Tag Archives: 70s rock

ELTON JOHN’s Bad Side Of The Moon – The Covers

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Originally released as a B-side single, “Bad Side Of The Moon” would gain a life as one of Elton’s most covered songs. First released as the B-side to “Border Song” in March of 1970, before appearing on the live album 17-11-70, and years later as a bonus track to a few expanded reissues, and other live albums . Written by Elton John, with lyricist Bernie Taupin. This song was covered by a number of artists in the year that Elton John released it as well. It may not have been a hit for Elton , but it was a single for a few others, notably a big hit for April Wine. Aside from the list featured here, there are also a couple of versions in Italian by Giovanna and I Dik Dik – bother released in 1973. There are also a few more modern covers on Youtube, but I’ve only included those that were recorded in studio and/or released on vinyl. If I’m missing any of note, please leave it in the comments!

Birds Of A Feather (1970)

Birds of A Feather featured the Chanter Sisters (Doris and Irene), who would, following this – record under that name. Their version of “Bad Side Of The Moon” was included on their self-titled LP from October, 1970. The songs were arranged by Caleb Quaye (who played guitar with Elton in the early days), and with Elton, himself, playing piano on the album. It included 5 songs credited to Sasha Alexandro (aka Doreen Chanter on the CD release), and 7 covers – 4 of which were penned by Elton John & Bernie Taupin. As the Chanter Sisters they’d record a few LPs and a number of singles in the ’70s, as well as guest on numerous albums, notably by David Byron, Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, and David Essex. The album was reissued on CD (w/ bonus tracks) in 2017.

Kubla Kahn (1970)

From Corpus Christi, Texas, Kubla Khan (as press items from the era spell it, but the record label spells as above) was a 5-piece band who signed to the small Texas label Spearway Records, and released this lone single. No idea how it did. In 1995 an 11-song CD was released of the band’s material recorded in 1970 (including “Bad Side Of The Moon” and the B-side “Out In The Country”)

Steve Lonsdale (1970)

Released as a single by Steve Lonsdale in South Africa. Not too much info about Steve Lonsdale out there, but he was formerly of a band named The Staccatos, who’d released a few albums and several single in their home country. The singer would release a number of singles in the ’70s, including a somewhat reggae version of The Eagles “Hotel California”. Not sure if this single was commercially released as I only see a promo copy of it online, but it was one of a few he recorded for Polydor US in 1970. After his time in the US, he relocated to London, England. From Billboard (70-07-18) – Lonsdale in U.S. – Polydor Records has brought Steve Lonsdale, South African recording artist, to the U.S. to record and prepare for concert and TV appearances. Polydor Inc. is conducting a
full national promotion campaign for the artist...

STEVE LONSDALE-Polydor 2-24050 BAD SIDE OF THE MOON (Dick James, BMI) (TO LOVE YOU) BALLERINA (W.P.N., ASCAP) Everybody is picking up on Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s songs. An obscure flip side is brought to life by Lonsdale and friends. – Record World (70-12-17)

TOE FAT (1970)

Fronted by British soul/rock singer Cliff Bennett, Toe Fat also included ex Gods members Ken Hensley, John Glasscock, and Lee Kerslake. Their version of “Bad Side Of The Moon” featured on their debut LP, as well as issued as a single in various countries in 1970. The LP coming out in the UK in May, and in the US in July. But by then Hensley had left and joined Spice (who became Uriah Heep), with Kerslake leaving shortly after (joining Heep later), and Glasscock later joining Jethro Tull. The single was released in a number of countries, but I don’t think it charted anywhere. Band’s records were also known for those bizarre Hipgnosis covers.

Toe Fat – Rare Earth RS 511.
Hard rock with heavy accent on the twang of guitars from these four guys. Just about any of the sides could step out as singles, but “Bad Side of the Moon” might just have the edge. No question that these guys are here for a while.

Toe Fat is a group which Robert Stigwood predicts great things for
in 1970. Like a lot of his other groups, Toe Fat are ex -members of a well known group and make their new name -music debut on EMI with “Bad Side of The Moon.” Toe Fat have also signed a contract for their disks to be issued on Tamla Motown in the States.

Bo Diddley (1971)

From Bo Diddley’s Another Dimension album, released in April of 1971. Diddley was one of the greatest early rock n rollers, had a sound and style all his own. He did an outstanding take on this one. Another Dimension also featured songs by The Band, CCR (3), and Al Kooper (who also plays some guitar and keyboards on it). Diddley recorded over 25 albums (including a few collaborations).

April Wine (1972)

Released as the 2nd single from Canada’s April Wine, on their 2nd album On Record (released as their self-titled debut in the US). This gave the band their 3rd hit single in Canada, #16, and ‘bubbled under’ Billboards Top 100 in the US at #106. It also saw release in the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Brazil. This would be the most successful version of “Bad Side Of The Moon”, still features on Canadian radio and in the band’s live set.

APRIL WINE, “BAD SIDE OF THE MOON” (Dick James, BMI). Group that came out of nowhere to score with “You Could Have Been A Lady” follow-up with an Elton John -Bernie Taupin song that’s perfectly suited to their sound. Looks like another hit. Big Tree 142 (Bell) – Record World (72, 06-17)

APRIL WINE (Big Tree 142)
Bad Side Of The Moon (3:00) (Dick James, BMI—E. John, B. Taupin) Tune from Elton John’s first British LP is a catchy rocker, following the flow of their “You Should Have Been A Lady” success. Flip: “Believe In Me” (4:12) (Belwin-Mills, ASCAP—M. Goodwyn) – Cashbox (72,06-17)

k. 05/23

ALICE COOPER – Killer and Schools Out to get deluxe reissues on Cd & vinyl

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NEWLY REMASTERED ALBUMS EXPANDED WITH RARITIES, AND PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED CONCERTS AVAILABLE JUNE 9

Alice Cooper was unstoppable during the 1970s when the band released four consecutive platinum albums and five Top 40 hits like “I’m Eighteen,” “School’s Out,” “No More Mr. Nice Guy,” and “Elected.” Rhino will reissue two of those platinum albums – Killer (1971) and School’s Out (1972) – with newly remastered sound, rare recordings, and previously unreleased live performances.

Both Deluxe Editions will be released on June 9 as 2-CD sets and 3-LP versions on 180-gram vinyl. 

The vinyl versions for both Deluxe Edition recreate the original album sleeves down to the smallest detail. For Killer, that means a gatefold sleeve that opens to reveal a detachable 1972 calendar with a photo of Cooper in the gallows. The cover of School’s Out looks like a wooden school desk and opens to reveal the LP wrapped in a pair of panties. The band stopped including the underwear following a controversy as to whether or not they were flammable. Thankfully, the lacy unmentionables in the new Deluxe Edition are not a fire hazard.

Both sets come with booklets that include track-by-track commentary by band members and former Creem Magazine editor Jaan Uhelszki, plus liner notes by Bill Holdship, also a former Creem Magazine editor.

SCHOOL’S OUT (DELUXE EDITION) begins with a newly remastered version of the 1972 original, which peaked at #2 on the albums chart. Essential tracks like “Luney Tune” and “Alma Mater” are joined by “Gutter Cat vs. The Jets.” The latter is an homage to West Side Story, a significant influence on the band. The song incorporates lyrics from “Jet Song” from the 1957 musical, which led to an unlikely songwriting credit for Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim on an Alice Cooper track.

The Deluxe Edition contains rarities like the single versions of “School’s Out” and “Gutter Cat vs. The Jets.” Two previously unreleased tracks are also included, an alternate version of “Alma Mater” and an early demo for “Elected,” a song that would appear in 1973 on the band’s first #1 album, Billion Dollar Babies.

Alice Cooper’s concert in Miami on May 27, 1972, adds even more unreleased music to the collection. The show was recorded a few weeks before the band entered the studio to record School’s Out. The live performance features standout versions of “Halo Of Flies,” “School’s Out,” and “Yeah, Yeah, Yeah,” a song that gives Cooper a chance to show off his impressive harmonica skills.

Check out an Unreleased Live Version Of “Be My Lover” Out Today – https://rhino.lnk.to/PA9BML

SCHOOL’S OUT: DELUXE EDITION
Vinyl Track Listing
 
LP One: Original Album Remastered
Side One
1.       “School’s Out”
2.       “Luney Tune”
3.       “Gutter Cat vs. The Jets”
4.       “Street Fight” (Instrumental)
5.       “Blue Turk”
 
Side Two
1.       “My Stars”
2.       “Public Animal #9”
3.       “Alma Mater”
4.       “Grande Finale” (Instrumental)
 
LP Two: Live in Miami, FL (May 27, 1972)
Side One
1.       “Public Animal #9/Be My Lover” *
2.       “You Drive Me Nervous” *
3.       “Yeah, Yeah, Yeah” *
4.       “I’m Eighteen” *
 
Side Two
1.       “Halo Of Flies” *
2.       “Dead Babies” *
3.       “Killer” *
 
LP Three: Live in Miami, FL (May 27, 1972)
Side One
1.       “Long Way To Go”*
2.       “School’s Out” *
3.       “Is It My Body?” *
 
Side Two: Studio Extras
1.       “School’s Out” (Single Version)
2.       “Gutter Cat” (Single Version)
3.       “Alma Mater” (Alternate Version) *
4.       “Elected” (Early Demo Take) *
 
* Previously Unreleased

KILLER (DELUXE EDITION) introduces a newly remastered version of the original release, which peaked at #21 on the Billboard albums chart. Along with the singles “Under My Wheels” and “Be My Lover,” the record also includes “Yeah, Yeah, Yeah,” “Desperado,” and the prog-rock-inspired epic “Halo Of Flies.” The bonus material features alternate takes for “You Drive Me Nervous,” “Under My Wheels,” and “Dead Babies.”

The collection also gives fans an unreleased live recording of the band’s performance at Mar Y Sol Pop Festival in Puerto Rico on April 2, 1972. Recorded a few months before the band returned to the studio to make School’s Out, the show previews “Public Animal #9” from the upcoming album. The band played most of Killer during the concert, including “You Drive Me Nervous,” “Under My Wheels,” and “Halo Of Flies.” They also tapped the group’s 1971 album, Love It to Death, for live versions of “Is It My Body?,” “Long Way To Go,” and the smash hit “I’m Eighteen.”

KILLER: DELUXE EDITION
Vinyl Track Listing
 
LP One: Original Album Remastered
Side One
1.       “Under My Wheels”
2.       “Be My Lover”
3.       “Halo Of Flies”
4.       “Desperado”
 
Side Two
1.       “You Drive Me Nervous”
2.       “Yeah, Yeah, Yeah”
3.       “Dead Babies”
4.       “Killer”
 
LP Two: Live at Mar Y Sol Pop Festival, Puerto Rico (April 2, 1972)
Side One
1.       “Public Animal #9/Be My Lover” *
2.       “You Drive Me Nervous” *
3.       “Yeah, Yeah, Yeah” *
4.       “I’m Eighteen” *
 
Side Two
1.       “Halo Of Flies” *
2.       “Is It My Body?” *
 
LP Three: Live at Mar Y Sol Pop Festival, Puerto Rico (April 2, 1972)
Side One
1.       “Dead Babies” *
2.       “Killer” *
3.       “Long Way To Go” *
 
Side Two
1.       “Under My Wheels” *
Studio Extras
2.       “You Drive Me Nervous” (Alternate Version)
3.       “Under My Wheels” (Alternate Version)
4.       “Dead Babies” (Alternate Version)

To Pre-Order: https://store.rhino.com/en/rhino-store/artists/alice-cooper/

APRIL WINE: founding member Ritchie Henman writes his story

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Ritchie Henman was a founding member of legendary Canadian band April Wine. Formed in 1969 by Ritchie (drums), brother David (guitar, vocals), cousin Jim Henman (bass), and Myles Goodwyn (guitar, vocals). The band moved from Nova Scotia to Montreal early on with the hopes of landing gigs and a record deal, on the basis of a misunderstood response from a well known promoter. Ritchie and David Henman wrote and played on the first 3 albums, before leaving the band and moving on to other projects. In that time April Wine made an impact on the Canadian charts with such hits as “Fast Train”, “Could Have Been A Lady”, “Bad Side Of The Moon”, and “Drop Your Guns”. Ritchie also played on the excellent album by Cruiser – Rollin’ With The Times, from 1980.

Anyway, after all these years Ritchie Henman has written his own story in the newly released – High Adventure – Tales Of Canadian Rock & Roll Survival, which details his earliest days in Novav Scotia to his days as the original drummer in April Wine as the band was gaining popularity early on. On to the band The Dudes, Cruiser, and others, on to (presumably) his post-rock days.

High Adventure – Tales Of Canadian Rock & Roll Survival is available on Amazon, as well as the publisher’s site. For more info check out the links below.

*There will be a book launch for High Adventure, with Ritchie, at the Dorval Library on May 17. Go to http://www.ritchiehenman.com for more info and to register.

LINKS:

http://www.ritchiehenman.com

https://www.pottersfieldpress.com/

UNICORN’s Too Many Crooks, produced by David Gilmour to get reissue

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From 1971 to ’77 British folk-rock band UNICORN released 4 albums. Their most memorable being 1976’s Too Many Crooks, which was one of a few of their records to be produced by David Gilmour. Too Many Crooks was the band’s third album, but in Canada and the US, it was released as Unicorn 2, with different album artwork (the previous album Blue Pine Trees was issued as the band’s first, with a very similar cover to Unicorn 2). Too Many Crooks (or Unicorn 2) included the classic “No Way Out Of Here”, which David Gilmour would cover for his 1978 debut solo album, as well as the single. Gilmour is also credited with pedal-steel guitar on the title track. These guys were a mix of folk rock, country rock, and pop, with Too Many Crooks featuring 10 excellent songs written by Ken Baker, and added fine harmonies throughout the songs. Other favorites include “Ferry Boat”, “Easy” and “Weekend”. If you’re a fan of the likes of Poco, The Eagles, Crosby, Stills & Nash, you’d want to hear this. Too Many Crooks will be reissued on CD and Vinyl on May 12, via Think Like A Key Music. It will include liner notes by Dave Disano, rare photos, and the bonus track (outtake) “So Far Away”. *For more info check out the press release below, as well as links.

UK Country Rock Legends Unicorn’s Seminal Third Album Produced by Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour With It’s Reissue on CD & Vinyl

Enchanting British Folk-Rock and West Coast Vibes Return on May 12, 2023 courtesy of Think Like A Key Music

Unicorn’s captivating third album “Too Many Crooks,” produced by Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour, returns to delight fans and music aficionados alike with its reissue on CD and vinyl, set to release on May 12, 2023, through Think Like A Key Music. The album, originally released on EMI’s Harvest label in the UK and Capitol in the US, showcases the band’s unique blend of pastoral British folk-rock and evocative West Coast vibes.

The reissue invites listeners to immerse themselves in Ken Baker’s rich songwriting tapestry, woven together with Beatlesque melodies, tight performances, and a compelling sonic narrative. Tracks like the irresistible country-rock anthems “He’s Got Pride” and “In The Mood,” the funky groove of “Bullseye Bill,” and the tender, Big Star-esque title track effortlessly explore a diverse range of musical landscapes.

Although Unicorn’s proto-powerpop gem “Disco Dancer” did not achieve chart success, the haunting track “No Way Out Of Here” found a second life on David Gilmour’s debut album. This reissue is an essential piece of music history for any discerning music aficionado.

The album’s liner notes, written by Dave Disanzo, tell the story of Unicorn’s connection with David Gilmour, who not only produced the album but also played guitar on several tracks. “Too Many Crooks,” considered by many as Unicorn’s finest release, perfectly encapsulates the band’s brilliant songwriting, exquisite harmonies, masterful musicianship, and crystal-clear production.

The reissue includes rare session photos and lyrics, making it a must-have for fans and collectors. Don’t miss this opportunity to rediscover the enchanting sounds of Unicorn’s seminal third album.

About Unicorn: Unicorn was a renowned British rock band formed in 1971, originally known as The Senders. Their unique sound combined elements of country-rock, soft rock, and folk, creating a distinct and captivating musical experience. Discovered by David Gilmour of Pink Floyd, who took on the role of their producer and mentor, Unicorn consisted of talented musicians Ken Baker (guitar, keyboards, vocals), Pat Martin (bass, vocals), Peter Perrier (drums, vocals), and Kevin Smith (guitar, vocals). Throughout their career, the band released four critically acclaimed albums, garnering a dedicated fan base. Despite their undeniable talent and passion, Unicorn never achieved mainstream success, ultimately disbanding in 1980. Their legacy, however, continues to live on through their timeless music and the impact they had on their loyal listeners.

About Think Like A Key Music: Think Like A Key Music is an independent record label devoted to the promotion and production of frequently underrepresented music. The label’s objective is to produce timeless, inspiring, and uplifting music releases for an ever-evolving world. Possessing a wealth of experience and talent, Think Like A Key Music offers a fresh perspective to the music industry by crafting releases that resonate with listeners for years to come. We invite you to embark on a musical journey with us, exploring our diverse catalog, and uncovering new favorites as well as revisiting cherished classics.

To purchase: https://tlak.rocks/toomanycrooks

Links:

https://www.thinklikeakey.com/release/349647-unicorn-too-many-crooks

Unicorn

UNICORN 2 – Unicorn – Capitol ST 11453 –
Producer: David Gilmour – List: 6.98 A nice, mellow blend of laidback country flavored blues highlights the latest effort by Unicorn. Nothing takes predominance as vocals and instrumentals share all lead passages with equally effective results. A couple of rockers round out this musical picture in fine form. There’s AM in this record’s future while easy listening and possibly country outlets might wish to bite. Top listens include “Too Many Crooks“, “Keep On Going”, and “No Way Out Of Here”. – Cash-Box-1976-01-24

UNICORN 2 -Capitol ST -11453. Second LP from British
quartet produced by Pink Floyd member David Gilmour is a well done mix of goodtime rock (similar to ’60s British material), acoustic, harmonizing mid tempo cuts and even a country rock cut or two. Best cuts: “Weekend,” “He’s Got Pride,” “Keep On Going,” “Easy.” – Billboard 1976-01-24

Album of the Day: PARIS’, featuring Bob Welch

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PARIS was a power trio that included former Fleetwood Mac singer/guitarist Bob Welch, former Jethro Tull bass player Glenn Cornick, and former Nazz drummer Thom Mooney. Formed in 1975, following Welch’s departure from Fleetwood Mac, Paris released their first of two albums in January of ’76. As a major part of Fleetwood Mac for 4 albums, including such classics as “Hypnotized”, “Bermuda Triangle”, and “Sentimental Lady” – a track he’d lady re-record and have a hit as a solo artist. Anyway, Paris debut album would be a heavier, blues based – rockier album, Zeppelin influenced rather than more in tune with the Fleetwood Mac stuff. Glenn Cornick was a fitting heavy bass player, having played on the first few Tull albums, as well as Wild Turkey. Rockers like “Black Book”, “Religion”, “Nazarene”, and “Rock Of Ages” – all really good tracks, that should’ve appealed to those in to Zeppelin, Mountain, and perhaps Deep Purple. I love the recording on this record, produced & engineered by Jimmy Robinson, who’s later credits also included early Sammy Hagar, Detective, and Yesterday & Today. Check out cuts like “Narrow Gate” – with a number of changes, and Cornick’s bass sound jumping out, as well as “Beautiful Youth”, which sounds like it would’ve fit nicely on a previously Fleetwood Mac album, which makes sense as Welch wrote everything here.

Paris didn’t crack the Top 100 at the time (#103 in the US), I haven’t found much else on it, and there was no single from it. The band would release a follow up later than year with Hunt Sales replacing Mooney. Welch would later go on to a successful solo career, releasing a number of albums, and having a few it singles. When Fleetwood Mac was inducted into the R & R Hall of Fame in 1998 Welch was omitted, which was shameful,, IMO. Welch passed away in 2012, Cornick passed in 2014, Mooney took part in a one-off Nazz reunion for Rundgren Radio in 2019. The Paris album has been reissued a few times on CD, so shouldn’t be hard to find, and is well worth checking out.

PARIS, Capitol ST- 11464. The world of heavy metal boogie
gets a new power trio featuring guitarist- singer -writer Robert Welch, lately of Fleetwood Mac, with bassist -keyboardist Glen Cornick, an original member of Jethro Tull. The buzzsaw gui- tar leads and oh- so- cosmic lyrics remind one of the early Deep Purple at its most rambunctious. Best cuts: “Beautiful
Youth,” “Narrow Gate,” “Nazarene.”

LINKS:

https://www.bobwelch.com/about_paris.htm

http://www.cornick.org/

https://www.facebook.com/DumbDrumb

SAXON – More Inspirations, out now

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SAXON recently released a sequel to their 2021 covers’ album Inspirations. So, More Inspirations is 10 classic rock songs that have been been given the Saxon treatment. I do Not normally like or buy covers’ albums, but the 2 Saxon have made I am happy with. The band tends to choose plenty less-then obvious gems to include. They also keep the production simple, without adding things that are not part of the song or not part of the Saxon sound, hence there’ s no keyboards on the likes of “Gypsy” (Uriah Heep), or “Man On The Silver Mountain” (Rainbow), which is fine, both still sound great!.

Favorites here include the band’s takes on “Tales Of Brave Ulysses” (Cream), “Substitute” (The Who), “From The Inside” (Alice Cooper), and Nazareth’s “Razamanaz”, which suits Saxon & Biff’s voice perfectly! Love the band’s performances here, and Biff has one of the most recognizable voices in British rock. Well worth checking out!

LINKS:

http://sl-music.net/en/artists/saxon/releases-saxon/1042-moreinspirations

https://www.saxon747.com/

https://www.facebook.com/SaxonOfficial

Album of the Day: CHARLIE’s Fantasy Girls

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CHARLIE was a British band, that initially started out as a fairly hard-rock guitar band, and it’s the band’s 1976 debut album Fantasy Girls that is easily the best in their catalogue (IMO). The band here comprised of Terry Thomas (lead vocals, guitar), John Anderson (bass, backing vox), Steve Gadd (drums, percussion), and Martin Smith (guitar, backing vox). Fantasy Girls came with different covers for each side of the Atlantic; I prefer the UK version, subsequent albums would feature models on the covers, which were an improvement.

As for the songs, this album is full of great guitar, with plenty of different styles and blends, heavy in places, harmonies, melodies… Not quite an overly heavy band, but holding back with smooth production, and a variety of cuts. Some massive solos, like these guys were torn between wanting to be an-out 2-guitar hard-rock/metal act and vocally an American smooth sounding AOR band. Regardless, every track is good here, but highlights have to be the title track, as well as “Prisoners”, the single “TV Dreams”, and the closing straight ahead rocker “Summer Romances”.

There’s not a lot out there (that I could find) in the press, and I suspect it wasn’t huge at the time. No North American single. Follow up albums seemed to get somewhat softer and smoother (tho’ I do like No Second Chance and Good Morning America!). Fantasy Girls has been reissued a few times – including one from Renaissance Records in 2006 with Another cover! Drummer Stephen Gadd would go on to be a drum tech for Iron Maiden years later, and Terry Thomas would become a major producer, notably with Bad Company in the ’80s (notably with Tommy Shaw, Bad Company, Foreigner, Giant, and Tesla).

CHARLIE- Fantasy Girls, Columbia PC 34081. Good,
straight -ahead rock set from British quartet who approach rock in a simple, forward fashion. Good lead and good harmony and backup vocals, with lyric quality better than in most of the newer rock groups. Nothing extreme, as the band stays away from the heavy metal syndrome. More along the lines of some of the better fun rock of the ’60s. Best cuts: “Fantasy Girls,” “Don’t Let Me Down,” “First Class Traveller,” “Please Let Me Know,” “Summer Romances.” Dealers: Several potential singles here. – Billboard

CHARLIE: ‘Fantasy Girls’ (Polydor Super 2383 373)
When I saw Charlie on the Old Grey Whistle Test, I thought they were
tedious Their album, however, shows a much tighter control of the music then the live appearance. Their main problem scorns from a lack of originality. Their playing is competent but couldn’t be distinguished from the sound of a 101 other bands. Their lyrics aren’t exactly gripping either, le: “I have my dreams although I’m broke, acute skintitús is no joke.” That speaks for itself I think. – Rosalind Rusael, Record Mirror

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/340469967728769

Charlie. Fantasy Girls. UK Tour. Original Advert 1976 (ref AD11824)

Album of the Day: BAD BOY’s debut – The Band That Milwaukee Made Famous

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Years back I got The Best Of Bad Boy CD, and over the years I’ve picked up the band’s LP when I see them locally – which is scarce, since they were on a small label and not all of them got released outside of the US. However, the band’s first album is from 1977 with the interesting title of The Band That Milwaukee Made Famous, showing a camera with a photo of the band in front of the city’s welcoming sign. Recently I pulled this out, and it’s a really good late 70s American hard rock album! What’s notable is the presence of Steve Hunter (special guest) on guitar. Bad Boy (which evolved from Crossover) consisted of Steve Grimm and Joe Luchessi – both guitars/keys/vocals, as well as John Marcelli (bass) and Lars Hansen (drums), with this album being produced by Bob Brown, who’s credits included names such as Ray Manzarek (The Doors) and Alice Cooper (Welcome To My Nightmare). Interesting also that for being a local band, they were taken to California to record this at Warner Brothers Studios.

The Band That Milwaukee Made Famous highlights included “Disco”, a catchy funky rock tune, this was a single, and it should’ve been the album’s big hit. As well the heavy instrumental “Overture”, which strangely is the 2nd track on the album, it features a cool quiet built up organ intro and then some heavy cool guitar melodies. “I Gotta Move” is another good rock track with a bit of funk; this one and “Disco” both kinda feeling like they could fit on a Teaze album (Canadian band from the same late ’70s era). There’s a number of excellent songs, and lots of variance here from the opener “Last Rock And Roller” (that guitar solo reminding me of ‘Skynyrd), the acoustic rock of “Mindless Babbling”, the single (and more AOR-ish “Thinking Of You”, and straight ahead rock of “Shake Me Up”. If you’re into the likes of Teaze, Harlequin, Y & T, and Charlie, check this album out. And for whatever reason, none of the tracks here are included on the band’s 1998 Best Of release.

BAD BOY -The Band That Milwaukee Made Famous, United Artists UALA781G. This quartet of regional musicians has amassed a sizable legion of fans in Milwaukee. The music ranges from mainstream pop to driving rock sound enhanced by the presence of guitarist Steve Hunter. Best cuts: “I Gotta Move, “Machines,” “Thinking Of You, “Mindless Babbling.” – Billboard

THE BAND THAT MADE MILWAUKEE FAMOUS – Bad Boy, United Artists – UA-LA781-G – Producer: Bob Brown – It won’t be long before the rest of the world knows what Milwaukee is already aware of. From the city that brought you all that great beer comes this band of polished rockers with high energy and talent plugged directly into their amps. A guest appearance by guitar standout Steve Hunter is an added bonus in a package that features well -written arrangements and superior vocal treatments. An album that is accessible enough for pop and sophisticated enough for AOR. – CashBox

Links:

http://www.stevegrimmbadboy.com/

https://www.facebook.com/badboyrock.wi

Album Of The Day: BADFINGER’s Wish You Were Here

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The last Badfinger album released while the original band were all still alive. Wish You Were Here was the band’s 7th album, and their best, IMO. A Vast improvement to the band’s 1973 self-titled album, both in songs and production. With money from the band’s label (Warner Bros) unaccounted for (courtesy of their manager), the album was quickly pulled from the shelves and taken out of print. A shame as Wish You Were Here could’ve been huge! Sadly that missing money and the album being pulled, lead to the band’s eventual break-up and the tragic death of Pete Ham. But, it remains a classic from 1974, still sounding fresh and energetic, with favorite tracks like “Dennis”, “No One Knows”, “Just A Chance”, and “In The Meantime / Some Other Time”.

*A 2019 compilation titled So Fine (The Warner Bros Rarities) was issued on 2 LP red vinyl, which included alternate mixes of Wish You Were Here tracks on 1 LP, with (previously unreleased “Queen Of Darkness” subbed in for “King Of The Load”

WISH YOU WERE HERE – Badfinger –
Producer: Chris Thomas – Warner Bros. BS 2827
One of the most demonstrative British groups to take the country by storm, Badfinger continues its string of unique and challenging LP’s
with this dynamic collection of tunes guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and raise your spirits. Impeccable harmonies, crisp arrangements and excellent selection of material earmark this LP as a sure-fire winner. We like “Just a Chance,” “Meanwhile Back At The Ranch,” “Got To Get Out Of Here” and “Should I Smoke.” CashBox, 10/26/74

Links:

The Dramatic Conclusion of Badfinger… And the Lost Album You’ve Never Heard

https://ultimateclassicrock.com/badfinger-wish-you-were-here/

https://www.superseventies.com/spbadfinger2.html

SAXON release single/video for cover of “Razamanaz”

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British Heavy Metal legends SAXON unleash the high-octane second single, “Razamanaz”, from More Inspirations – out this Friday, March 24th via Silver Lining Music.

Following the release of Inspirations in 2021, More Inspirations is the second ‘deep dish’ serving of the influences which have fed the mighty Saxon’s immensely successful 40+ year career. The second single is a striking take on Nazareth’s “Razamanaz”.

Frontman Biff Byford comments “In the seventies we’d go and see Nazareth they were one of the premier touring hard rock bands. We were lucky to tour with them in 1980, they used to open the show with this song, it’s about the audience performed to an audience… brilliant stuff!”

Watch/Listen to the recently released “The Faith Healer”, the “making of” video directed by Jay Shredder,  at this location

Whether unveiling a sensational take on The Sensational Alex Harvey Band’s “The Faith Healer” (in the process showing the direct lineage from teenage turntables to international glory), getting feral with The Animal’s “We’ve Gotta Get Out Of This Place”, letting loose a high-octane take on Alice Cooper’s “From The Inside”, or laying down a ferocious tribute to KISS’ “Detroit Rock City”, More Inspirations is a joyous trip into the sounds which galvanized the Barnsley boys and continue to get spun on home stereos and tour buses.

Produced by vocalist/co-founder Biff Byford, with Seb Byford helping record the music alongside mixing engineer Jacky Lehmann, More Inspirations also includes enthusiastic takes on Alice Cooper, Rainbow, ZZ Top and Cream, as well as a thunderous “Razamanaz” by Nazareth, a tasty take on The Who’s “Substitute”, and a thick groove take on Uriah Heep’s “Gypsy”.

Whether this is your first dance with such classic songs, or you’ve come to see where Saxon were born, More Inspirations delivers the goods and then some.

Pre-order More Inspirations here

Links:

www.facebook.com/SaxonOfficial
www.instagram.com/saxon.official
www.twitter.com/SaxonOfficial
www.youtube.com/PlanetSaxon
www.saxon747.com