Terry Luttrell was the original lead singer in REO SPEEDWAGON, having sang on the band’s debut album in 1971. He left soon after, later recording a number of albums with the American YES influenced band STARCASTLE. REO’s debut featured the single & longtime fan favorite “157 Riverside Avenue”. The best thing about those early REO album’s is Gary Richrath’s playing & writing. So, for however many years now Luttrell has been out singing those early REO songs (as well as including tracks from the next few albums which he was not on) with his ‘REO Classics Band’. This brand new release captures Luttrell & company performing a number of early REO favorites, including 3 from the first album, and 4 from following albums, including his takes on classics like “Roll With The Changes” and “Ridin’ The Storm Out”. I’ve never been an REO fan, partly due to Kevin Cronin’s vocals and the band’s post-1980 catalogue of soft rock. My favorite REO song would be “Back On The Road Again”, a rocker which Cronin didn’t sing (and doesn’t appear on Luttrell’s album). But it is interesting to hear Luttrell revisit songs he sang on over 50 years ago, as well as stuff from Kevin Cronin’s era (I like “Roll With The Changes” but admit this is more suitable to Cronin’s much different voice). Standout for me is “Golden Country”, from REO TWO (which Luttrell didn’t originally sing either, but sounds good here), I also dig the band’s takes on “Ridin’ The Storm Out” and “157 Riverside Avenue”. An interesting release, recommended for REO fans, and fans of 70s US hard rock. Haven’t seen much promo for this, but you can check it out on YouTube, order on Amazon & other online shops.
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