STRIDER-EXPOSED-

Released early in 1973 this album puts a new definition to hard/heavy/blues rock! As the album could  make a review as a hardrock album this is not what the story reveals.

The style reminds of those in Free, Deep Purple and Humble pie but yet totally in a personal way. The Gritty vocal and the dynamics of this album gave Strider several opening slots for bigger acts such as Faces and Rory Gallagher. The bands breif career gave Strider a far more post-legacy than recognizion back in the day.

The album contains two Classic R&B songs and its fair to say that it is this album, of the two they made, you should require. Stoned out jams on guitar with an even producing, spice this album up and gives it a rightous place as a lost gem from ´73.

Whatabout the drummer???  Jimmy Hawkins doesn´t leave any special things for you to remember. Good solid playing with a bit of muffled sound to the production. By looking at the innersleeve picture you do have the expectation that he would have a little more attitude to bring to this record but sorry that´s not the case.

With the release of their next album, the band had reached their height. Rod Stewart grabbed guitar player, Gary Grainger before embarking on a solo career. The other members would start The Babys and go on to play with Roger Daltry and John Entwistle.

If you´re in to Foghat/Grand funk railroad kind of R&B style, you already have this record. It´s a great album in that sense and one you shouldn´t get past it without further examination.

VINYLRATING/GRADE

5-OK!-WORTH EXPLORING-