INCREDIBLE HOG-VOL. 1-

Risen from the implosion of the band Speed Auction, this outfit from London released their sole album in 1973. Aiming high with this release, they certainly left an impression on this album. Guitarist/vocalist Ken Gorden together with bass player Jim Holmes and drummer Tony Awin as a trio, they consumed what was offerred in London´s Music scene at the time and put together a powerful mix of homegrown blues/prog/hard/psych on this  impressive recording.

The production is timetypical and you could blame the label Dart for not really understand the greatness in the songwriting. This is a killer album comming to the songs and it´s all from start to finish. The lack of funds from the label made the band crack from within due to bad promotion and that´s how it´s goes when you´re not getting to the (oink) Point 🙂  The thought that some bands could spend their whole catalogue just to get near such a solid album make´s you wonder how the world works sometimes.

Whatabout the drummer, Tony Awin?? To bad his effort is downplayed due to a bad finalmixing result on the recording. The striking abilities and hit ratio are impressive but foremost it´s the drive, the drive is just splendid. For a powertrio the drummer is so important and on this album he just pushes the band forward. Just stunning. 🙂

Thanks to record dealers around the World this album got back with a vengeance. If you´re in to British Blues/prog/hard/psych rock, you just must try to get your hands on a copy of this precious piece of jewelry. Be prepared to pay handsome for it, because it´s sought after and very rare.

Absolutely no song falls under the radar and this is pure joy to put on your turntable. Eargasmatron deluxe … 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

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

BREAKOUT-BLUES-

Back in 1968  the first performance by Polish blues/rock band Breakout was held at the musicorama festival and here their story begins. In june the same year they toured the Benelux countries and when they returned to Poland they where to become rockstars. Bringing back the western influence of bluesmusic, long hair and loud talking Music the rise of becoming Polands most favoured rockband was imminent.

Their first album”Blues” was released in 1971 and this after they where heavily criticized for their prowestern Lifestyle and therefore banned from national Polish TV and Radio broadcast´s. This is their best album release and the production is timetypical but very good to come from Eastern Europe by timestandards. Several Changes in the lineup, this album contained Tadeusz Nalepa on vocals/ lead guitar, Dariusz Kozakiewicz on guitar, Tadeusz Trzcin´zki on harmonica and Jerzy Goleniewski on bass. The same lineup would a year later record the bestselling album “Karate”. Even if I don´t understand a thing what the lyrics about this is pretty damned good!!! Great guitar and splendid Dynamics could easily fool you to Believe this a western production. So it´s time to polish up your blues knowledge.. 🙂

Whatabout the drummer, Josef Hajdasz?? Perhaps a bit limited but all in all a great experience on this album. The striking abilities are solid and the Dynamics are just plain great. The hit ratio is avarage but this is a blues album so in all fairness maybe not right to compare to a more rock oriented drummer. A great fit for this album.

If you are a blues connoisseur this is a must have record with great influences from Contemporary acts but with that personal seasoning. Great copies are out there for less Money so take a chance and expand your mind on some fine polished blues. 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

-6-GOOD!-WORTH BUYING-

KILLER BOOGIE-DETROIT-

This outfit originates from Italy and could pehaps be mistaken for an Another Heavy Psych Sound Product but all alikes ends there. This debut album was release in 2015 with an overdose of Hard/Stoner/psych/blues label to it. Gabriele Fiori from Black Rainbow where joined by drummer Luigi Costanzo and bass player Matteo Marini (although Edoardo Mancini plays on this album) to create this rather unusual Italian Boogie album.

The production is flawless with a big influence to early ´70s Psych/stoner era. Much of the songs follow in the band Graveyards footprints but this is a much more focused recording than just a copy cat story. The Vocals are great and the frenzy outspaced guitar are combining sensationally. Dynamics and drive from this trio is very impressive and in some songs you are really travelling backwards in time. Just Splendid!

No song falls of the wagon and there are some standout tunes; Cosmic Eye and The Golden Age are just great tunes at each end of the spectrum. Very Impressive!!

Whatabout the drummer, Luigi Costanzo?? This is a technical fellow with a good striking ability. Terrific Dynamics with an avarage hit ratio. A good match for the bass player yet, some hesitation when you want that extra “drive”. There are more to get from this drummer, he´s not yet perfected.

If you´re a sucker for Hard/stoner/psych/blues rock with a nice low noise attitude this is a true goldmine. Rather few new releases keep up the durability through a whole album. This one does it with no effort. That testify´s the great songs on this recording. Great copies for no Money at all are out there. I picked up mine for just 10 Euros in a vinylfair. Easy Entertainment… 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

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

Paris-Paris-

This American outfit was a shortlived impact towards the American Hard/Classic/blues rock scene between 1975-1977. This release from 1976 brings you a fierce riff compound from guitarist Bob Welch and a time typical production with spaced out effects and great vocals mixed with a steady rhythm section. A Rock Capitol record for sure. 🙂

This is all a different story to Fleetwood Mac where Bob Welch had the spot as guitarist and songwriter. It´s a mystery why this album didn´t perform in sales, that is something I can´t  find an answer to. The songs are strong and no one really falls under the radar. Perhaps strains within the band played a part due to drummer  Thom Mooney soon left after this albums release.

Whatabout the drummer, Thom Mooney?? This is an American drummer through and through. Hard striking with great Dynamics and a decent drive. Perhaps a Little bit cautious or has he already left the band? There´s a lack of commitment in some places. To bad because there are more to bring out from this fellow.

This precious gem do need some time on the turntable but it grows the more you spin it. If you´re in for American Hard/Classic/blues rock there are few forgotten albums to match this killer album. Great copies are out there for less Money so just hurry up to get your copy of an American Obscure capitol Classic!

VINYLRATING/GRADE

-6- GOOD!-WORTH BUYING-

CHICKEN SHACK-IMAGINATION LADY-

This is the fifth release from the British blues outfit “Chicken Schack” and it hit the shelves in 1972. With a new line up guitarist and vocalist Stan Webb turned the fuzz knob up a couple of inches on this one. Good or bad? That depend´s on your taste. I Think it´s deeelicious!!  🙂

The production is raw and a bit dry but all the good ingredients to an album with frenzy guitarslinging and slap in your face attitude is there! The vocals works great together with the guitars and the rhythmsection just blasts off. Fantastic, talk about the British twister! Standout tunes would be “Cryin´won´t help you now” “If I were a Carpenter” “Poor boy” and the cover of “Going down”. No songs fall under the radar and all in all this is how you reinvent the Wheel. Thrash and smash the tempo up a few notches or slow things down with a Heavy attitude…just awesome.

Whatabout the drummer, Paul Hancox?? Well if this were my chance to impress in the studio this is how I would have done it. This is a great drummer with a drive and striking abilities to die for. Double bass drumfills with a great sense of Dynamics with high skills in the hit ratio department. AND, who doesn´t want to record their own drumsolo on a record?? This is just to good to be true.  Sensational.

The album divides the early fans of Chicken Schack and Stan Webb once said -“this was the worse album he ever did record”. Well we all have the right to an opinion but I just disagree. This is a fabulous piece of work and must not be forgotten.

There are nice original copies out there for a hefty piece of cash but also good reissues. Do give this top notch bluesrecord a shot and invest in some cool reinvented old British blues/rock, Worth every penny!!

VINYLRATING/GRADE

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

RANDY CALIFORNIA-KAPT. KOPTER & THE (FABULUOS) TWIRLEY BIRDS.

With the heritage from the Death of Jimi Hendrix, Randy California split with Spirit in 1971 and jammed around L.A. Before releasing this album in 1972. The opinions towards this album is devided but the sensitivity Randy shows on this album is also in my opinion, years Before Contemporary guitarists. This is good stuff and also a flying chaos!!

Though the album contains several covers of more known songs, the Music craftmentship is a pleasure for your ears. Noel Redding and Leslie Sampson from the band Road contributes with great distinction. The production by Randy got some time wearness to it but the vocals and guitars are just fabulous. Great Work!! The recognizion factor towards the cover songs brings this album up a notch due to the fact that you have something to compare to. Very nice..

Whatabout the drummers, Leslie samson and Tim McGovern?? A shared task on this album gives you the chance to compare styles and striking abilities. In my opinion Leslie got more drive and hit ratio capability. Nothing to take away any glory from Mr. MacGovern but in comparison he´s not the one who stands out. Every track got it´s own soundframe with a strange and wonderful  all or nothing to it. Total freedom in that sense.

This album got a Heavy dose of Hendrix spirit resting upon it and of course, why not? Randy played with Jimi in “Jimmy James and the blue flames” and they where good friends for the rest of Jimi´s Life.

If you dare to got out on the limb, search your inner soul and body limits, this is an album for you. A long Before time recording that probably set alight more than one Young guitarist imagination. Great copies are out there and some good reissues for a decent dollar.

Only for the bold and brave to pick up. Yet there´s something…something I´ve haven´t felt since…..Well you have to find out for yourself. 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

-5-OK!-WORTH EXPLORING-

STRAWBERRY PATH-WHEN THE RAVEN HAS COME TO THE EARTH-

As an outfit originated from Japan and with this, their only release, is perhaps the ultimate test to an “open mind” towards Prog/Blues/psych rock obscurity. This album does not only include a major instrumental knowledge but it mixes styles and overdubs that will set your brain on fire. Excellent or very exhausting depend on where you are in your Music search for the ultimate album. This album is a stranger in a strange land for sure!

The producing is flawless with some time wearness. It got great vocals/guitar mixing and a very good  drumsound. A milestone in that sense. Nice. 🙂 And then there are the songs, which seems to be Blueprint covers of Hendrix, Cream and other contemperary bands. Perhaps the weakness of this album but at the same time the thing that doesn´t stamp this album as a total loser.

The guitar work from Shigeru Narumo is very impressive and add upon the vocal efforts this is a technical album with tricks and tips to bring home to the rehearsal room.

Whatabout the drummer, Hiro Tsunoda?? This fellow got his influence from Dragon drummers like Ginger Baker, Carmine Appice and John Bonham. This serves up to an frenzy cool and just exploding strike fest with great input from double bass drums down to cool blues beating. The hit ratio is sometimes awesome and there are great things to bring back home to the table. This is a great drummer and an ok vocalist. Top Notch!!

The bend in tunes just craves a lot from the listener but this also is the strenght. Patience is the Word here and do give the drummer a high five because this is sometimes just plain great. The prices for this album turns to ludicrous numbers  but fortunate for us there are some nice reissues. Only for the brave to pick up and don´t Count on any understanding from your neighbours when you play this one out LOUD! 🙂

This is a true challenge!!

VINYLRATING/GRADE

-5-OK!-WORTH EXPLORING-

TRUTH & JANEY-NO REST FOR THE WICKED-

This American outfit released their sole album in 1975 and perhaps this is the one true contender to match “Budgie” or even “Rush” to the ´70s most hidden Hard/Prog/psych album from this era. The name originates from Jeff Beck´s “Truth” album and Guitarist BillyLee Janey´s surname and this powertrio first met up in the late ´60s.  They had a few single releases up to this exceptional release.

The production does have some timewearness but you will soon forget this small issue, as soon as the songs get a grip of you. This is a perfect blend with great influences such as Cream, Jeff Beck and Jimi Hendrix. The double guitar slinging and Heavy distorted bass brings a perfect Foundation for powerhouse drummer Dennis Bunce.

Every song will bring you great vocals shared between BillyLee and bassplayer Steve Bock with plenty of Dynamics and terrific guitar riffing. Standout tune would be the nine minute “Remember” that brings you several passages of exciting and forwarding musicstyles. No song falls under the radar and there is a Close call between several tunes to be recommended as genuine ´70s all time rock classics in this genre. This is some serious Entertainment!!  🙂

Whatabout the drummer, Dennis Bunce?? This is pure pleasure for your ears. A hard striking man with great striking abilities. A furious drive that pushes the band foward. The Dynamics are there and the technical skills are awesome. This drummer means business!! A great way to send the message into the future; Stop, look and listen.’this is how you make an impression! Glorius!!  🙂

As this album sold less than a 1500 copies, you can imagine the pricetag for a decent copy from back in the day . There are some reissues for  less Money yet expensive. So, if you´re into Hard/prog/Psych á la carte rock Music from the golden years in the ´70s this is must have. There are few comparisons  to match this unbelievable treasure in American rock history. Advice?? START SAVING MONEY!!

VINYLRATING/GRADE

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

RAY OWEN´S-MOON-

When Ray Owens left Juicy Lucy he returned with this, his sole solo album, in 1971 and this is how to leave your mark into Hard/prog/space rock history and of course, obscurity! Brilliant. As no one could know this was the vanishing Point for Ray Moon until the resurrection in the ´90s.  A very peculiar journey.

The production is flawless with great vocals and perfectly balanced guitar work, to pitch up the feeling from a steady Rolling rhythmsection. This is suprisingly fresh and vital sounding . Standout tune would be the shiver Rising cover of “Voodoo Child”. A fierce contender to the Hendrix version. Superb. No songs falls under the radar but you have to have an open mind or as in my case, spin this record a number of times to “dig it”. This is such an odd release for 1971 and the first impression is that this a much later release. Stunning! 🙂

Whatabout the drummer, Ian McLean?? The feeling of a Mitch Mitchell presence is obvious but it´s not a negative thing. The drive and striking abilities are great with a perfect fit together with the bass. The hit ratio and Dynamics are good with no extra Points earned. better than avarage would be the grade here.

If you´re an Anglophile with the love for British Hard/prog/space rock with no experation date this is a number one record. Perfect for the indulgance of medicinal herbs or as I would recommend; a Cold beer outside in the summertime! A Pleasure!!

Prices are high due to low distribution but there are some great reissues for less Money so don´t be a fool if the price is right. This is a Winner in the long run!! 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

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

BLOONTZ-BLOONTZ-

Perhaps not the first Blues/Prog/Hard/AOR rock band that comes to mind when you are thinking about Houston Texas but this outfit released their debut in 1973. If you´re a sucker for the ´70s this might fit right up your Alley but there are some thing´s that needs clearifying first.

The production is great but yet not flawless with a taste of “pompus” mixing in the end. No song stands out and yet no one is a low watermark either. The Common feeling of a “Bad Company” record is eminent and perhaps there lies the problem. There´s absolutely no personality on this album and yet it is not a bad one. The feeling of free falling is just Always present. Yet the vocals are fine and the arrangement is solid with great passages with nice Dynamics and toetapping periods. As Almost, when it comes to obscure bands, the red thread is missing but there are sensational crafmanship put into the instruments. Not bad at all in that sense.

Whatabout the drummer, Tony Braunagel?? This is as american you could possibly get. A steady but cautios fellow with great striking abilities and superb Dynamics. The drive and hit ratio gives you something to wish for and does not reveal any magical spells to bring back home. The impression of a good solid drummer puts Mr. Braunagel into the avarage box. The drummer and bassplayer together with the keyboard player, Mike Montgomery would later end up in the short lived band Backstreet Crawler with Paul Kossof, so there was a great deal of musician crafmanship in this outfit after all but the lack of hit songs made them succumb.

So if you´re a sucker for the American way of the erlier 70´s , this would be a solid gem in your record Collection. A blend of Blues/Prog/Hard/AOR rock could get a hot topic under a vinyl listening evening with your friends. The opinions will certainly wary!! Great copies are out there for less Money even though it is released on a small label. Good news!! 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

-5-OK!-WORTH EXPLORING-