STRETCH-YOU CAN´T BEAT YOUR BRAIN FOR ENTERTAINMENT-

Perhaps the most outrageous backfiring management scam from the first half of the 70´s is the rise of this outfit Stretch, from Great Britain. The collaboration between Elmer Gantry Aka Dave Terry and Kirby Gregory aka Kirby Graham took off when Fleetwood Mac´s manager sought up to create a backup band for the upcoming US tour for Fleetwood Mac. (who was indespensabal due to what ever reason)  Of course the audience saw through this cheap trick and the whole tour collapsed with Mick Fleetwood jjumping ship and denied the whole story and involvement.

But, fortunate for us the band Stretch survived and made a great comeback with a charthit in Britain in 75 and this there third release from 1976 is just a Classic/hard/blues rock milestone!!

The production is flawless with the great touch of evergreen rock´n´roll soundframe with faboulus vocals, great guitarsound and a badass rhythm section with just a Little distortion. This is just great pleasure for your ears. 🙂

Whatabout the drummer, Jeff Rich?? This fellow was just hired Before this album was recorded and it gives the other musicians a real boost. The drive is awesome but you could have a second opinion about the Dynamics and striking abilities. The hit ratio and technical skills are more to avarage then good but that doesn´t harm this album. More the opposite!! It´s fun to listen to this one, but you won´t Catch up any tricks. Mr Rich later joined Status Que, go figure!!

This is a classic British Gem and if you´re a fan of Classic/blues/Hard rock with superb vocals and terrific drive and guitar this one´s gotta end upon your vinyl shelf. Great copies are out there for less Money than your avarage friday night beer and it will last longer too……  🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

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

ALKANA-WELCOME TO MY PARADISE-

The knowledge that the ultimate “quake” is upon the state of California, except no one knows exactly when, the feeling that this outfit from San Bernadino already released a groundshaking album back in 1977  is a relief. From a Melodic/hard/Heavy approach, guitar wonder boy Danney Alkana just puts a big fat right fist in your face and says; ” Surf´s up Pal!!” this is a Earthrocker album extravaganza. Faboulus in all departments.

The production is pretimed by 8 to 10 years and the vocals are superb by Jack Rucker and the rhythm section is the state of the art! The double guitars and riff slinging by Danney Alkana leans towards nothing you´ve Heard until this albums release. Simply perfection. Standout song would be “The Tower” who brings out fresh sound escaping in towards Led Zeppelin and maybe even Rainbow. ´No songs falls under the radar and this is a complete album from start to finish. Very Good!!

Whatabout the drummer Don Mclaughlin?? This is seroius contender and got some very good striking abilities and great Dynamics. The technical skills is up there with the contemperarys and the feeling of a man in charge is eminent. The hit ratio is fast and Swift with no fuzz about it. A great drummer and a perfect fit for this Epic album. Delicious!! 🙂

This is, probably, one of the most underrated albums ever released in the 70´s with a terrific mix of Melodic/Hard/Heavy rock songs. The prices is skyhigh for a 70´s original copy but thanks to Acid Records you can get a reissue for decent Money and there´s no hesitation, this album belongs in your Collection. ´Nuff said.

VINYLRATING/GRADE

8-EXCELLENT-HEAD ON COLLSION RIGHT BETWEEN THE EYES WITH A FREIGHT TRAIN

I LOVE YOU-I LOVE YOU-

In the late 80´s and beginning of the 90´s the rule of hairmetal was like an endless ocean of diarrhea and just Before the saviour from Nirvana, this outfit from L.A with roots from  punk legends Sinful Pigeons outof Florida, saves the day with one foot in the prog/hard/stoner stable and one in the more melodic/alternative/hard rock basecamp. And what a great mix of songs you never thought excisted in the year of 1991. This is the exception that confirms the rule. Fantastic!!

The production is faboulus and the soundframe is a timeless piece of not overdoing it. The guitars provided by Jeff Nolan is both exciting and restricted. Very nice. The rhythm section just match up and brings steady Rolling beat to the well balanced vocals. Giving  the surrounding environment in L.A by this timeperiod, this is a really obcure release by Geffen records yet a great one. With great touring ahead in the next couple of years you just wonder what happened and as so many times Before, the second release brought Another style in Music and voilá, then they disappeared into the void of “next breakthrough act”…..a boring ending for a much more deserved Bright future.

Whatabout the drummer, Tom Sweet?? This fellow, as most American drummers from this period, is Sharp, slick and got a great sensability towards Dynamics and perfect striking abilities. Tremendous hit ratio from time to time just brings back a lot good memories from elder drummers with the same passion. This is great stuff and great drive!!

Well if you´re NOT into hairmetal then this piece of gold might be something for you to invest you Money into. Familiar songs like”Hang straight up” and “2” may be recognized due to Heavy rotation on Headbangers ball in those glory Days of music video Entertainment. This one´s a certain tip to investigate further and lots of good copies are out there for grabs. Hurry up!!  🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

-6-GOOD!-WORTH BUYING-

SOUTHERN CROSS-SOUTHERN CROSS-

Going downunder to continue the story of Hard/psych/proto/Heavy rock band Buffalo we have come to the Southern Cross outfit who released their selftitled album in 1977. Ex Buffalo members Alex Milano on vocals and John Baxter, providing the powerful guitar, brought along Michel Brouet on bass and backing vocals with drummer Jeff Beacham and started out the short but intensive career of Southern Cross .

They were signed to independent label Living Sound/Laser and the producing of this album is fair enough but a bit muffled and got some strange downmixing to the easier songs which is anoying. The material climbs from high to low, with no particularly standout tune nor any really bad one either. Vocals are gritty were it´s suppose to and the guitar works great. The overall impression is yet plain avarage though… 🙂

By good Company as in Finch, The Angels, Kevin Borich Express and Rose Tattoo this outfit got really popular in the Sydney Music scene but poor sales and no chart breakers made the band dissolved in 1978.

Whatabout the drummer, Jeff Beacham? To bad but there are backalley crackusers who play better than this piece of what?? I don´t get this fellow. Hard striking with no Dynamics makes this sound like they brought in a stand in drummer from a retirement home. No drive and the hit ratio is like a slinky toy a true sad impression and effort.

This is strange album but with an excitement about it. As nothing really stands out you can´t dismiss it completly and that´s a good sign. If you´re into past mid 70´s hard/Heavy/ rock this is Worth a deeper dive into. Ridicoulus prices would suggest you to invest in a CD copy Before spending your hard earned pay on overpriced vinyl copies.

VINYLRATING/GRADE

4-CHEESY-AVARAGE-

EUCLID-HEAVY EQUIPMENT-

Rated as one of history´s most obscure album releases this outfit originated from New England USA and this is their sole release from 1970. A mix of Hard/Psych/Heavy rock songs that just Cooks together an unbelivable mix of guitar bites, effects and total engagemant from these great musicians. This is by far, one of the world´s most underrated albums of its genre. A strange brew indeed…

And what makes this such a adorable piece of plastic? Bassist Harold Perino JR and Brothers Gary and Jay Leavitt, on guitar and drums respectively, were Gary also is handling lead vocals just brings out the heritage they got from the Psych/Garage scene in a splendid way. To top things up the lead guitars from Ralph Mazzota brings out the top notch guitar slinging like´s maple syrup upon hot pancakes…yummy!! 🙂

I´m not picking out any standout song on this album because there´s no Point. Every tune got its own soul and injects different things in every listen and it would be unfair to exclude anyone´s input on this album. This is a Group effort with high octane energy in every bit of this album. This could be my precciooouuuss…. 🙂

Whatabout the drummer, Jay Leavitt?? The producer has brought out a malice sound from the drumkit and this sound frame suits Mr. Leavitt like a pair of latex gloves. His Garage Days earned profile shines through with Little striking dynamics but with a clear hit ratio and good timing. This guy is not to take orders from anybody, a fierce drive that suits this outfit perfectly. A Splendid piece of work!!

As this album do reach the top of Obscure releases with one foot in the late 60´s and one in the futuristic more Heavy 70´s this one has earned it´s pricetag. An odd release from Amsterdam records does help to bring out extreme prices for this one of a kind recording. But if you´re into this kind of well played Hard/psych/Heavy rock you will have a hard time to find anything that match thid excellent Album. It could be Worth to save some beermoney just to get your hands on this one….

VINYLRATING/GRADE

8-EXCELLENT-HEAD ON RIGHT BETWEEN THE EYES COLLISION WITH A FREIGHT TRAIN!-

WARHORSE-RED SEA-

After been sacked by Deep Purple, Nick Simper joined Marsha Hunt´s backing band and later on Mr. Simper and guitarist Ged Peck reorganized into Warhorse when Hunt got pregnant. With Rick Wakeman on Keyboards and Ashley Holt on vocals the future looked Bright for these much talented musicians. The outfit signed to Vertigo and released their debut album but then Wakeman was replaced by Frank Wilson and lack of progress in sales and charts, guitarist Peck left after disagreement in which Music direction the band should take.

This release from 1972 got a nice groove and great production to it. The Hard/prog/proto rock heading is a great pleasure to listen to. The vocals are excellent and the interaction with the guitar is great. The rhythm section is solid as a rock. On the other side this record is way to late concerning material and style. Everything´s been Heard Before and the feeling that the outfit is trying to impersonate Deep Purple is eminent and I hope not, intentional, even if it sounds very suspicious. The feeling of a poor man´s Purple just won´t go away…To Bad..

The great benefit is the vocals that brings chills down your spine  and sorry to say, this could have been a much bigger success in an other band..marvelous shreiking!!

Whatabout the drummer, Mac Poole?? As in all British drummers, the competition brings out great delivery and terrific hit ratio amongs Contemporary musicians. Some of those fellows must draw the shorter straw and this is one of them. The striking abilities are all fine and the technical department got lot of knowledge but the drive isn´t there. It brings out the feeling that this is a show off recording with poor timing together with Mr. Simper on bass. Sorry, I am not convinced.

BUT, if you´re having a crave for Deep Purple influenced Hard/Prog/psych/Proto rock Music this is a good contender but be prepered for a recognizing feeling towards the songs. Original releases are expensive in the market but you can Always get a reissue and save some Money for that special album that someday will turn up….  🙂

VINYRATING/GRADE

-4-CHEESY-AVARAGE-

FUSE-FUSE-

This outfit from Rockford was born in 1967 and this is their sole release and saw the light of day in 1970. The members later would pass on to form Cheap Trick and Silverfox and this recording gives an insight what happened Before the big times would arrive. The direction is Hard/prog/psych rock Music with direct Connection to the British music scene as in Deep Purple, Uriah Heep and some flavour of Led Zeppelin.

The production got some time wearness to it and lacks some depth with an over representation towards the vocals. The rhythm section is fine but the guitar feels a bit out of Place but then again it got a great sound to it. Another producer could have done a miracle with this outfit. The songs got a reputation not to stand all the way but I don´t agree. No particular song stands out but then again no one is really bad either. This is a strong debut album with a loser production mark on it. That doesn´t mark it as a total failure just a perfect match for “an obscure treasure” to discover. A “Timebomb” might fit the description… 🙂

Whatabout the drummer, Chip Greenman?? This is a frenzy driven drummer with faboulus hit ratio and great technique. The striking abilities are over the top and a there are some nite things to bring back home to the kitchen table. You will discover that you won´t have a boring time in this mans Company. Very Good!!

If you´re into early Hard/prog/psych rock British style this is a hard beaten pot of gold to bring home. A good reissue thats been remixed is out there for a hefty sum of your hard earned cash but it could be a lucky shot to get a copy because this is a precious sidestep that don´t come to often in this excellent condition, Music wise that is… 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

-6-GOOD!-WORTH BUYING-

HYDRA-ROCK THE WORLD-

In the late stages of the 60´s good friends Spencer Kirkpatrick and Steve Pace started out playing in bands together and soon they formed the Outfit named Hydra and this is their third and last release from 1977.

Hydra originates from Georgia U.S and had a popular following around Atlanta with a grewing recognizion in the surrounding states and opening for major acts. The claim to be the first “Heavy” Southern rock band might just be true. The Power trio of Pace, KirkPatrick and Wayne Bruce just delivers on high on this Heavy/Southern/prog rock album. The producing is great with that 70´s style sounding that brings out the best from American Southern style rock Music. I like it a lot!! Just awesome!

It´s hard to pick out any standout song on the album but at the same time there is an even high quality through and through so there´s no song that falls under the giljotin here. Just plain great rock´n roll tunes. 🙂

Whatabout the drummer, Steve Pace?? Well..this chap is just like the King of Beers, Budweiser; light, no taste and brings you pleasure only if you´re thirsty on a hot summer`s day. A typical avarage drummer with Ok striking abilities. The hit ratio and technical skills are below par with an avarage joe´s in Dynamics. Don´t get me wrong, this is not bad for this outfit but it won´t bring you any ideas to bring back to the rehearsal room. Meat and potatoes to be honest…. 🙂

If you´re into American Heavy/Southern/prog rock Music this is a very good album and shows that Hydra really progressed throughout their career. Some may Think this a bit to cheesy but I don´t agree. There are much worse albums out there by far more better known acts. This is a great start to begin to investigate the “Southern” feeling inside you.

VINYLRATING/GRADE

-5-OK!-WORTH EXPLORING-

ARMAGEDDON-ARMAGEDDON-

In the early year of 1972 and the dissolvation of the Group Steamhammer the remaining Foundation of Steamhammer, Martin Pugh and Louis Cennamo shared a flat in London and was asked by singer Keith Relf to move to L.A to form a new band. As progress got under way they were introduced to drummer Bobby Cardwell and all pieces fell together..what luck for us common deadly people!!

This so called “supergroup” released their only album in 1975 and this one´s as hot as Gordon Ramsey´s frying pans. Hard/psych/prog rock with spaced out guitar effects and tremendous drive with super vocal input brings this release to  sky high limits. Just Splendid eargasm enjoyment..!!

Strong songs with an ace in “Silver tightrope” just unfolds in a great way and I can´t find no song that falls under the radar. This is just the tour de force as if the World is comming to an end, plain great through and through. 🙂

Whatabout the drummer, Bobby Caldwell??? His session in Captain Beyond shines through and here you got a high skilled drummer with Extraterrestrial technique and fierce drive! The striking abilities are superb and the hit ratio together with the Dynamics are top notch. There´s nothing missing on this album. A Gift to mankind to cherish forever as an example how to put your signature on a recording. Divine in my Ears. A true top Three contender of all time!!!

This album is a MUST have in any man´s rock Collection, not just if you´re into Hard/psych/prog rock from the middle of the 70´s but just as much as the Polestar shining at night to show you the way in the dark… this is Marvelous!

Great copies are out there for no Money at all so just select how much the condition means to you but that´s secondary due to the Music….

VINYLRATING/GRADE

-EXCELLENT-HEAD ON RIGHT BETWEEN THE EYES COLLISION WITH A FREIGHT TRAIN.

FREEDOM-THROUGH THE YEARS-

As Bobby and Ron Harrison were kicked out from Procul Harum by Gary Brooker they quickly decided to form this outfit called Freedom and this is their third release and it saw the light in 1971. After participating in the recording of ” A whiter shade of Pale” by The Harum the reincarnation of Freedom took a much darker path towards Hard/psych/blues rock in 1968 splitting tours with Black Sabbath and The James Gang, a darker side of black…:-)

This record got some great tunes and the producing is left with some time wearness but with just so much integrity that it doesn´t becomes a parody. This is a great album overall but could have earned a lot more Points with Another producer. Even so the vocals are great and the guitars are avarage with a tendens to drown a bit in the sound frame. A saviour is the strong rhythm section with a solid steamroller beat. Funky stuff!!

Whatabout hte drummer, Bobby Harrison?? As this geezer also is responsible for the lead vocals you just have to give him the benefit of a doubt, this fellow knows what he´s doing. Great Dynamics with funky drive gives the striking impression a lift. The hit ratio together with the bass player brings freedom to the guitars and you can almost hear that this is fun for real..Faboulus… 🙂

As this is a progression from the 60´s bluesscene the album just gets all pieces together on this album. Strong songs with great vocals and true personal touch through and through. Very Good!!

This is an album to cherish for it´s great personality and strong songs. If you´re in for English Hard/psych/blues rock Music this is a true contender. Great copies and reissues are out there for descent Money, not cheap  but fair. Worth a buy if the condition is the right one.

VINYLRATING/GRADE

-6-GOOD!-WORTH BUYING-