Vaeda - The Red Queen

Name: Vaeda
Album: The Red Queen
Year: 2004
Style: Alt-Metal, Hard Rock
Similar Bands: Candlebox, Slaughter, Breaking Benjamin, Animal Bag
"One-Word" Review: Melodic Skuzz Rock
Based Out Of: Brooklyn, NY
Label: self released

Cover, Back Notes, CD Case Back

Lyrics, CD, CD tray

The Red Queen (2004)

1. Thief 3:57
2. Battle Song 3:56
3. Jesus Rides the Subway 3:54
4. Money 3:05
5. Son of the Viper 4:34
6. Kneejerk 2:46
7. Imperial 4:20

Album Rating (1-10): 4.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Ian Lear-Nickum - Vox, Guitar
• Aristotle Dreher - Bass (Bastard Kings of Rock)
• Chris Gignoux - Guitar, Engineer (Granian)
• Oliver Williams - Drums
• Kyle Kelso - Producer, Recording, Mixing, Mastering
• Todd Cameron Westphal - Photos
• Chris Buchakjian - Bat Photo

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band. I believe this was another cast off a friend sent me in the mail a long time ago. I honestly don't know what to make if this...it could be anything from hard Americana rock to nu-metal to folksy pop rock or even a emo-prog based band. I'm going to go with the idea that it is somewhere in the middle of all that...general hardish rock, trying to be more complex than it is worth. Not a big fan of the logo for the band name, and seems out of place or alien when compared to the classical album name.

Album Review: From the get go, the band is channeling hair metal, with clear vocals with a calculated lilt. This is timeless in a sense, as it would not be out of place with the Slaughters or Warrants of the late 80's or Animal Bags or Candleboxes of the 90's, leading through the Nu-Metal scene of the aughts. This doesn't mean it is good, at all. The vocal range is impressive, though, with parts in whisper and hitting Muse or Ours melodic heights.

The name comes from India, meaning eternal knowledge. They hold the factoid for being the #1 unsigned Myspace band in the fall of 2005, which was shortly after their move to LA from Brooklyn, but moved back to Long Island later that same year. They have been on a couple big festival tours as well as being in television promos and shows (NCIS, Prison Break, Terminator: SC Chronicles, The Hills, Girls of Hedsor Hall). 

Stand Out Track: Kneejerk 

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Phoids (The) - Marianne Doesn't Know Yet

Name: The Phoids
Album: Marianne Doesn't Know Yet
Year: 1997
Style: Pub Rock, Power Pop
Similar Bands: Smithereens, Track Star, Let's Active, Jayhawks, Uncle Tupelo, Replacements, The Forty Fives
"One-Word" Review: Urban Cowboy Rock Variants.
Based Out Of: NYC, NY
Label: Ng Records, BMG, 

Cover & Back photo

Liner Notes, CD, CD Tray Back

Marianne Doesn't Know Yet (1997)

1. The Great American Farmer 3:01
2. Baby Menthol 2:47
3. I'll Smash Anyone 3:39
4. M 3:25
5. You Know 3:58
6. Godel 4:48
7. Cop Out 4:13
8. Walk Away 2:37 (single)
9. Can't Go Back 4:04
10. Merkle's Boner 2:46
11. No Good 2:56
12. Driveway 3:40
13. Johnny's On Time 1:45
14. I Never liked you Much 6:12

Album Rating (1-10): 8.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Greg Bass - Bass, Vox (Erica Wylie, Jason Spiewak)
• Matt Chaiaravalle - Guitar, Vox (Forty Fives, Jill Cunniff, Ernie Halter)
• Jac Calabro - Vox, Guitar
• Michael Chambers - Drums, Percussion (Cantinero), 
• Tammy Lynn - Backing Vox (Battershell, Lenny McDaniel, Sevendust, Total Praise)
• Andy Kingston - Piano, Organ (Alex Dolan)
• Roger Lian - Mastering
• Jeff Gattens - Recording, Mixing
• Tom Doxanas - Art Direction (DOC Designs)
• John H Moore - Cover Photo
• Mick Rock - Liner Photos

Unknown-ness: Never heard of them, but from the photos, they look like they were on the tail end of alt-grunge, just as the tide was turning to a clean cut, smooth rock persona. I'm going to guess they are of their era, and will be similar to New Radicals or Fastball.

Album Review: The Phoids reignite the 80'sAmericana pub rock sound of the 80's with straight forward rock songs that try to keep one toe in a working class country pool. Sometimes they play gruff, driving tracks like the juvenile "Merkle's Boner" that steals a cue out of the Nirvana playbook at the end, as does "I'll Smash Anyone." "Cop Out" is a solid pop song with some shoegazing guitar, and a quick shuffling beat. Overall, this is a immensely palatable album of songs with slight variances on rock extending to the outer tiers of niche genres.

With a total of 3 albums that increased in quality along they way, the NYC based band gained minimal recognition as an opener and CMJ festival performer. But even with an accomplished producer on their 3rd record, they ended up disappearing from the spot light altogether.

Stand Out Track: Cop Out, Merkle's Boner

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Professor Spoon - 127 Somerset

Name: Professor Spoon
Album: 127 Somerset
Year: 1994
Style: Funk, Alternative, Jam
Similar Bands: Spin Doctors, Animal Bag, Dave Matthews Band, Black Crows, Moe., The Hatters
"One-Word" Review: Accomplished Hi-Brow Stoner Funk
Based Out Of: Syracuse NY / NJ
Label: none

Cover & Back

Lyrics & CD

Lyrics & CD Tray Back

Lyrics and Liner Notes

127 Somerset (1994)

1. Mind of a Kid 3:21
2. What's On Your Mind? 4:38
3. Reason 3:06
4. Danny 3:24
5. Who Told You? 2:50
6. The Knowledge 5:43
7. Keep It Down 5:06
8. Under My Skin 5:37
9. Skinner Box 5:11
10. Oblitorious 3:32
11. The Sublime Alcindor Meets the Monster 6:30

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Darren Buck - Vox, Art Direction, Design, Logo (Bitches Brew, State Radio)
• Jared Hart - Bass (Bitches Brew)
• Chris Kaye - Guitars, Cover Painting (Bitches Brew)
• Derek Landel - Drums, Percussion (Bitches Brew)
• Jordon Rothstein - Keys (Bitches Brew)
• Tony Greene - Sax
• Jason Raynovich - Cello (Tim Daisy)
• Alison Shirk - Photos
• Howard Sadowsky - Mgmt
• Jamie Santos - Producer
• Mike Jackson - Engineer, Mixing
• Alan Douches - Mastering

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band. Based on the album art, the band photo, the year and the name, I'm guessing this will be some Gin Blossoms, amateur alternative grunge music.

Album Review: 
So this is dated, 1994 alternative funk. I imagine goatees, berets and drug rugs abound in the fan base for this band & genre music. Their sounds shift along the lines of jazzy funk, from Black Crows, to Dave Matthews to Ben Folds, and many other 90's bands that added a funk/studio session vibe with complex songwriting to the jam band & alt genre.

They were a Syracuse College band in the early 90's playing around NY & PA. They had 2 albums, and eventually found their way to NYC, but did not last very long, as their career ended in 1995. The production makes them sound like accomplished musicians, however, this is not a genre that fits my enjoyment.

Stand Out Track: Danny

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Blister Rust - Who's Gonna Scratch Your Itch?!!

Name: Blister Rust
Album: Who's Gonna Scratch Your Itch?!!
Year: 1998
Style: Aggressive Rock
Similar Bands: Ugly Kid Joe, Animal Bag, Janes Addiction, Fungo Mungo, Candlebox, Green Jelly, Twisted Sister
"One-Word" Review: your dirty friend's HS band who took last place at a battle of the bands competition
Based Out Of: NYC
Label: Thundermug Records,

Cover, Liner Notes, Back

Lyrics, CD, Tray Artwork

Who's Gonna Scratch your Itch?!! (1998)

1. V-8 4:05
2. Age 2:38
3. Nail Me Down 3:26
4. Mrs. Christ 3:13
5. Answer to You  5:41
6. Winter 4:34
7. Recycle Me 4:23
8. Storyteller 5:22
9. Cleansing 5:03
10. NBC 3:30

Album Rating (1-10): 3.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Steve French "Colonel Dad"- Producer
• Terry Toajin - Percussive Noise, Backing Vox
• Otto Spumo - Guitar Noodling, Backing Vox
• Rx Rasputin - Vox
• Dug Spoon - Bass Cement, Backing Vox
• Peter Moshay - Mixing, Engineering
• John Hopkins - Engineering
• N.S. "Buck' Brundage - Guitar Amp Consultant / Tech
• Mark Wilder - Mastering
• Andriana Meyer - Cover

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band. From the tagged corpse imagery, the font of the logo and the tracks, i'm going to guess this is a border band between Nu Metal and Pop-Punk...I'm thinking like Sum 41or a less accessible Goldfinger. 1998 fits that style guess, too.

Album Review: The record starts out aggressive, angry but not as dense as expected. Sounding like a bad and very off key Ugly Kid Joe. They try the Sam Kinison yelling vocals, but coupled with the verse vocals, it doesn't sound good. Music wise, they use driving short guitar licks, and a few metal guitar solo sections, but overall, it sounds like your dirty friend's band, who's totally gonna make it.

Blister Rust is not just some "cool" sounding word salad. It is a disease originating in Asia that affects plants, specifically White Pines. They band, however, does not have much info on them out there. They had one album before this one, and planned to release a third in 2000, but that never seemed to materialize.

Stand Out Track: Mrs. Christ

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White, Lenny - Presents the Adventures of Astral Pirates

Name: Lenny White
Album: Presents the Adventures of Astral Pirates
Year: 1978
Style: Jazz, Prog, Funk, Soul
Similar Bands: TS Monk, Miles Davis, Return to Forever
"One-Word" Review: Safe Conceptual Funky Jazz
Based Out Of: NYC
Label: Elektra/Asylum, Warner Communications

Cover, Back, Sleeve, Record

Gatefold Story, Sleeve, Record

Presents the Adventures of Astral Pirates (1978)

1. Prelude: Theme for Astral Pirates 1:20
2. Pursuit 2:58
3. Mandarin Warlords 5:06
4. The Great Pyramid 2:30
5. Universal Love 3:30
6. Remembering 0:34
7. Revelation (Astral Pirates) 3:25 /
8. Stew Cabbage and Galactic beans 3:51
9. Heavy Metal Monster 4:39
10. Assault 3:36
11. Climax: Theme for Astral Pirates 7:42

Album Rating (1-10):

Members & Other Bands:

• Lenny White - Producer, Album & Story Concept, Drums, Synth Drums, Eu, Percussion, Re-Mixing, Music Arrangement (Return to Forever, Jackie Mclean, Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard, Twennynine, Chick Corea, Chaka Khan, Azteca, Cyrus Chestnut, Stanley Clarke, Al Di Meola, Larry Coryell, Victor Bailey, Joe Henderson, Wallace Roney, Buster Williams, Andrew Hill, Woody Shaw, Gato Barbieri, Curtis Fuller, Buddy Terry, Eddie Henderson, Don Cherry, Jaco Pastorius, Brian Auger, Elaine Elias, Manhattan Project, Michael Patrucciani, Bobby Hutcherson, Urbanator, Geri Allen, Ron Carter, Jamey Haddad, Letizia Gambi, Stan Getz, Echoes of an Era, Griffith Park, Jamacia Boys, Gil Evans, Carlos Santana, Herbie Hancock, Big Daddy Kane, Hiromi, Marcus Miller, Tom Browne, Renee Rosnes, Fuse One, Meeting Point, Michael Urbaniak, Milky Way, Powerhouse, Essence All Stars, Super Premium Band, Vertu, many )
• Al Kooper - Producer
• Alex Blake - Bass, Music Arrangement (Ahmed Abdullah's Diaspora, Malcolm Braff, Manhattan Blaze, Randy Weston African Rhythms, Ryo Kawasaki, Manhattan Transfer Band, Puppeteers, Sun Ra Arkestra, Greg Bandy, Emanuel K Rahim, Weldon Irvine, Charles Sullivan, Carlos Garnett, Arif Mardin, Billy Cobham, Airto, Don Pullen, Frank Lowe, Brownie McGhee, Sonny Rollins, Yusef Lateef, Last Poets, Kazumi Watanabe, Charles Bobo Shaw, Pharoah Sanders, Linda Williams, Blast, Jaroslav Jakubovic, Cory Daye, Norman Connors, Janis Siegel, Carmen Lundy, Jimmy Buffett, Earl Klugh, Chico Freeman, Brainstorm, Jonathan Butler, Dom Um Romao, Vertical Hold, Oran 'Juice' Jones, Mac Gollehon, Phyllis Hyman, Andrienne Wilson, Stan Getz, Babatunde Lea, Roman Kunsman, Elements of the 7th, Ximo Tebar, Harry Whitaker)
• Donald "Captain Keyboards" Blackman - Organ, Pianos, Oberheim Polyphonic, Synth, Eu, Vox, String & Music Arrangement (Twennynine, Weldon Irvine, Bernard Wright, Roy Ayers, Esperanto, Kenji Hino, Patches Stewart, Livesavas, Lips, Sylvia St James, Hugh Masekela, EPM, Kurtis Blow, Fat Boys, Vikki Love, la La, Missing Links, Gwen Guthrie, TMNT,Mmajee, Hamiet Bluiett, World Sax Quartert, Yoko Oginome, The Men X Perience, Sting, Joey Negro, Mino Cinelu, Waymen Tisdale, Femi Temowo, Brandon Williams)
• Nick Moroch - Lead Guitar, Music Arrangement (Twennynine, Mongo Santamaria, Jeff Conaway, Lips, Poussez, Sylvia St James, Rick James, Michael Franks, Tony Frye, Eddie Jobson, Zinc, Bernard Wright, Marcus Miller, Michael Johnson, Scritti Politti, Kirk Whalum, Temptations, Fury, Melba Moore, Porter Carroll 2, Michael W Smith, David Bowie, Howard Jones, Chaka Khan, Bob James, Vanesse Thomas, Claude Nougaro, Bee Gees, David Sanborn, Terumasa Hino, Sarah Dash, Toshiki Kadomatsu, Michael Colina, Gillian & Glover, Blues Trottoir, John Warren, Patrick Bruel, Arthur Baker & Backbeat Disciples, Kashif, Mira, Jeffrey Osborne,  Jibri Wise One, Nicki Richards, Pete Levin, Voyceboxing, Johnny Hallyday, Gary Brown, Baby Jane Dexter, Roch Voisine, Malta, Jonathan Butler, Tony Terry, Henri Salvador, Donna Summer, Vanessa Williams, Julie Masse, Michael Davis, Bill Evans, Rinken Band, Philippe Saisse, Selena, SMAP, T-Square, Cheryl Lynn, Tony Toni Tone, Marylin Scott, Smappies, Yoshiko Kishino, Mica Paris, Rachel Z, Liane Foly, Still Wicked, Marc Nelson, Marek Niedzwiecki, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Ronn Moss, Terumasa Hino, Point of Grace, 2Ge+her, Kathy Troccoli, David Arnold, Ak, Joe, Jesse Powell, Wayman Tisdale, What For, Dennis Chambers, Roger Glover, Brian McKnight, Kelly Rowland, Gareth Hates, Jessica Simpson, Do Swing, Jason Miles, Nicole C Mullen, Danny Brill, Cliff Dawson, Gene Lake, From the Fire, Alice Soyer, Curtis King, Chris Bender)
• David Gahr - Photos
• Patrick Gleeson - All Synth Programming
• Don Mizell - Album & Story Concept, Narrative Language
• Bob Edwards - Engineer, Re-Mixing
• Skip Shimmin - Recordist
• Seth Dworkin - Recordist
• Dave Rader - Recordist
• Bob Graham - Equipment
• Bernie Grundman - Mastering
• Michael Kaluta - Illustrations & Cover
• Anthony Gleeson - Color
• Tony Lane - Art Direction
• Johnny lee - Design
• Michael Bryant - Narrative Language
• Toby Byron - Mgmt

Unknown-ness: I've never heard of this artist / band. Which makes me very frightened...because this album looks to be heavy on high concept art and is basically a soundtrack to a piece of elaborate fiction. This actually sounds very exciting, and I can't wait to find out if this is prog, like most concept albums were from the 70's, or if it is something else completely, since neither Lenny White nor the band appear to be a bunch of stereotypical nerdy white dudes. But since it is really out there and goes all-in on the creativity, the fact that i've never heard of it makes me thing it's going to be terrible- that it never broke out of the complex, Star Wars inspired starting gate, and was forgotten for good reason.

Album Review: From the start, it is pretty straight forward jazzy prog...a little more in a controlled space than say Brand X, but definitely Jazzy. Once "Universal Love" hits, the first with lyrical vocals, the tone has shifted to funk and soul. 

While being a left handed self taught drummer on a right handed kit, he is considered one of the founders of the Jazz Fusion concept. He played on the uberfamous Bitch's Brew with Miles Davis, is the winner of 4 (of 6 nominations) Grammy awards, and is a professor at NYU Steinhardt. He has also recorded soundtrack music for films, including House Party with Kid n' Play.

Stand Out Track: Universal Love, Stew Cabbage & Galactic Beans

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Weavers, The - On Tour

Name: The Weavers (originally No-Name Quartet)
Album: On Tour
Year: 1957 (1962)
Style: Folk, Vocals
Similar Bands: Bachelors, Kingston Trio, A Mighty Wind, Seekers, Rooftop Singers
"One-Word" Review: Banjangaly Harmonies
Based Out Of: NYC, NY
Label: Vanguard

Cover, Record

Back, Record

On Tour (1957)

1. Tzena, Tzena, Tzena 2:24
2. On Top Of Old Smoky 2:24
3. Drill Ye Tarriers, Drill 2:14
4. Fi-li-mi-oo-re-ey 2:28
5. Over the Hill 1:01
6. Clementine 2:51
7. The Frozen Logger 2:16 (James Stevens Cover)
8. The Boll Weevil 2:29
9. Talking Blues 2:27
10. I Don't Want to Get Adjusted 1:31
11. So Long 2:32 (Woody Guthrie Cover) /
12. Michael Row the Boat Ashore 3:31
13. Wreck of the "John B" 2:25
14. Two Brothers 2:27
15. Ragaputi 2:13
16. Wasn't That a Time 2:05
17. Go Tell it on the Mountain 2:37
18. Poor Little Jesus 1:43
19. Mi Y'Malel 1:54
20. Santa Clause is Coming, It's Almost Day 1:22
21. We Wish You A Merry Christmas 2:31

Album Rating (1-10):

Members & Other Bands:

• Pete Seeger - Vox, Banjo (Almanac Singers, Paul Campbell, The Union Boys, Work O' the Weavers, Woody Guthrie, Memphis Slim, Willie Dixon, John Benson Brooks Trio, Don McLean, Steve goodman, Guy Davis, Joan Baez, Sonny Terry  many )
• Ronnie Gilbert - Vox (Paul Campbell, Holly Near, Peter Paul & Mary, Woody Guthrie)
• Lee Hays - Vox (Almanac Singers, The Baby Sitters, Paul Campbell, Woody Guthrie)
• Fred Hellerman - Guitar, Vox (Paul Campbell, Peter Paul & Mary, Ruth Rubin, Larry Kent, Leon Bibb, Paul Clayton, Marylin Child, Sandy Paton, Joan Baez, Odetta, Theodore Bikel, Judy Collins, Oscar Brand, Chad Mitchell, Sunny Schwartz, Guy Davis, Cobble Mountain Band, Stan Scott, Sam Scheer, Belafonte)
• Harold Leventhal - Producer

Unknown-ness: I don't believe I've heard of the Weavers. Maybe, as they have been around a long time, and Pete Seeger is a familiar name. But I imagine this to be imagine this will be olde-timey vocal harmonizing songs, where instrumentation is but a non-showcased afterthought or simply to keep rhythm & melody. With a setlist of 21 songs, all performed live, and a bunch of familiar traditional titles, I imagine this will get a little samey, too.

Album Review: This was recorded for their Xmas concert at Carnegie Hall, so applause bookends the tracks. Hootenany would be an accurate portrait of their banjangley folk harmonies. Their musical choices are international and quite varied with the record split into 4 sections: Classic Songs, Tall Tales, History/Geography, and Peace & Good Will. Often, one member will recite the upcoming lyric before it is sung in order to encourage audience sing-a-long.

The highly influential folk band (pre-dating Kingston Trio, Peter, Paul & Mary, Bob Dylan; all were influenced by the Weavers) started as a political group, with Seeger and Hays together as Alamac singers, protesting WW2. In 1941,with Germany moving into Russia, the US sentiment changes to pro-war propaganda, and the band became a pitched entering the war until the US finally joined the Allies. The band officially organized in 1948, thanks to a music circle Seeger organized in his basement called People's Songs. As the Red Scare / McCarthy era began, Seeger & Hays were questioned as US Communists, both refusing to testify in their own defense, putting them under FBI surveillance, denying them television / radio performances, leading to the loss of their Decca record contract and demise as a band in 1953. They got back together and played Carnegie Hall in 1955, had success with the recording, and set up a tour through 63, with occasional reunions. Seeger left the band in 1958 over plans to record a tobacco commercial, which he was against due to their danger & feeling of selling out. Their first tv appearance since 1951 performed on the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour in 67. They would have appeared on the Jack Paar show, but refused to sign a loyalty oath to the US against communism.  Hays passed in 1981, Seeger died in 2014, Gilbert passed in 2015, and Hellerman died in 2016.

Stand Out Track: Wreck of the "John B"

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Vanwarmer, Randy - Beat Of Love

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

Label: Bearsville, Warner, Warner Communications

Cover, Record

Back/Lyrics, Record

Beat of Love (1981)

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

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

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

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

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

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

Stand Out Track: Suzi Found a Weapon

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Utopia - s/t

Name: Utopia
Album: s/t
Year: 1982
Style: Power Pop
Similar Bands: Bad Finger, Foreigner, XTC, Squeeze, 10cc, Supertramp, ELO, Jellyfish, Be Bop Delux
"One-Word" Review: Buoyant Harmonic Hook Pop
Based Out Of: NYC, NY, Upper Darby, PA
Label: Elektra, Asylum, Warner, Network

Cover, Sleeve, Records

Back, Sleeves, Records

Utopia (1982)

1. Libertine 2:47
2. Bad Little Actress 2:50
3. Feet Don't Fail Me Now 3:06 (single)
4. Neck On Up 2:53
5. Say Yeah 3:04 / 
6. Call it What You Will 3:48
7. I'm Looking At You, But I'm Talking to Myself 3:38
8. Hammer in my Heart 4:10
9. Burn Three Times 3:15
10. There Goes My Inspiration 3:24 /
11. Princess of the Universe 3:29
12. Infrared and Ultraviolet 2:17
13. Forgotten But Not Gone 2:31
14. Private Heaven 3:12
15. Chapter and Verse 3:40

Album Rating (1-10): 9.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Todd Rundgren - Guitar, Vox, Producer, Engineer (Jean-Yves Labat, Luther Vandross, The New Cars, Doug Legacy & the legends of the West, Money, Nazz, Ringo Starr & His All Star Band, Woody's Truck Stop, James Cotton Blues Band, Runt, Mark Moogy Klingman, Hall & Oates, Bette Midler, Meat Loaf, Rick Derringer, Ian Hunter, Jim Steinman, Robby Krieger, Bonnie Tyler, Dragon, Hunter, Allen Ginsberg, Pandora's Box, The Residents, Celine Dion, Alice Cooper, Bad Religion, Stephen Bishop, Ken Emerson, XTC, NIN, Brent Bourgeois, Donald Fagen, Lemon Twigs, Johnny Winter, New York Dolls, Hello People, Ultra Violet, Grand Funk more)
• Roger Powell - Keys, Vox (David Bowie, Robert Moog, Steve Hillage, Meat Loaf, Born Bluesers, Shaun Cassidy, Ian Hunter, Alice Cooper, Felix Cavaliere, Charlie Rouse Band, Rick Derringer, Randy Vanwarmer, Jim Steinman, Kasim Sulton, Logic System, Barry Manilow, Rubinoos, Sons of Heroes, Joy Ride, Bob James, Todd Rundgren, Lyle Workman, Shelagh McDonald) 
• Kasim Sulton - Bass, Vox (Meat Loaf, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Scandal, Hall & Oates, Blue Oyster Cult, The New Cars, Cheap Trick, Yellow Matter Custard, Rick Derringer, Tom Robinson Band, Zoot Money, Jim Steinman, Price, Patty Smyth, David Drew, Johnny Hates Jazz, Celine Dion, Alice Cooper, Bif Naked, Ken Sharp, Steve Hillage, Shaun Cassidy, Frankie Eldorado, Rubinoos, Ronnie Spector, more )
• Willie Wilcox - Drums, Vox (Hall & Oates, Stacey Q, Shaun Cassidy, Brian Briggs, David Lasley, Rubinoos, Gregory Hines, James young, Judson Spence, Bijan, Rory Block, Bardeux, Transvision Vamp)
• Doug Howard - Writer
• Chris Andersen - Engineer
• The Creative Directors, INC - Design, Production
• Len Zabala - Art Director
• John Wagman - Art Director
• Bill Hayward - Photos
• Yonah Schurink - Stylist
• Eric Gardner - Mgmt

Unknown-ness: So I had never heard of the band when I bought the record, nor did i look at the back to see famous Todd Rundgren or Keyboardist Roger Powell (whom I have reviewed a solid solo album of prior). So I'm almost positive this will be catchy powerpop.

Album Review: Harmonies, Powell's swirling 80's synth and power pop chords play throughout the full album. It is jovial, bouncy hook-filled sugary sweet pop. Knowing Rundgren produced XTC's Skylarking, you can really hear his style on "Bad Little Actress." "There Goes My Inspiration" sounds like Be Bop Deluxe.

The band was started by Rundgren as an outlet to explore synth and prog music, but the band paralleled his own solo endeavors as it evolved from Prog Rock to straightforward ELO+Big Star power pop. They only lasted 4 more years after this (and had been together 10 years before). The spiral downward seemed to happen by no fault of their own, a matter of two labels folding (Network, then Passport). A few revivals happened in 1992, 2011 & 2018. 

Stand Out Track: Princess of the Universe, Libertine

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Touch - s/t

Name: Torch
Album: s/t
Year: 1980
Style: Hair Rock, Power Pop
Similar Bands: Journey, Supertramp, Def Leppard, Styx, Prism, Loverboy
"One-Word" Review: Sweaty, Generic Love-Sick Rock
Based Out Of: NYC
Label: Atco, Atlantic, Warner Communications Company

Cover, Record

Back, Record

Torch (1980)

1. Don't You Know What Love Is? 3:50 (single #69)
2. When the Spirit Moves You 3:56 (single)
3. Love Don't Fail Me 4:24
4. Black Star 3:32
5. There's A Light 3:56 (single b-side) /
6. So High 5:18
7. Last Chance for Love 3:51
8. Yes (You Need to Rock 'n Roll) 4:22
9. Listen (Can You Feel It) 5:02

Album Rating (1-10): 6.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Craig Brooks - Guitar, Vox (American Tears, Michael Bolton, Roger Glover, Malisham White Vision, Bitter Suite)
• Mark Mangold - Keys, Vox, Arrangement, Words & Music, Co-Producer, Mixing (American Tears, Michael Bolton, Drive She Said, The Sign, Mystic Healer, Jon Bivona, The Radiant, Flesh & Blood, Valhalla, Chantal, Houston, 91 Suite, Magic Freak Society, Ellen, Seven, Benny Mardones)
• Doug Howard, Bass, Vox (Utopia, Todd Rundgren, Edgar Winter, Stun Leer, Roy Buchanan )
• Glenn Kithcart - Drums, Percussion (American Tears)
• Tim Friese-Green - Engineer, Producer
• Scott Litt - Assoc. Engineer
• Clayton Hutchinson - Assoc. Engineer
• Tom Heid - Assistant
• Garry Rindfuss - Assistant
• Greg Calbi - Mastering
• Robert Lewis - Cover Photo
• Jim Houghton - Back Photo
• Lynn Dreese Breslin - Album Design
• Bruce Payne - Direction (Deep Purple)
• OM Productions - Hand

Unknown-ness: Never heard of such a generic, emotionless named band called Touch. But i love the stereotypical cover of mystery, sexy, future, and angular shapes. What game are they playing? Who's the sexy girl? Who / what is she playing (robot)?  Why are they floating in space on an angle? None of these answers and more are sure to lie in the songs contained on the record. From the leftover 70's looks of the band on the back, I'm going to guess they are a general power pop band. 

Album Review: And Power Pop band they are. Their long hair heavier version of the power pop genre puts them in line with Def Leppard more than the sunny, digestible bands. They mask the hooks and harmonies under some heavy guitars- but not all the time...they do use synth lines, sometimes verging on Prog. but tending to keep one foot in hair rock at all time. The opening song is a study in mansplaining, as the song can't believe the girl in question doesn't know what love is...but they are prepared to explain & show her love. Comes off creepy, which is par for a lot of the imagery in this genre. And "Black Star" is a driving rocker with some Nick Gilder-like harmonized chorus.

Three of the four members here had released 3 albums together for Columbia Records as American Tears. This was their only album as Touch, and a second recorded album never saw light of day. However, as of Oct 2020, the full Torch lineup is back in action, recording new songs together.

Stand Out Track: When the Spirit Moves You

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Thrills - First Thrills

Name: Thrills
Album: First Thrills
Year: 1981
Style: Power Pop, Pub Rock
Similar Bands: Shoes, Hawks, Flyer, Producers, The Who, Styx, REO Speedwagon
"One-Word" Review: Smooth Harmonized AOR Hook Rock
Based Out Of: Long Island, Pittsburgh (Penn Hills)
Label: G&P (Good Product & Great People) Records

Cover, Record

Back, Record

First Thrills (1981)

1. Breaking My Heart 3:13 (single)
2. Changing My Ways 3:04
3. Blinded By Love 3:33
4. Good Friends 3:32
5. Won't Be a Fool 3:15 /
6. Lie For Your Love 3:42
7. Dream Away 3:28 (single b-side)
8. Not Gonna Run 3:00 (single)
9. Carrie 3:10
10. Going Out 3:49

Album Rating (1-10): 7.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Tony Monaco - Keys, Synth, Vox (Stormfront, Turnstiles, Menagerie, Bad Company (not the famous one), The Treez)
• Dave Fullerton - Guitar Vox (Turnstiles, Menagerie, Bad Company (not the famous one))
• Rob Owens - Drums, Vox (Bad Company (not the famous one))
• Bill Gilbert - Bass, Vox (Stonehenge)
• Mike Frenchik - Producer, Mixing, Mgmt
• Tom Ingegno - Producer, Mixing, Mgmt
• Don Casale - Mixing, Engineer, Recording
• Doug Parry - Engineer
• Tom Coyne - Mastering
• Nicholas Cosmas - Art Direction
• George Hornfeck - Art Direction
• Marianne M Sachs - Cover Illustration

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band. The cover makes a case for youthful, raw instinct and discovery, tied to that "thrill" of seeing something you're not supposed to see as a child. Draw your own conclusions, but there is a nod toward sexual discovery. So what's behind the fence in the drawing? Probably a mediocre band playing some mix of powerpop or pub rock. Odd thing is that the cover says 1980, but the record is dated 1981.

Album Review: The album is full of harmonies, keys and swinging synth for some straightforward power pop. The lyrics are also typically focused on love and women, particularly Carrie, which takes the number off the wall, and extrapolates what it would be like to be with a girl met from a bathroom wall call. It is full of catchy feel good hooks and bouncy upbeat melodies. A solid album of the genre.

originally from the Pittsburgh area, they relocated to Long Island in 1977, and became one of the top bar/party bands of the area, recording songs over the next couple years, compiled on this their first record. Like so many bands of the era, their second album was not as hot as the first and by the time they recorded a 3rd record, the label was gone, and so was their career...until 2000, when the band reformed and released Thrills 3, 17 years after recording. Frontman Monaco also currently (2020) leads a Billy Joel cover act called Turnstiles based in Florida. Bassist Gilbert passed away in 2004.

Stand Out Track: Carrie

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Ten Wheel Drive with Genya Ravan - Peculiar Friends

Name: Ten Wheel Drive with Genya Ravan
Album: Peculiar Friends
Year: 1971
Style: Classic Rock, Psychedelic Funk, Jazz Fusion
Similar Bands: Jefferson Airplane, Janis Joplin, Cold Blood, Blood Sweat & Tears, Lighthouse
"One-Word" Review: Gritty Psych Show Tunes
Based Out Of: New Jersey / NYC
Label: Polydor

Cover, Back, Sleeve, Record

Inner Gatefold, Sleeve, Record

Peculiar Friends (1971)

1. Peculiar Friends 0:19
2. The Night I Got Out of Jail 3:44
3. Shootin' the Breeze 3:19
4. The Pickpocket 3:48
5. No Next Time 4:34 (single) /
6. Love Me 5:05
7. Fourteenth Street (I Can't Gat Together) 5:49
8. I Had Him Down 3:52
9. Down in the Cold 6:09 (single)

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Aram Schefrin - Writer, Arrangement, Producer, Guitar (Fisher Fidelity Standard Rock Band, DC LaRue, Cris Williamson, LaBelle, Lou Reed)
  
• Michael Zager - Writer, Arrangement, Producer, Keys (Love Childs Afro Cuban Blues Band, Moon Band, M-Zee Band, Fisher Fidelity Standard Rock Band, DC LaRue, Cris Williamson, LaBelle, Take Five, Whitney Houston, Cissy Houston, Mary lou Retton, Elusion, Spinners, Johnny Guitar Watson, DJ Valium, Genya Ravan, Street Corner Symphony, Cryer & Ford, Saint & Stephanie, Dee Edwards, Alvin Fields, more )
• Geyna Ravan - Writer, Arrangement, Vox, Harp (Goldie & the Gingerbreads, Denny Greene, Lou Reed, Blue Oyster Cult, Ronnie Spector, Gamma, Joy Rider. Flowerpot Men, Joey Ramone, Doughboys, Palmyra Delran, Fanny Walked the Earth, Michael Des Barres, Shady Lady, Kracker, Goldie Zelkowitz, Jay-Z)
• Blake Hines - Bass
• David Williams - Drums
• Alan Gauvin - Reeds  (Woody Herman, Bill Wartrous, Pratt Bros Big Band, Killer Force, Thundering Herd, Buddy Rich, Twiggs, Rich Shemaria)
• Dean Pratt - Trumpet (NY Neophonic Orch, Panama Friends & Savoy Sultans, Pratt Bros Big Band, Clifford Jordan, Killer Force, DMP Big Band, NTXSU Lab Band, Joel Kaye, Chris Robison, Buddy Rich, Bill Warfield, Leon Redbone, Woody Herman, Stan Kenton)
• Tom Malone - Trombone (3:00 Lab Band, Black Light Orch, Blood Sweat & Tears, Child is Father to the Man, Dude Skile's Hot Combustion, Gil Evans, Orquesta Palenque, Blues Brothers Band, Brass Attack Horns, CBS Orch, Mon Night Orch, NTXSU Lab Band, RCO All-Stars, SNL Band, Ultimate Onions, World's Most Dangerous Band, Woody Herman, Mylon, OT Zappo, more) 
• Danny Stiles - Trumpet (Sal Salvador, Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, Bill Watrous, Woody Herman, Herman & Puente, Maxwell Davis, Chris Connor, Bill Russo, Peggy Lee, Incredible Jimmy Smith, Oscsar Peterson Trip, Manny Albam, JJ Johnson, Pat Williams, T-Bone Walker, Singers Unlimited, Jake Hanna, Bette Midler, Nat Pierce, James Brown, Gerry Mulligan)
• Frank Frint - Trumpet
• Jay Messina - Engineer
• David L'Heureux - Cover Art, Album Design
• Triano-Gatefold Art
• Lou Podover - Photos
• Chuck Pulin -Photos

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, but I always enjoy a nice gatefold album I've never heard: that usually means more care has gone into the album & packaging. I do like the Alice in Wonderland-like artwork, calling them peculiar friends, which is also the album and lead track name. Never heard of the name dropped singer, Genya Ravan, but from the design, I imagine this is pretty straight forward classic rock, maybe with a touch of Psych from the Alice/Mr. Toad's Wild Ride-inspired sketches.

Album Review: The album is definitely a classic rock with powerful female vocals, thinking Joplin/Slick with all the variants present within the classic rock realm: psych, garage, funk, rock, gospel, and even some slow ballads. Even through The Night I Got Out of Jail is a driving, fun rocker, overall this is not for me, but it sounds typical of the sound & period.
The band had already found considerable success and acclaim by this, the third album, and Rayan was ready to leave the band. They had played some big festivals and high profile venues like Fillmore East (where Rayan performed part of the show topless with body paint) and Carnegie Hall. The band survived 6 years total, a lead singer and record label changes, but it was a big starting block for Michael Zager's disco career. The band was also inspirational in the face of a male dominated field for Bette Midler & her writing of The Rose.

Stand Out Track: The Night I Got Out of Jail

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Crazy Joe and the Variable Speed Band - Eugene

Name: Crazy Joe and the Variable Speed Band
Album: Eugene
Year: 1981
Style: Humor, Disco, Novelty
Similar Bands: Ween (in a bad way), Was (Not Was), MECO, Ray Stevens, Rick Dees
"One-Word" Review: problematic novelty island disco rock
Based Out Of: NYC
Label: Polygram, Casablanca Records & Filmworks

Cover, Record

Record, Back

Eugene (1981)

1. Eugene 4:11 (single)
2. Buzz Me 2:47
3. Gay Ranchero 4:10
4. You 3:23
5. Ugga Ugga Boo 4:25/
6. Little Puffies 4:21
7. Ice Cream 2:58 (single)
8. Stranded in the Jungle 3:26
9. Madam Palm 3:11
10. Blow Up 1:40

Album Rating (1-10): 4.0

Members & Other Bands:

• "Crazy Joe" Renda - Vox, Keys, Producer (Country Cousins, Sherwoods, Alex Parche, Chip Taylor, Stoney Edwards, Bum Bar Bastards)
• Kat McCord - Vox (Fabulour Rhinestones, David Sanborn Band, Guy & Pipp Gillette)
• John Regan - Bass, Musical Arrangement (Frehly's Comet, Ace Frehly, Peter Frampton, Chip Taylor, Wendy Waldman, Lisa bade, Diane Richards, Bowie & Jagger, Rolling Stones, Billy Idol, John Waite, Bonnie Tyler, Michael Monroe, Robin Trower, David Lee Roth, Brad Absher, John Phillips, Rob Arthur, Four by Fate, High Priest, Henning Hallqvist)
• Ed Monteleone - Guitars, Musical Arrangement (Peter Frampton)
• Claude Lehenaff - Drums, Percussion (Frankie & The Knockouts)
• Rob Sabino - Organ, Piano, Synth (Frehly's Comet, Joined Forces, Simms Bros Band, Nile Rodgers, Ace Frehly, Robert Cotter, Ashford & Simpson, Chic, Norma Jean, Sister Sledge, Peter Frampton, Debbie Harry, Odyssey, Blotto, Fonzi Thornton, Michael Gregory, Bernard Edwards, Paul Simon, Bowie, Diane Richards, Madonna, Bryan Adams, Richie Scarlet, Cartoons, Rosanne Cash, Power Station, EG Daily, Mick Jagger, Jeff Beck, Rodney Crowell, Matthew Sweet, Laurie Anderson, Michael Monroe, Terri Gonzalez, Larry Neil, Art Garfunkel, Mick Jones, Todd Rundgren, Carly Simon, Johnny Mathis)
• Diane Scanlon - Backing Vox (Univ of Bridgeport Jazz Rock Ensemble, Felix Cavaliere, Guy & Pipp Gillette, Siji)
• Ace Frehley - Syndrum, Co-Producer (Frehly's Comet, Kiss, For Love Not Lisa, Gene Simmons, Wendy O Williams, Criss, ESP, Still Wicked, Richie Scarlet, Kathy Valentine, Jam Pain Society, Ken Sharp)
• John Platania - Guitar Effects (Prof. Louie & the Crowmatrix, Caledonia Soul Orch, Giants, Chip Taylor, John Prine, Van Morrison, Gary Kuper, Don Cooper, Genya Ravan, Sam Leopold, Randy Newman, Stony Edwards, Gary Windo, Martha Velez, Dean Batstone, Gathering Field, Children of Earth, Greg Kroll, Guy Davis, MJ Nelson, Kendel Carson, Billy Vera, Evie Sands)
• Chris Cassone - Backing Vox, Talk Box, Engineer 
• Mike Hunt - Sax (Billy Blacktooth)
• Gary Axelbank - Radio Announcer
• Dennis Kaplan - Mgmt
• John Nagy - Mixing
• Greg Calbi - Mastering
• Richard Wexler - Photo
• Stephanie Zuras - Design
• Bob Heimall - Art Direction

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band. Looks like a basic power pop or pub rock band who likes to have a good time (see: guy tugging pizza out of a dog's mouth with his mouth)

Album Review: This entire album is absolutely horrible. Musically, it is OK, mostly leans toward disco,  and when the female vocals are isolated, it can be enjoyable. But each song employs comical vocals or effects, some of which are not very PC sounding, and most of the time, not very musical...take the immigrant, for whom, English is not his first language on "Eugene," or the alien rock band obsessed with underaged girls on "Little Puffies," or the homosexual vocal inflection in "Gay Ranchero." Even on the best track "Ice Cream," which starts out like a nice female r&b pop number with some fun synth energy. It is hampered by the sedated, monotone male speaking voice placed jarringly over some verse and backing the lead chorus. This vocal is the main vocal across the whole record, most of the time seeming more like a failed sketch comedy skit than a musical endeavor. 

The only pop appeal is that Ace Frehley had a hand in this band & it's "popularity." This is his first official work non related to Kiss. He co-produced and is featured on the single "Eugene." Other than that, Joe Renda made a name for himself as a producer more than a performer.

Stand Out Track: Ice Cream

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System (the) - The Pleasure Seekers

Name: The System
Album: The Pleasure Seekers
Year: 1985
Style: Synth, R&B, 
Similar Bands: Stevie B, Color Me Badd, Nu Shooz, Scritti Politti, Generationals, Billy Ocean
"One-Word" Review:80's synth pop club floor scene
Based Out Of: NYC
Label: Mirage, Atlantic, Warner

Cover, Sleeve, Record

Back, Sleeve, Record

The Pleasure Seekers (1985)

1. The Pleasure Seekers 4:39 (single)
2. It Takes 2 4:12
3. Big City Beat 3:25
4. Love Won't Wait For Lovin' 4:47 /
5. This is For You 4:57 (single)
6. My Radio Rocks 3:43
7. Did In By A Friend 3:11
8. I Don't Run From Danger 4:45

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Mic Murphy - Vox, Produced, Wrote, Arranged (Kleeer, Flowchart, Sass, Howard Johnson, Lenny White, Chaka Khan, Howard Jones, Nona Hendryx, Natural Selection, Tom Jones, Mtume, more)
• David Frank - Keys, Produced, Wrote, Arranged (Kleeer, Orch on the Half Shell, Linear, Carole Davis, Rick James, Mtume, Robert Palmer, Scritti Politti, Chaka Khan, Phil Collins, Steve Winwood, Billy Squire, Billy Idol, Nona Hendryx, Aztec Camera, Ashford & Simpson, Phoebe Snow, Natalie Cole, Sheena Easton, Vanessa Williams, Marc Anthony, Eric Clapton, Michael McDonald, Katy Sagal, Dionne Farris, Notorious BIG, 98 degrees, Destiny's Child, Christina Aguilera, Vitamin C, O-Town, Victoria Beckham, S Club, Pussycat Dolls, Jordin Sparks, Brie Larson more)
• Paul Pesco - Guitar (Madonna, Hall & Oates, John Blackwell Project, Dave Weckl, C+C Music Factory, Joan Baez, Chaka Khan, Norma Jean, Michael Bolton, Force MDs, Eddie Murphy, Grandmaster Flash, Afrika Bambaataa, George Benson, Pointer Sisters, Sheena Easton, Jellybean, Whitney Houston, Steve Winwood, Fat Boys, Gregory Hines, Stephanie Mills, Don Johnson, Cyndi Lauper  more
• Audrey Wheeler - Vox (Unlimited Touch, Blue Moderne, Jellybean, Robin Gibb, Kurtis Blow, Fat Boys, Debbie Harry, Jermaie Stewart, Boogie Boys, Little Steven, Blow Monkeys, Melba Moore, Billy Ocean, Millie Jackson, Donny Osmond, George Benson, Eddie Murphy more)
• Denise Chaplin - Vox
• Jimmy Maelen - Percussion (Roxy Music, Peter Gabriel, James Taylor, Alice Cooper, John Lennon, The Jacksons, Talking Heads, Ambergris, Shobizz, Hollywood Vampires, Latin Dimension, BJ Thomas, more)
• Tom Lord-Alge - Engineer, Mixing
• Chris Lord-Alge - Mixing
• Acar Key - Assistant
• Dennis King - Mastering
• Bob Defrin - Art Direction
• Steve Fraser - Mic's hair
• Roy Volkmann - Photos

Unknown-ness: I have heard of this band; only saw their name on a sleeveless 45, but never heard anything by them. From the cover, it looks like it will have a Fun Boy Three vibe, so even though it is 85- which is apparent by the clothes, I'm going to guess it is on the tail end of new wave, but dancey.

Album Review: The album has a computer-generated 80's radio friendly r&b dance sound...everything sounds synthetic, and the beats have lots of 80's Casio effects processed in. The style has been adopted by some of the current Caribbean-yacht rock synth bands of today, but it also sounds like late 80's Stevie B Miami dance music.

This was basically a duo, hiring session musicians to fill in the rest, but were at the forefront of using synth as the spotlight sound. They gained notoriety for having their music in film & TV, on Miami Vice, Coming to America, Beverly Hills Cop, and they were in Real Genius. They worked with Scritti Politti, Phil Collins and Chaka Khan and their songs were used by musicians like Tupac Shakur and the Notorious BIG. They went back & forth being together and splitting apart as a duo, and have their own recording studio.


Stand Out Track: The Pleasure Seekers

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Spyro Gyra - Morning Dance

Name: Spyro Gyra
Album: Morning Dance
Year: 1979
Style: Jazz Fusion
Similar Bands: Brand X, David Moss, Weather Report, Brecker Brothers
"One-Word" Review: Earthy Jazz Collages
Based Out Of: Buffalo NY
Label: MCA, Transcontinent Record Sales

Cover, Record

Back, Record

Morning Dance (1979)

1. Morning Dance 3:58
2. Jubilee 4:31
3. Rasul 3:56
4. Song for Lorraine 3:59
5. Starburst 4:48 /
6. Heliopolis 5:34
7. It Doesn't Matter 4:27
8. Little Linda 4:21
9. End of Romanticism 5:18

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0
Members & Other Bands:

• Jay Beckenstein - Writer, Producer, Sax, Boobams, Percussion (Orleans, Bob James, Puleo, Joege Dalto, David Broza, Dream Theater, Basia, Rick Rhodes, SMAP, Smappies, Mercedes Hall, Marek Niedzwiecki, Wolfgang Haffner, Jason Miles, Luciano Ladeira, Fusion Syndicate, Calvin Weston, Sandeep Chowta)
• Chet Catallo - Writer, Guitar (T. Lavitz, Glenn Medeiros)
• Jeremy Wall - Writer, Asst Producer, Piano, Synth, Percussion, String Arrangement, String Conducting (David Broza, Yusef lateef, Patti Austin, Fuse One, Ray Barratto, ITS, Sleepy Matsumoto, Pacific Orchestra, Puleo, Richard Stoltzman, Ofra Harnoy)
• Rick Strauss - Writer, Guitar (Jeff Jarvis)
• John Tropea - Guitars (Lalo Schifrin, Hollywood Vampires, T-Bone Walker, Deodato, Ashford & Simpson, Harry Chapin, Peter Allen, Bo Diddley, Janis Ian, Van Morrison, Bonnie Raitt, Aztec Two Step, Dionne Warwick, Sister Sledge, Paul Simon, David Ruffin, Al Stewart, Alice Cooper, Melba Moore, Laura Nyro, Phoebe Snow, Frankie Valli, Ringo Starr, Roberta Flack, Meco, Taj Mahal, Good Rats, Dr John, Tim Curry, Barbara Streisand, Tommy James, Tony Orlando, Randy Vanwarmer, John Mayall, Kurtis Blow, Spinners, Sylvester, Peter Baumann, Chuck Mangione, Gloria Gaynor, Irene Cara, Yoko Ono, Fuse One, Epo, John Lennon, Chaka Khan, Eric Clapton, Liza Minnelli, more)
• Jim Kurzdorfer - Bass (Birthright, Jaman, Rick Strauss, Bobby Millitello, Jeff Jarvis)
• Rubens Bassini - Congas, Percussion, Timbales, Bongos (Love Childs Afro Cuban Blues Band, E Os 11 Magnificos, Sergio Mendes, NY-LA Dream Band, Deodato, Stanley Turrentine, Bette Midler, Laura Nyro, Chuck Mangione, Stan Getz, Don McLean, Judy Collins, Jimmy McGriff, Janis Ian, Nils Lofgren, Garland Jeffreys, Maynard Ferguson, Michael Zager Band, Breakwater, Carly Simon, Average White Band, Herbie Mann, The Force, Orleans, Spinners, Ohio Players, Take Five, Kid Creole & The Coconuts, Yoko Ono, Miami Sound Machine, Gloria Estefan,     more)
• David Samuels - Marimba, Steel Drum, Vibraphone (Caribbean Jazz Project, Double Image, Gallery, Gerry Mulligan, Pat Metheny Group, Paul McCandless, Gary Marks, Frank Zappa, Four Tops, Rare Silk, Maureen McGovern, David Broza, Joe Beck, Edie Brickell, Jon Secada, Howard Shore, Steve Vai, Rita Coolidge, Chet Baker  more)
• Will Lee - Bass (Band Of Other Brothers, BFD, Bob Mintzer, Child is Father to the Men, Eric Doney, Flying Monkey Orch, Gary Burton. Hiram Billock, John Blackwell, Metro, Paul Shaffer, The 24th St Band, Gary Schreiner, Worlds Most Dangerous Band more)
• Steve Jordan - Drums (John Mayer, Keith Richards & the X-Pensive Winos, 24th St Band, Blues Brothers band, LaVettes, The Steves, Masura Imada, Neil Young, Little Steven, Feargal Sharkey, Don Henley Bernie Worrell, Neville Bros, Johnnie Johnstone, Fabulous Thunderbirds, Southside Johnny & Asbury Jukes, David Sanborn, Booket T & MGs, Robert Cray, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Buddy Guy, Rod Stewart, Solomon Burke, Boz Scaggs, Verbs, Patti Austin, Taj Mahal, Spinozza, Melanie, Herbie Mann, Ashford & Simpson, Cat Stevens, Imperials, Randy Vanwarmer, Donald Fagen, George Benson, John Mayall, Mark Knopfler, Bonnie Tyler, Stevie Nicks, Arcadia, Aretha Franklin, Rolling Stones, Pretencers, Fats Domino, Brian Setzer, Toto, Steve Khan, Chuck berry, Aztec Camera, Bob Dylan, Ivan Neville, Steely Dan more)
• Randy Brecker - Trumpet (Andy LaVerne, Art Blakey, Black Light Orch, Blood Sweat & Tears, Bob Mintzer, Child is Father to the Men, Chroma, CTI All Stars, Dalia Faitelson, Das Pferd, Dizzy Gillespie, Don Groinick, Duke Pearson, Farberius, GRP All Stars, Hal Galper, Harlem River Drive, Jaco Pastorius, Kerry Strayer, Loren Schoenberg, Man Doki Soulmates, Marc Copland, Mike Mainieri, Milky Way, Mingus Big Band, Mingus Dynasty, NY All Stars, Pond Life, Renolds Jazz Orch, Roif Kuhn, Ron McClure, Brecker BrosDavid Liebman, Domenic Troiano, Eleventh House, Fisher Fidelity Standard Rock Band, George Gruntz, Horace Silver,  Jack Wilkins, Jamie Baum, Jazz Composers Orch, White Elephant, Woody Witt so much more)
• Michael Brecker - Tenor Sax (Black Light Orch, Bob Mintzer, Buddy Love, Don Grolnick, Dreams, Flying Monkey Orch, Hal Galper, Harris Simons, Harvie S & Eye Contact, Herbie Hancock, Man Doki Soulmates, Mke Mainieri, Mike Nock, People, Rainbow, Sax Summit, Stardrive, Steps Ahead, Brecker Brothers, NY All Stars, Players Assoc., SNL Band, White Elephant, Wolfgang Schalk Bandett, Ringo Starr, Roger Voudouris, Mongo Santamaria much more)
• Ted Reinhardt - Drums (Dave Constantino, Dick Bauerle, Gamalon, Puleo, Norm Paolini, Melanie, Gloria Loring, Pete Howard, John Valby, Ernie Watts)
• John Clark - French Horn (Bob Mintzer, Franz Koglmann, George Russell, Gil Evans, Grachan Moncur III, Jimmy Knepper, Manhattan Jazz Orch, Marty Ehrlich, McCoy Tyner, Michael Legrand, Opera House Ensemble, Paul Winter, Earth Band, Carla Bley, George Gruntz, Mike Gibbs, Winter Consort, Tilt Brass Band, David Sanborn, Chuck Mangione, Meco, David Spinozza, Breakwater, Chaka Khan, Musique, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Ashford & Simpson, TS Monk, Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross, Frank Sinatra, Quincy Jones, Sheena Easton, Joe Jackson, Miles Davis, Expose, David Byrne, Sinead O'Connor, Sting, Jill Evans, Pat Metheny, LL Cool J, Barbara Streisand, Bonnie Raitt, John Secada, Trans-Siberian Orch more)
• Tom Schuman - Piano, Rhodes, Synth (Blair, Birthright, Yusef Lateef, Gamalon, Marek Niedzwiecki, Steve Oliver, Chuck Loeb, Roberto Vally, Sandeep Chowta, Jeff Kashiwa)
• Eli Konikoff - Drums (Dick Bauerle, Stan & the Ravens, Jeff Jarvis)
• Gerardo Velez - Congas, Bongos, Percussion (We Are Family Collective, Claude Dubois, Orleans, Puleo, John Philip, The Shakes, Kenny Rankin, Andrea Dante Marchesini, Martha Velez, Jill Sobule, Toshinobu Kubota. Chic, David Bowie, Neal Black, Joe Lynne Turner, Patty Smyth, Santana, Marek Niedzwiecki, Nile Rodgers)
• Suzanne Ciani - Synth (NeoTantrik, Starland Vocal Band, Elliot Randall, Meco, Philippe Wynne. Yusef Lateef, Cindy & Ron, Alien, Art Farmer, Fuse One, Ray Barretto, Steve Kindler, Meco, Patti Austin, Jane Weaver, Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith)
• Lani Groves - Vox  (Stevie Wonder, Rick Derringer, Johnny Hammond, Michael Stanley, Johnny Winter, Kenny Rankin, Carly Simon, Bill Cosby, Michael Bolotin, Ben E. King, Bob James, Roberta Flack, Budy Rich, Albert King, Blood Sweat & Tears, Lee Oskar, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Mayard Ferguson, Joe Cocker, Pee Wee Ellis, Candi Station, Buddy Rich, Patti Austin, Burt Bacharach, Harry Belafonte, David Sanborn, Frankie Valli, Nils Logfren, 38 Special, Kenny Loggins, Billy Joel, Meco, Tony Orlando, Lemon, Quincy Jones, Golden Earring, Gotham, Steely Dan, Paul Simon, Blondie, George Benson, Leonard Cohen, Talking Heads, Stevie Wonder, Jude Cole, Ronnie Spector, Aztec Camera, Carly Simon, Diana Ross, Peter Wolf, David Bowie, Billy Ocean, James Taylor, LaToya Jackson, Phoebe Snow, Eric Clapton, Grace Jones, Dionne Warwick, Bad Company, Foreigner, Dr. John, Bette Midler,  many)
• 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)
• Gordon Grody - Vox (Silence, Zinc, Lemon, David Spinozza, Kiss, Vicki Sue Robinson, Meco, Janis Ian, Steely Dan, Debbie Harry, Garland Jefferies, Judy Collions, Irene Cara, Donald Fagan, Yoko Ono, John Lennon, Melissa Manchester, Fatback, Carly Simon, Peabo Bryson, Patti Austin, George benson, Talking Heads, Belouis Some, Ben E King, Aztec Camera, David Bowie, Cyndi Lauper, Bonham, Frankie Valli, Change, Jennifer Rush)
• Tom Malone - Trombone (Black Light Orch. Blood Sweat & Tears, Child is Father to Man, Gil Evans, Orquesta palenque, Ten Wheel Drive, Blues Brothers Band, Brass Attack horns, Monday Night Orch, RCO All-Stars, SNL band, Tom Bones Malone, World's Most Dangerous Band, Woody Herman, North Texas Lab Band, Janis Ian, Mongo Santamaria, David Sanborn, Aztec Two-Step, Chuck Mangione, Buddy Rich, Jimmy McGriff, Meco, The Band, Levon Helm, Frank Zappa, Average White band, Michael Zager band, Carly Simon, Instant Funk, BB King, Meat Loaf, J. eils Band, Malo, Luther Vandross, Aretha Franklin, Bonnie Tyler, Lou Reed, Chaka Khan, Steve Windwood, Joe Jacksom, David Byrne, Paul Shaffer, Bruce Willis, Miles Davis, Quincy Jones, Willy DeVille, james Brown, Rick Derringer, Mandrill, Culture Club, BJ Thomas, Joss Stone, Tom Jones, Tori Amos, more)
• Lew Del Gatto - Flute (Tony Bennet, Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin, John Lennon, Bette Midler, Caj Tjader, Quincy Jones, Stanley Turrentine, Buddy Guy, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, NY Neophonic Orch, Liza Minnelli, Johnny Winter, Gloria Gaynor, Frankie Valli, Manhattan Transfer, Jimmy McGriff, Ringo Starr, Meco, J. Geils Band, Average White Band, Ben E King, Trini Lopez, Levon Helm, Aerosmith, Carly Simon, Tina Turner, Ian Hunter, Amy Grant, Chaka Khan, Blues Brothers, Meat Loaf, George Benson, Steve Winwood, Laurie Anderson, Mariah Carey, David Byrne, Yoko Ono  more)
• Harry Lookofsky - Violin (Al Cohn, Gil Evans, NBC Symph Orch, Ahmad Jamal, Quincy Jones, Cal Tjader, Wes Montgomery, Connie Francis, Blood Sweat & Tears, Roberta Flack, Louis Armstrong, Mongo Santamaria, Grover Washington Jr, Deodato, Roy Ayers, Don McLean, David Ruffin, Janis Ian, Bette Midler, Patti Austin, Peter Allen, Bionic Boogie  many)
• Matthew Raimondi - Violin (Central Park Strings, New Music String Quart, Pond Life, Composers Quartet, Love Symph orch, James Brown, Louis Armstrong, Don McLean, Grover Washington Jr, Herbie Mann, Blood Sweat & Tears, Patti Austin, Bette Midler, Bob James, Peter Allen, Chet Baker, Maynard Ferguson, David Spinozza, Sesame Street, Carly Simon, Meco, Chaka Khan, Stevie Nicks, Joe Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Lenny Kravits, O'jays, Chic, Sinead O'Connor, Bananarama, Cuba Gooding, LL Cool J, Tony Bennett, Gloria Estefan, Philip Bailey, PM Dawn, Backstreet Boys, Maxwell, Ricky Martin, John Lennon more)
• Harry Cykman - Violin (Shirley Scott, Freddie hubbard, Billie Holiday, Grover Washington, Judy Collins, Rupert Holmes, Deodato, Don mcLean, Milt Jackson, Stanley Turrentine, Janis Ian, Hubert Laws, Joe Beck, Frankie Valli, Bob James, Blood Sweat & Tears, Peter Allen, Tymes, Maynard Ferguson, Roundtree, Meco, Stevie Nicks more)
• Charles Libove - Violin (Beaux Arts String Quartet, Centrsal park Strings, Columbia Symph Prch, Paganini Quartet, Marlboro Trio, Philharmonic Trio, Sarah Vaughn, Herbie Mann, Wes Montgomery, James Brown, Grover Washington Jr,  more)
• Alfred Brown - Viola (Hip String Quartet, Soa, Tony Bennett, Quincy Jones, Herbie Mann, Nat Adderley, Roberta Flack, Louis Armstrong, Mongo Santamaria, Edgar Winter, Shirley Bassey, Grover Washington Jr, Roy Ayers, Deodato, Don McLean, Janis Ian, Sister Sledge, Peter Allen, Tyme more)
• Charles McCracken - Cello (Hugo Montenegro, Oliver Nelson, Quincy Jones, Wes Montgomery Herbie Mann, Nat Adderley, Connie Francis, Electric Flag, Blood Sweat & Tears, Roberta Flack, Louis Armstrong, T-Bone Walker, Roy Ayers, Gabor Szabo, Deodato, Stanley Clarke, Don McLean, Milt Jackson  more)
• Larry Fast - Synth Programming (Synergy, Fire INC., Tony Levin Band, Deodato, Sylvia, Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band, Stephen Dees, Martha Velez, Nektar, Intergalactic Touring Band, Peter Gabriel, Stormin' Norman & Suzy, Odyssey, American Standard Band, Tommy James, Hall & Oats, Kate Bush, Boz Scaggs, Meatloaf, Foreigner, Air Supply, John Denver, Bonnie Tyler, Joan Armatrading, Barbara Streisand, Rick Springfield, Serge Gainsbourg  more)
• Richard Calandra - Producer
• David Heffernan - Cover & Back Artwork
• Jack Malken - Recording, Mixing Engineer
• Michael Barry - Recording, Mixing Engineer
• Candice Munson - Asst Engineer
• Darroll Gustamachio  - Asst Engineer
• Jason Corsaro - Asst Engineer
• Lawrence Swist - Recording Engineer
• Mick Guzauski - Recording Engineer
• Charlie Conrad - Recording Engineer
• Rick Rowe - Editing

Unknown-ness: I've heard the name Spyro Gyra before but never in any genre context. I guess i always assumed they were like Procol Harum or 10cc (not sure why those two bands, as they are not really alike), perhaps because they have similar artwork sometimes, and were from the same general time frame. But really, i don't know what SG sounds like at all. 

Album Review: Definitely a Jazz Fusion band, with its name coming from a green algae spelled Spirogyra. This album is certified Platinum as of 1987, and has strong charting success as does the single "Morning Dance," which has a nice blend of Caribbean elements with dance-able jazz.  The revolving door of musicians makes sense for a band as large and complex as Spyro Gyra, but the core has always been Beckenstein and Schuman. "Jubilee" incorporates some nice funk and jammy roots rock to a baseline of smooth sax jazz.

Stand Out Track: Jubilee

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