Van Hunt - s/t

Name:Van Hunt
Album: s/t
Year: 2003
Style: R&B, Funk, Soul
Similar Bands: Maxwell, Codu ChesnuTT, D'Angelo, Erykah Badu, Chocolate Genius
"One-Word" Review: Funky, Slick Bedroom Eyes
Based Out Of: Dayton OH
Label: Capitol, EMI

Cover, Liner Notes

Lyrics, CD, CD Tray

Poster CD Back

Van Hunt (2003)

1. Dust 4:14 (Single)
2. Seconds of Pleasure 5:40 (Single)
3. Hello, Goodbye 4:25
4. Down Here in Hell (With You) 4:49 (Single)
5. What Can I Say (For Millicent) 4:46
6. Anything (To Get Your Attention) 3:28
7. Highlights 5:35
8. Precious 4:29
9. Her December 4:16
10. Hold My Hand 3:50
11. Who Will Love Me in Winter 4:15
12. Out of the Sky 5:10

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Andrew Slater - Exec Producer, Additional Production
• Randy Jackson - Exec Producer, Mgmt
• Van Hunt - Exec Producer & Producer, Writer, Arranger, Performer (Royalty, Dionne Farris, Cree Summer, Sam Moore, Nikka Costa, Rahsaan Patterson, Joi, Count BassD, Sam Moore, The Decoders, Nate Smith, Billy Lawrence, Afghan Wigs)
• Howard Willing - Additional Producing, A&R, Recording
• Curtis Whitehead - Writing, Rhythm & Acoustic Guitar, Bass (Count BassD, Curtis Harding)
• Mary Fagot - Creative Director
• Tait Hawes - Art Direction, Design
• Chris James - Recording
• Bill Malina - Recording
• Dave Way - Mixing
• Creed - Backing Vox (Kenny Dope, Karizma)
• Ro - Backing Vox (Kenny Dope, Karizma)
• Amy White - Backing Vox (Douglas, Linus and Amy, Controversy, Purple Mixed Adult Choir, West Indian Girl, Kenny Dope, Karizma, M83, Mononoid, David Wilcox)
• Matt Chamberlain - Drums (Many, Pearl Jam, Edie Brikell & New Bohemians, Tori Amos, Bruce Springsteen, Mike Gordon, Brad Mehldau, Wild Colonials, Aaron Neville, WallFlowers, Fiona Apple, Critters Buggin, Corrs, Chris isaak, Bruce Hornsby, Melissa Ethridge, Macy Gray, Willy Porter, DC Talk, Lisa Loeb...)
• Patrick Warren - Melotron (Many, Michael Penn, Vic Chestnutt, Madeline Peyroux, Charlie Sexton, X, Aimee Mann, Fiona Apple, Wallflowers, Chris Isaak, Phantom Planet, Remy Zero, Hootie & the Blowfish, Bijou Phillips, Macy Gray, Melissa Ethridge...)
• Isaac Curtis - Trombone
• Nolan Smith - Trumpet (Baya, Count Baise Orch, Buddy Collette Big Band, Al Williams Quintet, Blackbyrds, DJ Rogers, Jimmy Smith, les McCann, Karen Pree, Carrie Lucas, Carole King, Willie Bobo, Norman Connors, Bill Quateman, John Mayall, Freddie Hubbard, Marvin Gaye, Brotherhood, Natalie Cole, Diana Ross, Phil Collins, Anita Baker, Stevie Wonder, more)
• Daryl Richards - Alto Sax (Kirk Whalum, Norman Connors)
• Daniel Solomon - Tenor Sax, Horns Arrangement (Rick Margitza)
• Annie Stela - Backing Vox (Third Eye Blind)
• Truth - Backing Vox, Moog, Wurlitzer 
• Tim Leblanc - Mixing
• Dwight Farrell - Celeste (Count BassD)
• Larry James - Percussion, Drums (Avery Sunshine)
• Kevin Guarnieri - Recording
• Kevin Ricard - Percussion (Kenny Loggins, East West Band, Flamenco Dura, Tonight Show Band, East West Band, Johnson & Branson, Matt Bianco, Herb Alpert, MVP, Starr Parodi, Juan Carlos Quintero, Susie Hansen, Ciro Hurtado, Rie Akagi, Marc Russo, Robi Kahakalau, Wayne Shorter, Masayoshi Takanaka, Larry Steen, BB Shawn, Bobby Lyle, Zero Ted, Nils, Everette Harp, Venice, Kleber Jorge, Speak, Rob Mullins, Eric Gulliom, Gloria Loring, Rickie Byars, Daniel Indart Project, Wayne Jones, Kevin Toney, Chris Bennett, Take 6, George Kahn, Rhian Benson, Elan, Impromp2, Shelby Lynne, Ann Nesby, Pat Longo, Kids of Widney High, Queen Latifah, Oskar Cartaya, Gerald Albright, Will Downing, Christina Aguilera, Everette Harp, LaToya London, Kurt Carr, George Benson, Corey Clark, Dave Rodgers, Natalie Cole, Lynne Fiddmont, Faramarz Assef, LA Guitar Quartet, Everlife, Jill Scott, Marek Niedzwiecki, SMV, Stephen Bishop, Paul Jackson Jr, James Ingram, Bill Fulton, Amanda McBroom, Carol Welsman, Dorian Holley, Norman Brown, Christian Dupree, Christophe Beck, Dan Fornero, Toni Reed, Dave Koz, Tina Campbell, Orgone, Clair Fischer Latin Jazz Band, Jazz Funk Soul, Paul Brown, David Garfield)
• David Campbell - String Arrangement (Campbell-Kurban String Section, Clockwork Angles String Ensemble, James Taylor, Cher, Linda Ronstandt, Neil Diamond, Billy Joel, Carole King, James Brown, Many Many More)
• Melissa Mattey - Recording, Mixing
• Ray Brown - Trumpet (Count Baise Orch, Earth Wind & Fire, Madagascar, Horns of Fire, Donald Byrd, Hubert Laws, Con Funk Shun, SOS Band, More)
• Ta Ta - Backing Vox
• Wendy Melvoin - Rhythm Guitar (Girl Bros, Peace Choir, Prince & the Revolution, The Flesh, Wendy & Lisa, Andre Cymone, Joni Mitchell, Seal, BB KIng, Eric Clapton, Latin Playboys, Neil Finn, Melba Moore many more)
• Paul Franklin - Pedal Steel (Dicie Pearls, The Time Jumpers, Dire Straits, Lyle Lovett, Gary Parker, Parliament, Slim Whitman, Charlie McCoy, Mel Tillis, Jerry Reed, Chicken String Band, BJ Thomas, George Strait, Tammy Wynette, Lyle Lovett, Randy Travis, Barbara Mandrell  Many Many More)
• Peter Mokran - Mixing
• Lenny Castro - Percussion (Jazz Express, Karizma, Larsen-Feiten Band, Los Lobotomys, Steve Vai's Monsters, Toto, Melissa Manchester, Rita Coolidge, Leo Sayer, Diana Ross, Pointer Sisters, Paul Anka, Dusty Springfield, Robert Palmer, Kiss, Olivia Newton-John, Gary Wright, Shotgun, Wet Willie much more)
• Jermaine Rand - Acoustic Guitar (The Rand Experiment, Jahallah, Playa G, Blackperl, MC Divinity, Steve Joz)
• Terry McMillen - Harmonica (The Players, Michael McDonald, Bobby Charles, Ronnie Milsap, Jerry Reed, Chet Atkins, Frank Sinatra Jr, Ray Stevens, Dolly Parton, Barbara Mandrell, Bobby Bare, Burl Ives, Crystal Gayle, many more)
• Dionne Farris - Backing Vox (Arrested Development, Charlie Hunter, Immature, TLC, Xscape, El Debarge, Count Bass D, Guru's Jazzmatazz)
• Jeff Wright - Asst Recording
• Kevin Paige - Asst Recording
• Adam Deane - Asst Recording
• Tony High - Asst Recording
• Kevin Pickle - Asst Recording
• David Streit - Asst Recording
• Charlie Paakkarl - Asst Recording
• Steve Genewick - Asst Recording
• Jimmy Hoyson - Asst Recording
• Chris Reynolds- Asst Recording
• Kevin Deane - Asst Recording
• Aaron Kessel - Asst Recording
• Jesse Gorman - Asst Recording
• Cesar Ramirez- Asst Recording
• Jennifer Young - Asst Recording
• Ari Famila - Asst Recording
• Aaron Familia - Asst Recording

Unknown-ness: I remember hearing about Van Hunt when he first came out, but never paid much attention past that. Assuming he's similar to Maxwell or Jamiroquai, with more of a 60's psych influence, perhaps closer to the Black Eye Peas, who I honestly don't know much about in the first place. But i imagine smooth, slightly psychedelic, sexy bedroom vibe R&B tracks

Album Review: The album kicks off with a great slice of catchy pop. And then it settles into a nice smooth R&B groove for the rest of the record, with a little funk added, but mostly mod-setting jams.

Van Hunt has grown up around musical roots, and can play nearly any instrument. He's floated around between labels and self-releasing for years, and even won a grammy for a collaboration for a Sly & Family Stone tribute with John Legend & Joss Stone. He's been in a relationship with Halle Berry since 2020.

Stand Out Track: Dust

Links:
Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic

Instagram

People article about Halle Berry

Twitter

Bandcamp

Facebook

July'22 show

Tavares - Madam Butterfly

Name: Tavares
Album: Madam Butterfly
Year: 1979
Style: R&B, Soul, Funk
Similar Bands: Hues Corporation, Spinners, Stylistics, Temptations, LTD, KC & the Sunshine Band, Peaches & Herb
"One-Word" Review: Funky Smooth Bedroom Jawns
Based Out Of: New Bedford, Massachusetts, Rhode Island
Label: EMI, Capitol

Cover, Record

Record, Back

Madam Butterfly (1979)

1. Straight From Your Heart 4:27 (single)
2. Games, Games 4:33
3. Madam Buttefly 4:32
4. Let Me Heal the Bruises 4:26 /
5. Never Had a Love Like This Before 4:35 (single)
6. One Telephone Call Away 4:25
7. My Love Calls 5:09
8. Positive Forces 2:58
9. I'm Back for More 3:02

Album Rating (1-10): 6.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Bobby Martin - Producer
• Larkin Arnold - Exec Producer
• Brian Panella - Direction, Personal Mgmt
• Roy Kohara - Art Direction
• Henry Marquez - Design
• Oliver Ferrand - Cover/Back Photos
• Robert Hickson - Illustration
• Jim McCary - Liner/Sleeve Photos
• Antone Laurence "Chubby" Tavares (Chubby & the Turnpikes, Linda & the Del Rios, Lime)
• Perry Lee "Tiny" Tavares
• Feliciano Vierra "Butch" Tavares (Chubby & the Turnpikes)
• Ralph Vierra Tavares (Chubby & the Turnpikes, Linda & the Del Rios)
• Arthur Paul "Pooch" Tavares (Chubby & the Turnpikes, Linda & the Del Rios)
• Ron Kersey - Clavinet, Piano, Organ, Melodica (MFSB, Salsoul Orch, Trammps, more)
• Benorce Blackmon - Guitar (Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd St Rhythm Band, Mike James Kirkland, Bill Withers, The Persuasions, LTD, Mel Browne, Jean Terrell, John Handy, Benny Golson, DJ Rogers, Kurtis Blow, Justin Timberlake)
• Melvin Webb - Bongos, Congas, Drums, Percussion (Bloodstone, Fred Wesley, Johnny Nash, LTD, Marvin Gaye, Mel Browne, Jean Terrell, John Handy, Greg & Hanks, Wright Brothers Flying Machine, Halloween, Maxine Nightingale, Sir John Roberts, Syl Johnson, Thelma Houston, Deborah Washington, High Energy, Les McCann, Juice People Unlimited, Alain Chamfort, Street Players, Mary Wilson, Patrice Rushen, Splendor, Dramatics, Edwin Starr, Vernon Burch, Syreeta, Pyrymyd, Gap Band, Al Johnson, Yarbrough & Peoples, Nolen & Crossley, Esther Phillips, Jose Feliciano, Spinners, Billy Preston, Phyllis Hyman, O'Bryan, Atkins, Bobby Davenport, Goodie, Janet Jackson, Marlena Shaw, Gladys Knight & the Pops, Monalisa Young, Junior Walker, Dimples, Champaign)
• Len Ron Hanks - Clavinet, Piano (Grey & Hanks, Jean Terrell, Larry Graham, Alfie Silas)
• John Roberts - Flugelhorn, Trumpet (Barry White, jay Ansill, Natalie Merchant, Main Ingredient, Martha Reeves, Mel Brown Love Unlimited orch, T-Boy Ross, Penthouse Dance band, Tal Armstrong, Rockie Robbins, Vernon Burch, Christy Essien Igbokwe, Michael Wycoff, Albert King, George Duke, ZARD, Rachelle Ferrell, Musiq, Charlene Ava, Kirk Whalum, Spectrals, Gloria Newsom, Deniz Tek, Groupe Kounabeli De Masuku, Woodley Yeomen)
• Oscar Brashear  - Flugelhorn, Trumpet (Bird Memorial Quintet, Brass Fever, Count basie Orch, Gerald Wilson Orch of the 80's/90's, Henry Mancini & His Orch,Hubert Laws Group, Karma, Master Fleet, Teddy Edwards Brasstring Ensemble, Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orch, more )
• David Shields - Bass (First Cousins Jazz Ensemble, Mean Machine, Bill Cosby, Bill Quateman, Memphis Horns, Jackie De Shannon, Marlene Shaw, Blackbyrds, Thelma Houston, Jerry Butler, Kellee Patterson, Syteeta, GC Cameron, Patti Labelle, Emotions, The Originals, Karen Pree, Nancy Wilson, Haruko, Jim Capaldi, Leon Haywood, Mel Brown, Gladys Knight, Benny Golson, Bill LaBounty, Ms. Sharon Ridley, Bill Champlin, Smokey Robinson, 5th Dimension, Finished Touch, Deborah Washington, Bloodstone, Stephen Bishop, High Inergy, Chery Lynn, Rodney Franklin, Juice People Unlimiter, Vernon Burch, T-Boy Ross, John Mayall, Denise Williams, Robert John, Adrian Gurvitz, Gloria Gaynor, Valentine Bros, Harvey Mason, Randy Newman, DC LaRue, Andrae Crouch, Letta Mbulu, Flakes, Pyrymyd, John & Arthur Simms, Edwin Starr, Klique, Henry Gross, Freddie Hubbard, Stevie Woods, Bobby Womack, O'Bryan, Michael Wycoff, Wilton Felder, Manhattans, Marylin Scott, Jay Graydon, Jeff Porcaro, Beau Williams, Joey Negro, Cosmos Dwellerz Arkestra)
• Maurice Spears - Bass Trombone (Gerald Wilson Orch of 80's/90's, Teddy Edwards Brasstring Ensemble, Buddy Collette Big Band, Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orch, Phenix Horns More)
• Gaylord Birch - Drums (Cold Blood, Graham Central Station, Reconstruction, Santana, marvin Holmes & the Uptights, Natural Four, Merl Saunders, Pointer Sisters, Marvin Holmes & Justice, Roger Glenn, Lonnie Hewitt, Walter Hawkins & the Family, Kimm, Larry Graham, Bill Bell, Leon Patillo, Martha Young All Stars, Larry Vuckovich, John Lee Hooker, Charles Brown, Bob Stewart, Anthony Paule, Eddie Harris, Houston Person, Mary Stallings, Jerry Garcia, Napata Mero)
• Steve Erquiaga - Guitar (Frank Mantooth Jazz Orch, Roberta VanDere, John Handy, Art Van Damme Quintet, Les McCann, Andy Narell, Jon Illg, Bobby McFerrin, Antonio Lozano, Steve Erquiaga/Brasel/Kenneth Nash, Mehler, Melvin Seals, Rich Hodge, Carole Walker, Barbara Higbie, Rhiannon, Will Ackerman, Alex De Grassi, Turtle island String Quartet, Johann Sebastian Bach, Windham Hill Artists, Howie Smith, Pete Escovedo, Kitty margolis, Jacqui Naylor, Raquel Bitton, Noel McFarlane)
• Grover Mitchell - Trombone (Count Basie Big Band Orch,New Blue Devils, Lalo Schifrin, Frank Weiss, Harry Edison, more)
• Linda Small - Trombone  (Gary Urwin Jazz Orch, Tompall Glaser, Cate Bros, Jules & the Polar Bears, Pete Chistlieb)
• Tom McIntosh - Trombone (Dizzy Gillespie, Hubert Laws, Milt Jackson, NY Jazz Sextet, Oliver Nelson, Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, The Jazztet, more)
• Don Moors - Vibraphone (Richard Dimples Fields, Taj Mahal, Mel Brown, Rockie Robbins)

Unknown-ness: Can't say I've heard of this band before getting this record. The cover looks like it is going to be heavily Japanese influenced, even if the back shows the band to be a bunch of 70s leisure suited gentlemen. Leaning toward a funk style with some inspiration from Japanese music.

Album Review: It is pretty much a straight forward Funk R&B outfit, with slow, methodical songs breaking up the disco funk dancing and street corner pop. 

They truly were brothers from a musical household, and started out as first The Del Rios, a backing band for Linda Steele, and then Chubby & the Realities / Turnpikes in the late 1950s. Both Bernie Worrell (P-Funk) and Joey Kramer (Aerosmith) were in the band at points in time. They eventually took their last name as the band name in 1969. They had a string of albums and solid collection of hits. In 1977 they acquired the disco band label- a label that undeservedly pigeonholed them- as their Grammy award winning version of the Bee Gees song "More Than a Woman" was on the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack (the Bee gees wrote it specifically for Tavares). This album was the record that tried to break the image, sounding very Philadelphia Soul thanks to producer Bobby Martin. Eldest brother Ralph quit the band to pursue a 9-5 job (Court Officer) which he stayed at for 30 years and become a devoted father who was present in his family's life. The other brothers carried on, and in 2014, the five reunited for the first time in 30 years. And the band is still active, with future dates booked in 2021.

Stand Out Track: Positive Forces

Links:
Spotify full album
Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic
Providence Journal - Where are they now 2018
Facebook
2021 show @ Stadium Theater
Rhode Island  Music HoF
Music Museum of NE
NJ 101.5
Boston Globe
Soul Tracks
South Coast Today 2014: 30 yr reunion

Taste of Honey (A) - s/t

Name: A Taste of Honey
Album: s/t
Year: 1978
Style: Disco, Funk, Soul
Similar Bands: Gloria Gaynor, George Clinton, Chic, Sister Sledge, Musique
"One-Word" Review: Disco-Funk
Based Out Of: LA, CA
Label: Capitol, EMI

Cover, Record

Record, Back

A Taste of Honey (1978)

1. Boogie Oogie Oogie 5:37 (single)
2. This Love of Ours 3:20
3. Distant 4:38
4. World Spin 3:42 /
5. Disco Dancin' 3:29 (single)
6. You 3:20
7. If We Loved 4:24 
8. Sky High 5:04 (single b-side_
9. You're In Good Hands 3:52

Album Rating (1-10): 6.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Perry L. Kibble - Arrangements, Production Assistant, Backing Vox, Keys (JC Davis)
• Janice M Johnson - Lead Vox, Bass (Lionel Richie, Felton Pilate)
• Hazel P. Payne - Lead Vox, Guitar (Space People)
• Donald R Johnson - Backing Vox, Drums 
• Larkin Arnold - Back Quote, VP/GM Soul Music Division, Exec Producer
• Fonce Misell - Producer, Arrangements
• Larry Mizell - Producer, Arrangements
• Steve Maslow  - Recording
• Gil Jones - Recording
• Sergio Reyes - Mixing
• Butch Lynch - Mixing
• Jim Nipar - Mixing
• Ken Perry - Mastering
• Tom Oliver - Additional Recording
• Wade Marcus - String Arrangement & Conduction
• Roy Kohara - Art Direction
• Ken Anderson - Design
• Dick Zimmerman - Cover Photo
• Rosenberg/Levy - Liner Photo

Unknown-ness: I never heard of this band, but since buying this, i've seen the cover elsewhere, in a kind of iconic reputation. The image is great: two powerful, badass women stand with guitars and bass- in a world where that was very uncommon, in front of a honeycomb backdrop, driving the name home. The serious look on their faces gives question to the sweetness of the band name, "honey," so as to what is on this record, i can only judge as intriguing. Although the song names lend themselves to disco, i hope it leans toward real instruments, perhaps in a heavier, rock setting.

Album Review: This is pretty straightforward disco. Lots of swirling strings, and funky basslines, but there are some tender, softer moments that relax into the R&B world. Then there are some guitar solos peppered in that Hendrix and Prince would be proud of as well. 

The group started in 1971, and after doing USO shows internationally, they were "discovered" oncwe they returned home in an LA club. Named after Herb Alpert's song of the same name, not the play or film also of the same name. This iconic album had one of the biggest disco singles in Boogie Oogie Oogie, (written in backlash to an unresponsive USO crowd) which propelled both the single and album to go platinum in sales, and won them best new artist of the year, 1979 at the Grammys (first black group to do so). They burned bright and short, because as the Disco era was winding down, so did the band after their contract negotiated 5 album run. Surviving members have reunited in 2004 for a PBS special. And Janice M. Johnson, who is a member of the Native American Hall of Fame, carries on the band's name. They have been sampled quite a bit by rap/hip hop artists.

Stand Out Track: Boogie Oogie Oogie

Links:
Wiki
Discogs
Allmusic
Ultimate Disco Cruise
NJ 101.5
Jay Siegan Presents
IMDB
What Happened To...CBS News
Bold Soul Sisters

Shadows (the) - Jigsaw

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

Cover, Record

Record, Back

Jigsaw (1967)

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

Album Rating (1-10): 7.5

Members & Other Bands:

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

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

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

Stand Out Track: Jigsaw

Links:
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Discogs

Allmusic

Britannica

facebook

encyclopedia.com

School of Fish - s/t

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

Cover, Lyrics, Tape

Lyrics, Notes, Tape

School of Fish (1991)

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

Album Rating (1-10): 7.0

Members & Other Bands:

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

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

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

Stand Out Track: 3 Strange Days

Links:
Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic

LA Times 2000 article

3 Strange Days Facts

2nd 1st look

sputnik music

Chicago Tribune On the Road '91 article

Riff Raff - Clayton-Felt article

Josh Clayton-Felt website

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

Links:

Youtube full album
Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic

let's not get carried away

OC Register

rolling stone

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

Rate Your Music

grateful Dead Disc

George Starostin Reviews

Phantom, Rocker & Slick - s/t

Name: Phantom, Rocker & Slick
Album: s/t
Year: 1985
Style: Rockabilly, Arena Rock, Pub Rock
Similar Bands: Love & Rockets, Primal Scream, INXS, Wolfgang Press, Cramps, Blasters, Gin Blossoms
"One-Word" Review: Dirty Grimy Small-Time Arena Rock.
Based Out Of: NYC
Label: EMI, Capitol

Cover, Sleeve, Record

Back, Lyrics, Record

Phantom, Rocker & Slick (1985)

1. What You Want 4:28 (single)
2. My Mistake 3:20 (single)
3. Hollywood Distractions 4:18
4. No Regrets 4:01
5. Well Kept Secret 4:17 /
6. Men Without Shame 6:20 (single)
7. Runnin' From the Hounds 3:50
8. Time Is On My Hands 3:27
9. Sing For Your Supper 4:10
10. Lonely Actions 3:37

Album Rating (1-10): 6.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Steve Thompson - Producer
• Michael Barbiero - Producer, Engineer
• Peter Doell - Asst Engineer
• Alex Haas - Asst Engineer
• Bob Ludwig - Mastering
• Slim Jim Phantom (James McDonnell) - Drums, Vox (Stray Cats, Drain Bramaged, Dead Men Walking, The Head Cat, 13cats, Bill Wyman, Carl Perkins, Steve Salas, Peter Golding, Brian Setzer, Conny, Gilby Clarke, Ramones, Levi Dexter, Micke Finell, Katmen, Glen Matlock, Swing Cats)
• Lee Rocker - Vox, Bass (Stray Cats, Los Rebeldes, Mystery Train, Michael Ubaldini, Carl Perkins, Dave Edmunds, Scotty Moore, DJ Fontana, Ringo Starr, Swing Cats, Wanda Jackson, Micke Finell, Rich Shapiro)
• Earl Slick - Guitars, Vox (David Bowie, John Lennon, Silver Condor, Dirty White Boy, Little Caesar, New York Dolls, Yardbirds, Sleepy People, Tracks, Leo Sayer, Ian Hunter, Tonio K, Carmen Maki, Danny Spanos, Peter Mclan, Yoko Ono, Tim Curry, Graham Brazier, Jimmy Destri, Lisa Bade, Billy Thorpe, John Waite, Strange Advance, Belouis Some, Jim Diamond, Randy Bishop, Bill Bergman, Jacques Dutronc, James Freud, Junkyard, Joe Cocker, Henry Lee Summer, Tomohisa Kawazoe, Doro, David Coverdale, Joey McIntyre, Box of Frogs, Mick Jagger, Chris Catena, Janice Grace, Billie Rainbird, Anik Jean, Sarah Fimm, Dean Batstone, Game Theory, Jerry Gaskill, Lisa Ronson, Glen Matlock, Whitesnake, Rooftop Screamers, Carmine Appice)
• Keith Richards - Guitar (Rolling Stones, Blues Incorporated, X-Pensive Winos, Little Boy Blue & Blue Boys, Nanker Phelge, Dirty Mac, First Barbarians, Glimmer Twins, lots of credits )
• Nicky Hopkins - Piano (Rolling Stones, Kinks, The Who, Cliff Bennett & Rebel Rousers, Climax Blues Band, Cyril Davies, Jeff Beck, Lord Sutch & Heavy Friends, Neil Christian & Crusaders, Night, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Soul Survivor, Sweet Thursday, Terry & the Pirates, Immediate All-Stars, Jerry Garcia Band, The Sessions credits)
• Carlos Alomar - Vox (Bowie, Listen My Brother, The Band, Harlem Experiment, Iggy Pop, Patti Labelle, Yoko Ono, John Lennon, Simple Minds, Belouis Some, Soda Stereo, Cousin Ice, hen-Gee & Evil E, Raphael, Kenny Barron, ben E King, Luther, Jimmy Owens, Imperials, Jimmi Destri, Innocence in Danger, Ayuo Takahashi, Debbie Harry, Arcadia, Robin Clark, Pretenders, Yukihior Takahashi, Paul King, Julia Fordham, Fabio Concato, Julien Cierc, Debbie Gibson, Jellybean, Yukiko Ito, Cyndi Lauper, Bee Gees, FUN, Kurtis Mantronik, Tin Machine, Prefab Sprout, David Morales, Raphael, Scissor Sisters, Scott Chasolen, Alicia Keys, Brandon Flowers, Mark Ronson, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Carly Simon, Jennifer Rush)
• Diva Gray - Vox (Change, Chic, Lemon, Harlettes, Roy Buchanan, Love Symphony Orch, Teresa Wiater, T.Life, David Spinozza, Major Harris, Phyllis Hyman, Joe Thomas, Meco, James Montgomery, Ray Barretto, Atlantic Family, Jimmy Ponder, Garland Jeffreys, Sambu Soul, Gregg Diamond, Norma Jean, Richard T. Bear, Kiss, Ramona brooks, Duke Jupiter, Euclid Beach Band, Felix Cavaliere, Samantha Sand, Kikio, Roundtree, NYC band, Spyro Gyrsa, B.Baker Chocolate Co, Gotham, Markena Shaw, Toru Oki Blues Band, Herbie Mann, Paul Evans, Bette Midler, Wilbert Longmire, Sister Sledge, John Tropea, Ray Gomez, Cousin Ice, Rhetta Hughes, Wilbert Longmire, George Benson, Marshall Tucker Band, Steely Dan, Leon Bryant, David Sanborn, Silence, High Fashion, Roberta Flack, Weather Girls, Junior, Marcus Miller, Damaris, Peabo Bryson, Talking Heads, Paul Habara, Brian Setzer, David Bowie, Steps Ahead, Ann Anello, Ronnie Spector, Cindy Valentine, Toshiki Kadomatsu, Scritti Politti, Myleka, Jorn Hoel, Linda Eder, Andreas Vollenweider, Charlie Sexton, Grace Jones, Natasha's Brother, Julien Clerc, Maggie's Dream, Hen-Gee & Evil-E, Debbie Gibson, Judy Collins, Marc Cohn, Tony Verderosa, Dr, John, John Tropea, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Spin Doctors, BB King, Patricia Kiss, Luther Vandross, Celine Dion, Horii Katsumi, Elton John, Jewel, Natalie Cole, Herbie Mann, Janis Siegel, Marilyn, R,. Kelly, Elaine Elias, Kiss, Joe Lynn Turner, Surtek Collective, Jennifer Rush)
• Robin Clark - Vox (Chic, Don Cooper, Danny Cox, Robin Kenyatta, Esther Phillips, Gary Glitter, Linda Lewis, David Bowie, Roger Moon, Peabo Bryson, Roy Buchanan, Brecker Bros band, Average White Band, Ringo Starr, Atlantic Family, Bette Midler, Tommy James, Leon Bryant, Firefly, Melba Moore, Change, Garland Jeffreys, Silence, High Fashion, Irene Cara, France Joli, Fonzi Thornton, Weather Girls, Luther Vandross, Melissa Manchester, George Benson, Innocence in Danger, Teddy Pendergrass, Marcus Miller, Belouis Some, Simple Minds, Masayoshi Takanaka, Ben E King, Aztec Camera, Julia Fordham, Sheena Easton, Charlie Sexton, Linda Eder, D'Atra Kicks, Lou Gramm, James Freud, Michael Bolton, India, Debbie Gibson, Hen-Gee & Evil E, Jellybean, Toshinobu Kubota, Grayson Hugh, Billy Squire, Jon Lucien, Al Green, Foreigner, David Lee Roth, Repercussions, Spin Doctors, Blues Traveler, BeBe Winans, Veronica, Earl Slick, New Rising Sons, Natalie Cole, Kathy Troccoli, Full Moon, Laura Nyro, David Morales, Scissor Sisters, Frankie Valli, Leona Lewis, Jennifer Rush)
• Dave LeBolt - Strings (Spy, Billy Joel, David Bowie, Itamar, Richie Havens, Steve Hackett, Citi, Bonnie Tyler, Martin Briley, Julian Lennon, Foreigner, Stevie Nicks, Aldo Nova, Carly Simon, Belouis Some, Power Station, Aretha Franklin, Cutting Crew, Chris Spedding, Alphaville, Chaka Khan, Karen Kamon, David Van Tieghem, Eddie Rabbit, Sheena Easton, D'Atra Hicks, Laurie Anderson, Tom Kimmel, Beggars &Thieves, Dionne Warwick, Donny Osmond, Roberta Flack, Sinead O'Connor, Peter Noone, Expose, Turtle Island String, Paul McCartney, Braids, Steve Hackett, Jennifer Rush)
• Jim Maelen - Percussion Roxy Music, Peter Gabriel, James Taylor, Alice Cooper, John Lennon, The Jacksons, Talking Heads, The Velons, Ambergirls, Doobie Brothers, Shobizz, Hollywood Vampires, Latin Dimension more)
• Glenn Palmer - Wardrobe
• Rich Modica - Guitar Tech
• The Block - Band Assistant
• Eric Gardner - Mgmt
• Henry Marquez - Art Direction
• Gavin Cochrane - Photography
• Tom Nikosey - Logo Art

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, or these three artists based on their names. They are an interesting looking bunch, spanning the artistic look from Rockabilly to Punk to Glam to Goth to Powerpop. Looking at them, i expect the music to be something like Poison, to be honest. They look older, so this may be a supergroup of seasoned musicians I just don't know about. But i do know one thing, the fonts chosen for their name on the sleeve and back look awful, like horrendous clip art..although 1985 did not have computer clip art, so maybe they paved they way for what is terrible-looking now.

Album Review: The music is part sleazy arena rock and part hard country rock, but not necessarily rockabilly. maybe a good comparison would be if the Rolling Stones and INXS cross-bred and left the baby to a rich family in the American mid-west. The band was a result of The Stray Cats breaking up, as Phantom & Rocker were both Cats. Slick had been a guitarist for both Bowie and Lennon. On top of that pedigree, Keith Richards plays guitar on the track "My Mistake" and Nicky Hopkins (Who, Kinks, Stones) plays piano on 2 tracks. They only had 2 albums, this one doing well, but the second, Cover Girl, failing.

Stand Out Track: Hollywood Distractions 

Links:
Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic

Spotify full album

wolfgangs

Spirit of Nine

altopedia

rue morgue Tomb's Jukebox

many fantastic colors

Mantronix - In Full Effect

Name: Mantronix
Album: In Full Effect
Year: 1988
Style: Hip-Hop, Rap, Electronic
Similar Bands: M/A/R/R/S, C+C Music Factory, Grandmaster Flash, Beastie Boys, Ice-T, Two Live Crew, S'Express
"One-Word" Review: Sample Pop Beats
Based Out Of: New York City
Label: Capitol, EMI, 

Cover, Sleeve Notes, Record

Back, Lyrics, Record

In Full Effect (1988)

1. Join Me Please (Home Boys- Make Some Noise) 4:24 (single)
2. Love Letter (Desr Tracy) 4:26
3. Gangster Boogie (Walk Like Sex...Talk Like Sex) 3:55
4. In Full Effect 3:50
5. Get Stupid (Part III) 3:45 /
6. Simple Simon (You Gotta Regard) 4:00 (single)
7. Sing A Song (Break It Down) 4:05
8. Do You Like...Mantronik (?) 3:20 (single)
9. Mega-Mix ('88) Instrumental 4:50

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

• MC Tee (Toure Embden) - Writer
• Kurtis Mantronik (el Khaleel)- DJ (Chamonix, Electric Circus, Harry's Afro Hut, Kirk Khaleel, M?, Sound Factory, Wonderland more credits)
• Josh Abbey - Mix Engineer, Recording
• Jim Klein - Engineer
• Chep "Homeboy" Nunez - Editing
• Roger "In Full Effect" Paletto - Editing
• Herb "Pump" Powers - Mastering
• Dave the Original B-Boy - Appearance
• Terry Billy - Appearance
• Keith Plex Barnhardt - Guitar (Chaka Khan, EQ, Melody, Nu Shooz, Oran Juice Jones, Diaonne Warwick, Roberta Clack, Hen-Gee & Evil E, Nuttin; Nyce)
• Eric Watson - Photography

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, but from the logo and color scheme, it feels like it is going to be a hip hop version of Pet Shop Boys.

Album Review: The album is pretty straight forward samples and hip hop lyrics, like a less dancey C+C Music Factory. I believe i have heard their single Gangster Boogie before, because it sounded awfully familiar. "Get Stupid" is a little embarrassing with the radio announcer vocals, dated jargon, and Liquid Television vocal effects. But for its day, they were a very innovative and important act, combining classic hip hop with electro funk and rhythmic samples featured in the club scene. Per the liner notes, this album was said to be the "First album ever mastered from DAT." and it reached #18 on the R&B Billboard chart.

Stand Out Track: Gangster Boogie (Walk Like Sex...Talk Like Sex)

Links:

spotify album

Wiki

Allmusic

Discogs

red bull music academy

forced exposure

mn2s booking

scaruffi

hip hop music fandom

who sampled

Fetish Bones - Galaxy 500

Name: Fetish Bones
Album: Galaxy 500
Year:1987
Style: Cow-Punk, Alternative
Similar Bands: X, Blood on the Saddle, The Gossip, Animal Bag, Cucumbers, Bongos, Janis Joplin, Siouxsie Sioux
"One-Word" Review: Jangley Eclectic Cow-Punk
Based Out Of: Charlotte, North Carolina
Label: Capitol EMI

 Cover, Sleeve, Record

Back, Liner Notes & Lyrics, Record

Galaxy 500 (1987)

1. Stray 3:20
2. Everybody is a House 1:52
3. Sammy 2:11
4. Steamwhistle 3:34
5. You Thirst 3:46
6. Jesse James 4:13 (single b-side) /
7. Kingdom 2:50
8. Exit 2:30
9. Sourpuss 2:36
10. Riding Around 2:29
11. Chicken Truck 2:30
12. Things Are Happening 2:17
13. Binoculars 2:30

Album Rating (1-10): 5.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Don Dixon - Producer
• Aaron Pitkin - Guitar (Sugarsmack, It's Snakes, Snagglepuss)
• Clay Richardson - Drums (Jamie Hoover, Lava Love)
• Danna Pentes - bass (Antietam)
• Errol Stewart - Guitar 
• Hope Nicholls - Vox, Harmonica (Sugarsmack, It's Snakes, Pigface, Snagglepuss, Marylin Manson, Slick Idiot)
• Steve Haigler - Engineer
• Tim Carr - Exec Producer
• Don "Cannonball" McClure - Sax (The Embers, Dale Van Horn, Sonny Turner, Pervis Lee)
• Laurie Douglas - Art Direction
• Mark Gates - Mgmt

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, but based on the album art work of very busy collage of art, font, and diorama knickknacks, they seem like a busy scattered band. And the back artwork screams hippie alternative, albeit, a good 5 years before it was all over MTV. But let's stick with a guess of classic rock hippie-ish music with feedback and sloppy, purposeful play.

Album Review: Well, the album is all over the place. With roots in Cow-Punk, their country tinged funk and classic rock wobbles and grooves all over the place, with eccentric vocals that transform from guttural growls to high aggressive chants and quiet reserved thoughtfulness in the same 20 seconds. I wouldn't quite call it a dynamic range, but it is definitely an eclectic range of style choices. They started in 1983, but if they shifted their time frame just 5 years later, they could have been huge in the 90's-Alt scene with singer Nicholls' look, attitude, and the band's blending of genre...just too ahead of their time,

Stand Out Track: Sourpuss

Links:
Spotify
Wiki
Discogs
LA Times article '86
allmusic
Penn State '85 Article
Rate Your Music
sputnick music
facebook

Elektrics - Current Events

Name: Elektics
Album: Current Events
Year: 1980
Style: New Wave, Powerpop
Similar Bands: Police, Squeeze, Nick Lowe, Hawks, Shoes, Buggles, Cretones, Producers, Knack
"One-Word" Review: Jittery-Oldies-Inspired New Wave
Based Out Of: New Jersey
Label: Capitol, EMI

 Cover, Record

Back, Record

Current Events (1980)

1. Some Lovin' Tonight 3:15 (single)
2. We Are Americans 1:55
3. Anyway 2:56
4. Time After Time 3:07
5. Boardwalk Beauty 3:29 (single)
6. Indifferent 3:36 (single b-side) /
7. Tonight 3:10
8. Joker 3:26
9. Going to the Movies 3:20
10. I Remember You 2:35
11. Plastic Sound 3:11

Album Rating (1-10): 8.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Chris James - Bass Vox
• Marco Delmar - Guitar, Vox (Basehead, These Days, BYOB, Jennifer Cutting's Ocean Orch. Enid)
• Carl Worner - Vox 
• Bob Drew - Keys Vox (Pierre Aubanel, Jean Morlier)
• Andrew Papa - Drums
• Peter Ker - Producer
• Rob Freeman - Recording & Mixing
• Scott Keller - Asst. Engineer
• Ken Perry - Mastering
• Frank Breuer - Direction & Personal Mgmt
• Andy Gould - Direction & Personal Mgmt
• Robert Metcalf - Art Direction & Design
• Len Price - Photography

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, I like the name, cool play on a term i'd assume with synth and cold wave music, however their look is really pastel, yacht-ready, and reminds me of Squeeze a little. Here's another album with the busy checker / graph pattern across the front and back. I can only assume this will be synth heavy, upbeat new wave.

Album Review: So the album is not actually all that synth heavy, but it is a really fun, upbeat power-pop, new wave album not far from Squeeze, but bringing smooth ELO harmonies and some jittery accents to the songs. A couple of the lighter songs sound like oldies songs updated for the 80's, particularly the piano heavy "Pandy Fackler"-like (Ween) song "Broadway Beauty." I also really like the slinky bass & guitar that comes off a little Police-like on Time After Time.

Stand Out Track: Time After Time, Boardwalk Beauty

Links:
Spotify album
Album 2: State of Shock
rate your music
egg city Radio
Discogs
Allmusic

Mink Deville - Cabretta

Name: Mink Deville
Album: Cabretta
Year: 1977
Style: Rockabilly Pub Rock
Similar Bands: Bruce Springsteen, Mitch Ryder, Velvet Underground, Elvis Costello, Kinks
"One-Word" Review: Light Raucous Piano Wave
Based Out Of: NYC
Label: Capitol, EMI

Cabretta (1977)

1. Venus of Avenue D 4:57
2. Little Girl 4:19 (the Crystals cover)
3. One Way Street 2:50
4. Mixed Up, Shook Up Girl 3:44
5. Gunslinger 2:09 / 
6. Can't Do Without It 3:15
7. Cadillac Walk 3:14 (Moon Martin cover)
8. Spanish Stroll 3:38 (single)
9. She's So Tough 2:30
10. Party Girls  4:30

Album Rating (1-10): 7.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Willy DeVille - Vox, Guitar, Harmonica (Billy & the Kids, The Immaculate Conception, Royal Pythons, Billy De Sade and the Marquis, Lazy Eights, Mark Knopfler, Downtown, Vanessa Paradis, Lucky Seven, Bon Jovi )
• Ruben Siquenza - Bass (Billy De Sade and the Marquis)
• Bobby Leonards - Piano
• T.R. Allen Jr (Manfred) - Drums (Billy De Sade and the Marquis)
• Louie X. Erlanger - Guitar (Slamhound Hunters, Toru Oki Blues Band, Twist Turner)
• Jack Nitzsche - Producer
• Kim Kimg - Engineer
• Steve Douglas - Sax (Replacements, Crystals, Phil Sloan, Duane Eddy, Jan & Dean, Jerry Cole & his Spacemen, Dick Dale, Dory Previn, Albert King, Incredible Bongo Band, more)
• Mike Johnson - Backing Vox (Immortals)
• Val Heron - Backing Vox (Immortals)
• Max Bowman - Backing Vox (Immortals)
• Ed Rak - Asst. Engineer
• Don Henderson - Asst. Engineer
• Suzy Berle - Soul & Inspiration
• Billy Borsey Jr. - Soul & Inspiration
• Chris Evans - Mgmt
• Danny Goldberg - Mgmt
• Roy Kohara - Art Direction
• Art Sims - Design
• Eric Stephen Jacobs - Cover Photo
• Leland Bobbe - Liner Photo

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this artist or band, but he looks like a Stray Cats rockabilly 50's throwback greaser on the cover. And the name Mink DeVille sounds like it fits that era as well.

Album Review: Mink is the band name for Willy and his team. They played CBGBs a lot as a house band, but were not of the punk genre- at least not musically. But they were lumped into the category due to place and time. Willy has contributed many songs to soundtracks over the years, including Princess Bride, Road House, and Grindhouse/Death Proof. The more I listen to this album, the more i feel like there was Velvet Underground impression, and some of it sounds like Elvis Costello's first record ("I'm Not Angry" particularly)...especially "She's So Tough."

Stand Out Track: She's So Tough

Links:
Wiki - Mink
Wiki - Willy
Discogs
allmusic
classic rock history
rate your music
willy's website
willy's IMDB
Guardian Obit 8/11/09
NY Times Obit 8/8/09

Gary O' - s/t

Name: Gary O' (Connor)
Album: s/t
Year: 1981
Style: Singer Songwriter Power Pop
Similar Bands: Steve Perry, Billy Joel, Foreigner, Nick Gilder
"One-Word" Review: Dollar Store 80's Rocker
Based Out Of: Ontario, Canada
Label: Capitol, EMI

 Cover, Record

Record, Back

Gary O' (1981)

1. All the Young Heroes 3:40
2. Pay You Back With Interest 2:50 (Hollies cover)
3. California Goodbye 5:43
4. I Believe In You 3:50 (Cats Cover) /
5. Suzanne 2:59
6. The Way You Look Tonight 3:47
7. Just A Little Love 3:25
8. Nightrider 4:12
9. Been A Long Time 4:16 

Album Rating (1-10): 6.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Richard Landis - Producer, Keys
• Charlie Calello - String Arrangement & Conducting (Four Seasons, Four Lovers, Frank Sinatra, Neil Diamond, Bruce Springsteen, Laura Nyro, Barbara Streisand, Ray Charles)
• Gary O'(Connor) - Vox, Guitar, Words & Music (Synics, Spasstiks, Cat, Liverpool, Aerial, Kid Rainbow)
• David Landau - Guitars (Clarence Clemons & The Red Bank Rockers, Warren Zevon, Carolyne Mas, Desmond Child)
• George Doering - Guitars (Don Ellis & Survical, Brenton Wood, Finished Touch, Brian Auger, Geno Washington, Syl Johnson, Mike Love, Swing, Roger Voudouris, Red Rider, Juice Newton, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Air Supply, Vince Gill, 
• Peter Wolf - Keys, Synth (Frank Zappa, Fatty George Crew, Gipsy Love, Music and Fun is All, Objective truth Orchestra, Mothers, Reform Art Unit, Vienna, Group 87 )
• Jai Winding - Keys (Yesca, Warren Zevon, The Simpsons, Stevie Nicks, Jackson Browne, Riot, Bonnie Raitt, Dave Mason, Mr. Big, Paul Williams, Boz Scaggs)
• Bryan Garofolo - Bass (America, Bernie Leadon Michael Georgiades Band, Hate Boys, Things to Come, John Stewart, Joe Walsh, Kim Carnes, BB King, Dory Previn, Joan Amratrading, Steve Perry,  Motels)
• Craig Krampf - Drums (Billy & the American Suns, Cherokee, Robert Bradleu's Blackwater Surprise, Skatt Bros. Hate Boys, Robbs, Nick Gilder, Kim Carnes, Alice Cooper, Kenny Rogers)
• Jim Haas - Backing Vox (Discos JJS, Eleventh Hour, Roger Waters & Bleeding Heart Band,  Ron Hicklin Singers, Frantics, Jackson Browne, Barry Manilow, Paul Williams, Vince Gill, Eric Carmen, America, Lauren Branigan, Rick Springfield
• Stan Farber - Backing Vox (Disco JJS, Hollywood Film Chorale, Bob Alcivar Singers, California Dreamers, Eligibles, Zip-Codes, Ralph Carmichael & Young People, Partidge Family, Sparks, Tubes, Leif Garrett)
• Jon Joyce - Backing Vox (Disco JJS, Eleventh Hour, Hollywood Film Chrale, Paul Johnston Voices, Roger Waters & Bleeding Heart Band, Paul Williams, Helen Reddy, Pink Floyd)
• Joe Chiccarelli - Recording
• Mitchell Gibson - Asst. Recording
• Hugh Davies - Asst. Recording
• Dana Bisbee - Asst. Recording
• Ruth Burghardt - Production Coordinator
• Les Cooper - Asst. Mixing
• Wally Traugott - Mastering
• Ken Young - Art Direction Design
• Stephen Glass - Mgmt

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this artist, assuming it is basically a singer / songwriter. The bubble-font of his name reminds me of either 10cc or Spanky & Our Gang, and Gary O' resembles Andy Partridge a little. I've seen the graphing pattern overlay design used on a bunch of softer new wave bands. The light above Gary as the frame repeats back slightly psychedelically actually makes me think that this may be religious-tinged.

Album Review: Son to a jazz musician, Gary played with many bands before he went solo with this record. He has also had popularity writing hits for other folks & bands, like 38 Special, Molly Hatchet and Eddie Money. The album is full of light, breezy & tame pop numbers with 80's dated synth production.

Stand Out Track: All the Young Heroes

Links:
Wiki
Allmusic
Discogs
Facebook
Canadian Bands

Shirts (the) - s/t

Name: The Shirts
Album: s/t
Year: 1978
Style: Folk-Rock
Similar Bands: Jefferson Airplane, Mamas & Papas, 10 Wheel Drive, Janis Joplin, Cold Blood
"One-Word" Review: Jangley Hippy Rock
Based Out Of: NYC, NY
Label: Capitol

 Cover & Record

Back & Record

The Shirts (1978)

1. Reduced to a Whisper 3:28
2. Tell Me Your Plans 3:10
3. Empty Ever After 3:52
4. Teenage Crutch 3:00
5. Tenth Floor Clown 4:42 / 
6. The Story Goes 4:00
7. Lonely Android 3:55
8. Running Through the Night 3:46
9. They Say the Sun Shines 3:22
10. Poe 3:47

Album Rating (1-10): 7.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Arthur La Monica - Guitar, Vox, Keys (Rome 56, Ex Norwegian)
• Robert Racioppo - Bass, Vox (Bob of the Shirts, Rome 56)
• John "Zeek" Criscione - Drums, Vox, Percussion (Bob of the Shirts, Rome 56)
• Ronald Ardito - Guitar, Vox, Keys (Fred Schneider & the Shake Society)
• Annie Golden - Vox (Hair, Orange is the New Black, Jing)
• John Piccolo - Keys, Guitar, Vox (Idle Chatter)
• Mike Thorne - Producer
• Gary Edwards - Engineering
• Roger Bechirian - Engineering
• Pat Stapley - Engineering
• Paul Hardiman - Mixing
• Ken Perry - Cutting
• Roy Kohara - Art Direction
• Ken Anderson - Design
• Larry Racioppo - Shirts Logo
• Ebet Roberts - Liner Photo

Unknown-ness: Never heard of the Shirts. Like the simple still life with assumed action cover art, and the sizable 6-person band on the back looks like Dexy's Midnight Runners, so I'm guessing this might be a folky, jazzy pop sort of record.

Album Review: The album has a folky, late 60's Woodstock vibe to it mixed in with a little theatrical / musical elements. It feels kinda bland like a lot of introspective jangley college rock records, save the songs Teenage Crutch and Lonely Android, which have a faster, vibrant feel that i could see being played at CBGBs: the club they got their big start opening for acts like Television and Talking Heads. Nowadays, the (ex) member most recognizable is singer Annie Golden, who recently appeared as the silent inmate on Orange is the New Black. She has been a more prolific actor through out her career, also appearing in Hair, Cheers, and 12 Monkeys as well.

Stand Out Track: Teenage Crutch

Links:
Youtube full album
Wiki
Discogs
Allmusic
Rate Your Music
Website
Stereo Society
Annie's IMDB

Sigue Sigue Sputnik - Flaunt It

Name: Sigue Sigue Sputnik
Album: Flaunt It
Year: 1986
Style: New Wave, Electro, Techno
Similar Bands: EMF, Quintron & Miss Pussycat, New York Dolls, Adam & the Ants, Thompson Twins, Yaz
One-Word Review: Dystopian-Future-Pop
Based Out Of: London, England
Label: Manhattan Records, Capitol Records, EMI

 Cover, Lyrics-Liner Notes, Record

Back, Liner Notes, Record

Flaunt It (1986) [as listed on the record]

1. Love Missile F1-11 4:48 
2. Atari Baby 4:56 (T3,S1 on album)
3. Sex Bomb Boogie 4:46 (T4,S1 on album)
4. Rockit Miss USA 6:05 (T1, S2 on album)/
5. 21st Century Boy 5:11 (T2, S1 on album)
6. Massive Retaliation 4:56
7. Teenage Thunder 5:20
8. She's My Man 5:35

Members & Other Bands:

• Martin Degville - Vox (Sputnik 2, Sigue Sigue Sputnik Electronic)
• Tony James - Space Guitar 2000 (Generation X, Sisters of Mercy, Carbon/Silicon, Fin de Siecle, London Cowboys, Sci-Fi Sex Stars, Bizet Boys, Rawhides, London SS)
• Neal X - Big, Big Guitar (Marc Almond Band, Montecristos, Adam Ant, Sex Gang Children)
• Ray Mayhew - Electro Drums (Mayhem Deranged, Sci-Fi Sex Stars)
• Chris Kavanagh - Electro Drums (BAD II, Sci-Fi Sex Stars)
• Yana Ya-Ya - Effects (Sci-Fi Sex Stars)
• Giorgio Moroder - Producer
• Brian Reeves - Engineer
• Laslo - Programming
• Hugh-Scott Symonds - Video
• Andy Kemp - Off Life Editor
• Grant @ MPL - Online Editor
• Bonnie Anderson - MM Tech VDX
• Tony Sellinger / Gibbo - Video Game
• Paul Smith - Suits
• Touche Ross - Accountants
• Brian Carr - Design, Illustrations
• Graham Ball - Illustration
• Mike Morton - Illustration
• Frank Griffin - Design
• Joe Shutter - Cover
• Syd Brak - Cover
• Peter Paul Hartnett - Illustration
• Rob Hallett - Attorney

Album Rating (1-10): 7.5

Unknown-ness: Never heard of them. But if you can dig through all the info and imagry on the record, you get the sense that they are going for the futuristic sound of Times Square in the year 2000 (it being 1986). I imagine something like music from a Blade Runner or Total Recall type universe. So what that might include is anyone's guess...I'm banking on futuristic-industrial music with electronic effects and advertisements sampled and layered throughout their songs.

Album Review: As expected, it is a chaotic, over-stimulation of the ears, with lots of little catchy bits layered over top of each other, and advertisement samples separating some of the tracks and layered in the songs. The vocals are of a snotty new wave variety. And at the base of all their songs are good melodies and dance-able rhythms. I imagine this is what folks though the future of rock would be in the Dystopian futures as shown by the films listed above. The lead track was featured in Ferris Bueller's Day Off/ Their look, somewhat of a futuristic, enhanced Billy Idol makes sense since Tommy James was in Generation X. And some of the ad that bookend the tracks were, in fact, actually purchased by companies...L'Oreal & i-D Magazine specifically, and the Discogs link lists the ads split out from the tracks.

Stand Out Track: 21st Century Boy

Links:
youtube
website
discogs
allmusic
Guardian Interview
IMDB
1986 article in People
Sputnik Music