A.F.T.(AUTOMATIC FINE TUNING)

This four peice outfit from UK released this, their sole album, in 1976. This is one of the erliest Hard/Prog/Neoclassical rock records. The brilliant guitar duelling and riff making is one of a kind and perhaps one of history´s most forgotten gems in this genre.

The production is slim but yet fair towards the guitars and vocals. The bass are just at the forefront but not to excessive in the soundframe. This is a really good sounding record and way ahead of it´s time. The comparison to Rush is there but, we do not have the implement of synteziser so this one goes out with the Trophy on pure guitar rock impact. A splendid and most impressive work and an out of this World Discovery.  🙂

Whatabout the drummer, Dave Ball?? As in almost every Prog influenced Group around the World, so does this drummer also own special skills. The striking abilities are a bit laid back but there is a delicat presence in his approach towards the tempo Changes and drive impact. The technical skills is there but not up for display. The hitratio are sensible and performed with care. I do get a much applied and a sense of satisfaction when I hear this fellows skills behind the drumkit. This is impressive work and a great inspiration. Splendid job!!!

So is it a “go getter”?? No, and the short explanation is as follows; this is just for the most dedicated fans of Hard/Prog/Neoclassical rock fans. This is a tough record to enjoy without that Little extra interest in guitarslinging and progressive attitude towards Music. It could easily be explained as an acid trip in the studio but if we do take a serious look at the songwritting, this might be one of historys best albums in the genre. I would recommend potential buyers to have a good listen through the album Before purchase AND, this is perhaps the best reason for purchase,  as with most progressive albums they do tend to grow on you and suddenly you go around whistling to tunes you never ever though excisted. A great task!! Just pure eargasm… 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

-6-GOOD!-WORTH BUYING-

EDGE-EDGE-

This American outfit originated from Los Angeles though several members first hit out in Honolulu. This their sole album, was released in 1970 after a series of collaborations with different musicians.

The album was released by Nose Records and there are some things that doesn´t fit the Picture here. The Production is thin but in the remastered version several notches uppgraded. The songs just pinpoints not only forward but also South, west and east. This is just a confusing mix of songs with no what so ever direction. The Base is Hard/blues/rock´n´ roll songs but with few highlights and more towards the abyss of Deep water blackness. This is truly the Point at the crossroads and nowhere to go..

Whatabout the drummer, David Novogroski?? Well, there are a few things on this recording that just doesn´t fit the bill. The drummer is perhaps the most eminent one. Here we do lack the striking abilities on a basic ground level and the straigh forward tempo/time keeping is just below avarage. The attempt to impress with technical skills just falls flat to the ground. As the personality and drive was clearly forgotten this is nothing to cherish for. If this guy was to be translated into a dish he would end up like an unboiled potatoe. At least 20 minutes of cooking Before eatable…

The overall impression is not just bad. There are passages that show glims of light but there are to few to recommend a purchase. Original copies are out there for a handsome pile of Money, most due to low distrubution. If you are out for that odd album and don´t wanna play it just go for a nice cover. The record isn´t Worth the pricetag. Then again there are CD reissues you might find at a vinylfair and perhaps if the price is right it could be a source of the next musicquiz. No one will recognize this one… 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

-3-BAD-A DISAPPOINTMENT-

BOOT-BOOT-

As this outfit from New Port Richey Florida US change their name to Boot, which stands for Blues Of Our Time they set a Hard/Southern/Blues rock a rollin!! This their first album was released in 1972 and is one of of those rediscovered gems from the time period and completely flew under the radar, in sales that is.

A great produced album with personal and handcrafted songs with a very high standard through the whole album. Great interaction between the guitar and vocals brings a familiar feeling to the whole recording. This sounds much more modern and Before time than back in the day. The Heavy touring for these fellows shines through and they shared stage with many great names such as Lynard Skynard, BB King and Canned Heat. greta respect in that sense. Delicious!!

Whatabout the drummer, Jim O´Brock?? This is a swinging blue jean kind of drummer with excellent backbeating skills and a preferd style in the striking abilities. A catchy hitratio and technical skills makes this drummer a pure pleasure to smooth your ears with his drumkit massage. The drive and personality is judt great and this fellow is just like beer to BBQ…an unbeatable combination.. Splendid work!! 🙂

Though the Commercial set in the tunes,  there are no doubt that this is a must have in the Hard/Southern/Blues rock genre. The great vocal input just brings the songs up several notches. Good original copies are out there but be prepared to pay up some handsome green one´s. There are also a CD reissue to aim for if you you want that summer garden hot´n smokin rock´n roll party album that no one ever Heard of. This is shaggadelic knowledge in some circles…. 🙂 This Boot will walk all over you!

VINYLRATING/GRADE

-6-GOOD!-WORTH BUYING-

PARISH HALL-PARISH HALL-

This Power trio originated from the California bay area and this is their sole album released in 1970. This excellent Hard/blues/Psych album consists of Everything an album from this genre should have. Great interaction between the instruments and terrific songwriting. This record gives you Hard/Blues/Psych rock from two albums at the price of one…

The production is solid with great sustain sound and very good mix between the vocals, the guitar and the organ/piano. The asskickin´rhythmsection just sets the bar for years to come in the genre. Frontman Gary wagner never seems to  stop surprising you and in every song there´s something new to discover. The Dynamics and personality is what brings this album to rememberence…Fabulous job!!

Whatabout the drummer, Steve Adams?? The first impression is that this fellow got a good portion of influence from Mitch Mitchell. This due to the backbeta drumming and great technical skills. The striking abilities are very good and the hit ratio is all just fine. Personality and Dynamics are the two area´s where I do sense a bit of lack in display. This could be the mixing of the record but I do want some more”attitude” in the fast powered songs. Nothing to get upset for but there is room for improvement. Splendid anyway!!! 🙂

This is a perhaps one of the more unkown albums in Europé and if you´re in for Hard/Blues/Psych rock songs this album tare apart most of the competition from 1970. Original copies are hard to find for a descent price but there are great reissues both on vinyl and CD. Even though this album might cost you a month´s party Money, it could be wise to go for an original release and a CD copy to Clean out your speakers with at high volume at the next gathering of your like-minded friends. Beertime!!!

VINYLRATING/GRADE

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

WABASH RESURRECTION-GET IT OFF!-

This trio originated from Pitfield Illinois relesed this selfpressed rarity in 1975. A Heavy touring outfit which made a name back in the day most on their hometurf. This Hard/Blues/Southern rock album does just got the smell of beer, BBQ and is full of that Southern stereoid we all love. The simple production suggest a low budget recording session but the songs got just as much power and drive to fill an oil tanker with attitude.

As you go along to search for the band on the internet there isn´t much to be revealed. The mystery that sorrounds the band just ads to the obscurity and that is good enough in my book. As there are no real top notch song no one falls off the wagon either. The influence by Led Zeppelin, Lynyrd Skynard and perhaps a bit of Johnny Winter brings this album up several notches. The personal setting in the songs are just plain great. This is a true Hard/blues/Southern gem. Great effort!!

Whatabout the drummer, Doug Oakley?? Here we got a hard driven man with with great Dynamics and a superb touch to his playing.Great striking abilities with a personal “punsch” where the it suppose to be. This fellow got great technical skills and some pretty fancy hit ratio impressions. This is like a hand in glove fit with this outfit and there are some great things to bring back to the rehearsal room. An Impressive recording! Great job!

This lost recording is a must have for fans of Hard/Blues/Southern rock. It doesn´t get much better than this. Raw straight-shooting beerfuelled rock with furious drive and top notch songs. As this is low distribution album the prices are pretty high for an original pressing so we have to go for the CD reissue. Collectors may not fear the prices and if you do got the cash you should not doubt. This is a true gem with a great history behind it…none… 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

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

KAHVAS JUTE-WIDE OPEN-

This outfit was formed in 1970 and they released their groundbreaking first album in january 1971. A tough mix of Hard/Prog/melodic rock with a free floating form into the melodies and guitar playing. This album must be considered as one of Australias guiding light in its country´s Music history. This is a very good album and a frontrunner in many aspects.

Descending from many of Australias top name bands back in the 60´s, founding members included both Bob Daisley and Tim Gaze. The production is timetypical with an itchy distorted bass sound and some great guitarsound effects. The vocals are great with nice harmonies and good dynamic touch, though this is a “hard” rock album. Very nice!

Whatabout the drummer, Dannie Davidsson??? At this time around, in the Sydney Music scene, the competition was fierce but also good for the level of performing. This fellow is A very good, skillfull, drummer with nice striking abilities and superb Dynamics. The technical skills are above avarage and the hitratio is second to none. The lack of drive and determination is at the other end of the spectrum. I do miss shear force and some attitude. In an overall judgement though, this is just plain great!! Good Job!

This is one of those albums to aim for in your Hard/Prog/Melodic collection. As much as an important time document, it is important to recognize this guide into great Australian albums to come. Original albums are way to hard to find at a good price tag, but there are great reissues to aim for and will save you some Money to get that important sixpack of beer for the go-along ride on the turntable… 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

-6-GOOD!-WORTH BUYING-

WILDFIRE-SMOKIN`-

This Three piece outfit originated from both Austin Texas and Laguna beach California. This their only release from 1970 is a Hard/Psych/Blues rock masterpiece of handcrafted songs and performance. This is a true high volume recording with no whats so ever compromise. This is way Before it´s time in many areas. Delicious!! 🙂

Making Austin their Three quarter of a year home they returned to California during the summer between the years of 69-72 before splitting up. This recording is halfway done in California and finished in Austin at the Sonobeat´s Josie studio. In a way a historical recording due to the fact that all amplifiers are turned up on full volume. A never done Before achievement at the studio. Louder than Everything else…marvelous. The songs are strong with a hefty bass sound and the drums a bit distorted, this is the way to the future Hard/Psych/blues rock sound. Just plain great!! 🙂

Whatabout the drummer, Donny Martin?? This fellow has to work hard for the Money. As Everything is on full throttle the Dynamics are a bit on the soft side here. The drive is impeccible and the striking abilities are just fine. The technical department is not on display due to the situation on keeping up on the beat. A hard striking man with the unappreciated task of holding the drive and volume. A very good drummer in that sense though. A very nice job !! 🙂

This very much a protohard rock album as much as it is a peak in the Hard/Psych/Blues rock genre. This record is selfpressed from 100 to a 1000 copies and are very hard to find. Good fortune for the avarage man is the reissues, both on vinyl and CD. So if you find the proto/hardrock scene with insane loud amplifiers a treat this one´s for you. You got nothing to lose Music wise and the attitude are great through the whole album. This is a very good album and a rare piece of Texas rock´n roll ATTITUDE history. Perfect! 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

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

DENNY KING-EVIL WIND IS BLOWING-

Born Dennis Gordon Ottenbacher this odd bluesman later would be recognized as Denny King. This, his sole album, was release in 1972 with some great musicians at his side. This is a Collection of odd Electric bluestunes with a personal and fresh perspective in a waterdrained genre by this time. This is as fresh as a swim in the Deep blue sea on a hot summers day…:-)

Alex ST Claire played on this album as well as produced it. It was relaesed on Little Richard´s Specialty label and got a numerous of great humoristic approach upon every tune. The sound is nice for the timeperiod and a cool twist towards the standard blues numbers. This is a very cool and great sounding album.. Very nice!! 🙂

Whatabout the drummer, Greg Hampton?? As this is as much a traditonal blues album it is also a divider. The drumms are great with funky backbeating and some very impressive Dynamics displayed. The striking abilities are all there but the hit ratio is well hidden. I like to liste to this drummer, he brings the better funky daddy in motion with me…Great effort!! 🙂

Got the Blues?? Well this is just that album to aim for when it comes to obscurity. Few original copies are out there and the price tag is over the top sometimes. The slow Selling when it was released it explains the pricetag  But you might find your luck at a vinylfair due to the common man hardly ever had Heard about this peculiar bluesman…  Just Great stuff!! 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

-6- GOOD!-WORTH BUYING-

VIZION-ROCK FOR YOUR LIFE-

This obscure outfit from Dallas Texas release their sole album in 1980. A sterdy mix of Hard/AOR rock gives this album not just the benefit of good rock´n´roll songs but they do have a very good vocalist in Jan Houston. Great bite in the higher notes and a soft spoken tounge in the more Commercial tunes bringd it to my liking, just like sweet apple pie.. 🙂

The production is timetypical with a bit of hollow sound with way to much bass and papperkit sounding drums. Yet there are a solid set of songs during the whole album. No standout tune but a very solid ground over all. As the band was the leftovers of Dallas infamous band “Shotgun” this release should have got more recognizion back in the day. The band stopped touring in 1981 and never got around for a second album.

Whatabout the drummer, Eddie Guy Houston?? This is a mediocre fellow whith a severe lack of personality. This is just drumming just above the garage skills every kid could learn. The lack of striking abilities and Dynamics is eminent and the hit ratio is nowhere to be found. Sorry but the weak link on this album is definitely the drums. This is as limb as a mummy from egypt….Not impressive at all.

As this must Count as some what of a holy grail in American hard rock from the beginning of the 80´s you must get your hands on this, if it´s up your Alley. Strong vocals with good songs prevent this album from being a totally disaster driven by the drums. Good copies are out there for a handsome sum of your Money but not to bad that will drive you into poverty. It will certainly not go down in price, the quality is to high. This is a must have record in that sense. A recommendation is to host a BBQ party with some friends and of course the beer, don´t you forget the beer… 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

-6-GOOD-WORTH BUYING-

KOPPERFIELD-TALES UNTOLD-

As this outfit, originated from America, released its sole album in 1974 the statement of Hard/Prog/Blues rock took a whole new dimension. Forming in the early 70´s the Heavy touring paid off with this rollercoasting album.

The production is great and timetypical with splendid vocal efforts and great organ harmonies with an Asskicking rhythmsection. The songs are hard/Heavy and drenched in prog seasoning. No song stands out as and immidiate hit but the threshold is very high with no bad apples in the barrel. This is a true tour de force and a great record…The saga would contuine until 1975 when the band called it the quits. Great gigs where handled in front of major crowds and opening slots for major acts. A true magical mystery tour!!

Whatabout the drummer, Tom Curtis??? This fellow was an excellent bassplayer Before picking up the drumsticks and thank God for that. This is an display of astromical technical skills and hyper funky drive. The striking abilities are out of this World and top this with a hitratio and Dynamics of a World class hero. It is obvious that you do understand that this the SH*T!! One of the best drummers I´ve ever Heard on an album from this timeperod. Gobsmacked!  Very Very impressive and a great inspiration. Top Notch.

This is a must have record if you find Hard/Prog/blues rock is the best thing next to Cold beer on a hot summers day. Great reissues are out there for an expensive pricetag but it is Worth it. Seldom do I find albums with no whats so ever credit to be so solid through and through. Just plain great….. 🙂 I am gonna turn up the volume…plenty… 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

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