SKID ROW-34 HOURS-

This Irish outfit first started to play together in 1969. As a major influence towards the Irish bands to come many of the so called rock stars would have a session in this outfit. This their second album , released in 1971, would contain one of the world´s most famous guitarist and of course I´m talking about Gary Moore. Joning the band at only sixteen he had a thing for Peter Green and his playing style and vice versa, Peter Green were deeply impressed by the young lad from Dublin. Everything interacts in some strange way and Everything has a beginning!

This album is timetypical in the sense of producing but has an futuristic style combo that mix Hard/Blues/Prog rock with familiar tendensies what would become the NWOBHM in the later part of the 70´s. The vocals are splendid and the guitar just flies away. The interaction between the drums and bass is avantgarde and at best, brutally honest. This is a good record in that sense.

Whatabout the drummer, Noel Bridgeman?? As the musicians didn´t have the same competition as the big brother´s from the UK this an avarage effort. The striking abilities are fine but there is a lack of shere force and determination. The technical skills are there but sometimes it is going to fast and to sloppy not to take notice. A shame because there are some good features buried in the songs. Nothing to get excited about though.

This is a milestone record for the fans of Gary Moore and Irish rock in all. Both Eric Bell and Phil Lynott did there time in this outfit and to me this is just that basic Learning Academy for bigger things to come. If you get the chills for early Hard/Blues/Prog rock Music this one´s for you. Great copies are out there but be prepared to pay handsomely for a good copy due to low distribution. There are worse records out there but don´t be surprised and prepare yourself before purchase because this one´s really special, in a good way!!

VINYLRATING/GRADE

-5-OK!-WORTH EXPLORING-

STEEPLECHASE-LADY BRIGHT-

This N.Y outfit was formed in 1970 and released their sole album the same year. A shortlived band with no whats so ever succés. The mix of both Hard/Prog/Psych/Folk Music got to be reckoned as a very fresh but odd album by 1970 though. Obstacles on the way and different perspectives ended this band the same year.

The production is timetypical with great presence in both vocals and interaction between the rhythmsection and keyboards.

The whirlwind direction of songs both blend terrific guitar-riffs and some “soul” seasoning attitude towards the input and perspective of the songs. There are no eartquake song that sticks out, and there are tendencies at the end of the album, to reduce speed and attitude. The album doesn´t hold on to the promising beginning but you can´t beat yourself up for that. The whole impression is still great.

Whatabout the drummer, Joey “Joe” Forgione?? This chap does got both rhythm and drive! As a former drummer of the Soul Survivors this is good drumming 1-0-1. The striking abilities are fine with superb technical skills. The lack of “Heavy” impact disrupts the framework but there are some great things to Catch up on and bring back to the rehearsal room. This fellow knows what he´s doing and a pure pleasure in that sense. A very good job!! 🙂

If you are a fan of mixed styles of Hard/Prog/Psych/Folk Music with no whats so ever direction this is true contender. Great copies are out there for peanut Money and this album will only grow the more you spin it on your turntable. The mix of styles and openings brings great Dynamics into the album but this one is just for those already sucked in to the genre. Perhaps not the number one pick at the party but a great companion in the car on the that lonesome roadtrip…. 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

-5-OK!-WORTH EXPLORING-