DRIVER-NO ACCIDENT-

This Canadian outfit released their only album in 1977. A strange mix of kickass tunes and some very odd ballads in a mix with nowhere heading.

Guitarist and vocalist Pete Glindeman stands out with a great delivery and good singing. Bass player Dennis Coats joins him on a similar level and you just can´t argue with the input on the songs. Very strong and a great production overall.

The lack of heading of this album gives you mixed emotions. Standout tune “Boxful of love” is followed up by an funky, caribbean almost poptasting “Sweet Love” which is not bad but it doesn´t fit in at all. Confusing to say the least….

Whatabout the drummer, Stephen Rexford?? This is a solid statement and great delivery with no exclamation Point. Great playing, Clean striking and he has got a great drumsound on the album. Very nice.

If you´re into AOR rock with a bit of BTO, Flaming lips and like singalong choruses this is a priceless gem. For all you who are looking for a piledriving rock riff record this is not the first choice of record. Don´t be discouraged, it is a good album but to uneven for any higher grades. Just take a look at the sleevecover and you understand what I mean..Horrendous!!

VINYLRATING/GRADE

4-CHEESY-AVARAGE-

FUZZY DUCK-FUZZY DUCK-

Released in the great year of 1971 this is far out trip into the wonderful World of progressive universe!!

Originated from London this outfit maybe could be seen as a counterpart to their American cousins in Cactus or even Mountain. This is a perfect blend of Hard/progressive/ psych rock Music. This album is like a remedy such as hair of the dog after a great night out. Inavoidable!!!

The band consisted of Paul Francis (drums, percussion who played in Tucky Buzzard), Mick Hawksworth (bass, vocals, acoustic 12-string, cello who also played in Andromeda and Five Day Week Straw People), Roy Sharland (organ, piano who played in Crazy World Of Arthur Brown) and Grahame White (guitar, vocals, acoustic guitar). On this album there is also some guitar and vocal help from Garth Watt Roy.

The band soon dissolved after its release and was never to be Heard of again. The production is superb for the time period and a pleasure to listen to. Strong songs and the existencial turnarounds in beat and timing is just wonderful. Splendid job!!

Whatabout the drummer, Paul Francis?? This is as thight as a hens Arse!! Pretty much a terrific job with excellent timing, clear striking, thriving drive and a catchy approach to the songs. A Masterpiece in drumming. You can hear that everybody is having a great time recording this album. It´s a rare thing to put a feeling, out through the speakers. Very impressive!!

If you´re a snowed in hippie with love for progressive/hard rock with vibrating Hammond organ and cutting edge guitar playing you already own this album. Maybe just for the funky album cover?

For the rest of all you musiclovers out there, this is a must listen record. Perhaps not a must buy album, but if you find it interesting enough it will grow on you. Like your friday night beer…just one more…:-)

VINYLRATING/GRADE

7-VERY GOOD!!-GAME,SET AND MATCH-

JERUSALEM-JERUSALEM-

Released in 1972 this is an on/off album that has no comparison at the time period.

With none what so ever musical background, good friends Paul Dean and Ray Sparrow decided to form a band after a gig by John Mayall´s bluesbreakers. This is the start of a peculiar story about one of the most lost protometal bands of the 70´s.

Discovered during a gig in Salisbury by Deep Purples lead singer Ian Gillan things Went fast for Jerusalem. As Mr.Gillan personally engaged himself in the bands progress the doors were opened to an exstensive Music business collaboration. Jerusalems only album is recorded Before the band had any record deal and it led the way to an extensive touring in Europe with Deep Purple, Uriah Heep, Black Sabbath, Fleetwood Mac and many more.

The songs are rough, raw and has no limits in what so ever style. This is a good thing because it tends to bring out the juvenile force with in the band, which is the core to the whole album. Very impressive work. The production is time typical but with a sense of roughness that will make the album stand the test of time. A Great record.

Whatabout the drummer, Ray Sparrow?? For a self tought drummer this is an impressive achievment. Nothing that would outplay Ian Paice but a good ear for what is needed to push the other musicians in the right direction. A great piece of work. Sadly the band dissolved soon after this release due to the innocent excuse that orginal members didn´t want to go down the Commercial way of the Music business… A Big cred for that though!!

Should you buy this album?? Yes and no. If you´re in to Brittish bluesbased Music from this era there´s no hesitation, just buy it. But for all you record collectors with a bit more wider range this is just an excellent proto-metal record maybe just to Catch up on.

But damned it´s good…. 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

7-VERY GOOD!!-GAME,SET AND MATCH-

RIOT-ROCK CITY-

Released in 1977 this outfit originated from NYC and what a debut album!!

Formed in 1975 by guitarist Mark Reale and drummer Peter Bitelli, They recorded a 4 piece demo and landed a record deal with independent label Fire Sign. A switch in base and signing up with a second guitarist their debut is a milestone in American hard rock history. Great resemblence to acts like Montrose and Aerosmith, they still personalized a great playing style that would change the genre in public in the future to come.

Standout tune would be “Warrior” great groove and maybe many hear a bit of Judas Priest in this, but remember that “Exciter” hadn´t  been released yet….Cool stuff. No song falls under the radar and this is a rare thing in debutalbums. Sign, seal, delivered!!!  🙂

Whatabout the drummer, Peter Bitelli?? Hardcore playing with Lightning strikes and great technique. This is a really great skinbeater and a pleasure to hear. After a few spins on the turntable you can pick up some tricks to add to your toolbox, very nice..

This album is a must have in anyones Collection, if your into great Hard/Heavy/prog rock Americana style. It´s hard to find anything better from this timeperiod. A plus is that the third album peaks the sound of Riot. Things do get better…. 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

7-VERY GOOD!!-GAME,SET AND MATCH-