Van Zant Band, The Johnny - No More Dirty Deals

Name: The Johnny Van Zant Band
Album: No More Dirty Deals
Year: 1980
Style: Southern Rock, Hair Metal
Similar Bands: .38 Special, Outlaws, Winger, ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Allman Brothers, Bandera, Marshall Tucker, Molly Hatchet
"One-Word" Review: Fledgling Metal
Based Out Of: Jacksonville, FL
Label: Polydor, Polygram

Cover, Sleeve, Record

Back, Lyrics, Record

No More Dirty Deals (1980)

1. No More Dirty Deals 5:25
2. Coming Home 4:08
3. 634-5789 - 2:43 (Wilson Pickett cover)
4. Put My Trust In You 2:44
5. Only the Strong Survive 3:34 /
6. Hard Luck Story 3:08
7. Stand Your Ground 3:11
8. Never Too Late 3:44
9. Keep On Rollin' 3:27
10. Standing in the Darkness 4:57 (Tribute to his brother, Ronnie)

Album Rating (1-10): 5.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Johnny Van Zant - Vox (Lynyrd Skynyrd, .38 Special, Austin Nickels Band, Van Zant, Jim Peterik, )
• Robbie Gay - Lead Guitar (Van Zant, Robert Paul Band)
• Erik Lundgren - Lead Guitar (Van-Zant)
• Danny Clausman - Bass (Van-Zant)
• Robbie Morris - Drums (Van-Zant, Shanytown)
• Ron Hinklin - Backing Vox (Modern Barbershop Quartet, Ray Conniff, Bob Alcivar, California Dreamers, Eligibles, Zip-Codes, Hugo Montenegro, Stan Kenton, Bud Shank, Ralph Carmichael, Michael Colombier, Gabor Szabo, Jack Daugherty, Partridge Family, Dominic Frontiere, PF Sloan, Beaver & Krause, David Wagner, Climaz, BJ Thomas, Sarah Vaughn, Gram Parsons. Austin Roberts, Vikki Carr, Paul Williams, John Davidson, Keith Moon, Elkie Brooks, Jack Jones, Danny & Joyce, Cyndi Grecco, Deanna Edwards, Jim Weatherly, The Tubes, Linda Ronstadt, Elton John, Donovan, Doonesbury's Jimmy Thudpucker, Wayne Parker, TN Ernie Ford, Sparks, Shaun Cassidy, Leif Garrett, Tony Rizzi & Pacific!, Captain & Tennille, Neil Diamond, Alan Price, Jon Bryon, Lalo Schifrin, Westside Strutters, Harvey Mason, Outlaws, Reba Rambo, Dony McGuire, Paul Johnson, David Essex, Sammy Nestico, Nico Ramsden, Frank Sinatra, Jerry Lee Lewis, Harry Connick Jr, Chipmunks, Elvis Presley, The Yellow Balloon, Vince Gill, Patrick Williams, Monkees, Jan & Dean, Charles Fox, Norman Gimbel, Suzanne Klee, Johnny Koonce)
• John Balhler - Backing Vox (Bahler Bros, LA Voices, Ray Conniff, Bob Alcivar, California Dreamers, Love Generation, Bud Shank,Ralph Carmichael, Dory Previn, Gabor Szabo, Partridge Family, Dominic Frontiere, Climax, David Cassidy, Sarah Vaughn, David Essex, Toto, Association, Elvis Presley, Jerry lee Lewis, Jan & Dean, Carpenters, Love Generation, more)
• Jerry Whitman - Backing Vox (Hollywood Film Chorale, David Axelrod, Michael Colombier, Partridge Family, Burt Bacharach, Hal David, Tedd Smith, Ray Conniff, John Strachan, Bob Zwirn, Paul Williams, Phantom of Paradise [sndtk], Cam Floria, Jose Feliciano, Carpenters, Elkie Brooks, The Tubes, Wayne Parker, TN Ernie Ford, Ralph Carmichael, Triumvirat, Grease [sndtk], Jon Bryon, Harvey Mason, Reba Rambo, Dony McGuire, Outlaws, Jimmy & Carol Owens, David Essex, Norman Saleet, Juice Newton, Vince Gill, Frank Sinatra, Werid Al Yankovic, Neil Diamond, Harry Connick Jr, Billy May, Glen Gray, James Newton Howard, Alan Silvestri, Simpsons, Henry Mancini, Charles Bernstein, Ralph Cramichael, Kurt Kaiser)
• Gene Morford - Backing Vox (Modern Barbershop Quartet, Hugo Montenegro, Ralph Carmichael, Jack Daugherty, Michael Legrand, BJ Thomas, David Wagner, Paul Johnson, John Kay, Sarah Vaughn, Sherman Hayes, Paul Williams, John Davidson, Cam Floria, Elkie Brooks, Jose Feliciano, Jim Weatherly, Jon Bryon, Tubes, Elton John, TN Ernie Ford, Shaun Cassidy, Captain & Tennille, Dolly parton, Tony Rizzi & Pacific!, Grease [sndtk], Neil Diamond, Alan Price, Susie Allanson, Jimmy & Carol Owens, Continental Singers, Barry McGuire, David Essex, Kenny Rogers, Parachute, Reba Rambo, Dony McGuire, Laura Branigan, Gail Davis, Toto, John Denver, Roy Orbison, Little Shop of Horrors [sndtk], Frank Sinatra, Weird Al Yankovic, David Foster, Jerry Lee Lewis, harry Connick Jr, Tom Inglis, Natalie Cole, Chipmunks, Clare Fischer, Amy Grant, Simpsons [sndtk], Tom Jones, Suzanne Klee, Johnny Koonce)
• Marti McCall - Backing Vox (Magic, Space Angels, Tuxedo Junction, JOhn Lee Hooker, Linda Ronstadt, Michael White, Righteous Bros, Peggy lee, Paul Williams, Dory Previn, nancy Wilson, Harry Chapin, Jack Jones, Frankie Valli, Seals & Crofts, Blackbyrds, Boz Scaggs, Dolly Parton, David Soul, Dionne Warwick, Burt Bacharach, Sat Night Fever [sndtk], Donna Summer, Roger Voudouris, Grease [sndtk], Peter Allen, Gloria Gaynor, Christopher Cross, The Babys, Gil-Scott heron, Aretha Franklin, Reba Rambo, Imperials, Striesand, Jose Feliciano, Milt Jackson, Madleen Kane, Booker T, Jermaine Jackson, Kids from Fame, Kenny Rogers, Lou Rawls, Barry Gibb, Bil Withers, Diana Ross, Cher, Linda Ronstandt, Olivia-Newton John, Arlo Guthrie, Glen Campbell, more
• Myrna Matthews - Backing Vox (Hollywood Film Chorale, Magic, Paul Johnson, Saint Tropez, Babettes, Space Angels, Billy Preston, Dusty Springfield, Tim Buckley, Steely Dan, Dory Previn, Quincy Jones, Boz Scaggs, Bill Withers, Don Cornelius, Frankie Valli, TN Ernie Ford, Blackbyrds, Seals & Crofts, Helen Reddy, Dolly Parton, Captain & Tennille, Miracles, Dion Warwick, Shaun Cassidy, Grease [sndtk], Cheryl Ladd, Babys, Roger Voudouris, Christopher Cross, Outlaws, Eddie Money, Aretha Franklin, Barbara Streisand, Booker T, Jose Feliciano, SOS Band, Diana Ross, Kenny Rogers, Imperials, Patti Austin, Barry Gibb, Cher, Whitney Houston, Gary Wright, China Crisis, Teddu Pendergrass, Jon Bon Jovi, Dick Tracy [sndtk], Kenny Loggins, Muppets, Pat Boone, Harry Connick Jr more)
• Lorna Willard - Backing Vox (Maxine Waters/Willard, Scott McKenzie, Pacific Gas & Electric, Michael Colombier, Al Kooper, Marc McClure, David Cassidy, Tim Buckley, BW Stevenson, Willie Hutch. Boz Scaggs, Keith Moon, Bobby Womack, Cydni Grecco, Paul Kelly, Alice Cooper, Lenoard Cohen, Tanya Tucker, Chanson, Moulin Rouge, Ken Lauber)
• Julia (Ardie) Waters Tillman - Backing Vox (Rock Flowers, Sugar, Brothers & Sisters, Darlings, Dynels, Goldman Girls, Waters, Waters Sisters, Stan Kenton, Al Kooper, Carole King, Dave Mason, Boz Scaggs, Funk Inc, Eric Andersen, Jose Feliciano, Carly Simon, Johnny Rivers, Keith Moon, Tina Turner, Righteous Bros, Buffy Saint-Marie, Andy Williams, Rare Earth, Glen Campbell, The Tubes, Cher, Paul Butterfield, Santana, Barbara Streisand, Tavares, Carpenters, Inner Circle, BB King, Patti LaBelle, Ben E King, Tony Orlando, Cuba Gooding, Neil Diamond, Gloria Gaynor, Kiss, Denise Williams, Rick James, Teena Marie, Donna Summer, Herbie Hancock, Eddie Money, Jacksons, Peaches & Herb, Kim Carnes, Diana Ross, Curtis Mayfield, Smokey Robinson, Toni Basil, Sam Harris, Lionel Richie, Commodores, Joe Cocker, Gap Band, Natalie Cole, Harold Faltermeyer, many)
• Bobby LaKind - Percussion (Doobie Brothers, Lauren Wood, Nicolette Larson, Little Feat, Eikichi Yazawa, Paul Barrere, Bonedaddys, Michael McDonald, Chris Hillman, Cheech y Chong, Robbie Patton, Ronnie Hawkin, Freddy Henry, Dirt Band, Four on the Floor, Night, Sneaker, Tom Johnston, Benny Hester, Karen Brooks, Greg Guidry, Spirit, Honeymoon Suite, Glenn Hughes, BulletBoys, Tommy Bolin, Steve Fisher)
• Paul Barrere - Slide Guitar (Little Feat, Chicken Legs, Bluesbusters, Robert Palmer, T Lavitz, Jack Casady, Coco Montoya, Steamroller Wheelies, Bonnie Raitt, Eric Kaz, Carly Simon, John Cale, Oak Ridge Boys, Travis Tritt, Taj Majal, Jackson Browne, more)
• Al Kooper - Producer, Arrangement, Remix, Keys (Lynyrd Skynyrd, Blood Sweat & Tears, Child is Father to the Man, Four on the Floor, Frankie & Johnny, Rekooperators, Blues Project, Landlords, Musclemen, Royal teens, Sensational Guitars of Dan & Dale, Mike Bloomfield, Sweet Linda Divine, Mose Jones, David Essex, Green on Red, Tim Petty, Bob Dylan, Tom Rush, Peter Paul & Mary, Moby Grape, Jimi Hendrix Experience, Janis Ian, BB King, Rolling Stones, Bo Diddley, Rita Coolidge, The Who, Alice Cooper, Ringo Starr, George Harrison, Ravi Shankar Project, Was (Not Was), Roy Orbison, Thelonious Monster, Chuck Prophet, Neil Diamond many)
• Ernie Watts - Sax, Flute (Andreas Pettersson, Buddy Rich, Charlie haden, Doc Severinsen, Gerad Wilson, GRP All Star Big Band, Jasper Van Hof's Face to Face, Karma, Leonard Feather, Liberation Music Orch, Love Unlimited Orch, Nat Adderley, Session II, Bruce Eskovitz, John Dentz, The Meeting, The Mothers, Night Blooming Jazzmen, Sergio Mendes, T-Bone Walker, Cannonball Adderley, James Brown, Ella Fitzgerald, Carole King, Spencer Davis, Diana Ross, Arlo Guthrie, Bonnie Raitt, Quincy Jones, Marvin Gaye, Steely Dan  many)
• Paul Grupp - Basic Engineer
• Bob Edwards - Overdub Engineer, Remix
• Mark Linett - Background Vox Engineer
• Linda Corbin - Asst Engineer
• Peggy McCreary - Asst Engineer
• Niko Bolals - Asst Engineer
• George Ybarra - Asst Engineer
• Stewart Henderson - Asst Engineer
• Scooter Sandweiss - Production Coordinator
• Charlie Brusso - Mgmt (High Tide)
• George Cappellini - Mgmt (High Tide)
• Aaron Rapoport - Photos
• Ria Lewerke-Shapiro - Art Direction, Design

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, but based on the cover, they make me think of an Ugly Kid Joe meets Journey combination...and that is pretty much what i imagine the music to take form as, too, even if it was 9 years before UKJ.

Album Review: Greasy rock begins with the needle drop. Not necessarily hard or heavy, just sleazy, southern rock with the two lead guitars, and trying to rock your face off (not not doing it) driving tempos. 

The Van Zant family has its fair share of connection and history with southern blues rock. Johnny is the younger brother of Ronnie (died in the 1977 plane crash), who founded/sang for Lynyrd Skynyrd. Johnny is their current singer (since 1987). He also founded .38 Special with brother Donnie, and later Van Zant also with Donnie. This is the first release of the band that evolved from Austin Nickels Band, who formed 3 years earlier. Skynyrd had their farewell tour in 2018-19, Johnny said they could still record.

Stand Out Track: 634-5789

Links:
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Allmusic
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GB Gazette 2018
Madness to Creation
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1980 Live show - Wolfgang's
USA Today 2019
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What JVZ drives

Jacksonville Paper Father's Obit 2018
RTJ Webzine 
MN Star Tribune 2018

Snail- s/t

Name: Snail
Album: S/T
Year: 1978
Style: Southern Bluesy Rock
Similar Bands: Ween, Creedence Clearwater, Allman Brothers, Doobie Brothers, Firefall, Poco, Steely Dan
"One-Word" Review: Laid Back Custom Van Southern Blues Rockers
Based Out Of: Santa Cruz, CA
Label: Cream

Cover, Sleeve, Record

Back, Sleeve, Record

Snail (1978)

1. The Joker 5:08 (single)
2. Catch Me 3:32
3. Music is My Mistress 4:17
4. Childhood Dreams 5:14 (single b-side) /
5. Try and Wonder 4:09
6. Keep on Livin' 4:10
7. You Gotta Run 4:23
8. Carry Me 3:04
9. Freedom in the Country 4:48

Album Rating (1-10): 6.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Bob O'Neil - Guitar, Vox (Snailhead, Talcon Wedge, Cobras, Larry Hosford)
• Jack Register - Bass (Hillow Hammet)
• Jim Norris - Drums (Joe Richards, Sea Dog, Humans, Ninja Nomads, Larry Hosford, Jim Hampton, Larry Scala, Lol, Bob Brozman, Stomin' Norman and the Cyclones, Lazy K's, Electric Range, Beans Sousa, Jeffrey Halford & the Healers, Arthur Godfrey, Mick Overman, Victoria Blythe, Psychemagik, Fred Thrane, Doc Stoltey)
• Ken Kraft, Guitar, Vox (White Album Ensemble, The Bubble, Stomin' Norman and the Cyclones, messiahs, Harpin' Johnny and the Primadons, Larry Hosford Band, Karin Phoenix, Nightfire Lacy J. Dalton, Larry Hosford, Psychemagik, Lazy K's, Electric Range)
• David Bowers - Sound Engineer
• Ed Leslie - Personal Manager
• Jerry Barnes - Producer, Engineer
• Gary Boatner - Asst. Engineer
• Murray McFadden - Asst. Engineer
• Gary Boren - Asst. Engineer
• Michael Scholl - Asst. Engineer
• David Kulka - Tones
• Cary Fischer - Tones
• Clark Gassman - Keys, Orch Arrangement & Conducting (David Acelrod, John Fischer, Jon Byron, Stan kenton, Ralph Carmichael, Solomon Burke, Jim Valley, Paul Johnston & the Sure Name Foundation, Percy Faith, Andy Williams, Archers, Hugo Montenegro, Anne Herring, Ray Conniff, Simon Stokes, David Castle, Pam Mark Hall, Jimmy & Carol Owens, Terry Garthwaite, Lilly Greene, Jessy Dixon, Ron Harris, Steve Boalt, Communion Sinfers, Bob Baily, James Gabriel Stipech, Groupe Vocal Vie Nouvelle, Dale Schacker, Steve Shakarian)
• Chet McCracken - Percussion (Evergreen Bluegrass, Help, Doobie Brothers, America, Pat Terry Group, John Fischer, Nick Gilder, Jerry Corbetta, Renzo Fraiese, Hank Williams Jr, Harvey + Cannonball, Greg Harris, Jazz Fusion, Amy Holland, Eikichi yazawa, William Katt, Accomplice, Stevie Nicks, Rita Coolidge, Joe Walsh, Todd Sharp, Patrick Gammon, Claire Severac, Brad Dutz, Jon Bare, Tim Bogert, Nancy Luca, Michael McDonald, Big Rain, Derlin Dow, Sterling Koch, Sherlie Carter)
• LePrevost - Art Direction, Design
• Gene Brownell - Cover Design

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band.But they're living up the name by putting a snail shell right there on the cover, along with the band name in a font that looks like snail slime. The band photo on the back looks like they're a bunch of long haired hippies, so i imagine this might be psych (snail residue trippy poison?) or maybe just power pop.

Album Review: This pride of Santa Cruz band goes all in on the southern, bluesy rock style. Some songs have funky guitar solos, and a slight psych tinge to them, but its pretty straight forward custom van stoner rock. Some of the guitar solos remind me of Dean Ween's guitar work. This album came out 10 years into their career, but was still considered their first. When they started, they were a Cream-type blues-rock band. O'Neil's is the only original member left by the time of this album, even though Kraft joined a couple months into their existence. Sounds like they were a quite popular regional band, but never experienced much popularity outside the Monterey-Salinas market despite touring for Styx, Steve Miller Band and Santana and appearing on American Bandstand. They had to retire their band name due to legal issues and a bankrupt label, but some form of the band still plays out in the SC area (2020).


Stand Out Track: The Joker

Links:

Spotify full album

Discogs

bad Cat records

local wiki

APCAL

Renaissance Records

Mars Studio Kraft on Engineer

good times 2011

good times 2020

Kraft on Facebook

Santa cruz Sentinel

Monterey Herald

Les Paul Forum

Garage Hangover

Ripple Effect

Glory Daze

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

Links:

Full Album Youtube
Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic

derek's music blog

Blues Project & Seatrain

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George Starostin Reviews

Mountain - Flowers of Evil

Name: Mountain
Album: Flowers of Evil
Year: 1971
Style: Prog, Southern Bluesy Rock, Classic Rock
Similar Bands: Black Sabbath, Cream, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Bloodrock
"One-Word" Review: Mystical jam-band metal.
Based Out Of:  Long Island, NYC
Label: Windfall, Bell Records, Columbia Pictures

Cover, Record

Record, Back

Flowers of Evil (1971)

1. Flowers of Evil 4:53
2. King's Chorale 1:04 (instrumental)
3. One Last Cold Kiss 3:45
4. Crossroader 4:47
5. Pride and Passion 7:05 /
6. Dream Sequence (live Fillmore East 1971) 24:27
1. Guitar Solo
2. Roll Over Beethoven (Chuck Berry cover)
3. Variations
4. Swan Theme
7. Mississippi Queen (live Fillmore East 1971) 3:53

Album Rating (1-10): 7.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Leslie West - Guitar, Vox (Vagrants, West Bruce and Laing, David Rea, Dana Valery, Joe Bonamassa, John Entwhistle Band, Clutch, Michael Schenker Group, Voices of Classic Rock, Todd Wolfe & Under the Radar, Jolliver Arkansaw, Mylon, Felix Cavaliere, Deadly Nightshade, Bo Diddley, Dion, Gillian, Billy Joel, Carmine Appice's Guitar Zeus, The Who, Joe Lynn Turner, Randy Coven, Don Nix, Ozzy Osbourne, Hotshot, Ian Gillan, Johnny Winter, Eli Cook)
• Felix Pappalardi - Bass, Vox, Producer (Cream, Pompeii, Devil's Anvil, The Flock, The Realists, Jack Bruce, David Rea, Natural Gas, Jesse Colin Young, Creation, Gasolin', Dead Boys', Casey Anderson, Vince Martin, Fred Neil, Tom Paxton, Richard & Mimi Farina, Tom Rush, Ian & Sylvia, Spider John Koerner, Tim Rose, Bo Grumpus, Kensignton Market, Bunky & Jake, Jolliver Arkansaw, Mylon, John Sebastian, Eric Clapton, Bedlam, Back Door, Eddie Mottau, Sierra, Tim hardin, Vagrants, Tom Paxton)
• Corky Laing - Drums (West Bruce and Laing, Energy, Bartholomew Plus Three, Cork, Pompeii, The B+3, Leslie West Band, The Mix, Jason Hartless, David Rea, Mylon, Dana Valery, Mahogany Rush, Bo Diddley, Tony Wilson, Charlie Karp & Name Droppers, Men Without Hats, Lost & Profound,  JD Blackfoot, David Grahame, Visitors From Bellatrix)
• Steve Knight - Keys (Devil's Anvil, Wings, Feenjon Group, Herbie Mann, George Mgrdichian Ensemble, Andrea Glass, Yacov Dan)
• Gail Collins Pappalardi - Writer, Lyrics
• Bob d'Orleans - Engineer
• Judy Szekely - Asst. Engineer
• Gail Collins - Cover
• Bud Prager - Exec. Producer
• Music Agency - Graphics Coordination

Unknown-ness: Never heard of Mountain. I picked this up in a Goodwill Thrift record stack along side a Mothers of Invention album, so I assume this is going to be similar: odd, avant garde pop. Their band name artwork looks a little spiritual/renaissance/baroque/new agey, so it might go that direction, too.

Album Review: The album's studio side has a theatrical, rock opera, concept theme going on (about drug abuse in Vietnam), perhaps a little like some of early Ween's classic rock, face melting songs, even if this record is not that face melting. Side B is recorded live at the Fillmore East in 1971. The first "track" is a 24 min 30 sec medley that has Chuck Berry's "Roll Over Beethoven" mixed in. Leslie West was the main artist behind Mountain, as the band name is taken from West's first solo album, which refers to his large size and stature. They were a unique sound, blending elements that they were able to fit together very naturally. They soared at Woodstock's Saturday Night stage, only the band's fourth every live performance. After that, they released their first proper album, featuring the classic rock and cowbell hit Mississippi Queen, featured on here as a gritty, filthy live version. Pappalardi was shot & killed by his wife in 1983, and she served about a year in jail. With him gone, West and Laing have regrouped and recorded Mountain albums off an on into the aughts. Some verison of Mountain will still perform today with West & Laing composing the core.

Stand Out Track: One Last Cold Kiss

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Murray McLaughlin and the Silver Tractors - Hard Rock Town

Name: Murray McLaughlin and the Silver Tractors
Album: Hard Rock Town
Year: 1977
Style: Bluesy Pub Rock, Country
Similar Bands: Neil Young, Poco, Pure Prairie League
"One-Word" Review: Sleepy Country Pubs
Based Out Of: Toronto, Canada
Label: True North, Island Records

Cover & Back, Record

Gatefold & Record

Hard Rock Town (1977)

1. Love Comes and Goes 4:20 (single)
2. Poor Boys 3:46
3. The Man Who Can Sing the Blues 3:05
4. Love Can Make Ya 4:23
5. Well, Well, Well 4:14 (single B-side) /
6. Hard Rock Town 4:10
7. Immigrant 3:00
8. Sweet Song of Asia 3:10
9. When The Taxman Comes 3:12
10. Straight Outa Midnight 3:41 (single)

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Murray McLaughlin - Guitar, Piano, Harmonica, Vox, Writing, Producer (Lunch at Allen's, Northern Lights)
• Jorn Andersen - Drums, Percussion, Vox (Brian Plummer & the Suspects, First Fire, Fludd, Rough Trade, The Lincolns, Totonto Rhythm Section, Ian Thomas, Rob Piltch, Allanah Myles, Patricia Dahlquist, Joe Mendelson, Jackson Hawke, Crack of Dawn, Dan Hill, Bruce Cockburn, Tom Middleton, Bryan Way, Ronney Abramson, John Mills, Brent Titcomb, McLuskey, Sylvia Tyson, Jack Tobi, Anne Murray, Eddie Schwartz, Vezi, Joe Wood, Keith McKie, Garnett Ford, Harlow, Extras, Tim Ryan, Dr. Music, Doug Casmeron, Veronique Beliveau, Hugh Marsh, Tom Cochrane, Christopher Wand, Harlequin, John James, Terry Kelly, David Gogo, Virginia Storey, Philip Sayce, Aidan Mason, David Wilcox, Jack Semple, Michael Kaeshammer, Kevin Breit, Henrys, Don Rookie, Kevin Breit, Andrea Koziol, Carlos del Junco, Folkalarm, Justin Hines, Anjulie, Harry Manx, Fefe Dobson, Russell DeCarle)
• Dennis Pendrith - Bass, Vox (Bruce Cockburn, Dan Hill, 3s A Crowd, Rise and Shine Band, Bachelor Farmers, Raffi, Fred Penner, Simone Caine, Pierre Lalonde, Dee Higgins, Luke Gibson, Aarons & Ackley, Fraser & deBolt, Dave Essig, David Wiffen, Peter Donato, Willie P Bennett, Bryan Way, Len udow, Time Twins, Rosenshontz, Jerry Brodey, Dwayne Ford, Available Space, Mose Scarlett, Gordon Lightfoot, Leroy Sibbles, Brent Titcomb, Fred Penner, Ken Whiteley, Sylvia Tyson, Vance Gilbert, Tim harrison, Fred Eaglesmith, April Verch, Jim Layeux, Dan Whiteley, Ken Whiteley, Lunch at Allens, Kathy Reid Naiman, Lenore, Danny Michael, John P Allen, Cris Cuddy, Matt Andersen, Men Without Hairs)
• Ben Mink - Fiddle, Mandolin, Backing Vox, String Arrangement (Cano, FM, Stringband, k.d. lang, Geddy Lee, Rush, Heart, American Flyer, more) 
• Gene Martynec - Guitar, String Arrangement (Bobby Kris & The Imperials, Kensington Market, London Improvisers Orch, Bruce Cockburn, Luke Gibson, Edward Bear, Lou Reed, Gordon Lightfoot, Ray Materick, Paul Stoddart, Jeff White, Len Udow, John Mills-Cockell, BB Gator, Eric Robertson, Brian Plummer, Rob Clutton)
• Ronney Abramson - Vox (Bruce Cockburn)
• Kathryn Moses - Flute (Ted Moses Quintet, Syncona, Bruce Cockburn, Ann Mortifee, Ken Whiteley, Tommy Graham, Tom Rush, Joe Probst, Chuck Mangione, Hagood Hardy, Jose Munoz Coca, Leroy Sibbles, Raffi, Hugh Marsh, Ann Reed, Tony Guerrero, Ann Mortifee, Grit Laskin, Ricky Gianco, Fred Stone)
• Ken Friesen - Engineer
• Doug Neil - Asst Engineer
• Bart Schoales - Art Direction, Design, Photos
• Ray Simpson - Retouching & Special Photography
• Bernie Finkelstein - Producer

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, but it looks and the name / album title sounds like a blue-collar Bruce Cougar Springsteen Mellencamp sorta act.

Album Review: Althogh this album is mostly southern bluesy pub rock, it definitely leans toward country, although  the song "Straight Outa Midnight" sounds a little like The Who. McLaughlin has won numerous Juno awards and is in the Canadian Country Music HoF. He has a commercial pilots license as well, and has been flying personal and commercial aircrafts for many years. And he is still performing as of 2020.

Stand Out Track: Straight Outa Midnight

Links:

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website

allmusic

discogs

Calgary Herald

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Jambalaya - High Rollers and Other Fine Ladies

Name: Jambalya
Album: High Rollers and Other Fine Ladies
Year: 1973
Style: Southern Blues, Country
Similar Bands: Ace, Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd
"One-Word" Review: Swamp Root Country
Based Out Of: Libertyville, IL
Label: A&M

Cover, Lyrics, Record

Back, Lyrics, Record

High Rollers and Other Fine Ladies (1973)

1. High Roller 3:30
2. Lady Lightning 3:52
3. Lovin' You 3:19 (single)
4. Sweet Marie 3:22
5. She's A Driver 3:47 /
6. Sheriff Johnson 4:05
7. Backwater Children 4:35
8. Never the Wind 4:45
9. Angry Tiger 4:48

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Peter Mac Ian - Lead Vox, Piano, Organ, Clavinet (Frane Golde, Doug Parkinson, The City)
• Charles Ray - Vox, Drums, Percussion
• Erik Scott - Vox, Bass (Alice Cooper, Flo & Eddie) 
• Billy Steele - Lead Guitar, Slide Guitar, Dobro (Mo McGuire, Franne Golde, Tonio K, Alice Cooper, the Honeys, Steve Perry)
• James Egan - Rhythm & 6-12 String Guitar
• Thomas Jefferson Kaye - Producer
• Roger "The Immortal" Nichols - Engineer
• Carl E Huston - Equipment Man
• Roy Shaffer - Equipment Man
• Jeff "Skunk" Baxter - Pedal Steel Guitar (Four on the Floor, Steely Dan, The Best, Doobie Brothers, Louisiana Gator Boys, Texas Toad Lickers, Tupelo Bone, Ultimate Spinach, more)
• Joe Giuliani - Engineer
• Roland Young - Art Direction
• Mick Haggerty - Design
• Rod Dyer - Design

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, but it reminds me of the other recently reviewed record, the Joey "King" Carrasco record, just with a rockabilly twist with the pin-up girls, dice, chips and leopard prink background. My guess for this record is swing, rockabilly tracks that probably step too far into country.

Album Review: The record is much more in line with southern country/blues rock, and does not really touch rockabilly at all. The stand out track i selected was because it sounds a lot like the FlashMan theme from Mega Man 2...so it literally stood out from the first time i heard it. Looks like this is the only release from this band, and there is not much info out there about them.

Stand Out Track: Blackwater Children

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Illinois Speed Press (the) - s/t

Name: The Illinois Speed Press
Album: s/t
Year: 1969
Style: Blues, Southern Pub Rock
Similar Bands: Hendrix, Chicago, Lynard Skynyrd, Buffalo Springfield, Allman Brothers
"One-Word" Review: Country R&B Rock
Based Out Of: Chicago, IL
Label: Columbia, CBS

Cover & Back, Sleeve, Record

Gatefold, Sleeve, Record

Illinois Speed Press (1969)

1. Overture 3:29
2. Get In The Wind 2:57 (single)
3. Hard Luck Story 4:46
4. Here Today 3:18
5. Pay the Price 5:18 /
6. P.N.S. (When You Come Around) 7:54
7. Be A Woman 4:57
8. Sky Song 2:25
9. Beauty 5:19
10. Free Ride 4:37

Album Rating (1-10): 6.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Paul Cotton (Norman) - Guitar, Vox (The Capitols, The Mus-Twangs, The Starfires, Carol Vega Trio, The Gentrys, The Rovin' Kind, Poco, Peter White, Gunhill Road, Ten City, Hannibal, Richie Furay)
• Kal David (David Raskin) -  Guitar, Vox (The Exceptions, The Rovin' Kind, The Fabulous Rhinestones, HP Lovecraft, The Stupid Guys, Merryweather & Carey, Rhythm Heritage, Kat McCord, Robbie Dupree, Leslie Smith, Jennifer Warnes, Julie Brown, Smokey Robinson, Darlene Love, Dirk Hamilton, Vonda Shepard, Rod Piazza & Mighty Flyers, Janis Ian, Bobby Martin, Bonnie Raitt, Tony Wilson, Robert Lee, Thelma Camacho, Ringo Starr, Johnny Rivers, John Mayall, BB King, Pete Levin)
• Mike Anthony - Keys, Vox (The Gentrys, The Rovin' Kind)
• Fred Page (Pappalardo) - Drums (The Gentrys, The Rovin' Kind)
• Rob Lewine - Bass (Song)
• Jerry Hochman - Engineer
• Dave Dillar - Engineer
• Roy Halee - Engineer
• Glen Kolotkin - Engineer
• James William Guercio - Producer (Chicago, Buckinghams, Blood, Sweat & Tears)
• Craig Butler - Design
• Dave McMacken - Design
• Patti Mitsui - Design
• Dave Swaney - Writer
• Mark Gottlieb - Photos
• Frank Bex - Photos

Unknown-ness: Never heard of them. Cover and front and back photo look like any CSNY or Loggins and Messina record, so i am supposing it will be southern-bluesy rock. The gatefold newspaper liner notes & stories is a fun artistic choice, centered around their printing press name suggestion.

Album Review: Although the album begins with a collage of tracks layered over each other, sounding like a bit of chaos, the album is a soulful slice of country-blues rock. Singer Paul Cotton went on to replace Messina in Poco, and the band was instrumental in the formation of Lynyrd Skynyrd. They were originally from Chicago, and along with The Flock, Aorta & Chicago, were touted as the "Chicago Sound" by Columbia Records, even through they had moved to LA. "Beauty" carries more Psych & California pop in it than the other tracks on the record.

Stand Out Track: P.N.S. (When You Come Around), Beauty

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Mark Farner - s/t

Name: Mark Farner
Album: s/t
Year: 1977
Style: Pub Rock, Bluesy Rock
Similar Bands: The Who, Bee Gees, Allman Brothers, Creedence Clearwater, Grand Funk Railroad,
"One-Word" Review: Mellow Classic Rock in a Pub
Based Out Of: Flint Michigan
Label: Atlantic Recording, Warner Communications

Cover & Record

Back & Record

Mark Farner (1977)

1. Dear Miss Lucy 3:37
2. Street Fight 3:55
3. Easy Breezes 3:45
4. Social Disaster 3:35
5. He Let Me Love 3:34 /
6. You and Me Baby 2:51
7. Second Chance to Dance 3:15
8. Lorraine 3:55
9. Lady Luck 3:45
10. Ban the Man 3:05

Album Rating (1-10): 5.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Mark Farner - Lead Guitar, Lead & Backing Vox (Terry Knight and the Pack, Bossman, The Fabulous Pack, Dick Wagner, Grand Funk Railroad, John Beland, Ringo Starr, Alice Cooper )
• Phil Aaberg - Keys, Clavinet, String Ensemble (New Grange, Peter Gabriel, Elvin Bishop. Henry Gross, Dick Wagner, Marshall Chapman, Valdy, Maria Muldaur, Duroc, Dillard, Pat Hoffman, Rogers & Burgin, Amos Garrett, Roger Voudouris, Juice Newton, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Kenny Rogers, Vince Gill, Eddie Rabbitt, Metamora, Roy Rogers, 
• Bob Babbit - Bass (Marfvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Temptations, Jimi Hendrix, Alice Cooper, more)
• Bob Kulick - Guitar (Balance, Blackthorne, Hookfoot, Murder's Row, Skull, Neverland Express, Todd Rundgren, Michael Schenker Group, Lou Reed, Michael Wendroff, Pepper, Kiss, Meatloaf, Janice Ian, Diana Ross, Tim Curry, Rachel Sweet, Balance, Richard T Bear, Was Not Was, Spys, Michael Bolton, WASP, Motorhead, Status Quo)
• Al Wotton - Drums (Rachel Sweet, Frankie and the Knockouts, Mitch Ryder)
• Jimmy Maelan - Percussion (Ambergris, Shobizz, Hollywood Vampires, Latin Dimension, Roxy Music, Peter Gabriel, James Taylor, Alice Cooper, John Lennon, Jacksons, Talking Heads)
• Dick Wagner - Acoustic Guitar, Backing Vox, Remixing (Alice Cooper, Lou Reed, Kiss, Bossmen, The Frost, Hollywood Vampires, Ursa Major, much more)
• Ricky Farner - Backing Vox
• Dennis Bellinger - Backing Vox (Grand Funk Railroad, Rusty Wright Band, Robert Richmond)
• Andy Abrams - Engineer, Remixing
• Jim Frank - Asst. Engineer
• Mark Stebbeds - Asst Engineer
• Ringo Hrycyna - Asst. Engineer
• Jay Krugman - Remixing
• Steinbicker - Houghton - Cover Photo
• Lynn Goldsmith - Liner Photo
• Bob Defrin - Art Direction
• Andy Cavaliere - Personal Mgmt

Unknown-ness: never heard of this artist, and the cover looks like a complete rock star wanna-be cliche. Wanna-be because I've never heard of him. But the metallic logo and Saturday afternoon UHF fantasy b-movie image of shirtless Farner on a horse is trying hard to be iconic. As for what this will contain, it imagine it to be some aggressive Journey-like arena rock.

Album Review: So this is a gentle mix of southern bluesy rock and piano based pub tracks with some god influence ("He Let Me Love"). The songs on this album do mix it up, as there is also a little funk, some vague motown sound, and slow, harmonic "sexy" r&b. He was the lead singer & guitarist for Grand Funk Railroad. And through struggle and strife (father's early death, pacemaker, son's accident, fired from GFR & legal battles, finding god) he has come out the other end still playing music. The songs on this album do mix it up, as there is also a little funk, some vague motown sound, and slow, harmonic "sexy" r&b.

Stand Out Track: Dear Miss Lucy

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Couchois - Nasty Hardware

Name: Couchois
Album: Nasty Hardware
Year: 1980
Style: Powerpop, AOR
Similar Bands: Journey, Allman Brothers, J. Geils Band, ELO, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Orleans, Steve Miller Band
"One-Word" Review: average white band
Based Out Of: Huntsville AL
Label: Warner Brothers, Inmusic Productions

Cover, Record, Catalogue

Back, Record

Nasty Hardware (1980)

1. Trudy, You're A Bad Girl 4:13
2. How Can I Lose 3:35
3. Pretty Young Girls 3:29
4. Anywhere You Are 3:58
5. Innocence 3:22 /
6. Roll the Dice 4:23
7. Call it a Day 3:55
8. Do You Really Believe it? 4:00
9. Visibility Zero 4:58

Album Rating (1-10): 6.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Steve Barri - Producer
• Eddie Lambert - Producer
• Chas Carlson - Keys Backing Vox
• Howard Messer - Bass, Backing Vox (Ratchell, Eric Burdon)
• Pat Couchois - Guitar, Backing Vox (Ratchell, T.I.M.E.)
• Michael Couchois Drums, BackingVox 
• Chris Couchois - Vox, Percussion (Ratchell, Eric Burdon)
• Phil Kaye - Recording & Mixing Engineer
• Roger Nichols - Recording Engineer
• Gary Goodman - Recording & Mixing Engineer
• John Banuelos - Recording & Mixing Engineer
• Bernie Grundman - Mastering
• Karen White - Production Coordinator
• Martyn Smoith - Mgmt & Direction
• Ed Tickner - Mgmt & Direction
• Fred Valentine - Photography

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band. But they look like fun; with lots of energy, waving emergency silver blankets about, proudly drunk and showing their varied excitements. Definitly going to be powerpop, but at what level? Light, Pub, New Wave, Arena?

Album Review: Turns out this is light, southern-bluesy power pop for the most part. The name comes from three brothers, making up more than half the band, so it make sense to use their last name. This is their second album of two, and i think I've seen their first one out and about: the cougar logo looks familiar. The album verges on rocking once or twice...the bass and synth in the closing track is a little dark, but the song is funky enough to stay above water. There are some nice smooth harmonies, and a little country rock infused, but overall, just another AOR album to add to the pile. Roll the Dice was covered by both Charlie (reviewed recently)and German metal band Rage

Stand Out Track: Roll the Dice

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Capital City Rockets - s/t

Name: Capital City Rockets
Album: s/t
Year: 1973
Style: Honky-Tonk, Pub Rock, Southern-Bluesy Rock
Similar Bands: ZZ Top, Cheap Trick, Bay City Rollers, J. Geils Band, Black Crows, Mooney Suzuki
"One-Word" Review: run-of-the-mill-honky-tonk-blues
Based Out Of: Columbus OH
Label: Elektra, Warner

Cover & Record

Record & Back

Capital City Rockets (1973)

1. Ten Hole Dollars 3:24
2. Grab Your Honey 3:01 (single b-side)
3. Little Bit O'Fun 2:59 (cover)
4. Come Back Baby 2:41
5. People Are Losing 4:53 / 
6. Breakfast in Bed 3:13 (single)
7. Newcomer Blues 2:53
8. My Orange Tie 3:18
9. Searchlight 3:31
10. Still Kicking 3:49

Album Rating (1-10): 6.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Jamie Lyons - Lead Vox (the Music Explosion, the Burners, Hard Sauce, Kasenetz-Katz)
• Robert Hill - Guitar, Vox (Godz, Sky King, Debonairs, Bishops, Four Winds, Goldfinger, Strongbow, Climax)
• Michael (Bopper) Warner -  Guitar, Vox (Hard Sauce, Four O'Clock Balloon)
• Eric Moore - Bass (Godz, Sky King, Tree, American Dog)
• Jerry Hertig - Drums (Hard Sauce, Adrian Belew)
• Bobbye Hall - Congas (Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, Carole King, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Bill Withers, Butterfield Blues Band, Janis Joplin, Mamas and Papas many more)
• Gregory Prestopino - Piano (Celine Dion, Natalie Cole, Puff Daddy, Aaron Neville, Bette Midler, Livingston Taylor, Wendy Waldman, Maria Muldaur, Bonnie Raitt. Ry Cooder, John Prine, Loudon Wainwright III, Juice Newton, Gary Wright, Dan Bern, Arlo Guthrie, Kate & AnnaMcGarrigle)
• Fritz Richmond - Engineer, Remix
• Ed Caraeff - Photography
• Robert L. Heimall - Art Direction & Design

Unknown-ness: Never heard of these guys, but the logo looks right out of a late-90's emo punk band, and the back cover looks like they could be a 70's punk band in rollerderby outfits. I'm excited to hear what these guys make...it will probably just be some basic powerpop/rock, seeing as it's 1973.

Album Review: This was a one and done album from this band, who had roots in the Columbus OH scene for years before and after in other small bands. They are indeed a pub rock band with a bit of southern blues, a bit of revitalized oldies rock n roll, and smatterings of power pop. All of their songs are energetic, but nothing really stands out as the clear single or hook.

Stand Out Track: My Orange Tie

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Werewolves (the) - Ship Of Fools (summer weekends and no more blues)

Name: The Werewolves
Album: Ship Of Fools (summer weekends and no more blues)
Year: 1978
Style: Pub Band, Blues-Rock, Powerpop
Similar Bands: J. Geils Band, Jeff Beck, Animals, Bad Company, Rolling Stones, Flamin' Groovies
"One-Word" Review: Country Blues Rock N' Roll Party
Based Out Of: Dallas TX
Label: RCA, Victor

Ship Of Fools (summer weekends and no more blues) (1978)

1. Baby Eyes 3:32 (single)
2. Crazy Arms 3:26 (cover)
3. There We Were 1:59
4. Days of the Rest of My Life 2:33
5. Face on Wrong 3:19 /
6. Summer Weekends 2:31
7. One Up on You 2:44
8. Catch My Drift 2:27
9. Waking Up Is Hard to Do 2:17
10. No More Blues 3:31
11. Ship of Fools 3:19

Album Rating (1-10): 7.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Andrew Loog Oldham - Producer, Director (Rolling Stones)
• Brian Papageorge - Vox (The Hurricanes)
• Buckner Ballard - Vox, Guitar, Bass 
• Kirk Brewster - Vox, Guitar, Bass (Patricia Vonne)
• Seab Meador - Guitar (The Gentlemen, The Bridge.The Hurricanes, Zombies (fake))
• Bobby Baranowski - Drums & Percussion (Rev. Horton Heat, Hash Brown's TX Blues Review, Josh Alan Band, Herman Brock Jr. & The Eurocasters, Eugene Hideaway Brisges, Rocky Athas Group, Jim Suhler)
• Joey Stann - Horns, Keys (Bullet, Southside Johnny & Asbury Jukes, American Men, Miami Horns, gary US Bonds, Steve Satten, Stephen Dees, Benny Mardones, Stompers, Neil Sedaka, Bob Bandiera, Allman Bros Band, Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen)
• Ralph Mooney - Dialogue
• Charles Seals - Dialogue
• Neal Teeman - Sound Recording
• Chris Andersen - Sound Recording
• Mick Rock - Set Design
• Ernie Thormahlen - Set Design

Unknown-ness: I never heard of this band, but it looks like a low budget, as seen on tv album based on cramming four lines of active artwork across the cover (and not even fitting it all, having to wrap around to the back). They look "cool" and the toxic disaster palm tree sunset puts them in California, i imagine...which is supported by the way the back is set up like film credits. The band picture across the bottom makes me think they are a bluesy power-pop act, if only bluesy because they have a sax.

Album Review: The Texas band was "discovered" by ex-Rolling Stones producer Oldham after they moved to NYC to appeal to the up and coming CBGBs scene. Their style is country & southern blues infused rock and roll, which you can hear as they update and rock out on the traditional country cover of "Crazy Arms." "Face On Wrong" does a good job combining blues rock and oldies sounding powerpop.

Stand Out Track: Face On Wrong

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Flash Cadillac & the Continental Kids - There's No Face Like Chrome

Name: Flash Cadillac & the Continental Kids
Album: There's No Face Like Chrome
Year: 1974
Style: Oldies
Similar Bands: Sha Na Na, Fabulous Thunderbirds, Beatles, Beach Boys, Allman Bros
"One-Word" Review: Street Corner Harmony Gang
Based Out Of: Colorado
Label: CBS, Epic

 Cover & Record

Record & Back

There's No Face Like Chrome (1974)

1. Dancing (On a Saturday Night) 2:57
2. Message From Garcia 3:05
3. Heartbeat 2:57
4. Standin' on the Corner 3:10
5. Young Blood 2:14 /
6. The Way I Feel Tonight 3:19
7. Dirty Movies 3:23
8. First Girl 4:41
9. A Fool Like You 3:21
10. Rock and Roll heaven 3:21

Album Rating (1-10): 6.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Flash (Mich Manresa) - Lead Vox, Guitars
• Angelo (Kris Moe) - Lead Vox, Keys
• Spike (linn Phillips III) - Vox, Guitars
• Butch (Warren Knight) - Vox, Bass
• Ricco (John Masino) - Drums
• Spider (Dwight Bement) - Sax (Gary Puckett & the Union Gap, Nestor Haven Band)
• Wally (Jeff Stewart) - Additional Vox, Drums
• Toxey French - Producer, Arrangement, Engineering
• Eric Prestidge - Engineer
• Terry Jamison - Engineer
• Jerry Leiber - Producer
• Christine Thompson - Producer
• Dixon Van Winkle - Engineer
• Michael Sunday - Mastering
• Pete Rachtman - Personal Mgmt
• Jon Stevens - Cover Photo
• Jim Kornfield - Back Photo

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band. I think it reminded me of an Edgar Winters album i have, so that was my first impression of what it may sound like. The photo on the back looks like they are rockabilly greasers, so a throwback style is most likely what they play.

Album Review: So this band was famous for their portrayal of 50's bands in both films American Graffiti (as Herbie & the Heartbeats) and Apocalypse Now, as well as the TV show Happy Days (Johnny Fish & the Fins). They run the gamut of straight up oldies, mens vocal corner doo-wop gangs, and even some southern rock. The songs don't come off as jokey, but are tributes to a style of song the guys int he band enjoy performing.

Stand Out Track: Standin' on the Corner

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Duke & the Drivers - Rollin' On

Name: Duke & the Drivers
Album: Rollin' On
Year:1976
Style: Southern Blues Rock, Blue-Eyed Soul
Similar Bands: Lynyrd Skynyrd, Allman Brothers, Brownsville Station, Foghat, J. Geils Band
"One-Word" Review: Soulful Party in a Bar Band.
Based Out Of: Boston Mass
Label: ABC Records

 Cover & Record

Record & Back

Rollin' On (1976)

1. I Need Your Love 3:45
2. I Ain't Particular 3:18
3. Love on My Hands 3:25
4. Check Yourself 2:52
5. That Kind of Love 2:33
6. Let Me Be your Handyman 4:08 /
7. I'll Take Care of You 3:58
8. People Sure Act Funny 2:41
9. Check Your Bucket 3:40
10. Rollin' On 8:45

Album Rating (1-10): 8.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Cadillac Jack (Henry Eaton) - Guitar, Vox (Thunderhand Joe & the Medicine Show)
• Rhinestone Mudflaps III (Ando Hixon) - Tenor Sax, Harp, Percussion, Vox
• Mad Mississippi Buffalo (Tom Swift) - Keys, Vox
• Bobby Blue Sky (Bobby Chouinard) - Drums, Vox (Orphan, Billy Squier, Alice Cooper)
• Koko Dee (John Smith) - Bass, Vox
• Sam Deluxe (Joe Lilly) - Guitar, Vox
• George Lilly - Engineer
• Steve Maslow - Engineer
• Earthquake (Greg) Morton - Engineer
• Butch Lynch - Engineer
• Deke Richards - Producer
• Peter Casperson - Personal Manager
• Mark Schremmer - Road Manager
• Dick Douglas - Road Crew
• Brad Berger - Road Crew
• Larry Weinles - Road Crew
• Tom Wilkes - Art Direction & Photography
• Joe Garnett - Illustrations
• Fred Valentine - Liner Portraits

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, but it looks like it will be a straight up country album. I like the jokey nature of the album title and the cover photo, where the band is really Rollin' On some poor dude under the truck.

Album Review: They have been around the Boston area since 73 or so, playing to huge supportive followers in the local bar scene. That turned to bigger shows and record deals, and they still play once in a while to this day (2020). They mix honky tonk with soulful blues in a fun, upbeat dancey way. All of their songs are full of a jovial energy that promises to be a great time live. Motown and J Geils band collide well on many of these tracks, and they have a sense of humor about themselves, with their gag stage names and word play of their cover art.

Stand Out Track: Check Yourself

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Kevin Westlake - Stars Fade (In Hotel Rooms)

Name: Kevin Westlake

Album: Stars Fade (In Hotel Rooms)

Year:1976

Style: Bluesy & Country Rock. 

Similar Bands: Kinks, Rockets, Creedence Clearwater, Blasters, Rod McKuen, Ween's 12 Country Greats

One Word Review: Smooth Country Tributes

Based Out Of: London, England 

Label: Utopia

Stars Fade (In Hotel Rooms) -  Cover & Record

Stars Fade (In Hotel Rooms) - Back & Record

Stars Fade (In Hotel Rooms) (1976)

1. Yankee Girl 1:41
2. Stars Fade 2:32
3. Anticipation 4:20
4. The Girl 3:10
5. I Like Rock n' Roll 2:20 /
6. Love, Love, Love 3:57
7. Sweet Green Eyes 3:47
8. Pretty Boys Daces 2:30
9. Borrowed From a Dream 3:23
10. Monkee Tree 3:39

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:
Kevin Westlake - Guitar, Vox, Composer (BB Blunder, Blossom Toes, Ronnie Lane & Slim Chance, The Frankies)
Tony Meehan - Producer, Arrangement
Hugh Jones - Engineer
Keith Bessey - Engineer
Milton Glaser - Cover Design
Jimmie Jewell - Sax (Keef Hartley Band, Ronnie Lane & Slim Chance, Roger Daltrey, No Dice, The Hollies)
Billy Livsey - Keys (Slim Chance)
Steve Bingham  Bass (Slim Chance)

Unknown-ness: I've never heard of this artist. It looks like it may be a kinda plain, singer songwriter album. The straight lines and color fade, although resembles the window of the hotel room in the album title, it also has a bit of a Jazz artistic style to it, including the font- so it may be a little more than tedious guitar folk.

Album Review: Kevin was born into a world where music was prevalent. A drummer in the late 60’s his art college background allowed him to transition and weave easily between a couple of semi-popular bands and a solo career. Although he continued to play, art became the main focus of his career in the 80’s through to his death in 2004

“Yankee Girl” is a boozey, bouncy New Orleans big band jaunt. Lots of horns in the background, and a light pleasant vocal, reminding me of the Kinks. Odd how the song, that drips of bourbon street parade is considered a good style for a Yankee girl.

“Stars Fade” is a quieter, reflection of a song. With layered vocals during the verse, and echoing organ that rings out, the song is almost an easy listening track. But the bass countrifies the song a little.

“Anticipation” follows with a slow, leg dragging tempo, and it is either a big coincidence or appropriating the key line in 1975’s Rocky Horror Picture show, as the vocals drag out the last two syllables of the song title. The song builds as it moves along, bringing in sax, a chorus of backing female vocals, and a bit quicker drive. The vocals are a little singer-songwriter Beatle-y. The sax & keys play the song out to a fade

“The Girl” sounds like a slow Belle & Sebastian song at first, with the organ melody and tempo. But the vocals are soft, and the melody is not too complex, with a sleepy male vocal like Rod McKuen.

“I Like Rock n' Roll” kicks right in with a driving rock and roll tempo thanks to guitar and drums. It then becomes a pub rock version of RnR, driven by the piano melody. A sax plays out the instrumental, sticking to the basic melody.

“Love, Love, Love” starts of side two with a trip back to the southern, bluesy & boozy swamp stomping ditty. The chorus of Loves is layered with harmonizing backing vocals. The demeanor of the vocals are lazy, almost bored.

“Sweet Green Eyes” starts slow and quiet with a couple of chords held for a few seconds and soothing, vocals serenating a woman with mentioned green eyes. Overall it feels a little churchy, especially when the organ emerges from the main chords as its own distinct voice. The song ends somewhat abruptly.

“Pretty Boys Daces” kicks right in with an older honky-tonk style song. Driving bass line and country & wester style vocals, and twangy guitar in the background. The chorus slows the song down alongside the vocals, and supporting “Oooo’s” make the break seem important and angelic.  

“Borrowed From a Dream” begins with a barn dance style song with simple two note bass line and violin strings. The verse only keeps the bass line, and it loses the danceable element. The instrumental breaks should have an accompanying line dance, and it really does feel like it could be on Ween’s 12 Country Greats.

“Monkee Tree” starts with piano, and the vocals croon, with beatle-esq quality over the slowly growing musical accompaniment. The bass is featured prominently along with the pub room piano. There is one section where his vocals train higher for emphasis, which reminds me a lot of how Robert Schneider (of Apples In Stereo) sings “but you” toward the end of their song “Nobody But You.” The sad sax seems to echo sadness in the vocals. The song seems to reset itself with a bouncy section right before it ends.

Stand Out Track: Yankee Girl

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The Eddie Boy Band - S/T

Name: The Eddie Boy Band

Album: s/t

Year: 1975

Style: Southern, Pub Rock, Prog Rock

Similar Bands: Wishbone Ash, Doobie Bros., Chicago, J Geils Band, Edgar Winter Group, ELO, Van Morrison

One Word Review: Proggy Mountain Men inna Pub

Based Out Of: Chicago, IL

Label: MCA Records, 

 The Eddie Boy Band - Cover & Record

The Eddie Boy Band - Back, Record, Letter from promotions

The Eddie Boy Band (1975)

1. Oh So Hard 4:49
2. The Maze 3:12
3. Say Goodbye Babe 3:26
4. Come on Virginia (I Wanna Win Ya) 3:01
5. Losin' Again 6:07
6. Good to Have You Back Again 3:14
7. The Gambler 4:53
8. Sixteen Ladies 3:35
9. Makin' Love to You, Babe 3:28
10. Mother Music 5:23

Album Rating (1-10): 7.0

Members & Other Bands
Rick Canoff - Producer
Bob Monaco - Exec Producer
Don Sciarrotta - Exec Producer, Engineer, Mixing
Tony Sciarrota - Engineer, Mixing
John Notar - Asst Engineer
Lou Marks - Asst. Engineer
Scott Spain - Asst. Engineer
Josh Leo - Guitar, Vox (The Hate Boys, CY Walkin' Band, Kim Carnes, Jimmy Buffett, Vinyl Kings, Glen Frey, Alabama, Crystal Gayle, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Reba McEntire, LeAnn Rimes )
Mark Goldenberg - Guitar, Slide, Piano, Vox (The Cretones, Linda Ronstadt, Al Stweart, CY Walkin' Band, Grimaldi/Zeiher, Max Groenthal, Peter Frampton)
Tim Walkoe - Bass, Vox
John Paruolo - Organ, Piano, Accordion, Mellotron, Vox (Jack Mack & the Heart Attack, Mark Saffan & the Keepers)
Dennis Ebert - Drums, Percussion
Mike Lerner - Drums Percussion
Dick Caine - Guitar
Jon Carsoon - Guitar
David Wolinski - Arp Sting Ensemble, Locrian Mode, Pie Ala Mode, Dialogue, Synths (Bangor Flying Circus, Madura, Rufus, Rufus & Chaka Khan, The Shadows of Knight, The Wild Horses, Chicago, Michael Jackson, Bee Gees)
Jon Scott - National Album Promotions

Unknown-ness: I bought this record still wrapped in plastic with the letter in the above picture (claiming this was a free- remastered, resend from MCA to replace older copies with flaws)  obscuring the cover. I felt a little bad opening it after 30 years, but a still wrapped record is not as much fun. I imagine this will be simple southern AOR with a mix of pub rock and perhaps some blues. Seems pretty cut & dry, like previous bands I've reviewed like Beaverteeth or Cactus.

Album Review: Although this band, the Eddie Boy Band, never made more than one album, and split up after sound / quality differences, the members have gone on to play alongside or write many hits for greats. David Wolinski has played synthesizers on highly acclaimed albums for Michael Jackson and the Bee Gees. Mark Goldenberg became a session musician for the likes of Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, Natalie Imbruglia, Chris Issak, Willie Nelson, Peter Frampton, and many more (and was also in the Cretones). And Josh Leo has written over 20 #1 country music songs, as charted on the Billboard Country listings.

“Oh So Hard” begins with a light hearted guitar, reminding me of Edgar Winter Group’s “Free Ride.” It then explores some prog-timed guitars and keyboards. The vocals are very southern soulful mountain man style. The song repeats back to the catchy guitar hook that lead off the song, and this is a solid 70’s jammy song. The instrumental almost goes off the rails, but it is reined back in with the start of the third verse, which gets a little gruffer.

“The Maze” starts with some Billy Joel piano, which is covered over with wailing guitar. The song becomes a bouncy ELO sorta song that dips a toe into Bee Gees disco, particularly with the harmonized backing vocals in the chorus. The breakdown before the instrumental is a bunch of “Doo-Dee-Doo-Doos.”

“Say Goodbye Babe” enters with a rolling drum beat, and a held guitar chord. The song evolves into a bouncy, light pub piano tune. The lyrics “work it out” lead the song into an electric guitar instrumental section. Two guitars then commence playing together.

“Come on Virginia (I Wanna Win Ya)” sounds like an old ragtime band playing on an island cruise ship. The vaudevillian, male vocal / barbershop groups of the 50’s must have played a heavy inspiration to the track. The la-la-la breakdown even has a barker in the background that sounds like it’s coming through an old radio set. The end of the track has muddled spoken crowd vocals, and other radio-show sound effects like a whirling slide whistle.

“Losin' Again” heads right back into a powerpop hook, layered with guitar and organ. Different vocals play in and out of timing with another, and they harmonize at the middle. The guitar and keys divert from each other for the instrumental breakdown. Near the middle of the song, the familiar chorus is changed up to follow a different melody. This is where the song resets with a mellow guitar led prog harmony. This transitions into a multi-part instrumental section that follows the two guitars on their vocal-like journey, which ultimately ends the song with the “First Call” bugle melody on guitar.

“Good to Have You Back Again” starts with a prog hook that turns into a slow swampy rock jam. Both facets of the song interact and standalone from each other at varying points of time.

“The Gambler” has a classic rock intro, almost immediately added to by a jovial, drunken piano, and the song takes a happy back water turn, perhaps a little like Van Morrison. The electric guitar powers through the instrumental at a high pitch, followed by a display of some slide guitar work by guitar 2. It includes a familiar melody that sounds like it is from the muppet show.

“Sixteen Ladies” starts off full force with a driving power pop number. The vocals are different here, more southern in tone, more like my memory of Van Morrison’s “Wild Night” again. The interchange of swampy pub rock and electric power pop finds a nice balance. Toward the end, the organ comes up out of the background to play a more important role in the song’s mood.

“Makin' Love to You, Babe” takes a step back to be more country-ish, with a slower pace, harmonica melody base, and a country guitar hooks in the background. The chorus is a harmonized group of male vocals, which is a little odd, considering they are all singing together “Would you like to be makin love to me, babe?”   

“Mother Music” illustrates more of the band’s free-form prog rock ideals, with sweeping effects, and wha-wah keyboard sounds. The vocals are a little bluesy, especially mixed with the organ and bass line. The harmonized chorus brings comparison to the Bee Gees again. The instrumental section is that fine line between psychedelic and prog rock and it would make for a great laser light show.

Stand Out Track: Come On Virgina

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13 Afternoon