In the late 60s to early 70s a handful of German musicians were responsible for a number of obscure albums released under the Europa label. Many of these albums consisted largely of cover versions, with band recording them within a day or 2 , as hired by the producer. The musicians that wound up on so many of these Europa budget releases (many would wind up in grocery stores or gas stations at a discounted price) were the same guys that would make up the (now) legendary Lucifer’s Friend, minus singer John Lawton. One such project were 2 albums released under the name ELECTRIC FOOD, which, besides Peter Hesslein, Peter Hecht, Joachim Rietenbach, and Dieter Horns, along with Greek singer George Mavros (aka Monro. see ASTERIX). Electric Food was released in 1970 and Flash in ’71.

Many of the songs on these 2 albums would be co-written by Hesslein & Mavros, probably in the studio, within days. But there are some notable covers on each.Electric Food features what may possibly be the first Led Zeppelin cover, as the album’s lead off track was “Whole Lotta Love“. It also featured an excellent take of “House Of The Rising Sun“, as well as a cover of Wilbert Harrison’s “Let’s Work Together” (which would be a hit for Canned Heat soon after). The second LP, Flash featured 2 covers – “All Right Now” (Free) and “Love Like A Man” (Ten Years After).

Though made not long before the Asterix and first Lucifer’s Friend albums, Electric Food also leaned towards a heavier blues based and psychedelic rock sound, mixing heavy guitar and Hammond organ, not nearly as ‘proto metal’ as the first Lucifer’s Friend. These are good listening albums for LF fans, but don’t have that impact that the debut LF had.

Electric Food also had 2 further songs included on the Europa compilation Born On The Road: Easy Rider. This 1971 LP release featured 5 Electric Food tracks, notably covers of “Born To Be Wild” and “Up Around The Bend” (CCR); neither of which were on the EF albums. The cassette version of Born On The Road included 9 EF tracks. Another Europa compilation titled My Sweet Lord, would feature 4 Electric Food tracks, though none of these were non-LP recordings.

The band, minus George Mavros (Monro) would go on to record many other projects, as well as many Lucifer’s Friend albums. Mavros would go on to record solo singles under the ‘Monro’ and Mavros name throughout the 70s. He still performs to this day. with his band ‘New Comix’. Peter Hesslein is preparing a fourth solo album, The Last Journey, for possible release in the spring.

Both Electric Food albums were reissued on as a 2 on 1 CD on 2004, as well as vinyl reissues in 2018 (Long Hair Records), which included inserts with historical liner notes.

LINKS:

https://www.facebook.com/Lucifersfriendph

https://www.facebook.com/ElectricFood

https://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=67530