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-

FIVE HORSE JOHNSON-THE TAKING OF THE BLACK HEART-

This American outfit originates from Toledo Idaho and this is their seventh release from 2013. Mixing Hard/blues/souther/stoner rock they certainly can´t be accused for not spicing thing´s up. This is some seroius cabin Music that isn´t for the faint of heart. You need cojones to enjoy this kind of playing.  🙂

And I say – “Bring it on”!! This recording is a flawless production with great guitar/vocal interaction and a harmonica sound to die for. Frontman Eric Oblender possesses this unique blue collar working mans voice, with a serious attitude behind it. Both guitarist Brad Coffin and Phil Durr  never push the limit to far and as this is a new line up all pieces fall together. The feeling of being in an American Highway Juke joint diner creeps up on you. Just wonderful.

Whatabout the drummer, Tim Gahagan?? As much as you are acquried warm clothes in the Winter time, this lad is just a perfect fit for this band. Technical skills are there with a funky backbeat and great striking abilities. The hitratio is ok and the drive is impeccable. This is a solid drummer!! High five!!

As this album could be seen as a comeback album for Five Horse Johnson, it also redirect their style and much influences are brought into the songs. I Hear Black Crowes, Nashville Pussy, Clutch and some sprinkle of Lynard Skynard.   Just Faboulus.

If you´re into Hard/blues/Southern/stoner rock Music with the extra edge this is already in your possession. For you investigators out there, this is as safe as Fort Knox.

Great issues are out there for resonably Money so go ahead and crank it up…You won´t regret it!!

VINYLRATING/GRADE

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

DETROIT-DETROIT-

As a predecessor to more name famed bands later on, this release from 1971 just brings out a flavour filled jar of cookies right in front of you. This outfit from Detroit Michigan only released this record and they where a spinoff Group to the Detroit Wheels and contained Mitch Ryder on vocals who guided this outfit on through this shameless terrific album!

The production is time typical with a touch of a “Southern” style in the soundframe. The Hard/Southern/blues rock style is eminent on this recording and all counterparts are acting very well. No song falls over the edge but the standout tune is with out a doubt “Long neck goose”  Maybe the material tend to bend a Little to much in every direction but I sense the great mixture also brings this album up a notch or two to it´s contemperary companions.

Whatabout the drummer, Johnny Badanjak?? Well this is as solid as American Concrete and that will bring some Heavy style playing along with it. The striking abilities are splendid but the impression of a “stiff” hit ratio and a sense of caution brings the impression down to an avarage. Though Mr.Badanjak also possesses a great vocal skill I might cut him some slack. 🙂

This outfit selvimploded when Mitch Ryder left in 1972 due to vocal issues. So, If you´re in for true American Hard/Southern/blues rock with strong songs and with the favour of obscurity this is an album to aim for. A couple of spins on the turntable justifies a purchase and the pricetag isn´t that bad. You could say it´s almost a find!! 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

-6-GOOD!-WORTH BAYING-

STONEWALL-STONER-

This outfit, claimed to be from NYC, had only this release. The story about this album and their label is one for the history books. Released in 1976 but probably recorded earlier, this is the reason why this site excists. A more obscure album is truly hard to find.

As the story goes, the label Tiger Lily records was a susidiary label to more known Roulette records. The reason for Tiger lily records excistance where to release unknown records just to take an advantage from a Tax loophole. This ment all unsold records could be a “write off” and bring the label big tax reductions. A Scam more or less and as you probably already figured out, the orginized crime families where behind it all.

The production is flawless in ´70s standards and all the tunes are impecible. Short Hard/Psych/prog rock songs with great attitude and stamina. The whole album is just above 25 minutes and never ever drop from the energitic force it deploys. This is a very good album!! Guitars and vocals interacts beautifully and the rhythm section is just awesome.

Whatabout the drummer?? Well as nobody knows who this fellow is, I can just put my hands together in well deserved applause. This drummer sure does possess striking abilities and a hit ratio wanted by most drummers. The drive is furious and just fabulous. Jackpot!! A well deserved “thumbs up” for this impressive work!!

The rumour has it that only five copies where put out in the market and that, of course, makes this an unusually rare record. A pricetag reported to be as high as 14 000 dollars for an original copy just makes you wanna cry. BUT for us mortal blue collar workers their are some great reissues out there for resonably Money. So go out and beat your friends in getting one of history´s most rare records and a bloody good one too!!

VINYLRATING/GRADE

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