Shooting Star - s/t

Name: Shooting Star
Album: s/t
Year: 1979
Style: Power Pop, Hair Rock
Similar Bands: Journey, Foreigner, REO Speedwagon, Jefferson Starship, Bad English, .38 Special, Kansas, Scorpions, 
"One-Word" Review: Midwestern Hair Power Prog
Based Out Of: Kansas City MO
Label: Virgin, Atlantic, Warner Communications Company

Cover, Record

Back, Record

Shooting Star (1979)

1. You Got What I Need 3:45 (Single)
2. Don't Stop Now 4:36
3. Higher 4:15
4. Just Friends 3:58
5. Bring It On 4:45 (Single) /
6. Tonight 4:38
7. Rainfall 2:49
8. Midnight Man 3:35
9. Stranger 4:47
10. Last Chance 6:51 (Single)

Album Rating (1-10): 6.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Gary West (Gary Hodgden)- Writer, Lead Vox, Keys, Guitar, Drums, Percussion (Chesmann Square, The Beckies, Missouri, Madison Avenue)
• Van McLain(Van Allen McElvain) - Writer, Lead Vox, Lead Guitar (The Shooting Stars featuring the Galaxies, Craig W. Lindesay)
• Steve Thomas - Drums
• Ron Verlin - Bass (The Shooting Stars featuring the Galaxies)
• Bill Guffey - Keys
• Charles Waltz - Harmony Vox, Violin, Keys (Toledo Waltz, Human Drama, Incubus)
• Gus Dodgeon - Producer, Tambourine (Elton John, David Bowie)
• Stuart Epps - Engineer, Short Vox Appearance
• Stewart Eales - Asst. Engineer
• Kosh - Design, Art Direction
• Peter Howe - Photos
• John Kostick - Mgmt
• Greg Kimmelman - Mgmt

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band. And nice little play on their name + artwork. They're paparazzi, shooting the stars, thus the band name and bright flash bulb cover. the back band photo catches the flash in a less bright stage, so we see who they are. And they look kinda Talking Heads - new waveish from their general, non-flamboyant outfits. I'm going to guess this will be a solid new wave band

Album Review: They definitely tend to err on the side of Hair Band / Metal side of power pop rather than quirky, jittery new wave end of the spectrum. "You've Got What I Need" borrows a little bit from the chorus melody of  "Philadelphia Freedom," perhaps to using the same Producer Dodgeon. Album Ender "Last Chance" shows their progressive side. Even with those elements, they have the auspicious claim to fame as the first american band to sign with Virgin Records. A second world's first claim, for them was that in 1989, they had the first ever album (a greatest hits CD called Touch Me Tonight) on Billboard's pop album chart that wasn't released on vinyl. Members floated in and out of the band due to illness, touring schedules and disenfranchisement with the music industry, but the band has continued in one way or another to this day, despite McLain's passing in 2018, with plans to play one-off shows here and there sporadically.

Stand Out Track: You've Got What I Need

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ultimate classic rock - McLain obit
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Classic Rock revisited

Sherbs - The Skill

Name: Sherbs
Album: The Skill
Year: 1980
Style: Power Pop
Similar Bands: Journey, Genesis, New Musik
"One-Word" Review: Smooth, Slightly Eccentric Pop
Based Out Of: Sydney, Australia
Label: ATCO, Atlantic, Warner Communications Company

Cover, Record

Back, Record

The Skill (1980)

1. I Have The Skill 3:46 (single)
2. Back to Zero 3:22
3. Cindy is Waiting 4:16
4. Crazy in the Night 3:50 (single)
5. I'll Be Faster 3:43
6. Never Surrender 3:47 (single) /
7. No Turning Back 5:30 (single b-side)
8. Love You to Death 4:08
9. Into the Heat 3:14
10. I'm O.K. 3:31 (single)
11. Juliet and Me 4:16 (single)
12. Parallel Bars 4:08

Album Rating (1-10): 7.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Garth Porter - Keys (Samael Lilith, Toby Jugg, Sherbet, Highway, Melanie Horsnell, Craig McLachlan, James Blundell, Colin Buchanan, Lee Kernaghan, Doc Neeson's Angels,  Jay Denham, Sinead Burgess)
• Tony Mitchell - Bass (Blackfeather, Sherbet, Highway, harry Young & Sabbath, Wheelbarrow, Rick Wakeman, Streets, Barry Andrews, Hepworth Band, Stewart D'Arrietta, Martin Erdman, John Waters)
• Daryl Braithwaite - Vox (Bright Lights, House of Bricks, Samael Lilith, Sherbet, Highway, Australian Olympians, Company of Strangers, Sony Music All Stars, Margaret Ulrich, James Reyne, Lisa Edwards)
• Harvey James - Guitar (Mississippi, Ariel, Sherbet, Highway, Party Boys, Richard Clapton, )
• Alan Sandow - Drums (Daisy Roots, Sherbet, Highway, Flash & the Pan, Dave Miller, )
• Richard Lush - Producer, Engineer
• Alan Ewart - Cover
• David Cafe - Engineer
• Neil Rawle - Engineer
• Warren Barnett - Lacquer Cut
• Roger Davies - Mgmt
• George Marino - Mastering

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band. No real tells with the artwork, name or title, but it kinda reminds me of the bland early 80's style that many soft rock / power pop bands went for. Its interesting though that they have a lot of sports themes - specifically gymnastics on the cover and some song titles, with the "plot twist" that the red ball is oozing paint on the back.

Album Review: They were also know as Sherbet (1969-1979) and Highway, and were a huge Australian band in the 70's with a string of top 20 hits, 10 platinum albums, and were the first Aussie band to reach one million $$$ in domestic sales. They were a Motown/rock cover-band for their first 3 years, transitioning to original clean cut boy band pop rock after. The name Highway was crafted for a harder sound to try & break into the US market, which always eluded them and even failed with the change. They held on, maintaining the name, even in their homeland, but their popularity decline and failure lead to a short break up in 1979, where they reemerged as Shrebs in 1980 with a modified new wave / power pop sound and some slightly quirky effects. The trade off landed them minor success in the US, but eroded any success they previously saw in Australia- or anywhere else for that matter. They reverted back to Sherbet in '84 for a farewell tour, were inducted into the Aussie music HOF in 1990, and have had occasional reunions since 1998, despite the passing of James in 2011 due to lung cancer. 

Stand Out Track: I'm O.K.

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Shadows (the) - Jigsaw

Name: The Shadows
Album: Jigsaw
Year: 1967
Style: Instrumental, Surf, Pop, Psych
Similar Bands: Ventures, Beatles, Peter Frampton, Rick Nelson, Bobby Fuller Four, Association
"One-Word" Review: Surf Skiffle
Based Out Of: London England
Label: EMI, Gramophone, Columbia

Cover, Record

Record, Back

Jigsaw (1967)

1. Jigsaw 2:33
2. Tennessee Waltz 2:50 (Pee Wee King / Redd Stewart cover)
3. Prelude in E Major 2:42
4. Cathy's Clown 2:27 (Everly Brothers Cover)
5. Stardust 3:06 (Hoagy Carmichael cover) (Single)
6. Semidetached Suburban Mr. James 2:48 (Mannfred Mann cover) (Single)
7. Trains and Boats and Planes 2:15 (Bacharach cover)/
8. Friday on my Mind 2:47 (Easybeats cover)
9. Winchester Cathedral 2:49 (New Vaudeville Band cover)(Single)
10. Waiting for Rosie 2:14
11. Chelsea Boot 1:52
12. Maria Elena 3:07 (Lorenzo Barcelata cover)
13. With a Hmm-Hmm on My Knee 1:57
14. Green Eyes 3:05 (Nilo Menendez cover)

Album Rating (1-10): 7.5

Members & Other Bands:

• David Steen - Cover Photo
• Jim Goff - Cover Design
• Norrie Paramor - Producer
• Peter Vince - Engineer, Writing
• John Rostill - Bass (Tom Jones, Ritchie Francis)
• Cliff Richard (Harry Webb) - Writing (Drifters, Band Aid II, Mit Chor Und Orch, Anti-Heroin Project, And Strings, Pat Carroll, Aleksander John, Dave Pope, Garth Hewitt, Olivia Newton John, Network 3, BA Ronertson, Craig Pruess, Shelia Walsh, Janet Jackson, Phil Everly, Mike Batt, Elton John, Dave Clark, Van Morrison, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Claudia Jung, Darren Day, Tim Rice, Sir John Betjemen, Lulu, Helen Shapiro, Helmut Lotti, Cilla, many)
• Hank Marvin (Brian Rankin) - Guitar (Drifters, Chesternuts, And Strings, Vipers Skiffle Group, Marvin-Welsh-Farrar, Flair, Dennis Waterman, Des O'Connor, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Wings, BEF, Shakin' Stevens, Jean-Michel Jarre, Alan Jones, Darren Day, Jane McDonald, Jet Harris, Dire Straits, Peter Frampton, Jay-Z, Leo Sayer, Jason Donovan, more )
• Bruce Welch (Bruce Cripps) - Guitar (Drifters, Chesternuts, And Strings, Marvin-Welsh-Farrar, Olivia Newton-John,  more )
• Brian Bennett - Drums (Oh Boy! House band, Marty Wilde, Tommy Steele, And Strings, Collage, Heat Exchange, James Aldenham, Les Play Boys, Krew Kats, Thunder Company, Wally Asp, Wasp, Mark Wirtz, Al Stewart, Gunhill, Marvin-Welsh-Farrar, Olivia Newton-John, Labi Siffre, Georgie Fame, Alan Hawkshaw, The Gentle Rain, Michael de Albuquerque, Nick Ingram, Camilo Sesto, Garth Hewitt, Sassafras, Alvin Stardust, Bruce Forsyth, Glenn Cardier, Dennis Waterman, Flair, Chris Spedding, Walker Bros, Sutherland Brothers, Allan Heiding, Eddie Cochran, Roger Whittaker, The Players, Darren Day, Local Heroes, Robin Beck, Survivors, East Tennessee State Univ. Bluegrass Band, Vibratos, Mohawks  more )

Unknown-ness: Never heard of the Shadows. Picked this up while on honyemoon in London, so this is a Great Britian pressing. I liked the simple layout of the name & logo & font, plus the play on the album name and puzzled together photo. See one member has buddy holly glasses, so i'm guessing it is a pop vocal band from the 60's

Album Review: So this is a very popular instrumental (mainly) band, at least in the UK, as they are the fifth sellingist band over there, right behind Presley, Beatles, Madonna & the gentleman they are also the backing band for, Cliff Richard (who was the British answer to Presley). Their peak popularity was just before the Beatles, (whom were greatly influenced by them), and they have pioneered some of rock's greatest assets, from instrumentation and band set (lead, rhythm, bass & drums) up to live performance choreography. They were forced to change their name from the Drifters to Shadows in 1959 thanks to a single released in the states, clashing with the vocal group of the same name.  They have also performed in many films and tv shows: even in pantomime and marionette forms. Musically, they combined and spotlight elements of pop, rock, surf, ballads, and jazz. This collection of songs are mostly covers, with all the aforementioned genres added in together; jazziness particularly on their originals, and some country as well. The title track is just a masterpiece ahead of its time.

Stand Out Track: Jigsaw

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707 - s/t

Name: 707
Album: s/t
Year: 1980
Style: Power Pop, Light Rock
Similar Bands: Hawks, Producers, Shoes, Journey, Styx, Kansas, Nick Gilder, Foreigner, Ben Folds
"One-Word" Review: Piano Heavy Harmonic Pop
Based Out Of: LA, CA & Detroit, MI
Label: Casablanca Record & Filmworks Inc.

Cover & Record

Back & Record

707 (1980)

1. I Could Be Good For You 4:46 (single #52 BB Hot 100)
2. Let Me Live My Life 2:46
3. One Way Highway 4:17
4. Save Me 2:49
5. You Who Needs To Know 4:59 /
6. Slow Down 3:19
7. Feel This Way 3:49
8. Waste of Time 4:51
9. Whole Lot Better 6:37

Album Rating (1-10): 7.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Phil Bryant - Bass, Lead & Backing Vox (Sax Maniacs)
• Jim McClarty - Drums, Percussion 
• Duke McFadden - Keys, Lead & Backign Vox, Acoustic Guitar (Chi Coltrane)
• Kevin Russell - Guitars, Lead & Backing Vox (Brian & the Sensations, Rick Derringer, Clarence Clemons, Whitesnake, Phantom-Rocker&Slick, Kokomo, NYC, Taxxi, Frank Marino, Leslie West, Jimmy Dillon, Ted Nugent, Stu Blank, F Machine Sea Hags, Nils Lofgren, Rod & The Shotgun Blues, Ruminators)
• David Carr - Piano, Arrangements (Simeon, Janine Maunder, Rich Mountain Tower, London, Tim Steen, Judty McComb, Kyle Vincent, Sarah Sarah, Paul Colman, Acetylene, Antiskeptic, Naked Raven, Steph Atkins, Guy Sebastian, Cilla Jane, Solicitors, Joe Cannon)
• Norman Ratner - Producer
• Fred Ruppert - Executive Producer
• Bob Stringer - Engineer, Mixing
• Steve DeGennaro - Production Assistant
• Bess Gilbert - Production Assistant
• Russell Schmitt - Asst. Engineer
• Dan Everhart - Asst. Engineer
• Mike Saunders - Asst Mixing Engineer
• Ed Schreyer - Mastering
• Ross Warren - Album Design & Execution
• Gribbitt - Graphics

Unknown-ness: Never heard of 707. On one hand, they look like a power pop band, but i've also seen where this sort of album design means they are a jazz fusion band. The liner notes on the back do suggest there are three singers, so most likely not a jazz band, and their photographs on the band steer them clear from any sort of new wave act.

Album Review: The band had success with their lead off song from this album, and after two more albums, one recorded in 1981, but never released until 2004, they left their label and recorded their biggest record Megaforce, who's title track was the theme for the film of the same name in 1982. For that album, their new label wanted one single front man, instead of a shared mix of various leading vocalist. McFadden passed away in 2005, and Russell tried to continue in the spirit of 707 with new material which fell apart to the degree he is now just leaving it in the past. The name 707 was considered a catchy name, and was also Russell's birthdate. This record is mostly light power pop, lots of harmonies and piano support that reminds me of Ben Folds at times. 

Stand Out Track: Let Me Live My Life 

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School of Fish - s/t

Name: School of Fish
Album: s/t
Year: 1991
Style: Jangle Pop, College Rock
Similar Bands: REM, Redd Kross, Dillon Fence, James, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Collective Soul
"One-Word" Review: Slacker Pop
Based Out Of: LA, CA 
Label: Capitol

Cover, Lyrics, Tape

Lyrics, Notes, Tape

School of Fish (1991)

1. Intro 1:42
2. 3 Strange Days 5:12 (single)
3. Talk Like Strangers 3:37
4. Deep End 4:53
5. King of the Dollar 2:47 (promo single b-side)
6. Speechless 4:56 /
7. Wrong 4:28 (promo single)
8. Rose Colored Glasses 3:43
9. Under the Microscope 4:34
10. Fell 2:50
11. Euphoria 5:45

Album Rating (1-10): 7.0

Members & Other Bands:

• John Porter - Producer
• Dave "Death" Pine - Engineer
• Ken Paulakovich - 2nd Engineer
• Lee Manning 2nd Engineer
• Alison Donald - A&R Direction
• Valerie Pack - A&R Coordination
• Jon Blaufarb - Legal Representation, Spiritual Guidance
• Sandy Tanaka - Mgmt
• Josh Clayton-Felt - Lead Vox, Guitars, Drum Box (Francis X and the Bushmen, Twig, Jewel)
• Michael Ward - Lead Guitars, Vox, Drum Box (John Hiatt, Wallflowers, Ben Harper, Innocent Criminals, Francis X and the Bushmen, Gogol Bordello, Guilty Dogs, Stripsearch, Harry Connick Jr, Lenny Laks, Mad Buffalo, Joel Simpson Quartet, Pinetop Perkins, Duck See Goose, Bo Dollis & Wild Magnolias, Jesse Johnson, Jude, Shawn Mullins, Jessica Riddle, Fastball, David Maxwell, Stripsearch, Gavin DeGraw, Eric Bibb, Avril Lavigne, Tracy Bonham, Shelby Lynne, Nerina Pallot, Five for Fighting, Anna Tsuchiya, Shannon Noll, Mikal Blue, Tom Freund, Kris Allen, Vanessa Da Mata, Glen Campbell, Sara Bareilles,  Cuntz, Sabrina Carpenter)
• Dominic Nardini - Bass
• Michael Petrak - Drums (Samiam)
• Tommy Steele - Art Direction
• Heather Van Haaften - Design
• Dennis Kelley - Photographer

Unknown-ness: I got this cassette back in High School at some point, but i don't remember why or what they sound like. Probably heard a song of theirs on Post Modern PST or 103.9 WDRE, and saw their cassette in a cheap bin, alas, i don't know what's on it. From the muddled guitar smashing image, wacky "Shadowy Men" sorta font, i'm going to guess this is meandering jangle pop.

Album Review: So as soon as I saw the name of the second track, and it started playing I at least remember the song 3 Strange Days very well. It did, in fact, make its way onto a mix tape when i was in high school. The rest of the album falls in line with what was popular for early 90's college radio pop. Half classic rock, half power pop, with a little psychedelic, drawn out musical support, and a lot of loopy, meandering melodies that come off as more slacker rock than pure, clean pop. Singer Clayton-Felt was diagnosed with Cancer and passed away in 2000. King of the Dollar breaks down into the lyric and guitar riff of "I Can't Get No Satisfaction."

Stand Out Track: 3 Strange Days

Links:
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LA Times 2000 article

3 Strange Days Facts

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Chicago Tribune On the Road '91 article

Riff Raff - Clayton-Felt article

Josh Clayton-Felt website

Scars - Author! Author! E.P.

Name: Scars
Album: Author! Author
Year: 1981
Style: Post Punk, New Wave
Similar Bands: Gang of Four, The Jam, Haircut 100
"One-Word" Review: Soundscape inspired Post Punk
Based Out Of: Edinburgh, Scotland
Label: Stiff Records

Cover, Record

Back, Record

Author! Author! E.P. (1981)

1. All About You 3:59
2. Leave Me in the Autumn 2:48 /
3. Author! Author! 2:52
4. She's Alive 2:57 

Album Rating (1-10): 9.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Robert Blamire - Producer (Penetration)
• Steve McLaughlin - Drums (Cubs, Jimmy Cliff, Badly Drawn Boy, Ilan Eshkeri)
• John Mackie - Bass (Bitter Moon)
• Paul Research (Mackie) - Lead Guitar (Heavy Drapes, VoiceX)
• Robert King - Vox (Opium Kitchen, Groucho Handjob, Lip Machine)
• Laurence Diana - Engineer
• Pete Anderson - Photo
• Rocking Russian - Cover Design

Unknown-ness: Never heard of them. The cover artwork makes me think of a punk version of Los Lobos. It also kinda reminds me of the artwork of the Hoodoo Gurus, so maybe it will be more conceptual rock than angsty punk. Either way, Stiff Records bodes well for the sound.

Album Review: This EP is an extension of their only album by the same name, Author! Author!. They were part of the literary art-punk scene in Edinburgh. They did a reunion show in 2010, and have a 2015 documentary called Big Gold Dream about them. The style of the single, "All About You," which was written in the studio to be a single, is soundscape, new romantic post punk. "Leave Me in Autumn" is like a combo of Duran Duran and Gang of Four. "She's Alive" is driving, bouncy, Clash like post punk.

Stand Out Track:She's Alive

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Edinburgh News 2017

Louder than War 2010 reunion

Guardian

Essentially Pop 2019 VoiceX

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Section (the) - Fork It Over

Name: The Section
Album: Fork it Over
Year: 1977
Style: Jazzy Rock, Fusion, Funk, Prog, Light Rock
Similar Bands: Brand X
"One-Word" Review: Pitch Perfect Smooth Jazzy Prog.
Based Out Of: Los Angeles, CA
Label: EMI, Capitol

Cover, Sleeve, Record

Back, Sleeve Notes, Record

Fork It Over (1977)

1. Suckers On Parade 3:47
2. LA Changes 5:25
3. Street Pizza 4:07
4. Hamsters of Doom 4:30
5. Bad Shoes 2:49 /
6. Moon Over Fontana 5:30
7. Rainbows 4:34
8. White Water 2:55
9. Magnetic Lady 5:41

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Russ Kunkel - Drums, Vox, Percussion (James Taylor, Carol King, Jackson Brown, Carly Simon, David Crosby, Graham Nash, Lyle Lovett, Meatjack, Spinal Tap, Things to Come more)
• Leland Sklar - Bass (Phil Collins, James Taylor, Jackson Browne, David Crosby, Graham Nash, Wolfgang, Vince Gill, Barefoot Servants, Diana Ross, Hall & Oats, Clint Black, Reba McEntire, George Strait, Group Therapy, Suzy Bogguss more)
• Craig Doerge - Keys, Moog (James Taylor, David Crosby, Graham Nash, Jackson Browne, Sion & Garfunkel, Henske, Keepin' 'Em Off the Streets, Rosebud, more)
• Danny Kortchmar - Guitars, Field Drums (Don Henley, James Taylor, Carol King, The City, David Crosby, Graham Nash, Harry Nilsson, Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, Attitudes, Jo Mama, King Bees, Slo Leak, Flying Machines, Yesca, more)
• Steve Forman - Percussion (Friendship, Eclectic Mouse, Topsy Turbys, Ray Manzarek, REO Speedwagon, Kim Carnes, Loggins & Messina, Sergio Mendes, Al Jarreau, more)
• Jim Horn - Sax, Flute, Piccolo (Duane Eddy, George's Band, His Dynamite Horn Section, Johnny Rivers, LA Boogie Band, Kip Tyler & the Flips, Lalo Schifrin, The Rebels, Shelter People more)
• Chuck Findley - Trumpet (Alf Clausen Jazz Orch, Buddy Rich Big Band, Don menza, Findley Bros, High Voltage, Johnny Rivers, LA Boogie Band, Klaus Weiss, L'il Jack Horn Sect. James Last, Peter Herbolzheimer, Ernie Watts more)
• Judy Henske - Lyrics
• James Taylor - Vox (Yo Yo Ma, Flying Machine, Mitchell/Taylor Boy Girl Choir, Simon-Taylor Family other acts)
• Joe Lala - Congas Timbales, Percussion (Blues Image, Manassas, Pacific Gas & Electric, Steve Rucker, Byrds, Stills-Young Band more)
• David Sanborn - Sax, Lyricon (Bob Mintzer, Gil Evans, Chaos Choir, Domenic Troiano, NY All Stars, Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Players Association, SNL band, World's Most Dangerous Band, More)
• David Crosby - Vox (CPR, CNSY, Les Baxter's balladeers, Beefeaters Byrds, Jet Set, Red Hots other acts)
• Roy Kohara - Art Direction
• Dave Willardson - Illustration
• Jim Shea - Photos
• Matt Hyde- Prcording , Mixing Engineer
• Rick Moody - Asst. Engineer
• Skip Saylor - Asst. Engineer
• Michael Boshears - Asst. Engineer
• Wally Traugott - Mastering
• Ian Underwood - Oberheim Knowledge

Unknown-ness: never heard of this band, but the front and back artwork support their band name (section of the record) and album name, since the section of the record cut is being forked over. Based on the mellow longhair band picture on the back, i imagine this will be some southern bluesy rock or powerpop, perhaps a bit snarky with their all-in concept album from name to imagery. 

Album Review: So this is a mostly acid jazz fusion band with prog rock. Mostly instrumentals with some high profile vocalists in James Taylor and David Crosby on one song each (the last track on each side of the album). They were basically the house band for anyone recording with Asylum Records, nicknamed the Mellow Mafia- based solely on their musical style: not their energetic stage presence and chaotic lifestyles. Together and or independently, these four helped shaped the all star careers of Carly Simon, Carole King, David Crosby, Jackson Browne, James Taylor, Don Henley, Linda Ronstadt and Phil Collins. They propelled the main acts live shows into superstar status, and helped write many of their biggest hits. They were a respected force as a group, and it would not have been possible for Jackson Browne to record his all-new, all-live album Running on Empty without them on tour for the three weeks it took to compile, during the same year this album came out.

Stand Out Track: Street Pizza

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Seatrain - s/t

Name: Seatrain
Album: s/t
Year: 1970
Style: Bluesy, Roots Rock, Bluegrass
Similar Bands: Credence Clearwater, Grateful Dead, Kavaret, The Band, Fairpoint Convention
"One-Word" Review: Smokey Mountain Blues Barn Jigs
Based Out Of: Marin County, CA
Label: Capitol, EMI

Cover, Back. Record

Lyrics, Credits, Record

Seatrain (1970)

1. I'm Willin' 3:32 (Lowell George/Little Feat cover)
2. Song of Job 6:04
3. Broken Morning 3:04
4. Home to You 3:22 (Earth Opera cover)
5. Out Where the Hills 5:48 /
6. Waiting For Elijah 3:35
7. 13 Questions 2:58 (single)
8. Oh My Love 2:50
9. Sally Goodin' 2:09
10. Creepin' Midnight 5:20 (Carol King cover)
11. Orange Blossom Special 5:07

Album Rating (1-10): 6.5

Members & Other Bands:

• George Martin - Producer (Beatles)
• Larry Atamanuik - Drums, Percussion (Emmylou Harris, Hawks, Nash Ramblers, King Biscuit Boy, Paul Winter, Marksmen, Tony Rice, Peter Rowan, Mike Cross, Jon Randall, Alison Krauss, Linda Ronstadt, Dave Mallett, Continental Divide, Tim O'Brien, Jim Lauderdale, Blue Highway, Sam Bush, Johnny Saculla, Tom Dundee, Rob Ickes, Barry & Holly Tashian, Paul Craft, Bap Kennedy, John Prine, Ron Block, Trout Fishing in America, Shawn Camp, Rowan Bros, Stevens Sisters, Natalie MacMaster, Anne Feeney, Pine Mtn Railroad, Claire Lynch, Alison Brown, Bearfoot, Dierks Bentley, V-Roys, Nashville Cast, Chas Williams, Todd Burge)
• Peter Rowan - Lead Vox, Guitar (Earth Opera, Blue Grass Boy, Muleskinner, Bill Monroe, Old & In The Gray/Way, Panama Red Riders, The Train Band, Rowans, Richard Greene, Usual Suspects, Ricky Skaggs, Art of Noise, Bela Fleck, Northern Lights,   more)
• Lloyd Baskin - Lead Vox, Keys (Orphan)
• Jim Roberts - Lyricist (Emmylou Harris)
• Richard Greene - Violin, Viola, Keys. Vox (Jim Kweskin Jug Band, Muleskinner, Bill Monroe, Blue Grass Boys, Blue velvet Band, Dry City Scat Band, Grass is Greener, Great American String Band, Greene String Quartet, Blues Project more)
• Andy Kulberg Bass, Vox, Flute (Blues Project, Sensational Guitars of Dan & Dale, Blue Velvet Band, David Soul, Daniel Kobialka, Parallax, Al Kooper, Chris Michie)
• Bill Price - Engineer
• Bob Cato & Friends - Photography & Design
• Ira Friedlander - Design
• Al Vanderberg - Photos

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, but it looks like a knock-off version of the Grateful Dead, down to their logo with a boat that looks like a train in the gatefold. They look like nice enough mountaineering hippies, and i bet they did a lot of drugs. So I have a feeling this may be a proggy jam band, so focused on the music loops that it goes on forever.

Album Review: This is the immediately following, and due to contractual obligations; overlapping, band of The Blues Project. In fact, the first Sea Train album had to be released as The Blues Projects for those exact reasons. This and their first album are both named Seatrain, with the only difference is a space in the name between Sea & Train on the first record. This and their follow-up record were both produced by Beatles main man, George Martin, and this is the first post-Beatles project that he produced. They blend various genres of the time, going back to bluesy rock with Blues Project, adding in country bluegrass, fiddle band barn dance, roots rock, and some prog elements. It has a very renaissance mountain jug and string band folksy feel, but produced very well with talented musicians. Single "13 Questions," an alien abduction song from the alien's POV, broke top 50 on the charts, and has a little funk / pre-disco element to it, that reminds me a little of The Go! team.

Stand Out Track: 13 Questions

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Saga - Worlds Apart

Name: Saga
Album: Worlds Apart
Year: 1982
Style: Prog, New Wave
Similar Bands: Prism, Genesis, Yes, Rush, Styx, Triumph, Toto, Marillion,
"One-Word" Review: Fun Driving Melodic Pop-Prog
Based Out Of: Oakville, Ontario, Canada
Label: Portrait, CBS

Cover, Sleeve, Record

Back, Lyrics, Record

Worlds Apart (1982)

1. On the Loose 4:12 (Single US #26)
2. Wind Him Up 5:48 (Single Canada #22)
3. Amnesia 3:29 (Single)
4. Framed 5:42
5. Time's Up 4:08 /
6. The Interview 3:51
7. No Regrets (Chapter V) 4:44
8. Conversations 4:44
9. No Stranger (Chapter VIII) 7:05

Album Rating (1-10): 8.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Rupert Hine - Producer
• Stephen W. Tayler - Recording Engineer
• Ian Morris - Asst Engineer
• David Rolfe - Asst. Engineer
• Clive Corcoran - Mgmt
• Zoran Busic - Mgmt
• John Berg - Design
• David Kennedy - Cover Photo
• Shostal Associates - Star Photo
• Bob Ludwig - Mastering
• Michael Sadler - Lead Vox, Keys (Pockets, Voices with Heart, Ozzy Osbourne, Emmanuel, Magnum, No Sweat, Lovetrick, Boby Kimball, Frankfurt Rock Orch, Toss 'n' Turn, Sheela, Rudy's Journey, Chain, Frameshift, Henning Pauly, Amaran's Plight, Jeff Jones, Transmission, Roswell Six, Lisa LaRue, David Barrett, Rock Sympnoy Orch ORSO, Karibow, Alan Simon, Dissociative Identity Disorder, Jonah Kihlberg;s Impera, In Continuum, Chardeau)
• Jim Crichton - Bass, Keys (Pockets, Fludd, magnum, No Sweat, Yes, Wet Paint)
• Jim Gilmour - Lead Keys, Vox, Clarinet (GNP, Phil Henry, Terry Crawford, James Gerrard Gilmour, Spookey Ruben, Henning Pauly, Negus, Glen Drover, ACT, Karibow, Mike Thorne)
• Ian Crichton - Guitars (Pockets, H30+, Any Day Now, Asia, The Alchemist, Herring Pauly, John Payne, Phenomena, Michael Sadler, Rob Moratti)
• Steve Negus - Drums, Percussion, Simmons Electronic Drums (Pockets, Fludd, GNP, Fullerton Dam, Chris de Burgh, Rupert Hine, Nylons, One to One, Lunch At Allen's)

Unknown-ness: Never heard of Saga, but i bet this sounds like Yes or Genesis, or any other Prog band of the 70's, even if this is dated 81/82. No doubt about it: from the fonts, to the name, to the world map on the back: definitely  conceptual prog.

Album Review: The songs are definite Prog: Meandering, energetic complex riffs that paint a picture all their own, with passionate vocals. The songs are very lively, catchy, and I feel like there is very little self-masturbatory jam sessioning here. I'm really enjoying the album more so than normal prog bands. This is their fourth - and first with American break out songs - of their 21 album catalogue. The core group of members have come, gone, and returned over the years, with a couple You Tube auditions for replacements. Every time a milestone was set, the fans pulled them right back in (including a strong following in Germany), including calling it quits in 2017 after 40 years, only to play final shows in 2018 and a reunion tour in 2020. Interestingly, they have a concept album scavenger hunt across seven records between 1978 - 2003, where some tracks- not in any particular order, are scattered and numbered as individual chapters: 16 in all. Upon completion, a live compilation of the chapters was released in 2005 to unveil a conceptual sci-fi story line about Einsteins brain, alien interest in humanity's self-destruction, and technological resurrection of the dead. Chapters 5 and 8 are here.

Stand Out Track: Amnesia, On The Loose

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Rosenshontz - Rock N' Roll Teddy Bear

Name: Rosenshontz
Album: Rock N' Roll Teddy Bear
Year: 1986
Style: Children's Pop
Similar Bands: Kids Bob,
"One-Word" Review: Cringeful Embarrassing Multi-Genre Pop
Based Out Of: Brattleboro VT
Label: RS Records

Cover, Lyrics, Record

Back, Lyrics, Record

 Rock N' Roll Teddy Bear (1986)

1. Rosenshontz Rap 2:27
2. Do Be Do Good 3:20
3. Billy Don't You Cry Now 3:20
4. Quiet Time 2:55
5. Bobo & Fred 3:28
6. Go For It 3:12 /
7. Rock N' Roll Teddy Bear 2:57
8. Mr. Stringbean 4:40
9. The Circus is Here 3:20
10. Little Light of Mine 3:12
11. The Best That I Can 3:24

Album Rating (1-10): 2.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Gary Rosen - Vox, Classical Guitar
• Bill Shontz - Vox, Flute, Clarinet, Tenor Sax (Roberta Peters)
• Bill Usher - Percussion (Sharon Lois & Bram, Bruce Cockburn, Horseflies, McBride, Dave Essig, David Wiffen, Irish Rovers, Bill King, Truck, Bob McBride, Valdy, Doug McArthur, Stringband, Shirley Eikhard, Willie P Bennett, Raffi, Ron Nigrini, Zachary Richards, Robert Paquette, Marie-Lynn Hammond, Travellers, Sesame Street, Wicky Sears, Mark Rust, Tuin)
• Tom Griffiths - Bass (Sandy Hooks, Jim Thompson, Bob McGrath, Colin Linden, Willie P Bennett, Joe Mavety, Chris Spedding, Dean McTaggart, Terry Blersh)
• Gary Craig - Drums (Bruce Cockburn, Colin Linden, Eddie Schwartz, Chris Hall, Wrabit, Arrows, Air Supply, Teal, Terry Kelly, Alannah Myles, Rita Coolidge, Dan Hill, Eddie Kirkland, Exchange, Scott Dibble & Watertown, Lawrence Gowan, Suzie Vinnick, Barbara Payton, Blackie & Rodeo Kings, Rick Fines, Anne Murray, Aidan Mason, Stephen Fearing, Lennie Gallant, Mae Moore, Salamander Crossing, Katherine Wheatley, Ray Montford, Roberta Michele, Ruthann Springle, Leonore Elaine, Parmela Attariwala, Arlene Bishop, Kathleen Edwards, John McDermott, Rex Goudie, Melissa O'Neil, Linda McLean, Charlie A'Court, Edwin, Tyler Kyte, Agnessa, George Canyon, Twilight Hotel, Sora, Terri Clark, Jenn Grant, Jim Brickman, Justin Rutledge, Ian Tamblyn, Kirsten Jones. Tim Chaisson, Jadea Kelly, Lee Harvey Osmond, Doug Paisley, Stuart Ward, Jenny Scheinman, Eden Brent, Lindi Ortega, Steph macpherson, Lucas Chaisson, Steve Dawson, Big Dave McLean, JadeMya, Michelle Willis, Campbell Woods, Fred Penner, Trailerhawk, Nashville Cast, Joe Aylward)
• Bucky Berger - Drums (Chiliwack, Rise and Shine Band, Rough trade, The Canadian Aces, Flying Bulger Klezmer Band, Raffi, Murray McLauchlan, Compass, John Mays, Fruteland Jackson, Garnett Ford, Marie-Lynn Hammond, Mendelson Joe, Jerry Brodey, Scott Merritt, David bradstreet, Chris & Ken Whiteley, Available Space, Morgan Davis, Brent Titcomb, Fred penner, Eric Anderson, Deborah Dunleavy, John Hammond, Sylvia Tyson, Jackie Washington, Mose Scarlett, Penny Lang,grit Laskin, Amos Garrett, Kathy-Reid Naiman, Fathead, Garth Hudson, Treasa Levasseur, Al Lerman, harmonica Shah, 
• John Bride - Guitar (Greaseball Boogie Band, Shooter, Time Twins, Stella, Partland Brothers, Rita Chiarelli, The Panthers, Men Without Hairs)
• Keven Breit - Electric Guitar (Folkalarm, Sisters Euclid, Stretch Orch, Superfenerous, The Guess Who, Norah Jones, k.d. lang, Janis Ian, the Breits, Celine Dion, Jane Siberry, Amos Lee, Rosanne Cash more)
• Ray Parker - Synth, Piano (Cargo, barry White, Blue Peter, Muscle Tones, O Ji Ji,. Cliff Edwards, Sharon Lois & Bram, Semsame Street, Keith Hampshire, Albert Hall, Sidney Bechet, The Front, Bob McGrath, Stan Rogers, Terry Carisse, Ken Tobias, Guido Luciani, Brian Browne, Terry Kelly, Anita Perras, Joan Kennedy, Eric Nagler, Rankin Family, Susan Aglukark, JP Cormier, Celtic Connection, Bruce Guthro, Jeff Heley Band, Good Brothers, Cyril MacPhee, Louise Lambert)
• Alex Dean - Alto & Tenor Sax (Al Henderson, Bobby Rice, DEW East, Kieran Overs, Rob McConnell, Kam Falk, Sharon Lois & Bram, Jim & Rosalie, Sesame Street, Aaron Davis, Henry Kucharzyk, Jeffrey Hatcher, Purplechanges, Arlene Smith, Barry Elmes, RJimmy Riley, Cynthia Schloss, Kieran Overs, Wayne Wade, Tyrone Taylor, Memo Acevedo, Acoustics, Oliver Jones, John Herberman, Mel Torme, Tom Leadbeater, Universal Honey, Matt Minglewood, Dave McMurdo, Humber Jazz Ensemble)
• Colina Phillips - Backing Vox (Laurie Bower, Northern Lights, Sway, Hollywood Vampires, Tiaras, Alabama, Alice Cooper, Triumph, Moxy, Anne Murray. Nils Lofgren, Doug & the Slugs, Murray Mclauchlan, Rough Trade, Bruce Cockburn, Martha & the Muffins, Rick Moranis,   more
• Sharon Lee Williams - Backing Vox (Basic Black & Pearl, Northern Lights, Sway, Hollywood Vampires, Michael Bolotin, Alice Cooper, Bob Seger, Rough Trade, Moxy, Bruce Cockburn, Martha & the Muffins, Rick Moranis, Anne Murray, Atomic Betty, more)
• Shawne Jackson - Backing Vox (Sweet Blindness, Hollywood Vampires, Majestics, Mandala, Domenic Troiano, Rory Block, Bill Amesbury, Alice Cooper, Diane Heatherington, Murray McLauchlan, Long John Baldry, Doug & the Slugs, Rough Trade, Bob & Doug McKenzie, Garnett Ford, Wrabit, Moe Koffman, Rick Morrison, Robotman & Friends, Craig Ruhnke, Lisa Price, Bruce Cockburn, Martha & the Muffins, Santers, Luba,  Robert Armes, Doug Cameron, Sheree jeacocke, Partland Bros, Voices With Heart, Christopher Ward, Siobhan Crawley, Hugh Marsh. Rick Moranis. Sheree, Lisa Lougheed, Rick Santers, Patria, Sattalites)
• John Whynot - Synth Emulator (Bruce Cockburn, Blackie & the Rodeo Kings, Colin Linden, Blue Rodeo, Whitenoise, harlan Pepper  more)
• Kevin Doyle - Engineer
• Ivar Vaag - Asst. Engineer
• Scott Boyling - Asst. Engineer
• Marjorie Merena - Art Direction & Design
• W. Allan Gill - Photos

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, but it looks quite interesting...i mean the album name is quite juvinile, as are the photos of stuffed animals with instruments. However, the two members are two older, middle aged men. There is a quote of praise from Parents Magazine (and Newsweek), so maybe this is designed for little kids. 

Album Review: Wow. I don't think i've ever heard anything more embarrassing. Not really sure who this is for, or who would actually think about buying this for themselves or their kids. It is just awful style representations of rock, "rap (which sounds closer to Devo)" pop, vaudevillian country, with lyrics that try to relate to young children or present motivational anecdotes. One can only hope there were all only good intentions with this duo, as they do have a 9+ album discography (and i've only seen positive reviews and praise, so that's great to discover). Still,  I hope this was no child's first experience with music. One of their songs was picked up and played on Captain Kangaroo in the mid 70's, and from there, they transitioned from an adult act to a kids act, moving from NYC to VT. When their popularity waned in 1993, they split ways and performed solo-ly independently, only reuniting once as a benefit for an ailing Rosen in 2005. He passed away in 2007 from ALS. Shontz focused more on environmental education in music, and made his solo career almost completely void of Rosen. As they invited kids to their shows to bring their favorite teddy bears in the audience, it should be no surprise that their big hit was Teddy Bears' Picnic, which even became an emmy nominated video.

Stand Out Track: The Best That I Can

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Robotiks (the) - Man and Machine

Name:The Robotiks
Album: Man and Machine
Year: 1985
Style: Synth, Electronic Reggae, Dub
Similar Bands: Manuel Gottsching, Mad Professor, King Tubby, Lee "Scratch" Perry
"One-Word" Review: Jazzy Synth House Reggae
Based Out Of: London, UK
Label: Ariwa Sound

Cover, Record

Back, Record

Man and Machine (1985)

1. Man and Machine 3:36
2. Dubbing in Harmony 3:26
3. San Remo 6:05
4. Test Tube Mix 4:29
5. Recharge 3:42/
6. Mystic Robotik 3:39
7. Shooting Star 4:38
8. Positive Logic 3:59
9. Dub De Goeblin 3:27
10. It All Started Under a Coconut Tree 3:51

Album Rating (1-10): 5.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Mad Professor (Neil Joseph Stephen Fraser) - Producer, Vox (Anti-Social Workers, Sergeant Pepper, Lost Cherrees, Perry Farrell, Dubital, The Nomad, Professor Skank, Ranking Ann, Ben Zephaniah, Johnny Clarke, Jah Shaka, Lee "Scratch" Perry, Kofi. Bob Andy, Clementine, Massive Attack so many)
• Preacher - Vox, Bass, Piano (Sane Inmates, Rosie Gaines, Twinkle Brothere, Ranking Ann, Mad Professor, Sergeant Pepper, Johnny Clarke. Jah Shaka, Alvin Dread., Wild Bunch, Addis Rockers, Sandra Cross, Macka B, Kendell Smith, Kofi, Champion Doug Veitch, Lee Scratch Perry, Nitty Gritty, Junio Delgado, Mr Palmer the Ninja, Sister Audrey, U-Roy, John McLean, Tippa Irie, Peter Hunningale, Luciano, Susan Cadogan, Joseph Cotton, Daddy Freddie, Tex Johnson)
• Michael Walters - Vox (Macka B)
• Robotics - Drums
• Black Steel (Errol Nicholson) - Bass, Guitars, Piano (Klearview Harmonix, Peter Culture, Mad Professor, Sandra Cross, Dr. Alimantado, Johnny Clarke, Aisha, Barry Biggs, Kofi, Dennis Brown, Twinkle Bros, KLF, U-Roy, Kevin Eastwood, Moody Boys, Intense, Thriller Jenna, Sade, Gregory Isaacs, Earl Sixteen, Kingpin, Macka B, Nolan Irie, Paulette Tajah, Yabby You, Workshy, Unitone Rockers, Tucker Rainbow, John McLean, Della Grant, more)
• Jeffrey Beckford - Guitar (Mad Professor, Sandra Cross, Nitty Gritty, U-Roy, Bert Martin, John McLean, Macka B, Aisha, Madelaine, Luciano)
• Cleveland Neunie - Piano (Ranking Ann, Mad Professor, Sandra Cross, Johnny Clarke, Nitty Gritty, Bert Martin, Madelaine, Susan Cadogan, Joseph Cotton, Daddy Freddie)
• Roger - Horns (Mad Professor, Macka B, Sandra Cross, Lee "Scratch" Perry)
• Patrick - Horns (Mad Professor, Macka B, Sandra Cross, Lee "Scratch" Perry)
• George Wilkins - Harmonica (Peter Culture, Mad Professor, Long Tall Texans)

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band. But from the straight line cover of a military force taking on a robot attack, i imagine it is some sort of futuristic electro hard core or political minded indie punk with synthesizers. 

Album Review: So i was way out of my league when I put this record on. It reminds me a little of Manuel Gottsching with the synthetic repetitive house/techno sound, with the big exception is that this album has a chill reggae dub vibe. It is mostly instrumental, and the repetitive hooks and grooves are slow and deliberate. I've read they are the house band for their label, Ariwa, and support artist like Lee "Scratch" Perry. Mad Professor is by far the biggest name related to this band, and he is one of the pioneers bringing dub into the digital age, which is more than apparent on this album.

Stand Out Track: Man and Machine

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Mad Professor 2006 Remix Mag Interview

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Ariwa Label Page

Road (the) - s/t

Name: The Road
Album: s/t
Year: 1970
Style: Psych Oldies & Bubblegum Pop, Funk, R&B
Similar Bands: Bee Gees, Stones, Beatles, Tom Jones, Zombies, Hollies, 
"One-Word" Review: 60's Wedding Cover Band on drugs
Based Out Of: Buffalo, NY
Label: Kama Sutra, Buddah Records , Viewlex Inc

Cover, Promo Sleeve, Record

Back, Promo Sleeve, Record

The Road (1970)

1. She's Not There 3:43 (single, Zombies Cover)
2. Love Is All 3:21
3. Love It Is 4:42 (J. Geils cover)
4. A Taste of Honey 2:32 (Ric Marlow cover)
5. I Can Only Give You Everything 2:47 (single b-side, Them cover)/
6. Dance To The Music 5:29 (Sly & Family Stone cover)
7. Never Gonna Give You Up 3:11 (Jerry Butler cover)
8. Mr. Soul 2:40 (single, Neil Young cover)
9. In Love 1:55 (single b-side)
10. See You There 2:12
11. Rock N Roll Woman 2:52 (Stephen Stills cover) 
12. The Grass Looks Greener on the Other Side 2:31 (single)

Album Rating (1-10): 7.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Hal Wheeler - Arrange, Conducted
• Bill Radice - Engineer
• J. Pinto / Joey Reynolds / Rencore - Producer
• Jerry Hudson -Lead Vox (Madmen, 6 Pact, Mellow Brick Rode)
• Phil Hudson - Lead Vox (6 Pact, Mellow Brick Rode)
• Joseph Hesse - Bass (Mellow Brick Rode, Just Us 5)
• Jim Hesse - Organ (Mellow Brick Rode, Just Us Five, Caesar & The Romans)
• Ralph Parker - Lead Guitar (Madmen, 6 Pact, Mellow Brick Rode)
• Nick Distefano - Drums (Mellow Brick Road, Just Us 5, Marie Osmond, Billy Joe Royal, Janie Frickie, Johnny Rodriguez, David Loggins, Marshall Chapman, Wheetstone Bridge)
• James S. Bush Jr - Cover Photo
• Silver & Morris - Prepared
• Frank Iannello - Album Design
• Gordon James - Photography

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, but from the logo/font, hairstyles and their clothes, plus being on Buddah Records, I imagine it will be some Psych/Bublegum Pop

Album Review: The Road, as shortened / updated form of their previous name Mellow Brick Rode, was a band of solid musicians who made their own arrangements on other people's songs for the most part (3 tracks are written by band members). Their arrangement of the Zombie's "She's Not There" was their biggest hit, making top 40 lists in and around their home of Buffalo NY. They never toured further than Massachusetts, per direction from their management, but their reach was across the country. The were comfortable being an ever-present act in the Buffalo area. They had one more album after this one for Kama Sutra records, and after that were then were not a band for many years like an on/off light switch with a revolving door of members. There is brass present on this record, but no mention of who played on it with a credit(s).

Stand Out Track: She's Not There

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Jeannie C. Riley - The Generation Gap

Name: Jeannie C. Riley
Album: The Generation Gap
Year: 1970
Style: Country Pop, Southern Bluesy Rock
Similar Bands: Tammy Wynette, Brenda Lee, Dolly Parton, Dusty Springfield, Lorletta Lynn, Connie Smith
"One-Word" Review: Spunky Country Oldies
Based Out Of: Stamford, TX
Label: Plantation Records, Shelby Singleton Corp.

Cover, Record

Back, Record

The Generation Gap (1969)

1. The Generation Gap 2:44 (single B-side)
2. Fine Feathered Friend 3:25
3. Words, Names, Faces 2:03
4. My Man 2:58 (single)
5. He Made A Woman Out Of Me 2:15 /
6. Duty Not Desire 2:26 (single)
7. Games People Play 2:54
8. Darkness Falls 2:49
9. Holdin' On 2:02
10. Okie From Muskogee 2:35
11. To the Other Woman 2:45

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Southern Graphics Industry - Design & packaging
• The Belmont Agency - Cover Photo
• Jeannie C. Riley - Vox
• Shelby Singleton Jr - Producer

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this singer. But it looks really mod, and hippie with a strong foothold in the Dollywood country south. So oldie, catchy country pop is my guess.

Album Review: There is a lot of pop, catchy melodies, and slightly psych production to fit into the 60's mod sound, but there is also the same amount of country/gospel bluesy swagger to the songs, and Riley's vocals are versatile enough to easily handle both sounds. In 1968, she won the Grammy award for best female country vocal performance on Harper Valley PTA, which held the #1 Billboard spot for both pop & country and spawned movies and tv series, along with a major network variety show for her. Due to the content of the song: a widowed mother who dated and dressed in the 60's mini skit and go go boots style responded to a hypocritical PTA who judged her style negatively, she herself was pressured to match that style against her personal comfort. In the late 70's she became born-again and focused her recordings on gospel music. The songs on here were written by an array of people from Margaret Lewis & Myra Smith (4 tracks), Merle Haggard "Okie From Muskogee" and even Gary US Bonds + Swamp Dogg: Jerry Williams Jr "To The Other Woman," which is kind of a companion piece to her Harper Valley PTA single. Before she moved to Nashville, just out of high school, her four year marriage produced a daughter, Kim, in 1966, who later would accompany her on stage, singing back up, touring with her, and trying out her own career as Riley Coyle.

Stand Out Track: The Generation Gap

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Red 7 - s/t

Name:Red 7
Album: s/t
Year:1985
Style: Power Pop, New Wave

Similar Bands: Journey, Code Blue, Police
"One-Word" Review: Futuristic Radio Power Pop
Based Out Of: San Fran, CA
Label: MCA 

Cover, Record

Back, Lyrics, Record

Red 7 (1985)

1. Relentless 3:58 (single)
2. Heartbeat 4:17 (single)
3. No Sorry 3:24 (single)
4. Less Than Perfect 4:12
5. The Way 5:09 (single) /
6. This Dark Hour 4:37
7. Questions and Answers 4:09
8. Let Me Use You 3:35
9. Shades of Grey 4:12
10. Can't Much Anymore 5:02

Album Rating (1-10): 8.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Mike Rutherford - Producer, Bass, Choir (Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics, Anon all credits)
• Don Gehman - Co-Producer, Mixing, Engineer
• Andy Prieboy - Music, Lyrics (Wall of Voodoo)
• Michael Becker - Music, Keys Backing Vox (Eye Protection, Stevan Pasero, Christopher Bock)
• Gene Stashuk - Music, Lyrics, Guitar, Lead Vox (euGENE WENDELL, Mike + the Mechanics, Ronnie Montrose, Isley Brothers, Toni Childs, The Unspoken Word, Bonnie Raitt)
• Paul Revelli - Drums, Backing Vox (Elvis Costello, Chuck Prophet, Bey Paule Band, Joe Lewis Walker, RX, Markus James, Anthony Paule, Cat McLean, Rusty Zinn, Sista Monicam Red House Painters, Chris Michie, Maria Muldaur, Go Go Market, Mark Hummel, John Vanderslice, Tom Heyman, Angela Strehli, Bill Cutler, Elvin Bishop, Might Mike Schermer Band, Blues Broads, Frank Bey, Anthony Paule, Sammy Hagar, Bill Kirchen, Austin De Lone, Nancy Wright )
• Bonnie Spark - Lyrics
• David Tickle - Engineer, Fairlight Programming, Choir (U2, Eric Johnson, Lost At Last)
• Geoff Callingham - Asst Engineer, Choir (Genesis)
• Ian Morace - Asst Engineer
• Peter Smith - Asst Engineer
• Greg Edward - Engineer
• Greg Dorman - Asst Engineer
• Julian Stoll - Asst Engineer
• Greg Fulgintini - Mastering
• Anne Wenzel-Banks - Choir
• Samantha Clayden - Choir
• Clare Newman - Choir
• Caroline Garnett - Choir
• Andy Barclay - Choir
• Dale Newman - Choir (Anthony Phillips, Mike Rutherford, Steve Hackett)
• Jeff Adamoff - Art Direction
• Marty Cohen - Direction, MGMT

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band. This was one of the first TSM albums i got, so finally getting to the later letters. Per the promo sticker four of the first five tracks were potential singles. I like the sleek logoed "7," looking like a racing stripe, pasted on the black background. Simple, clean design, futuristic and mysterious with a little dangerous intensity. The band photo on the back, layered over the same logo gives a cold, archaic feel. I'm hoping the music taps into the future electronic aspects of the artwork, and this is a fun synth heavy new wave album.

Album Review: This is a very weird album. On one hand, there are a lot of fun time signatures and driving songs with keys and cold war synth effects. But on the other hand, the guitar and vocals are like a typical greasy, back alley Miami Vice power pop band of the 80's. Point in fact, their single "Heartbeat" found its way to be on Miami Vice (as well as 1986's film Manhunter).  And "Less Than Perfect" is featured in one of my favorite childhood films, Explorers. But back to the band: imagine Steve Perry fronting the Residents on the song "No Sorry" or occasionally sounding like Devo on "Let Me Use You" - but i would not classify that as their overall sound. "This Dark Hour" has a strong Police vibe. Mike Rutherford was a big help to the band on their first record, and he would have produced their second if it were not for his touring schedule with Genesis- a decision forced by MCA that ultimately led to the demise of the band under the forced misguided pressure from the label and production team. 

Stand Out Track: No Sorry, Let Me Use You

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Red Guitars - Slow to Fade

Name: Red Guitars
Album: Slow to Fade
Year: 1984
Style: New Wave
Similar Bands: The Jam, The Clash, Duran Duran, Talking Heads
"One-Word" Review: Snotty Sophisticated British Dance Party
Based Out Of: Hull, England
Label: Self-Drive Records, Red Rhino & the Cartel

Back, Cover, Record

Lyrics, Credits, Record

Slow to Fade (1984)

1. Remote Control 3:52
2. Dive 3:07
3. Astronomy 3:26
4. Cloak and Dagger 3:51
5. Crocodile Tears 4:49 /
6. Shaken Not Stirred 3:46
7. Sting in the Tail 4:49
8. Marimba Jive 5:20 (#1 Indie single)
9. Slow to Fade 3:56

Album Rating (1-10): 8.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Roy Neave - Producer, Engineer
• Neil Drake - Asst Engineer
• Grant Ardia - Percussion
• Danny Woods - Hammond Organ (Jeremy Kidd)
• Tokai - Guitar
• Jerry (Jeremy) Kidd - Vox (Carnage in Poland, Czechs, )
• Lou (Louise Howard) Barlow - Bass (Weirdies in the Wardrobe, The Planet Wilson, Loudhailer Electric Company, Celtarabia)
• Hallam Lewis - Lead Guitar (Carnage in Poland, Czechs, The Planet Wilson, The Fabulous Ducks)
• John Rowley - Rhythm Guitar (The Fabulous Ducks, Lovemat) 
• Matt Higgins - Drums
• Syd Shelton - Design, Art Direction
• Andy Dark - Hand Colouring

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band. Was gifted the album by a friend cleaning out stuff he didn't listen to, saying he got this because of Lou Barlow's bass contribution (but it is not the same Lou Barlow as Sebadoh / Dino Jr). I like the clean design, simple coloring, lots of neutral space and British army imagery, which all reminds me of Wire. I figure the music will be simple, minimal, but catchy in the realm of post punk or politically active high-brow new wave.

Album Review: There is a lot of Clash and Police influence in this record, with snotty, nasally vocals sounding like Simon Le Bon much of the time. The special ingredient that made the band unique was Hallam's upbringing in South Africa, which brought a different influence on his guitar playing that gave the band somewhat of a sunny African rhythm and nature. They had 2 big breaks of having their first single played prominently on the John Peel program and opening for the Smiths (including a headlining spot on occasion when Morrissey was too troubled to play a show). They were politically motivated, supporting left wing causes and adopted an anti-corporate ideology. They self-released their material, but Kidd left the band 2 months after this albums release, and they only lasted another 2 years without him before disbanding. 

Stand Out Track: Shaken Not Stirred, Marimba Jive

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Rave Ups (The) - Town + Country

Name: The Rave Ups
Album: Town + Country
Year: 1985
Style: Americana Country, Alt-Country
Similar Bands: Cracker, Camper Van Beethoven, Thorns, Uncle Tupelo, Del Fuegos, Blasters, Wire Train, BoDeans, Lone Justice
"One-Word" Review: Twangy Brooding Alt-Country
Based Out Of: Pittsburgh, Pa / LA, CA
Label: Fun Stuff Records

Cover, Sleeve, Record

Back, Liner Notes, Record

Town + Country (1985)

1. Positively Lost Me 5:10 (single)
2. Remember (Newman's Lovesong) 2:53
3. Better World 4:42
4. Class Tramp 3:29
5. In My Gremlin 2:10 /
6. Radio 5:12
7. By The Way 3:25
8. Not Where You're At (But Where you Will Be) 3:43
9. You Ain't Goin' Nowhere 4:31 (Bob Dylan cover)
10. Rave-Up/Shut Up 1:50

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Stephen Barnlard - Producer
• Clyde Kaplan - Recording Engineer
• Russell Nathan Castillo - Mixing Engineer
• Bernie Grundman - Mastering
• Terrmeister - Editing
• Robert Fusfield - Art Direction
• Jimmer Podrasky - Vox, Guitar (Lovin' Miserys, Jimmer)
• Terry Wilson - Guitar, Vox (Springfield, MO All Star Band, The Dog People, Ozark Mountain Daredevils, J. Wunderle, Jimmer, Flat Creek, Giorgio Moroder, Amii Stewart, Big Trouble, Kenny Loggins, Skeletons, )
• Tom Blatnik - Bass (Dancing Hoods, Lonsome Strangers, Whittier)
• Timothy Jimenez. - Drums (Jimmer)
• Sneaky Pete Kleinow - Pedal Steel Guitar (Burrito Bros, Burrito Delux, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Rick Nelson & The Stone Canyon, Sir Raleigh & The Cupons, Flying Burrito Bros, Grease Band, John Braden, Lynn Blessing, Joe Cocker, Dillard & Clark, Denny Brooks, Bill Cowsill, Eve, Carp, Delaney & Bonnie & Friends, Hedge & Donna Capers, Mother Hen, Marc Ellington, Bob Gibson, Daniel Moore, Potter St. Cloud, Don Everly, Burton & Cunico, Billy Joel, Little Feet, Cherokee, Helen reddy, Al Kooper, Barry McGuire & The Dr., Byrds, Joni Mitchelle, Crazy Horse, Little Richard, Jackson Browne, Frank Zappa, Martin Mull, Bee Gees, Yoko Ono, John Lennon  more)

Unknown-ness: I never heard of this band. Just from the cover + band name, i imagine this to be a mid 80's jangle pop band, where the name is full of energy, but the cover looks like middle america, and the back band photo on the railroad tracks with pastel highlighted clothing furthers the working man's band, complete with bolo tie and the 80's fad Pretty in Pink Duckie hat.

Album Review: So rather than jangle pop, this midwestern (Pittsburgh might as well be the midwest), this college rock band accents heavily on the slide country guitar, and american working class mentality. Aside from looking like extras from Pretty in Pink a year before its release (Podrasky was dating & had a child with Molly Ringwalks older sister, Beth), they actually were in the film (as well as Beverly Hills 90210, where Podrasky had a brief relationship with Shannon Doherty). They also touch on Roots Rock and Rockabilly ("In My Gremlin"), and their moody "Radio" reminds me of James in parts. There have been a couple incarnations of the band, as members gathered and fell off as Podrasky moved from Pitts to LA back to Pitts and then back to LA. This main and steadiest version is the band happened after Podrasky's second move LA where he worked in the mailroom of A&M records along  with the other 3 members.

Stand Out Track: By The Way

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