THUNDERTRAIN-TEENAGE SUICIDE-

This American outfit released their “way ahead of time” debut album in 1976. This is such an adorable recording, mixing both Glam/hard/blues/punk rock in an unseen effort to the Boston and American Music scene at the time.

The Production is timetypical with high impact on the guitars and high pitch/growling vocals which sets the standard on this album. The songs are high fuelled material with great energy and drive. The Single hit “Hot for Teacher” made the underground outfit a sucessfull headliner all over New England and gained the band some opening slots for bigger acts including Van Halen…and it had to be a cluster fuck to hear VH copy Thundertrains biggest succés in their 1984 album and “Hot for teacher” tune. Man the World is just unfair sometimes… 🙂

Whatabout the drummer, Bobby Edwards?? This an avarage type of drummer that just does his job with no fuzz or impact that will raise your eyebrows. As the Music tend to bend in multiple directions there´s nothing that will stop Mr. Edwards to fulfill the drive this outfit possess. The striking abilities and hitratio is ok and the drive is there. The lack of pushing the rest of the band forward just earns this fellow an avarage”plus”.

If you´re into Boston Glam/Hard/blues/punk rock way Before it´s time this record must be a part of your Collection. Great reissues are out there for a cheap price and Believe me when I say there are worse albums that caught much more recognizion. This is a perfect high´output volume record together with your old friends and a sixpack of beer..!! 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

-6-GOOD!-WORTH BUYING-

THUNDERMUG-STRIKES-

Released in 1972 on the independent label Axe records, this outfit originated from Ontario Canada. As Often with bands from Canada the Music quality is high but they never seems to be recognized outside their native country. Wrong side of the border is often use as an argument in that sense.

This is a great /Hard/psych/prog rock record with strong songs and the band has added great vocal/harmony singing from time to time together with furios guitarplaying and and a rhythmsection to die for, which makes this a lost precious gem from the timeperiod. The production is timetypical with some timewearness but this is compensated with good strong songs that are consequent and got a fresh sound to it. The title track”Africa” was a top 30 hit back in the day but they got more attention with the version of the Kinks ” You Really got me” cover. This is great stuff through and through and in the song “Where am I” the pedal is to the metal!! Literally!! Just plain Great! 🙂

Whatabout the drummer, Ed Pranskus?? This a veritable striking Canon with fantastic technical abilities and a fabulous drive. It is hard not to be impressed by Mr Pranskus hitratio and terrific Dynamics. This outfit would not be so good sounding without this master behind the drumkit. The pure amusement delivered by the drums brings this recording up at least two grades!! Very nice and never ever boring. High five!! 🙂

This is a must record to have if you into Hard/psych/prog rock from one of Canada´s best forgotten secrets. Songs are great with that Little bit of popflavour and Amazing vocal efforts. Top notch! Greta copies are out there for  less Money BUT be advised! Try to get the Canadian release since the American cuonterpart is a whole different story by content( compilation from two albums).

This is a true contender for most forgotten, obscure album from 1972,  Of all time.. 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

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

POT LIQUOR-LEVEE BLUES-

Originated from Baton Rouge Louisiana US this outfit released their second album in 1972 and talkin´bout getting things from South by southwest. Their undeniable impact in the Southern/hard/calssic rock in America by this time it is just to sad that not more people recognize this band.

As the their single “Cheer” broke through the top 100 on the Billboard Heavy touring with greater act´s where  pushing the band in the right direction and with this masterpiece under their belt what could go wrong?? The production got some time wearness to it but the mix between the guitar and vocals are awesome and the rhythm section is as steady as the Rocky Mountains. With their peak in 1972-73 the dissolvment of the band began when their manager was killed in a car accident and as almost in every case, different path´s grow to implode the band.

Standout songs would be “Cheer”, “Chattanooga” and the great cover of “Little red rooster blues”. But all songs have presence and no one falls under the radar. A terrific album in that sense!! 🙂

Whatabout the drummer, Jerry Amoroso?? Due to mixing issues this fellow sounds much more careful than he really is. Great striking abilities and a good solid drive makes this drummer a gem in the genre. great vocal skills ads up to unerappreciated musician. Avarage hitratio but great Dynamics gives this fellow a grade above avarage. Splendid job!!

The name Potliquor originates from a down boiled stew of vegetables and meat. This is just the right description of what this band contains on this album. Raw Southern/Blues/Classic rock in it´s purest form and this might just fit your turntable on a BBQ afternoon with good friends and a bottle of wine… 🙂

Great copies are out there for no Money at all and this album does deserve the recognizion as well as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Molly Hatchet and so on…just plain great!!!

VINYLRATING/GRADE

-6-GOOD!-WORTH BUYING-

NECROMANDUS-OREXIS OF DEATH-

This outfit originated from Britain and the rest of the West Cumbrian bands Jug and Heaven. By combining members from both outfits they cought attention from Black Sabbath´s Tony Iommi in 1972 after Heavy touring and gigging. With mr Iommi´s help they were able to cut their first and only album in early 1973. First slot for opening for Black Sabbath and Badger was natural but later in ´73 guitarist Barry “Baz” Dunnery left the band, which made the record label Vertigo shelf their album.

So what do we have here? The Prog/hard/blues rock intention are terrific but there are Heavy influences by Black Sabbath but in a much Paler way. And as even Mr Iommi put on some guitarwork this Cold not save the day. The production is flawless and very “Modern” in it´s soundframe. The feeling is somewhat familiar and the impression that you have Heard this Before is eminent. The songs are strong with no one really standout tune. Impressive Rhythmsection brings this recording to Life. The guitars are avarage with great vocals on top. Maybe not a contender for best album of 1973 but sure enough a contender for top 20 in this genre. The album grows the more you spin it. That´s a good sign!! 🙂

Whatabout the drummer, Frank Hall?? This is a very good drummer with a Little to soft approach to his striking abilities. Great technical skills with an impeccable dynamic range brings the grade up a notch or two. To bad that the lack of drive and personality reminds me of the sejour of Bev Bevan In Black Sabbath…horrendious. The interaction between the bass and guitar is as good as ever so it´s hard to grade this performance but if you consider this a studio recording I would have asked for more…impact maybe??

If your in for British Prog/hard/blues rock, this one´s already passed through your ears. For all other fans of this Genre there are some good passages to toetap to. Hard to find on original vinyl my suggestion would be the reissue but beware! The price wary a bit and it´s not Worth to pay to much. There are better records to spend your Money for on….

VINYLRATING/GRADE

5-OK!-WORTH EXPLORING-

PESO-EM BUSCA DO TEMPO PERDIDO-

As the rock´n´roll scene is just on a high rise in the western world as we know it, one can only wonder, what happened in Contemporary countries? In this case Brazil?? Lets find out what we got here. This outfit released this album in 1974 on the Polydor label and I must confess this is pretty damn good. Many are those who reckons this album to be one of the best Hard/prog/blues/Folk rock records ever to come out of Brazil.

The production is very smooth and nice with no particular “push” for either guitar, vocals or the rhythm section. A very easy album in that sense. Whatabout the vocals? The passion and delivery is present but as the songs are in their native tounge, I don´t get a thing what this is about but it is catchy, from time to time. Influences from both American bands and European acts are there but this is a very personal album with great seasoning from the Brazilian Music scene. An obscure view on the other side of things from this timeperiod. 🙂

Standout songs would be, “Lucifer”, “Eu Nao Sei de nada”  and the title track “Em Busca do Tempo Perdido”. Some songs are a bit sleazy but no one´s really a low watermark. Comfortable listening!! 🙂

Whatabout the drummers, Geraldo Dárbilly and Carlos Graca?? Soft impression of these two gentlemen are due to production issues and the positive thing is the comparison you can do. Both got the striking abilities but as it comes to drive Carlos Graca is the more Heavy impact drummer here. Perhaps there is nothing to pick up for your future skills but it´s interesting to hear the approach towards more Heavy songs. Interesting!

If you drained out all your Resources of finding new ´70s hard/Prog/blues/folk rock on top level this is an interesting album to discover. Vinyl copies are very rare and will cost you a pretty penny and my advice is to go for the CD reissue. A lot cheaper and if you should discover that this is not your cup of tea, you can Always live with the decent pricetag. As an obscure album, this one´s just hit the spot, right on!! 🙂

-5-OK-WORTH EXPLORING-

PATTO-PATTO-

Lets raise the bar for awhile and get into a dear but almost forgotten masterpiece from 1970. Mike Patto set this band together with members from Timebox and got signed to new label Vertigo. Their first album was recorded live in the studio and outqualifies most albums from this year. Highly acclaimed by reviewers and fans this album fell short when it got to sales figures. Hard to say why but the Music is more advanced and maybe a touch of to “jazz” coloured.

The style in Hard/prog/psych/ rock with superman skills on the instruments just´s upset you why more people don´t recognize this album. The feeling of  high above all others but so below in recognizion is just eminent.

The guitar works are phenomenal and the vocals are stretch to the limit. Funky notes from the bass just add´s up when the drummer steals the show. This is not only good, it´s f**king fabolous!! 🙂 The production is a bit hollow due to the live session but that is something secondery because the songs are so strong. I can´t pick out any standout song and the reason is that all tunes are strong in style and deliverence. Talk about slap in the face effect!! 🙂

Whatabout the drummer, John Halsey?? High drive and jawdropping striking abilities signify´s this drummer. The hitratio is just like mechanical monkey and this is just what Í´m been waiting for. Just enjoy laidback and Closed Eyes to indulge the terrific drumming. There´s something going on in every song so it won´t be a bore. This is high class drumming and especily with the knowledge that this is a live session in the studio. Two thumbs up!!! 🙂

Prices wary between great copies and reissues but there´s no hesitation you should get this record if you´re in for Hard/prog/psych rock Music from Britain with a Heavy dose of “jazz” seasoning. This one of those great surprises in Life and I can only smile when this album presents itself on the turntable. Happy, happy… 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

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

PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC-GET IT ON-

This outfit originated from California USA and their story Begins in 1967. This, their first recording, was released in 1968. Perhaps viewed as one in a dozen blues albums by the time, this recording contains not just one of the late 60´s best guitarworks but also an astonishing vocal performance by  their drummer, who became the frontman and himself replaced as a drummer!

The infamous Glenn Schwarz on guitar, fast recognized a reputation as “The White Hendrix” and for sure this is a fellow who know his way´s around the fretboard. The bizarre future for Mr. Schwarz would contain both abuse and membership in a religous cult which almost cost him his Life. The Production for this album is very good to it´s Contemporary albums with a funky steady rhythm section wich lift this recording several notches. Very nice!!

Whatabout the drummer, Frank Cook?? As this is a guitar and vocals album the drummeraction follow suite. With a steady bassplayer by his side this is an avarage perfomance. The striking ability and Dynamics are fine but with a bit of anxious input in the slower songs. The Hitratio and drive are there but nomore than just an Another apple in the barrel. Nothing to cheer for.

If you´re in for some great American blues from the late 60´s this is a great record to compare to those best Selling albums from the same timeperiod. I don´t Think you will get dissapointed. Great issues is to be found out there for literally no Money at all. This is a great oppertunity to impress your friends with a forgotten guitarwizard in Glenn Schwarz. Enjoy with a beer and good Company. 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

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

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-