LES VARIATIONS-NADOR-

There are not many bands from France that almost could be mistaken for their British counterpart but this is a great exception. Released in 1970 this album is one true Hard/psych/blues rock album that certainly deserves its Place among the records within this blog. Signed to the French EMI/Pathé label after a powerful TV performance in ´68 this is their best and most consistent album.

Guitarist Marc Tobaly interacts in a wonderful way together with vocalist Joe “O.J” Leb, who own´s a rocketfuelled bag of pipes by the way, and the production is very good and long Before it´s time. The whole album got some what of a Led Zeppelin shadow hovering above but this is not intentional. Strong songs are blended with some plain rock standards that doesn´t impress much. The most funny thing is the missuse of the “ooyeah” expression in almost every song. It´s kind of thinking of Ronny James Dio and the Words”Look Out !!” Very amusing but still great!! 🙂

Whatabout the drummer, Isac “Jacky” Bitton?? This is high performance earcandy with a much excellent drummer. The striking abilities is one of the best I´ve ever encountered and the hitratio, both on the kit and congas, are up with the best! This fellow just smashed the ruler over John Bonhams finger´s. I am in drummer heaven by this album. This is one of those rare moments when the recommendation is; You must have listen!! This is top notch in Dynamics, performance and drive…….Sweet Lord Jesus…..:-)

As a true forgotten Hard/psych/blues rock album this is a pleasure to recommend for you to buy. Even though there are some weaker moments, all is forgotten when the whole album is displayed. The superb production just evens up the Mighty high pricetag for a copy. But if you are like me, something else has to stand back because this to good to pass by. 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

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

JERICHO-JERICHO-

You true followers of this blog have already had the previlege to read about Jerichos first release in Britain and how do you follow that? It´s Always hard to beat a great predecessor and this is a tremendous shot of doing just that. As this album Always get high rating in obscure ratings and list´s around the globe, perhaps there are some truth into this. The question remains, is this a step up or down??

After dropping the “Jones” , Jericho changed the line up and released this their third album in 1972 and the production is up several notches and the songs have gone into the more Hard/Prog/psych rock direction with some good benefits but also towards the more mainstream catalouge from this timeperiod. No songs is in Deep water but there are some strong tunes that perform better then others. All in all it is a descent solid album with great sound and terrific guitarplaying. This is a trailblazer in the Heavy/Prog department. Funny how this so quickly forgotten…..

Whatabout the drummer, Ami Treibich?? As this fellow been under revue erlier Little is changed since then. The oppertunity for Mr. Treibich to go even more towards the Heavy/hard trail doesn´t hurt this fellows striking abilities or hitratio. The Dynamics are splendid and there´s Little to wish for on this album. There are some tricks to be observed and put on your retina for further use. This is good solid playing in the higher art of drumming. Just plain great. 🙂

If your in for Hard/Prog/Psych rock with no what so ever comparison this is a must have in your Collection. Many bear witness that this perhaps is “thee” album of 1972….Maybe they´re right, mayby they´re wrong… 🙂

Great copies are out there for a hefty price but both CD´s and great reissues would fetch a much more wholesome pricetag. This a special record and does not suite all ears. But if you got the guts, please try to listen it out  several times because it´s Worth it. 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

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

TRUK-TRUK TRACKS-

This Oklahoma outfit released their sole album in 1970. Putting in high energy with a swirling organ on a blues based bottom this is a stand out. As band came dime a dozen in the early 70´s with this Blues/psych/hard rock approach, this album´s production sets it apart from the rest. A gritty guitarsound together with a thunderous soundframe of the rhythm section brings the strong songs justice.

As the vocals are shared on this album you will get a kaledioscope different input on the intruments and this add´s to the terrific final result of this album. Standout songs would be”Country Woman”, “got to find a reason” and the cover of “Yellow cab man” by Gun. There are some cheesy moments on this album that will probably disturb you.

Whatabout the drummer, Danny Cornett and Bill Dafer? As this is a shared task you Always get the pleasure to compare style´s.. 🙂  The band´s drive doesn´t rely on the beat of these drummers and that is a shame, This album would benefit from better strijking abilities and some more personality, Nothing wrong on the hitratio and Dynamics but there´s a lack of drive, input and “balls”.

If you´re into early 70´s Blues/Psych/hard rock with aBritish Foundation this is very good record. The only grit in the machinery is a bit of consistancy in the songs but it is almost saved by the faboulus production,

Great copies are available both in original and remastered versions and this is an albumto go for when you Think you Heard them all. Don´t forget to play LOUD. It will tickle your belly in a great way!! 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

-6–GOOD!-WORTH BUYING-

MAMA LION-PRESERVE WILDLIFE-

As the daughter to actress McDonald Carey, Lynn Carey had a foot in the business both in modelling, TV shows and the silver screen so the oppertunity to start this outfit in 1972 together with Neil Merryweather came as no surprise. As nine and a half  man would do is to take a look a the frontcover and probably buy the album, it will deliver you a stunning surprise. To your ears that is… 🙂

Behind  the beauty looks of Lynn Carey there´s a beast in the characteristic voice and a great musical personality that just can´t be overlooked. The production of this album is timetypcal with a strong influence of Prog/blues/hard/psych elements with strong songs and great guitarplaying. The centerpiece is Lynn´s delicious ratio to almost “growl” her way down to the songs with a terrific drive and attitude. This is awesome!!

No song stands out but then again no one really is falling into the floor either. This is one the of those true prog/blues /hard rock gems brought into this World. Just Splendid!!

Whatabout the drummer, Coffi Hall?? This is a man that probably never will be remembered for his contribution to the drummer Community in the World. This is at it´s best a mediocre work with the bass player keeping up the drive. The striking abilities are not good and it is annoying that you can´t hear what he´s doing. The hitratio is Ok but there´s so much lacking here that nothing good Mr. Hall delivers would compensate for the overall bad impression. The rest of the band saves the day!! Sorry…

If you´re into Prog/blues/hard/psych rock Music with exceptional vocals this the album to bring to that deserted Island for Company. The mixture of style´s is just sensational and there are good reissues of this bad MF of an album out there. This album walk on the razor´s edge and just keeps the balance through and through. 🙂 If they just got a better drummer..what a masterpiece it could have been… 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

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

GRANICUS-GRANICUS-

Originated from Cleveland Ohio this outfit certainly needs a reminder for all you Hard/psych/prog/funk rock fans out there! With a high octane formula this Group would be seen as an odd bird in the pond and their one and only album from 1973, which never pitch in sales in America, found it´s way through to Europe and sold pretty good in the pirate sector. Similar style to greater acts are eminent but there are some great personal interaction put into the songs that Spices up the drive and performance in a glorius way.

The production is timetypical with a bit of mufffled sound frame. The vocals are the centerpiece here with exceptional guitarplaying and a great rock steady rhythm section. No songs stand out but the standards are so high that no one falls under the radar. This is a VERY strong solid album in that sense. Impressive work!!

Whatabout the drummer, Joe Battaglia?? This fellow does his best to drive this band forward and he´s doing an impressive job. The striking abilities are great, the hit-ratio together with the Dynamics are rock solid! The technical skills are there but overshadowed by the furious drive and input that Mr. Battaglia delivers. This is somethíng to study closer and to pick up a few clue´s and add to your own performance. Very Nice!! 🙂

The shrieking funkadelic vocals by Woody Loffel is just what the doctor orders on a rainy day. This is a true forgotten masterpiece when it comes to administer the heritage of Hard/psych/prog/funk rock from the later part of the 60´s. For all you Led Zeppeliner´s and maybe even The door´s fanatics there are something in this mix that will tickle your nerves as well. Great copies are out there for a handsome pricetag but fear not! The reissues are available for a cheaper price tag and probably better sounding, for this one´s gonna be massacred on the turntable!! And please….. PLAY LOUD!!!

VINYLRATING/GRADE

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

DIAMOND REO-DIRTY DIAMONDS-

To share the same bandstand as great acts like Aerosmith, Kiss, Ted Nugent and Canned Heat, one can only wonder what happened to this American outfit from Pittsburgh. This release from 1976, the band had added yet one more guitarist in Warren King and snap, crackle, pop, this record suddenly races against the top notch releases from 1976.

Strong songs in a Hard/blues/psych classic rock mix makes this a perfect partycracker with lots of good friends, BBQ and loads of beer. The production is timetypical with great interaction between vocals and the Twin guitar action. High snap bass playing drives the material in the right direction. This is some serious attitude and tour de force!! I like it!! 🙂

Whatabout the drummer, Ronnie “Byrd” Foster?? This is a great fit for this outfit with no input to be written down in history. But there are some genuine drive, striking abilities that shows force and determination. The hitratio and Dynamics are below par and there are some questionmarks concerning overall input. Not the  worse but more to wish for…

So, if you´re in for Hard/blues/psych rock in the Classic sense this is a total forgotten pot of gold. Strong songs with no missteps and great delivery with frank attitude! Just jawdropping!! Great issues of this obscure Classic is out there and do hurry up, I Think the pendulum is swinging the other way round. This Always means more expensive records!!

VINYLRATING/GRADE

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

CONNEXION-CONNEXION-

This outfit from Montreal Quebec released this album in 1976 in the wave of great Canadian Hard/prog/Classic rock Music. The odd thing in this mixture may just be the french lyrics and vocals. I don´t understand a thing what´s going on but it sounds just fabulous!!  🙂

The production is as Always top notch when it comes to records from RCA Victor from Canada. The guitars interact terrific with the vocals and the drums sound´s like heaven. Emidio “Peanut” Virrillo on lead vocals and guitar just sounds like a firealarm and possess a great drive in his vocals.The guitar solos together with Bassplayer Michel Barbier just let those notes fly away in a great way which gives this album a well deserved “swing”. Splendid work!!

Whatabout the drummer, Salvatore Toto Sciortino?? Great striking abilities is the first thing that hits you and together with the bassplayer they create a steady Foundation. The hitratio and Dynamics is over avarage but nothing to bring home to the table. The drive is a bit anxious and maybe he´s trying to be more fierce than necessery. Nothing to upset you but as I said not impressive either.

As it´s hard to find any real good information about this band there´s Little I can contribute with besides this, if you´re in for solid Hard/prog/Classic rock Music and if you don´t mind the french vocals it´s a done deal. Great copies of this album is out there for a descent dollar and the recommendation is to trust your gut. This is a great record!!

VINYLRATING/GRADE

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

HUMBLE PIE-SMOKIN´-

As this outfit started out as a smooth/accoustic melody band Everything change when they released the album Rock On. This release from 1972 named Smokin´ set the bar for what to become a milestone in British hard/blues/psych rock history.

Steve Mariott on vocals and the new guitarist Clem Clempson (who replaced Peter Frampton) makes a double Twin guitar companion to die for. The vocal harmonies are superb and there are no song that falls off the wagon. Plenty of guest musicians brings this recording up among the Clouds. The production is flawless with a touch of raw evil and great drumsound. This is the “Sh*t”…. 🙂

Reaching up to number 6 on the billboard list and breakin´in to the top 30 on the UK charts, this is the exception that confirms the rule. A best seller album that noone really remembers. Promotion required!! 🙂

Whatabout the drummer, Jerry Shirley?? As an early member from Spooky tooth this fellow got all features right. Great drive, perfect timing and faboulos striking abilities. The hit ratio and Dynamics are just right on and there are few things missing for this outfit. Impressive skills!! 🙂

As this album is no stranger for most people, it is essential not to forget how good Humble Pie really handle the achievment to withstand the second Place to greater acts by this time. The lack of promotion and the loss of Peter Frampton dug a huge hole in there fortcoming releases as they never really got up to the standard like this recording.

So if you don´t got this album in your rock collction this the most solid buy a man can get. Great copies is out there for no Money at all and that´s the way it should be. Surprise yourself with a piece of great rock´n´roll history and beer companion this weekend. 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

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

BANCHEE-THINKIN´-

This American outfit released their second album in 1971 and this is one of the most underrated albums from this timeperiod and genre. Prog/psych/hard/latin rock Music makes this album a perfect headphone album with an even stream of good strong songs.

The production is smooth and nice with great vocal ambitions and the guitar just shines like that first springtime sun. This is some serious playing. Singer/guitarist Peter alongi team up with rhythm guitarist Jose Miguel DeJesus with a great songwriting input. Standout tune would be “John Doe” but no track falls off the wagon. Very solid!!

Whatabout the drummer, Victor Digilio?? This is an impressive drummer with high technical skills and a superb striking ability. The hit ratio is awesome and together with the great Dynamics there are Little to wish for here. Superb interaction with percussionist Fernando Roman, who´s input on congas brings this recording up several notches. A true inspiration! A Kickass job!! 🙂

As this recording also falls under the Classic rock umbrella it´s hard to judge its value. If you´re a proghead this is a cornestone in American proghistory that is better than most Contemporary recordings by greater acts. So if you can withstand the Prog/psych/hard/latin rock sound this is a true Winner. The temptation to “write off” this album in the first spin is eminent but my advice is to push through the barrier and the albums true face while shine upon you. This is a killer album in the long run.

Though it could be hard to find descent copies with an affordable pricetag there are some reissues Worth looking into. This is not an investment in Money terms but beyond that an investment in your mind and soul!! Enjoy it with care. 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

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

PALADIN-CHARGE-

Named by critics as one of the´70s most phenomenal Prog/Hard/folk rockalbums, this diversed release is from the summer of 1971. Paladin originated from England and had some heavy touring under their belt Before signing to newly started Bronze records. This their second release is a absolute masterpiece but as Always, not represented in sales figures.

This production is one among the best in it´s genre and was produced by Geoff Emerick(who engineered “Sgt Pepper”) and recorded in Apple studios London. The Double edge keyboard style and the familiar soundframe brings out this pot of mixed Music styles. The Heritage of the Beatles is Always present but doesn´t interfere with the style the band is laying down. This is a very exciting and fabulous album and as the Swedish chocolate box “Alladin” this is also full of surprises.  🙂

Whatabout the drummer, Keith Webb?? At this timeperiod in Britain you´ve Always got good drummers on any album. No exception here. This fellow is a dynamic gentleman with great striking abilities and terrific hit ratio. The drive is awesome and it is a pleasure to listen to his furios drive in the guitarsolos. It brings a great smile upon your face and some serious toetapping from time to time. Splendid!! 🙂

This forgotten Prog/hard/Folk rock record which blends a lot of styles in Music is just as precious as a Cold beer on a hot summer`s  day.

Original copies of this great record would make a big hole in you wallet but there are some nice reissues to aim for. As this is an album with many faces you will certainly find one or two songs that suit you. A strong surprise to cherish!! Recommended!!

VINYLRATING/GRADE

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