Systems Officer - s/t

Name: Systems Officer
Album: s/t
Year: 2004
Style: Indie, Light Math Rock, 
Similar Bands: Hail Social, Shins, Pixies, Janes Addiction (acoustic), The Walkmen
"One-Word" Review: Wispy Meandering Rainy Day Pop
Based Out Of: Encinitas, California
Label: Ace Fu

Cover & Back

Lyrics, CD, CD Back

Systems Officer (2004)

1. Forever This Cyanide 4:03
2. Systems Officer 4:42
3. Signature Red 5:10
4. Desert / Sea 3:57
5. Hael 4:06

Album Rating (1-10): 6.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Armistead Burwell (Zach) Smith IV - Written, Performing, Recording, Layout Design (Pinback, White Lion, Three Mile Pilot, Neighborhood Watch, Zach and Robb Show)
• Tom Zinser - Drum Ideas (Neighborhood Watch, Pinback, Physics, Three Mile Pilot, Tit Wrench United, Liz Janes)
• Ryan Bromley - Live Performer (Pinback)
• Jack Reynolds - Live Performer
• Donny Van Zandt - Live Performer, Layout Design (Pinback)
• Sara Bee - CD Art Design (bettetthansnacks.com)

Unknown-ness: Never heard of the artist/band, but i picked it up from a thrift store because liked the artwork pattern, which looked to me like a 70's big collar polyester shirt,. but upon closer inspection, resembles stops along a subway map. Just a nice, simple piece of art with a DIY font. I imagine the music will be pretty stripped down, perhaps bedroom folky pop, just from the liner notes dedicating one person performing the songs.

Album Review: While the songs are simple, almost demo-like, they do present fully realized songs, occasionally reminding me of a lighter, happier Hail Social or less power-poppy Shins. Maybe a little Perry Farrell in the tinny vocals, and a lot like the Walkmen overall.

As this is the solo name for the bass player of Pinback & Three Mile Pilot, it has similarities to his bands. But this is a project he can focus on as 100% his, and he played 100% of the instruments on this.

Stand Out Track: Forever This Cyanide

Links:

Bandcamp
Spotify
Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic
Sandiego Reader
Facebook
Oh My Rockness

Temporary Residence
Daily Aztec 2011 show listing

Gallien-Kruegar

Bottom of the Hill 2015 show listing

Sunday Runners - s/t

Name: Sunday Runners
Album: s/t
Year: 2005
Style: Powerpop, Light Rock
Similar Bands: Keane, The Verve, Travis, Muse, Ours, Lincoln, Pixies, Beatles, Fountains of Wayne, Grandaddy, Doves
"One-Word" Review: Cultured Power Pop
Based Out Of: Chicago
Label: Machine Records

Cover & Back

CD, Inner Note, CD Tray

Sunday Runners (2005)

1. Elected 3:51
2. Memories Left at Sea 3:34
3. Everlasting Sun 2:54
4. Half My Height 3:03
5. Into Your Head 4:02
6. 1993 3:58
7. Finally 3:19
8. Lip Biter 3:07
9. Flying Saucers 3:27
10. Evolver 4:36
11. Floor Toms Fall Away / Hide (hidden track) 10:32

Album Rating (1-10): 8.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Randy Diderrich - Vox, Guitars, Keys, Writing, Lyrics, Album Art Design, Producer, Remixing (Mas Optica, Front of Truck, Tobin Sprout, Kevin Tihista's Red Terror)
• Todd Bowie - Slide Guitar, Backing Vox, Producer, Remixing, Engineering (Martha Berner, The Karlz, Toiz)
• Mason Brown - Guitar, Bass, Backing Vox, Writing (Tobin Sprout)
• Derek Crawford - Drums, Percussion (Verve Pipe, Kiss Me Luna, All Rectangle, Dick Prall, Tenniscourts, Clip Art)
• Robin Crawford - Cello 
• Rick Diderrich - Bass (Renegade)
• Chad Kovac - Drums, Keys (Kevin Tihista's Red Terror)
• Dan Reinholt - Drums
• Gary Vermillion - Drums (Tobin Sprout, Kevin Tihista's Red Terror)
• Steve Vermillion - Bass (Tobin Sprout, Kevin Tihista's Red Terror)
• Brad Towell - Album Art Design
• Chris Butterman - Exec Producer, Mgmt
• Trevor Sadler - Mastering
• Warren Pieschalia - Photos
• Tony Bonyata - Photos, Promo & Publicity
• Matt Monsoor - Video
• Win Jones - Cover Painting

Unknown-ness: I've never heard of the band. From both the lazy idea of a Sunday runner, to the cold, frozen art work and aerial photography, i'm guessing this is a high-brow indie band, with a lot of the sound tied to folksy, log cabin pop, similar to #2-4 album Belle & Sebastian. Maybe there is more energy than I currently think, though, only because the band's contributor list is pretty long...although slide guitar and cello make me thing wispy folksy pop is still their sound.

Album Review: The album is overflowing with harmonies, held notes a little like Ours' Jimmy Gnecco, some light indie coffee house pop and some straight up Fountains of Wayne Powerpop. The mix of songs is refreshing, pushes away boredom (aside from the blank space before the hidden track) and keeps you guessing with a nice slice of catchy, non-threatening radio-ready pop. The album was mostly the project of frontman Randy Diderrich, with support from labelmates and friends.

They had a song on the OC (Memories Left at Sea), and had some good press about the album, which opened some doors for the Chicago band. Originally from Southern Wisconsin, Randy moved himself and the band back home for their second album, after being cured from melanoma and having a kid. The second album is more of a collaboration of the full band, with a reportedly more cohesive 70's glam sound. 

Stand Out Track: Half My Height

Links:
Todd Bowie's Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic

On Milwaukee

On Milwaukee tour date

Mitch Schneider Org
Concert Live Wire show review

amazon

Stereo Bus (the) - s/t

Name: The Stereo Bus
Album: s/t
Year: 1997
Style: Bedroom Pop, Lo-Fi, Shoegaze, Atmospheric Pop
Similar Bands: Imperial Teen, Game Theory, Track Star, Beat Happening, Belle & Sebastain
"One-Word" Review: self-proclaimed "Sissy-Pop"
Based Out Of: Christchurch, New Zealand
Label: Beats Bodega Records, Festival Records

Fold Out, Tray Art, CD

Cover, Back, CD Back

The Stereo Bus (1997)

1. Shallow 4:21
2. Don't Open Your Eyes 5:09
3. Wash Away 2:34
4. Mirror 3:00
5. Be A Girl 3:49 (single)
6. Tell 4:03
7. Lie in the Arms 4:09
8. Waste of Time 3:19
9. Bright Lights 1:45
10. Fade 4:49
11. God's Fingers 3:34
12. Far Away 3:44

Album Rating (1-10): 7.5

Members & Other Bands:

• David Yetton - Vox, Guitar (Jean-Paul Sartre Experience, Jay Clarkson)
• Alan Gregg - Bass, Piano (The Mutton Birds, Dribbling Darts, Remarkables, Three Leaning Men, Dave Dobbyn, Bic Runga, Allyson Seconds)
• Ross Burge - Drums (The Mutton Birds, Spines, Rodger Fox Big Band, Dennis O'Brien, Jon Stevens, Midge Marsden band, Eddie O'Strange, Two Armed Men, Sahara, Jodi Vaughn, David Feehan, John Niland, Nick Swan, Bill Lake & Living Daylights, Happening Thang, Dave Dobbyn, Marshmallow, Finn Brothers, Don McGlashan, Hera, Pie Warmer, The Bend)
• Gary Sullivan - Drums (JPS Experience, Solid Gold Hell, Dimmer, Chug, Breathing Cage, Graeme jefferies, Jay Clarkson, Punches, Stano, Shayne P Carter)
• Sonya Waters - Backing Vox (Fang, Orange, The Broken Heartbreakers, Instigators, White Swan Black Swan, This Way Out, The Rosemarys, Smoothy, 
• Janet Holborow - Strings (Radha Sahar, Rhian Sheehan)
• David Pine - Bass (Sneaky Feelings, Death Ray Cafe, Bleeding Allstars, The Moas)
• Phil Knight - Engineer
• Max - Engineer
• Bruno - Engineer
• Rex Vizible - Mastering
• Rebecca Lovell-Smith - Sleeve Design

Unknown-ness: Picked this up at an Oxfam on a trip to the UK. Like the biohazard and day glow orange and pink artwork that screams manic energy, and I assume it will be wacky, fun pop music from New Zealand. First impression is that this will be in the realm of Presidents of the USA or Nerf Herder

Album Review:  First reaction is the opening chords sound like the Gin Blossoms, and when the lyrics begin, it shifts to Imperial Teen. Not manic at all, rather, the complete opposite; calculated, medicated, and reserved. On the whole, the vocals are an intimate, quiet whisper with light, production.

The Stereo Bus started as a side project for Yetton, member of Jean-Paul Sartre Experience, who experimented with the moody, atmospheric tracks as parts of mini set's he'd head off with the band as they wound down their shows. This is one of two albums, the second record grew The Stereo Bus into a full band project with a modest profile- something that began to feel like too much work for Yetton, and he let his project wind down as well. Since then. he's produced a solo record, and reimagined The Stereo Bus for a small tour with 4 new tracks in 2011

Stand Out Track: Washaway

Links:

Spotify
Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic

AudioCulture
Dunedin Sound Tapes
Rate Your Music
Music. NZ
Off the Tracks

NZ Music
Stuff.Co Yetton Interview

Shapes and Sizes - s/t

Name: Shapes and Sizes
Album: s/t
Year: 2006
Style: Indie
Similar Bands: Shins, Mates of State, Deerhoof, Immaculate Machine, Aldous Harding, High Llamas, Pavement, Mirah
"One-Word" Review: gently jagged soundscape pop
Based Out Of: Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Label: Asthmatic Kitty Records

Cover, Tray Artwork

Liner Notes, CD, Promo Sticker, Back

Shapes and Sizes (2006)

1. Island's Gone Bad 4:44
2. Weekends at a Time 4:13
3. I Am Cold 4:34
4. Northern Lights 3:51
5. Wilderness 3:29
6. Goldenhead 3:39
7. Topsy Turvey 3:38
8. Oh, No, Oh Boy 3:46
9. Rory's Bleeding 3:34
10. Boy, You Shouldn't Have 5:32

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Rory Seydel - Guitar, Ukelele, Vox (the Weird Weeds, Project Pablo)
• Caila Thompson-Hannant - Guitar, Keys, Piano, Vox (Miracle Fortress, Parakeets, Think About Life, The Weird Weeds, TOPS)
• Nathan Gage - Bass, Keys, Vox (Elfin Saddle, Lee Hutzulak, Clues, Bry Webb, Hidden Words, Michae; Feuerstack)
• Jon Crellin - Drums, Vibes (Galen Hartley, Tamara Sandor)
• Caity Gallupel - Artwork
• Darren Bennett - Layouts
• Tolan McNeil - Recording, Pedal, Lap Steel Guitars (Onionhouse, Carolyn Mark, Hank Pine, Lily Fawn, Himalayan Bear, Dayglo Abortions, Daddy's Hands, Amy Honey, Eugene Chadbourne, Dave Lang, Frog Eyes, Tom Holliston, Leeroy Stagger, Pink Mountaintops, Budokan)
• Brooke Maxwell - Tenor Sax (Rachelle Van Zanten, Lester Quitzau)
• Mike Mazza - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
• Mieka Kohut - Viola

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, but with their artwork + duct tape, it is definitely going to be some Indie music with experimental tendencies and intriguing melodies, perhaps organic and naturally inspired +  noise...i'm thinking Need New Body / Man Man, perhaps (hoping). 

Album Review: Overall, the album has a light, quiet soundscape feel to it, although there are some broken moments, beeps and brass peppered in throughout. If there is any way to *feel* like a band who typifies the Canadian landscape, they feel it. But for a group with two sets of distinct vocals and a handful of instruments, the album does not resonate with anything very memorable.

Three albums decorate the band's discography, as do three locations, including Vancouver and Montreal. They signed to Sufjan Stevens' label based on a demo sent his way & a breakfast that followed.

Stand Out Track: Island's Gone Bad

Links:
Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic
Exclaim! Sufjan's label signing
Asthmatic Kitty Records
Pitchfork
Impose magazine
Rate Your Music

Sandwiches (the) - Rock On Scubatron

Name: The Sandwiches
Album: Rock On, Scubatron
Year: 1998
Style: Twee Pop, Indie Pop, Geek Pop
Similar Bands: Belle & Sebastian, Ed's Redeeming Qualities, Mosquitoes, Imperial Teen, Soul Coughing, Rentals, Lincoln, Bicycle, They Might Be Giants
"One-Word" Review: Cutsey Juvenile Care Free Pop
Based Out Of: Minneapolis, MN
Label: Edible Records

Cover, Fold Our & Tray

Back, CD, Phots & Liner Notes

Rock On, Scubatron (1998)

1. Good Morning (Alright) 3:25
2. Get Down 3:32
3. Lucy Vittucci 4:19
4. Mermaid 4:51
5. Panic Girls 2:42
6. G-Spot Lamar 4:54
7. Horizontal 3:51
8. To Be Mine 1:52
9. Sonnet 29 3:41
10. Big Mouth 2:25
11. Get With You '98 3:42
12. Rockstar Sportscar 7:43 (Bonus tracks: Sandwiches / Glen the Ape)

Album Rating (1-10): 7.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Lord Ludicrous (Bryan Loften) - Vox, Guitar, Trombone
• D, - Trombone, Emcee
• Lila Karash Guitar, Guiboard, Vox (Chinch Bugs, 13 Hertz)
• Abraham Lincoln - Trumpet
• The Sexman (Jim Sexton) - Drums, Vox, Coronet (Chinch Bugs)
• Flavia Medeiros - Vox, Percussion 
• Louise (Sherman) Rocks - Bass, Vox (Chinch Bugs)
• Joey Molland - Guitar (Badfinger, Natural Gas, John Palumbo, John & Mary, John Lennon Plastic Ono Band, George Harrison, Chinch Bugs, Alias Smith & Jones, Eric Clapton)
• Bob Davis - Shakespeare
• DJ Scubatron (Christian Fritz) - Skratching
• Amy Olinger - Flute
• Jenny Loop (Loupe) - Oboe (Chinch Bugs)
• Abers - Sandwich Security
• Terry - Honz the Clown
• Glenn - Glenn the Ape
• Jeff - Chicken Man
• Bahama Donna - Sugar Momma
• Pak - Webmaster
• Eck - Loan Shark
• Mar(k)s Healey - Engineering, Mixing
• Doug Wild - Mastering
• Steve La Bore - Design, Illustration, Lay-Out
• Chris Hansen  - Design, Illustration, Lay-Out
• Jeff L Johnson - Design, Illustration, Lay-Out
• Amy Winning - Manufacturing Consultant

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, but they look like a bunch of fun, lovable goofs, from the costumed headshots and names in the liner notes. From the name and artwork, i'm guessing it will be nerdy, Beatle-y pop. The notes suggest there can be big production with non-standard instruments and the band photos number 7, so as much as I feel it will be stripped down and personal lo-fi, i have to imagine the sound is bigger & catchier.

Album Review: They are a diverse band within the catchy pop genre, where the first track has a Belle & Sebastian sound, the second track has a Soul Coughing / Rentals vibe. Overall it's a quite nerdy, happy-go-lucky pop style of music (with some record scratching), in a dad-jokes, cleverly embarrassing way. Best comparison I can get is something between Imperial Teen and They Might Be Giants. But with some teenage-like sexual frustration/exploration.

They apparently had a fun, entertaining and randomly chaotic live show, where they wore costumes and would hand out sandwiches to the audience. 

Stand Out Track: Good Morning (Alright)

Links:
Spotify

Discogs

Allmusic
Face Book
SC Times

SC Times #2
Youtube - full album

Rate Your Music
Jaxsta

Vanwarmer, Randy - Beat Of Love

Name: Randy Vanwarmer
Album: Beat of Love
Year: 1981
Style: New Wave, Island, Light Rock
Similar Bands: The Cars, Grandaddy, Generationals, Marshall Crenshaw, Cecilio & Kapono, Eric Carmen, Howard Jones, Billy Squier
"One-Word" Review: Wispy Contemplative Pop
Based Out Of: New York

Label: Bearsville, Warner, Warner Communications

Cover, Record

Back/Lyrics, Record

Beat of Love (1981)

1. Suzi Found a Weapon 3:08 (single #55)
2. Always Right 3:56
3. Babel / Don't Hide 3:07/4:08
4. Amen 1:48 
5. I Guess it Never Hurts to Hurt Sometimes 3:54 /
6. Frightened By the Light of Day 3:26
7. Hanging On To Heaven 3:18
8. The Beat of Love 4:33
9. When I'm Dead & Gone 3:27 (McGuinness Flint cover)
10. Don't Wake Me Up 2:48

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Randy Vanwarmer - Vox (Brian Briggs, Michael Franks, Svenne & Lotta, Barbara Mandrell, Ottar "Big Hand" Johansen, Tony Wilson, Pat Terry)
• John Holbrook / Brian Briggs - Producer, Engineer, Guitar, Synth, Vox (TCTC, Freida Parton, Utopia, Josh Joplin Group, Claude Dubois, Paul Butterfield, Bernie Cash, Isley Bros, Terence Boylan, Roger Powell, Ian Hunter, Nicole Wills, Tony Wilson, natalie Merchant, Joy Askew, Katell Leineg, Madder Rose, David Mead, Jim Weider, Honky Tonk Gurus, Brian Vander Ark, Five Day Rain, Upchuck, Verve Pipe)
• Ian Kimmet - Producer, Vox (Jook, The Band, Trevor White)
• Del Newman - String Arrangement & Conducting (Cat Stevens, Ten Years After, Peter Frampton, Donovan, Roger Daltrey, Elton John, Kiki Dee Band, Neil Sedaka, Rod Srtewart, Charles Aznavour, Art Garfunkel, George Harrison, Squeeze, Paul Simon, Carly Simon, more)
• Jeff Golub - Guitar (Avenue Blue, Rod Stewart, Billy Squier, Sharz, Patris, Bill Evans, Peter Wolf, Toshiki Kadomatsu, Palace, David Broza, Paul Shaffer, Tina Turner, Grayson Hugh, Bryan Adams, Rick Braun, Cheryl Wheeler, Dar Williams, Gato Barbieri, Kazee, Shawn Mullins, Philippe Saisse, Marcia Hines, Joe Lynn Turner, Miu Sakamoto, Everette Harp, Marc Antoine, Dulcie Taylor, Richard Elliot, VIP Club, Marek Niedzeiecki, Krysten Berg, Jimmy Norman, Steve Cole, Steve Ferrone, Yves Carini, Sax Pack, Harlem Parlour Music Club, Bernie Williams, Kirk Whalum. Euge Groove, David Benoit, Michael Lington, Nils, Bob James
• Leigh Foxx - Bass (Blondie, Brian Briggs, Benny Mardones, Paley Bros, Frankie & Knockouts, Nicole Willis, Iggy Pop, Henry Lee Summer, Cyndi Lauper, Debbie Harry, Yoko Ono, DJ David Knapp, Clayton Bruce Ost, Holly & the Italians, Sonny Kenn Band, Karen Lawrence & the Pinz)
• Mike Braun - Drums, Percussion (Graham Parker & the Shot, Brian Briggs, Elliott Murphy, King of Hearts, Arlen Roth, Eddie Schwartz, Tycoon, Rick Wakeman, Leon Redbone, Peter Criss, Nicole Wills, Michael Bolton, Ellen Shipley, Stevie, Dian Tell, Rick Springfield, Peter Allen, Jennifer Rush, Elm St Group, John Waite, Hall & Oates, Diane Tell, Eileen Ivers, Madgesdiq, Mackintosh Braun, Kenny Rogers)
• Murray Weinstock - Keys, Horn Arrangement (Fifth Ave Band, Mark Moogy Klingman, Jon Paris Band, Bread & Butter, Manhattan Transfer, John Sebastian, Tom Pacheco, Woodstyock Mts Revue, Artie Traum, Pat Alger, Sic Fucks, Nicole Wills, Motherhead Bug, Richie Havens)
• Kevin Jones - Congas (Sunrize, Winard Harper, Charles McPherson, Archie Shepp, Isley Bros, Michael Gregory, Clyde Criner, Sweet Obsession, Larry Price, Blaze, Nick Rolfe, Norman Simmons, Babatunde Lea, Winvent Ector, Jihad Muhammad, Organissimo, 
• Cyndi Cashdollar - Dobro, Vox (Asleep at the Wheel, Bob Dylan, Leon Redbone, Dave Alvin, Guilty Women, Geoff Muldaur, Tx Sheiks, Woodstock Mt revue, Happy Traum Band, John Herald, Ryan Adams & Cardinals, Cathy Winter, Karen Beth, Jean Redpath, Christopher Shaw, Graham Parker, Peter Rowan, Hans Theessink, Don Walser, Steve Hames, Peter Stone Brown, Manhattan Transfer, Omar & the Howlers, George Strait, Trace Adkins, Red Dirt Rangers, Kris Kehr, Rod Moag, Leroi Bros., Rex Foster, Gina Lee, Dwight Yoakam, Susanna Van Tassel, Roger Wallace, Ted Roddy, Lucky Tomblin Band, Joe McDermott, Beausoleil Avec Michael Doucet, Cooder Graw, The Gimbles, Eric Hanke, Van Morrison, Bill Kirchen, The Twang, Heybale, Burrito Delux, Matthew Ballard, Fingerpistol, Marcia Ball, Carolyn Wonderland, James Hand, Leo Rondeau, JaLaLa, David Newbould, Houston Marchman, Bordertown Bootleggers, Esteban, Manodlin Bros, Booka & Flaming Geckos, Pinetop Perkins, Carla Olson, Arlen Roth, Okee Dokee Bros, Amy Laber, Happy Traum, Elly Wininger, Rosie Flores, Mamadou Kelly, Leif Vollebekk, Shelley King)
• Mark McKenna - Engineer, Vox (Johnny Average Band)
• Ray Neznik - Asst Engineer
• RJ Raymon - Asst Engineer
• Shep Siegel - Asst Engineer
• Bob Ludwig - Mastering
• Philip Balou - Backing Vox (Revelation, Utopia, Genral Johnson, Southside Johnny & Asbury Jukes, Steve Goodman, Joe Thomas, Major Harris, Asleep at the Wheel, Jebadiah, John Hall, Ramona Brooks, Bette Midler, Charles Earland, Lou Rawls, Luther Vandross, Hi-Gloss, Pleasure, Change, High Fashion, Aretha, Michael Franks, Irene Cara, Melba Moore, Howard Johnson, Cheryl Lynn, Fonzi Thorton, Bernard Edwards, Michael Wycoff, Lillo Thomas, Dionne Warwick, Manhattans, Kashif, Nile Rodgers, Carl Anderson, EPM, Teddy Pendergrass, Damaris, Merc & Monk, Village People, Ralph macDonald, Jeff Tyzik, Nona Hendryx, Tramaine, Air Supply, Peter Gordon, Jonathan Butler, Glenn Jones, The System, Gavin Christopher, Bernard Lavilliers, George Benson, Stage Dolls, Billy Ocean, Darryl Tookes, Carol Davi$, Dance With A Stranger, Laurie Anderson, James Taylor, Billy Joel, Simon Tittley, Arnold McCuller, David Lasley, Carly Simon, Harvey Miller, Michael Wycoff, Power Station, Boys Choir of Harlem, Tom Jones)
• Benny Diggs - Backing Vox (Revelation, Douglas Sisters, Melba Moore, Southside Johnny & Asbury Jukes, Asleep at the Wheel, Lou Rawls, Ramsey Lewis, Hi-Gloss, Sylvester, Nona Hendryx, Robert Palmer, Doc Powell, Joe Cocker, Diana Ross, Dance With a Stranger, Al Green, Braxtons, Laurie Anderson, Carly Simon, George Benson, Westlife more)
• Morris Gray - Backing Vox (Revelation, Ramsey Lewis, Cheri, Peter Gordon, Golden Gospel Singers)
• Kevin Owens - Backing Vox (Revelation, Ray Goodman & Brown, Luther Vandross, Jaheim, Caress, Festival, Masquerade, Lou Rawls, Cheri, Ramsey Lewis, Pleasure, Nona Hendryx, Curtis Hairston, Doc Powell, Gavin Christopher, Kirk Whalum, Gregory Hines, Philip Michael Thomas, Millie Scott, Freddie Jackson, Darryl Tookes, Dance With a Stranger, Edelweiss, Marc Nelson, Lisa Fischer, Noel Pointer, Ava Cherry, Smappies, Byron Stingily, USA-European Connection, Boris Midney, Black Russian, Kathy Troccoli, Anastacia, Norman Connors)
• Dick Katz - String Performance (New World Philharmonic, Benny Carter, Buck Clayton, Gene Quill, Jimmy Knepper, Joe newman, Larry Sonn, Lee Konitz, Loren Schoenberg, Manny Albam, Oscar Pettiford, Osie Johnson, Paul Horn, Stan Getz, American Jass Orch, Jay and Kai, Mat Matthers, Tony Scott more )
• George James - Trumpet (Benny Carter, Louis Armstrong, Lucky Millinder, Teddy Wilson, Harlem Blues & Jazz Band, Sarah Vaughn, Jabbo Smith, Clyde EB Bernhardt, Fats Waller, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Punch Miller, Albert Wynn, Sine, Alex Hill, Hoagy Carmichael, Junie C. Cobb, :Kid Punch" Miller)
• Josh Shneider - Alto Sax (Irene Cara, Eric Von Schmidt & the Cruel Family, Artie Traum, Steve Forbert, Late Nite Music Band, Tom Rush, Force MDs, Joy Askew)
• Ralph Carney - Tenor Sax (Tom Waits, Tin Huey, B-52's, Marc Ribot, Jim White, Jonathan Richman, Waitresses, Clarinet Thing, Caucho, Labatomy, Swollen Monkeys, Pluto, Preacher Boy, Melon, Bill Laswell, Victoria Williams, Jad Fair, Allen Ginsberg, Galaxie 500, Loved Ones, Elvis Costello, Grant Lee Buffalo, Pere Ubu, Custard, Chuck Prophet, Jack Kerouac, Black Francis, Thao & the Get Down Stay Down, Stephen King-John Mellencamp-T Bone Burnett,St. Vincent, Drive By Truckers, Legendary Shack Shakers, more)
• Tim Ritchie - Art Direction, Design
• Broun - Photos
• RonVanwarmer - (WDST)
• Helen Kimmet - Haircuts

Unknown-ness: I've never heard of this singer / band. From the cover photo and the band photo on the back, I imagine this will be nasally, anxious, neurotic, jittery, catchy-as-hell power pop. I'll actually be slightly upset if it is not...perhaps i'm setting too high a bar, surly to lead to disappointment.

Album Review:  From the first track, Vanwarmers voice is delicate and warm, a little like Ric Ocasek  but an octave higher. The opening two tracks mixes power chords with jangleypop melodies and throws in some keys and synth to keep up with appearances in the 80's. Much of the rest are lighter ballads, that harken back to simple oldies and classic country, and a couple would fit right in to today's breezy island pop sound, even if it is not all synthesized.

Vanwarmer was a friendly, well liked musician who passed away too early at 48 years old from leukemia, a year after diagnosis. He had a short, bright career in pop, with the #1 single "Just When I Needed You the Most," a song that his wife sued Warner/Chappell for copyright ownership. Soon after his first 3 records, he transitioned to writing Country songs when "I Guess It Never Hurts to Hurt Sometimes" which already sounds like a country ballad, was covered by the Oak Ridge Boys. Other musicians Charley Pride, Michael Johnson, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Alabama (and many more) converted his songs to hits. Upon his death a portion of his ashes were sent into space.

Stand Out Track: Suzi Found a Weapon

Links:
Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic
Celestis Memorial Spaceflight
Billboard Obit
Country Daily
CMT obit
LA Times Obit
West Coast DK
IMDB
Wife's Lawsuit
Offical Charts
Second Hand Songs

Kit Kats (the) - It's Just A Matter of Time

Name: The Kit Kats
Album: It's Just A Matter of Time
Year: 1967
Style: Male Vocal Group, Baroque Rock
Similar Bands: Association, We Five, Turtles, Bachelors, Kingston Trio, Beach Boys, Herman's Hermits, Four Seasons, Zombies, Vogues
"One-Word" Review: Old Time Barbershop Vocalists with a wild side
Based Out Of: Philadelphia, Pa
Label: Jamie Records

Cover, Record

Record, Back

It's Just A Matter of Time (1967)

1. Let's Get Lost on a Country Road 2:25 (single)
2. Breezy 2:30 (single b-side)
3. Cotton Fields 2:33 (cover)
4. Liza-Jane 2:34
5. These Are a Few of My Favorite Things 2:20 (cover)
6. The Nut Rocker 2:00 (B Bumble & the Stingers cover) /
7. Funny How Love Can Be 2:05 (Carter-Lewis cover)
8. That's The Way 2:10 (single)
9. Sea of Love 3:05 (Phil Phillips cover, single)
10. Won't Find Better Than Me 2:45 (single)
11. You Got to Know 2:40 (single)
12. Cold Walls 2:20 (single)

Album Rating (1-10): 6.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Bob Finiz - Producer, Engineer
• C(K)arl Hausman - Rhythm & Vocal Arrangements, Vox, Keys (Chancellors, Roscoe & the Green Men)
• Richard Rome - Strings & Horn Arrangements (African Suite)
• Kit (Carson Wesley) Stewart - Vox, Drums
• John Bradley - Vox, Guitar (Chancellors)
• Ronnie Cichonski (Shane) - Bass
• Dom Romeo - Engineer
• Phil Macey - Engineer
• Max Bodden - Photos
• Tom Kennedy - Cover Design

Unknown-ness: Never heard of The Kit Kats. But they look like a generic Hermans Hermits, Monkees or Beatles band of the mid to late 60's. I can't imagine it being anything else than musicians for hire playing record label suit composed music, even if the bio on the back gives them credit as musicians playing the south-eastern chunk of PA and seashore resorts.

Album Review: Sometimes getting close to the harmonies of the Beach Boys, this packaged band that looks like it might be mod like the Beatles or Kinks has more in common with the Weavers, Bachelors and Kingston Trio, with barbershop harmony vocals and light, whispy songs. They even make "Favorite Things" sound like a monk's religious chant. At least that's on the A side of the record, or the "parent's side"...on B, they let their hair grow a little longer, and have punchier and more dance-able melodies (save "Cold Wall"). It is a much more mod song, with You Got to Know getting a little crazy, like a sugar filled toddler crashing.

They were local to the Philly area, especially at their start, but they played from Harrisburg to the shore (The Riptide in Wildwood). With local success making them enough money- more than they may have found had they broken out nationally, they stayed local, only chancing national success with "Country Road" reaching #119 on the billboard charts. They lasted 12 years however, 1962 - 1974, and had a name change to New Hope in 1969 (and at times, went by Pablo Ponce Four or the Tak Tiks). They were different and a cut above their competition, if only because they blended a lot of popular styles and played their own instruments. They reunited a handful of times in the tri-state area, and still will (as of 2015), but Kit Stewart passed away in 2001.

Stand Out Track: That's The Way

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Marc Tanner Band (the) - No Escape

Name: The Marc Tanner Band
Album: No Escape
Year: 1979
Style: Disco, Rock
Similar Bands: Bee Gees, Journey, Steely Dan, Supertramp, Doobie Bros.
"One-Word" Review: Smooth Disco infused Pub Band
Based Out Of: California
Label: Elektra, Asylum, Nonesuch, Warner Communications

Cover, Sleeve, Record

Back, Lyrics, Record

No Escape (1979)

1. Never Again 3:12 (single b-side)
2. Crawlin' 2:54
3. She's So High 4:30 (single)
4. Elena 3:27 (single)
5. Edge of Love 3:25 /
6. Getaway 3:35
7. Lady in Blue 3:51 (single b-side)
8. In A Spotlight 4:15
9. Lost at Love 3:42
10. Your Tears Don't Lie 3:33 

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Marc Tanner - Writer, Vox, Guitar (Eddie Money, Nelson, Choice Reunion)
• Mike Baird - Drums (Ironhorse, Airborne, HP Riot, Journey, Sam Kinison, Cecilio & Kapono, Hall & Oates, Buffy Saint-Marie, Richie Havens, Tommy James, Doonesbury's Jimmy Thudpucker, Rita Coolidge, Pointer Sisters, Johnny Mathis, Denise Williams, Nigel Olsson, Shawn Phillips, Flyer, Brooklyn Dreams, Paul Anka, Cher, Art Garfunkel, Beach Boys, Rick Springfield, America  many)
• Bob Glaub - Bass (Jackson Browne, Adam Sandler, Journey, Dave Mason, Booker T, Rod Stewart, Arlo Guthrie, Carly Simon, Leo Sayer, Warren Zevon, Steve Miller Band, Gladys Knight, Jim Morrison, Cher, Bonnie Raitt, Rita Coolidge, Donna Summer, Linda Ronstadt, Seals & Crofts, Eric Carmen, Eddie Money, Gordon Lightfoot, Peter Cetera, Phoebe Snow, Bee Gees, David Lindley, Stevie Nicks, Karla Bonoff, Laura Brannigan, CS&N, Don Henley, Jimmy Buffett, Donovan, Carole King many)
• Ritchie Zito - Guitar (Snowball, The Bay Ridge, Teri DeSario, Joey Carborne, Eric Carmen, Annie, Eddie Money, Tyketto, Prism, Mr. Big, Liza Minnelli, Diana Ross, Art Garfunkel, Beach Boys, Nigel Olsson, Harry Nillsson, Elton john, Peter Allen, Elton john, Sparks, Ringo Starr, Kenny Rogers, Chuck Berry, Toni Basil, Barry Manilow, Lionel Richie, Irene Cara, Giorgio Moroder, Nina Hagen, America, Janet Jackson, Tina Turner, Joe Cocker, Neville Bros, Red 7, Kenny Loggins, Berlin  more)
• William Smitty Smith - Piano, Backing Vox (Motherlode, Eric mercury, Ricky Lee Jones, Domenic Troiano, Craig Doerge, Neil Sedaka, Bruce Miller, Jade, Richie Havens, Jorge Calderon, Dianne Brooks, Blood Sweat & Tears, Larry Carlton, Leah Kunkel, Ronnie Dyson, Gap Mandione, Ry Cooder, Renee Geyer, Rita Coolidge, David Lindley, Brenda Russel, Danny Kortchmar, Bob Dylan, James Gang, Etta James, Harry Nilsson, Billy Joel, Sam & Dave, Bonnie Raitt, Lily Tomlin, Kenny Rankin, Robert Palmer, Tina Turner, Rare Earth, Dusty Springfield, Tom Jones, Pointer Sisters, Peter Cetera, Donovan, Bruce Willis lots)
• Vanetta Fields - Backing Vox (Ike & Tina Turner, Pink Floyd, Humble Pie, Barbara Streisand, Elkie Brooks, Neil Diamond, Steely Dan, Rolling Stones, Richard Clapton, Australian Crawl, Cold Chisel, Jimmy Barnes, James Morrison, John Farnham, Blackberries, Ikettes, Mirettes, Mundane Willis Singers, Quincy Jones, Shuggie Otis, Johnny Rivers, more )
• Jim Horn - Flute (Duane Eddy, George's Band, Johnny Rivers, Kip Tyler, Lalo Schifrin, Horn Section, The Rebels, The Shelter People, Righteous Brothers, Ike & Tina Turner, Lou Rawls,  many more)
• Gary Mallaber - Drums (Chi Blues Reunion, Raven, Stan & the Ravens, Steve Miller Band, Thunderbox, Tracker, Tom Rush, Van Morrison, America, Paul Williams, Cher, Danny O'Keefe, Randy Newman, Jose Feliciano, David Soul, Warren Zevon, Paul Williams, Eddie Money, Joan Armatrading, Peter Frampton, Beach Boys, Muppets, Dusty Springfield, Tommy Tutone, Barbara Streisand, Kim Carnes, Bob Seger, Alyssa Milano, Bruce Springsteen, Los Lobos, The Heights, more)
• Ben Benay - Guitar (Delaney & Bonnie & Friends, Funzone, Goldenrod, Your Gang, Kim Fowley, Mama Cass, Grass Roots, Tommy Roe, Mae West, Chi Coltrane, Duane Allman, T-Bone Walker, Dusty Springfield, Steely Dan, Four Tops, Fifth Dimension, Neil Sedaka, Righteous Bros, Tavares, BB King, Barbara Streisand, Johnny Rivers, Glen Campbell, Hues Corp., Joe Cocker, Three Dog Night, more)
• Jay Graydon - Guitar (Airplay, JaR, Planet, Rhythm Heritage, Manhattan Transfer, Airplay, Al Jarreau, Lou Rawls, Michael & Stormie Omartian, Don Ellis, Boz Scaggs, Joe Cocker, Edwin Starr, Barbara Streisand, Aretha Franklin, Jack Jones, Four Tops, Paul Anka, Supremes, Cher, Donovan, Candi Staton, Marvin Gaye, Stephen Bishop, Dionne Warwick, Leo Sayer, Gary Wright,  so many)
• David Paich - Piano (Far Corporation, Steve Vai, Toto, Leo Sayer, Diana Ross, Black Rose, Joe Scott, Boz Scaggs, Leo Sayer, Sonny & Cher, Seals & Crofts, Jackson Browne, Steely Dan, Cecilio & Kapono, Loggins & Messina, Neil Diamond, Hues Corp, Righteous Bros, Fifth Dimension, Helen Reddy, Glen Campbell, Jose Feliciano, Nilsson, Boz Scaggs, Sparks, Paul Williams, Paul Anka, Aretha Franklin, Barbara Streisand, Eric Carmen, Bob Weir, Dusty Springfield, Pointer Sisters, many)
• Bryan Savage - Sax (John McEuen, LA String Wizards, Shot in the Dark, Broadway Clique, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Starwood, Steve martin, Louisiana's Le Roux, David James Holster Mary MacGregor, Al Stewart, Amazing Rhythm Aces, William E McEuen, Al Stewart, Night Plane, hans Olson, Rhythm & Bluefield Band, 3rd Force, McLain & Gregg)
• Rosemary Butler - Backing Vox (Birtha, Metro Voices, Daisy Chain, Honey Sisters, Catfish Hodge, Bonnie Raitt, Ned Doheny, Warren Zevon, Jackson Browne, Paul Williams Doobie Bros, Tim Moore, Dirt Band, Fuller &Katz, Steve Harley, Ben Sidran, Maria Muldaur, Allen Toussaint Richie Furay, Little Feat, Nicolette Larson, Lauren Wood, Leah Kunkel, Rosanne Cash, Linda Ronstadt, Ozark Mt Daredevils, Boz Scaggs, Rodney Crowell, Johnny Lee, Billy Katt, Anne Bertucci, Night Plane, Jack Mack & Heart Attack, Yichiro Oda, Masato Kai, Darrell Mansfield Band, Keith Emerson, Derek Austin, Karisma, Sissy Spacek, Dolly Parton, Jack Wagner, Charlie Daniels Band, Laura Branigan, James Taylor, Cher, Pure Prarie League, Russel Hitchcock, Steve Camp, Michael Rofgers, Karen Stanley, Burton Cumings, The Simpsons, Julio Iglesias, Glenn Frey, Aaron Neville, Bob Seger, Allen Toussaint, Maggie's Farm, Darrell Mansfield, Ringo Starr, Neil Diamond, Joshua Kadison, Willie Nelson, Ray Charles, Candye Kane, Micael McDonals, Neil Young)
• Mike Finnegan - Backing Vox (Black Rose, Finnigan & Wood, Dudek Finnegan Krueger Band, Jerry Hahn, Phantom Blues Band, Serfs, West Coast Gang, Serfs, Jerry Hahan Brotherhood, Dave Mason, Maria Muldaur, Funky Kings, Peter Frampton, Rod Stewart, Stephen Stills, Ringo Starr, CS&N, Alice Cooper, The Heights, Steve Vai, Andy Griffith, barbara Blue, Taj Mahal, Joe Cocker, Bonnie Raitt, Jimi Hendrix Experience, Dan Fogelberg, Sharks, Manhattan Transfer some more)
• Max Gronenthal - Backing Vox (New Breed Blues Band, Chancellors, Fabulous Flippers, Gangbusters, Energy, DFK Band, Dan Fogelberg, Don Henley, Elton John, Kenny Loggins, Molly Hatchet, Bonnie Raitt, Bette Midler, Jack Mack & the Heart Attack, 38 Speical, Joe Cocker, Bad Company, Charlie Daniels, Wynonna Judd, Richard Marx, Tower of Power, Grand Funk Railroad, Rod Stewart, Dusty Springfield)
• Tommy Vig - Percussion (Chappy Tanczenekara, Henry Mancini,  The Vigs, UssDob, Martin Denny, Jack Wilson, Dr. John Street Corner Symphony, Rod Stewart, Alexander's Discotime Band, Randy Edelman, Quincy Jones, Bruce Roberts, Carpenters, Freddie Hubbard, Johnny Mathis, Denise Williams, Dusty Springfield, George Deffet, Marlena Shaw, Stephen Bishio, Paul Jabara, Art Garfunkel. Manhattan Transfer, Dream Express, High Energy, Robben Ford, Jesse Barish, Art garfunkel, Hans Koller, Diana Ross, Lajos Dudas, Maxi Anderson, Four Tops, Bruce Broughton, Joe Fritz, Marvin Gaye, Bruce Roberts)
• Jeff Porcaro -Drums (Sonny & Cher, Toto, Steve Lukather, Greg Mathieson, Grimaldi / Zeiher, Joe Cocker, Ricky Gianco, Melanie, Jack Daugherty, Seals & Crofts, Steely Dan, Joe Cocker, Juice Newton, Bonnie Raitt, 5th Dimension, Helen Reddy, Robert Palmer, Leo Sayer, Boz Scaggs, Three Dog Night, Jackson Browne, Paul Williams, Eric Carmen, Hall & Oates, Barbara Streisand, Diana Ross, Etta James, Al Stewart, Gary Wright, lots)
• Steve Lukather - Guitar (Baby'O, Far Corporation, Larry Carlton-Steve lukather Band, Los Lobotomys, The Greg Mathieson Project, Toto, discogs page)
• Dan Dugmore - Lap Steel Guitar (Ronin, Can't Hardly Playboys, Linda Ronstadt discog page)
• Joe Turano - Backing Vox (Jam Squad, Stupid Guys, Rickie Lee Jones. Robbie Dupree, Jan Storey, Jack Street band, bette Midler, Allan Holdsworth, Matthew Wilder, Michael Ruff, Joe Lamont, John Denver Van Stephenson, Joe Cocker, Rod Stewart, Julie Brown. Donna Summer, Zuma2, Jack Wagner, Joleen, Eddie Money, Brenda Russell, Boy Meets Girl, Four Tops, Chantal, Michael Bolton, Alice Cooper, Henry lee Summer, Cher, Neil Diamond, Rod Stewart, Albert Hammond, Taylor Dayne, Thom Rotella, Beck, Joe Cocker, Deborah McColl, Al Jarreau, Seawind, Kevin Wells, Ted Taylor, Chris Camozzi, Kids of Widney High, Shapes, George Benson, Michael Ruff)
• Glen Spreen - Co Producer, Engineer, String Arrangements, Piano, Moog, Synth, Bass (Elvis Presley, Dan Fogelberg, Ronnie Milsap, Buffy Saint-Marie, Jose Feliciano, Potliquor, Eric Anderson, James Gang, Joan Baez, BJ Thomas, Donovan, Rusty Weir, Ian Matthews Many more)
• Nat Jeffrey - Producer, Writer, Mixing
• Jeff Monday - Writer
• Sal Marquez - Writer
• Bil Gazecki - Engineer, Mixing
• Teri Diane Becker - Engineer
• Joe Tuzen - Engineer
• Wayne Neuendorf - Engineer
• Nick Van Maarth - Engineer
• Roger Mayer - Engineer
• Bob Bullock - Engineer
• Bob Gore - Engineer
• Karla Frederick - Engineer
• Than Silverlight - Moog Programmer
• Neil Brody - Mixing
• Terry Dunavan - Mastering
• Lewis Kaplan - Mgmt
• Johnny Bright - Mgmt
• Ron Coro - Art Direction & Design
• Elliot Gilbert - Photos
• Johnny Lee - Design

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band / artist. Looks like a typical 70's pub rock singer/songwriter from the picture on a desolate dried up desert/landscape. Other than the picture on front & back, the packaging & fonts are quite generic, so there is nothing to read into the music, unless it parallels the generic artwork.

Album Review: Musically, the album is light, poppy and disco influenced in the bass beats and synth. A lot of the songs feel like he's a piano based singer songwriter with a session/studio musician ensemble in support. 

Later in life, Tanner became a producer for film music and albums, including Nelson's hit record After the Rain. With this release, they packaged a promo gift of a tie clip in the shape of handcuffs, which became a sought after product in and out of the music industry. 

Stand Out Track: Never Again

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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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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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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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Other Ones (the) - s/t

Name: The Other Ones
Album: s/t
Year: 1987
Style: Light Rock, Pop
Similar Bands: Sonic the Hedgehog sndtk, Thomas Dolby, Eurogliders, a-ha, Howard Jones, Eurythmics, ABC, Spandau Ballet, Animotion
"One-Word" Review: Overproduced 1-D pop
Based Out Of: Berlin, Germany
Label: Virgin, WEA, Atlantic

Cover, Record

Record, Back

The Other Ones (1987)

1. Holiday 3:32 (single)
2. Stay With Me (It's Not Forever) 3:28
3. We Are What We Are 4:25 (single)
4. Losing It 2:59
5. Moments 5:06 (single b-side) /
6. He's A Man 3:43
7. All That Love 3:15 (single)
8. All Day, All Night 5:07
9. It Makes Me Higher 3:38 (b-side single)
10. Stranger 3:47 (single)

Album Rating (1-10): 7.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Christopher Neil - Producer
• Simon Hurrel - Engineer
• Alf Klimek - Lead Vox (You Pretty Thing, Spliff, Alphaville, Klaus Baumagrt)
• Johnny Klimek - Bass (You Pretty Thing, Reinhold Heil, 030, Babyloon, Clemek, Effective Force, Holy Language, Pale 3, System 01, Nina Hagen Band, Franka Potente, Tykwer, Matador, Alphaville, Sir Simon Rattle)
• Uwe Hoffmann - Drums (Ca Lingo, King Kong, La Loora, Rockin' G & the G-Letters, White Russia, Zebra Zebra, Die Arzte, Silly, Nina Schultz, Wire, Wiglaf Droste & Bela B, Terrorgruppe, the Twins)
• Stephan Gottwald - Keys (Albert & the Heart of Gold, Zebra Zebra, Marian Gold, D Base 5, Spiro, Bobo in White Wooden Houses, Alphaville, 
• Andreas Schwarz-Ruszczynski - Guitar (Alphaville, Marian Gold, You Pretty Thing, Boy George, Trevor Horn, Klaus Schulze, Pet Shop Boys, Steve Lipson, Julian Mendelsen, Jack White, UKW, Albert & The Heart of Gold, Martin de Vries, Atlantic Popes, Andreas Feidbaumer)
• Jayney Klimex - Lead Vox (Alphaville, Marian, Bankstatement, Tony Banks, Tangerine Dream, Paul van Dyk, XII Alfonso, Terranova, You Pretty Thing, System 01, Simon Bonney, Johnny Logan, Atlantic Popes, Anita Lane, Xaver Von Treyer)
• Greg Fulginiti - Mastering
• Mike Schmidt - Cover
• Dieter Eikelpoth - Photos
• Margo Chase - Logo

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band. Their outfits (over-sized jackets with broad shoulders and fluffy mullets) scream mid-80's renaissance/jazz, and i'm getting a Shriekback vibe from the black & white photo. So i imagine this to be some weird overproduced chamber pop music or something.

Album Review: So the album is in fact quite overproduced in an ultra smooth synth way, but the record is very listenable compared to much of this era. It has enough catchy and lively song melodies buried beneath the extraneous guitar solos and synth sounds that don't quite sound like any instrument they are intending to mimic. The band consists of 3 Australian siblings and three German musicians who met after the Aussie family moved to Berlin in search of a European music break. They only have 2 albums and their big hit Holiday reached 29 on the US Billboard hot 100. Internationally, it was 22 in Switzerland, 13 in Austria, 10 in New Zealand and 4 in Germany. Johnny has made a career working in film and tv soundtrack composing, amassing credits for Run Lola Run, Cloud Atlas, Sense8, Deadwood, One Hour Photo, and Land of the Dead.

Stand Out Track: It Makes Me Higher

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Microdisney - Crooked Mile

Name: Microdisney
Album: Crooked Mile
Year: 1987
Style: Jangle Pop, Light Rock
Similar Bands: XTC, ABC, Loud Family, Aztec Camera
"One-Word" Review: Melodic Overproduced Hookey Pop
Based Out Of: Cork, Ireland
Label: Virgin, Atlantic

Cover, Record

Record, Back

Crooked Mile (1987)

1. Town to Town 3:19 (single)
2. Angels 3:41
3. Our Children 4:33
4. Mrs. Simpson 3:54
5. Hey Hey Sam 4:19
6. Give Me All Your Clothes 4:02 /
7. Armadillo man 3:04
8. Bullwhip Road 3:37
9. And He Descended Into Hell 3:46
10. Rack 4:29
11. Big Sleeping House 3:03
12. People Just Want to Dream 5:17

Album Rating (1-10): 7.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Cathal Coughland - Writer, Lead Vox, Grapefruit Segment Keyboard, Flexatone (Fatima Mansions, Bubonique, North Sea Scrolls, Martin Stephenson, Dave Couse, Francois Ribac, Eva Schwabe, Ruefrex, Christopher Young, Avalanche, Luke Haines, Eileen Gogan & the Instructions)
• Sean O'Hagan - Writer, Guitar, Harmonica, Backing Vox (High Llamas, Stereolab, Damian O'Neill & the Monotones, Turn On, Palace Songs, Laila Amezian, Cornelius, Kev Hopper, Young Fresh Fellows, Minus 5, Bonnie Pink, Heavy Blinkers, Alexander Von Mehren, House of Hiss, Jean-Emmanuel Delux & Friends, House of Love, Edith Frost, Laila Amezian, Piero Umiliani, Schneider TM, Saint Etienne, Aluminum Group, Dondre lerche, Kahimi Karie, Kev Hopper, Pluramon, Oddtoot, Super Furry Animals, the Coral more  )
• Tom Fenner - Drums, Percussion, Backing Vox (High Llamas, Tom Robinson, Fiddlers Dram, Brad is Sex, 
• Steve Pregnant - Bass
• James Compton - Keys, Accordian, Backing Vox (Microgroove, Straight Eight, Railway Children, Marshall & the SHooting Stars, Hank Wangford & Lost Cowboys, Paul Ansell's Number Nine, Imelda may, Shakin' Stevens)
• Lenny Kaye - Producer, Backing Vox (Link Cromwell & the Zoo, Patti Smith Group, Jim Carroll Band, Andy Zwerling, Throwing Muses, Joey Ramone, The Shams, Eugene Chadbourne, more)
• June Miles-Kingston - Harmony Vox (Mo-Dettes, Pride of the Cross, Fun Boy Three, Everything But the Girl, Big Country, Max Eider, Communards, Woodentops, Jimmy Somerville, David Freeman, 
• BJ Cole - Pedal & Lap Steel Guitars (Scott Walker, Marc Bolan, Bjork, Luke Vibert, Cochise, Lushlife, Mike batt, Black Eyed Dogs, Hank Wangford Band, New Hovering Dog More)
• CP Roth - String Arrangement (Blessed Union of Souls, John Giorno Band, Poptarts, Edgar Winter, Rick Derringer, Dead at Birth, Karen Haglof, Regina Richards, Neeva, Nolan Thomas, Suzanne Vega, NKOTB, more)
• Sabah El - Frugalhorns of Allah
• Bill Gill - Engineer, Recording, Virtuoso Tambourine (Railway Children)
• Greg Fulginiti - Mastering
• Mark Boyne - Jam Studios
• Matthew Kay - Representation c/o Farrago MGMT
• Robert Brimson - Sleeve Photos
• Keith Breeden - Sleeve Design

Unknown-ness: I have heard of Microdisney from being a casual fan of the High Llamas & Sean OHagan, but did not know what they sounded like. I only assumed it was similar to the light indie rock with a bit of a grounded, alt-country feel.

Album Review: At first most of the album is sleepy, with smooth & tinny, "fake" mid to late 80's production, and bits of country peppered through out. That is, except for the superior, fun, soulful "Big Sleeping House"; a song i'd love to hear XTC or the Jam cover. But as i listened to it more, the vocals became more enjoyable in a bit of an Andy Partridge way at the same mid-late 80's era. In 2018, after winning the Irish Music Rights Org / NCH Trtailblazing award, they played their self-declared final two shows ever after a 30 year hiatus.

Stand Out Track: Big Sleeping House

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Harpers Bizarre - The Secret Life Of Harpers Bizarre

Name: Harpers Bizarre
Album: The Secret Life Of Harpers Bizarre
Year: 1968
Style: Oldies, Psych, Vocal Group, Sunshine / Baroque Pop
Similar Bands: Association, Kingston Trio, Happenings, Sand Pipers, We Five
"One-Word" Review: Super Light Cheery Pop
Based Out Of: Santa Cruz, CA
Label: Pye Record Sales, Warner Bros.

 Cover, Sleeve, Record

Back, Sleeve, Record

The Secret Life Of Harpers Bizarre (1968)

1. Look to the Window 0:14
2. Battle of New Orleans 2:34 (cover, Single)
3. When I Was A Cowboy 2:35
4. Interlude 0:20
5. Sentimental Journey 2:25 (cover)
6. Las Mananitas 1:30 (cover)
7. Medley: Bye, Bye, Bye / Vine Street 4:00 (Vine = Randy Newman cover)
8. Me, Japanese Boy (I Love You) 3:04 (Bacharach cover)
9. Interlude 0:20 /
10. I'll Build a Stairway to Paradise 3:12 G/I Gershwin cover)
11. Green Apple Tree 2:28 (single b-side)
12. Sit Down. You're Rocking the Boat 1:43 (Guys & Dolls cover)
13. Interlude 0:21
14. I Love You, Mama 2:10
15. Funny How Love Can Be 2:35
16. Mad 2:42
17. Look At the Rainbow 0:31(from the film Finian's Rainbow
18. The Drifter 3:03
19. Reprise 0:55

Album Rating (1-10): 5.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Nick De Caro - Arrangement
• Perry Botkin Jr - Arrangement
• Kirby Johnson - Arrangement
• Bob Thompson  - Arrangement
• Eddie Karam - Arrangement
• Ron Elliot - Arrangement, Assisting Producer (Giants, Pan, Beau Brummels, Vejtables)
• Randy Newman - Assisting Producer (Peace Choir)
• Ted Templeman - Assisting Producer, Vocal Arrangements, Lead Vox, Guitar (Tikis, Nicolette Larson, Doobie Brothers, Van Morrison, Michael McDonals, Sammy Hagar, Eric Clapton, many)
• Dick Scoppettone - Assisting Producer, Vocal Arrangements, Guitar, Vox (Tikis, Beau Brummels)
• Mike Shields - Assisting Producer
• Joe Sidore - Assisting Producer
• Lenny Waronker - Producer
• Lee Herschberg - Engineer
• Gloria Jones - Gospel Choir (Aquarian Dream, T. Rex [married to Marc Bolan], Brothers & Sisters, Cogics)
• Carolyn Willis - Gospel Choir (Honey Cone, Brothers & Sisters, Girlfriends, Space Angels, Sweethearts, more)
• Sherlie Matthews - Gospel Choir ("His", Blackberries, Nightingales, Paul Johnson Voices, The Belles, Brothers & Sisters)
• Dick Yount - Bass, Vocals (Tikis)
• John Peterson - Drums, Vox (Beau Brummels, Tikis)
• Ed Thrasher - Art Direction
• Bob Zoell - Cover Illustration

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band. I remember picking this up off the wall of an Oxfam over in the UK on honeymoon, not knowing what it was, but hoping it was some Psychedelic British 60's band I was about to discover.

Album Review: Well, this is a UK pressing of the record, but the band is american, from Santa Cruz. Similar to The Happenings, they repackaged older songs and gave them their own personal touch to their covers. But unlike Happenings, this album is lighter and feels about 10 years older than Psycle, like an archaic Baroque pop vocal style. Their biggest it was covering Simon & Garfunkel's 59th Street Bridge Song a year before this album in 1967. There is a certain Pet Shop Boys quality to the "ahhh" chant in the chorus of "Mad" as well as a Belle & Sebastian vibe to the trumpet melody.

Stand Out Track: Mad

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