 5:06

3. Fighting Cock (Ed Welch) - 3:48

4. Pear On An Apple Tree (Ed Welch, Phil Sawyer) - 2:58

5. Future Recollections (Colin Catt, Phil Gunn) - 3:54

6. Traveller Man (Yash Klodzinski, Larry Page, Dave Green) - 6:13

7. Destruction Of America (Colin Catt, Herbie Flowers, Phil Gunn) - 2:20

Disc 2

1. Time And Illusion (Vic Coppersmith) - 3:11

2. Bobo's Party (Melanie Safka) - 3:13

3. Hi There Hallelujah (Ed Welch, Michael d'Albuquerque) - 2:46

4. Days Of The Fighting Cock (Ed Welch) - 3:09

5. Traveller Man (Part 1) (Yash Klodzinski, Larry Page, Dave Green) - 3:21

6. Traveller Man (Part 2) (Yash Klodzinski, Larry Page, Dave Green) - 2:59

7. Who Do You Love? (Ellas McDaniel) - 2:06

8. Living In The Past (Ian Anderson) - 3:26

9. Man Of The World (Peter Green) - 2:29

10.I'm A Man (Jimmy Miller, Steve Winwood) - 2:59

11.Spirit In The Sky (Norman Greenbaum) - 3:43

12.Let's Work Together (Wilbert Harrison) - 2:31

13.Second Generation Woman (Rick Grech) - 2:22

14.Sympathy (Graham Field, David Kaffinetti, Steve Gould, Mark Ashton) - 2:23

15.Badge (Eric Clapton, George Harrison) - 2:15

16.Race With The Devil (Adrian Gurvitz) - 3:01

The Raw Material

*Colin Catt - Vocals, Keyboards

*Mike Fletcher - Saxophone, Flute, Vocals

*Dave Green - Guitar

*Phil Gunn - Bass, Guitar, Mellotron

*Paul Young - Percussion

With

*Frank Ricotti - Vibraphone

*Colin Catt - Mellotron

*Peter Flowers - Mellotron

*The Ladybirds - Vocals

Friday, June 23, 2023

rep> Mouzakis - Magic Tube (1965-73 us, stunning raw garage psych with rhythm and blues traces, 2007 bonus tracks edition)

Mouzakis were an East coast basement garage psych group and this is their full LP from 1971. The band started with R&B rock standards, adapted on its way bits of rock’n roll, early rock, and stayed mostly rather on the edge with a more garage rock sound. They learned songs like from Animals, and did a cover from Blues Magoos.

Groups of that time like The Who, Animals and even the Rolling Stones very much liked to keep that rawness of garage alive in their more into the 70s directing rock expressions, also Fabulous Pharoahs and Mouzakis fitted with that approach.

The tracks are a bit longer and especially the first two tracks show complex rhythm use in combination with their adapted R&B influence into rock territory. “Magic Tube” has a complex fast rhythm, (bass and drums) almost funky in its bluesy rock way, while on top is slower bluesy singing, with rhythm guitar, creating a unique kind of complexity I have not heard elsewhere. “Rock Around the clock” with additional organ parts continues a bit in the same direction.

Fred Dawson opined 'after trying to get 4-5 people to agree on 'stuff to play,' we ended up as a three piece band. What we lacked in personnel we made up for in amplification.' Magic Tube, very much the rough and ready hard garage psych album, features almost complete material from the collective pen of Dawson and Stevenson.

Of the band, one critic was moved to proclaim 'Mouzakis has to be heard to be believed. They are totally unique...and as a trio, they accomplish more in their sound than groups double their size!'" Two of the members continued to play under the name Capone until the 80s.

Tracks

1. Sometimes, I Think About You (Ronnie Gilbert, Ralph Scala, Emil Theilheim, Mike Esposito) - 3:01

2. Hold Me Tight (Fred Dawson, Ed Stevenson, Bill Rylander) - 2:41

3. Church Key (Aubry Fisher, Ed Stevenson) - 2:41

4. Route 66 (Bobby Troup) - 2:11

5. Run And Hide (Fred Dawson, Ed Stevenson) - 2:03

6. Fire Street (Fred Dawson, Ed Stevenson) - 2:59

7. Don't Need Your Money - 3:08

8. Gonna Give You Rock 'n' Roll - 2:33

9. Looking Back (Johnny Guitar Watson) - 2:28

10.We Will Be Together (Dick Taylor, Phil May, John Stax) - 3:14

11.Lady (Fred Dawson, Steve Stipo) - 3:06

12.Hey Hey Hey (Richard Penniman) - 2:13

13.Morning Sun (Fred Dawson, Ed Stevenson) - 2:40

14.Don't Want You No More (Fred Dawson, Ed Stevenson) - 2:46

15.Magic Tube - 7:26

16.Rock Around The Clock (Jimmy DeKnight, Max Freedman) - 2:30

17.White Horse - 3:28

18.Love Everyday - 3:56

19.Long Haired Bombardier - 4:07

20.Party Ball - 2:18

21.Lady - 5:31

22.Both Do Fine - 3:09

All songs by Fred Dawson, Eddie Stevenson, Steve Stipo except where stated

Tracks 1-4 as The Fabulous Pharoahs

Mouzakis
*Ed Stevenson - Vocals, Trumpet, Drums
*Sam Stipo - Guitar
*Fred Dawason - Saxophone, Keyboards

The Fabulous Pharoahs

*Ed Stevenson - Lead Vocals, Drums

*Aubrey Fisher, - Lead Guitar

*Fred Dawson - Tenor Sax, Organ

*Bill Rylander - Rhythm Guitar

*Bobby Walker - Bass

1968 The Bleu Forest - A Thousand Trees Deep (2016 release)

Friday, June 16, 2023

The Bleu Forest - Ichiban Live At Jimmie's (1967 us, exciting rough garage psych rock, 2017 release)

I’m betting most of you have heard the Bleu Forest’s “A Thousand Trees Deep,” which was issued in 2016 on the Golden Pavilion label. Initially recorded in 1968, the disc duly renewed interest in the otherwise obscure Ventura County, California band. Prior to the birth of “A Thousand Trees Deep,” the Bleu Forest laid down a recording, that like “A Thousand Trees Deep,” had been hiding in the vaults for years.

Recorded one night in August 1967 at producer Jimmie Haskell’s house, the effort portrays the band in all their bare bones bravado. Employing only a two track reel to reel tape machine and a pair of microphones, the fellows poured their hearts and souls into the performance as though they were courting a massive crowd at Madison Square Garden. Despite the limited technology and spontaneity of the session, the results are mighty impressive. The tone is punchy, while the Bleu Forest approaches their songs with a concentrated focus. Original material, matched by a solid vision, presents the musings of a self-contained band.

The dual influences of raggedy garage rock and psychedelic exploration prevail throughout “Ichiban – Live At Jimmie’s,” directing the tracks to shimmer and sizzle with West Coast cool. Thoughtful lyrics, occasionally flashing a flowery poetic quality, lend a sense of mystique to the mix.

Chiming Byrds styled licks snuggle side by side with aggressive acid-informed frequencies, recalling the barbed bite of Jefferson Airplane and the latter day Vejtables. Detached British inspired vocals, backed by excitable harmonies, along with free-flowing tempos and compact jamming seal the set.

My favorite songs on “Ichiban – Live At Jimmie’s” are “When I’m Alone,” “Bitter Street,” “A Woodland Spring” and “One I Love,” but the whole collection is a satisfying listen.

Not a speck of dead space appears here, as the Bleu Forest rock relentlessly to a high energy level. A valuable piece of history, “Ichiban – Live At Jimmie’s” offers an enjoyable look at a great band that was not only hip to the sounds of the time period in which they were active, but capable of expressing themselves with genuine conviction.

by Beverly Paterson

Tracks

1. Bitter Street - 3:21

2. Story Of A Sort - 2:37

3. When I'm Alone - 3:10

4. One I Love - 3:16

5. I Need Sunshine - 2:52

6. You Said You're Leaving - 3:54

7. Looking In - Introspection Song - 3:41

8. For You - 2:30

9. A Woodland Spring - 3:35

10.At Times - 4:13

11.Colored Rings - 3:05

All songs by Mike Cullen

The Bleu Forest

*Mike Cullen - Guitar, Lead Vocals

*Jack Caviness - Drums

*Gary Heuer - Guitar, Vocals

*Ed Steele - Bass

Sunday, June 11, 2023

Green - To Help Somebody (1971 us, pleasant rural, classic rock, 2011 reissue)

One of the most unjustly-neglected bands of their time, Green got together at North Texas State University in the late '60s, and released a stunning psych-pop debut in 1969. Their largely-overlooked second LP first appeared in September 1971. In the interim between albums, multi instrumentalist James Neel had been replaced by pianist / trumpeter Jay Pruit.

"To Help Somebody" was self produced, and recorded at 2545 North Fitzhugh, Dalla Texas. It's still largely unknown, perhaps because it doesn't sound much like its predecessor, a punchy pop rock record, tightly performed and well recorded.

A classy combination of rock and roll and ballads, with acid-tinged guitar and tasteful horns, it comes across as an idiosyncratic amalgam of The Beatles, The Zombies and Buffalo Springfield, making it a must-have for fans of classic '60s psychedelia and early 1970s rural rock.

Tracks

1. All My Bells - 3:24

2. To Help Somebody - 1:53

3. She Dont' Love Me - 2:58

4. Mary Magdalena - 2:04

5. Can You See Me (Wilson Fisher) - 2:52

6. Teenage Woman (Gary Casebeer) - 2:34

7. Lady, Oh Lady - 1:49

8. Big Dipper (John Martin, Wilson Fisher) - 3:48

9. High Time (Jay Pruitt, John Martin) - 3:02

10.Suzy - 2:49

11.Funny Faces - 3:11

12.San Fernando Valley Girls - 3:11

13.Forest Lawn - 1:35

All compositions by John Martin except where indicated

Green

*Gary Casebeer - Drums, Vocals

*Richard Gardzina - Tenor Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Piano, Accordion

*Wilson Fisher - 8 String Bass, 12 String Guitar, Vocals

*John Martin - Guitar, Piano, Clavinet, Vocals

*Jay Pruitt - Piano, Trumpet

With

*Kathy Kelsey Pruitt - Cello (Tracks 5,7)

*Chuck Mandernach - Trombone (Track 11)

1969 Green - Green

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Bob Hughes - The Kids Are Ok! (1978 uk, magnificent folk silky rock, 2011 korean remaster)

An obscured English singer songwriter Bob Hughes, was thirty-two years old at the time he recorded his first album (My Old Man) at Spaceward Studios in 1976. This was followed in the same Cambridge studios by In For a Penny with the group Hooknorton in 1977 and The Kids Are Ok! 1978, which was recorded in two sessions only!!

The Kids Are Ok! is a step in a new world. Firstly, it's the work of a band, The Bob Hughes Band which comprised of Bob Hughes (12 string guitar, 6 string guitar and vocals) and 5 talented musicians: John Kaliski (lead guitar, bass guitar, vocals), Alan Buxton (same as John), Gary Moore (drums), Adrian Nash (keyboards and vocals) and Ron Turner (lead guitar). Secondly, this album is much more folk rock than My Old Man, with plenty of electric guitar. Melodies are so catchy they will stay in your head for days.

Tracks

1. When I Get There - 3:25

2. Jeannie - 3:48

3. Black Haired Girl - 3:34

4. The Kids Are Ok - 3:06

5. Belinda Blue Eyes - 3:24

6. I Ain`t Got You - 3:55

7. Losing You - 4:10

8. French Wine - 4:22

9. Jacqueline - 5:05

10.Nichola`s A Place - I Know - 3:09

11.In Love With You - 3:01

12.You Broke My Heart - 4:12

Words and Music by Bob Hughes

Personnel

*Bob Hughes - 12-String Acoustic Guitar, Guitar, Vocals

*Gary Moore - Drums

*Adrian Nash - Keyboards, Vocals

*Ron Turner - Lead Guitar

*Alan Buxton - Lead Guitar, Bass Guitar, Vocals

*John Kaliski - Lead Guitar, Bass Guitar, Vocals