Tag Archives: Classic Rock

URIAH HEEP – Wonderworld (1974)

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Wonderworld was URIAH HEEP”s seventh studio album, released in 1974.. it was the band’s 4th (and last) one featuring the “classic line up” (Mick Box, David Byron, Ken Hensley, Gary Thain, Lee Kerslake) as Gary Thain would be let go before the next one (and tragically passed away not too long after that). Wonderworld was also the band’s 2nd album for Warner Bros in North America, which likely meant big things were expected following Sweet Freedom. I am probably (and presumably) one of the many who thinks this album is full of classic Heep tracks but due to its sound – find it hard to take regularly..

Wonderworld was the 2nd Heep.album to be recorded outside of the UK, this time in Munich, Germany, and again for tax reasons. The band used German engineers Hans Menzel and Reinhold Mack (better known for working on a number of Queen and ELO albums). Some band members would later cite that the recording abroad caused a lot of the friction and less than stellar outcome.

Many songs were based around Hensley’s dreams, as the title “Wonderworld” referred to. The album’s cover art would feature the band posed as statues, a cover designed by Graham Hughes (cousin to The Who’s Roger Daltrey, and who had designed a number of Who album covers). I actually liked this cover, though Hensley, in particular did not. Asked about album covers, he once stated “I particularly dislike Wonderworld and Conquest, but nowhere near as much as I hate Toe Fat 1“. Some years ago when Ken was being acknowledged with a new statue of himself, I responded on social media if he would be re-enacting his Wonderworld pose, to which he responded in capital letters that NO, he would not be. Mick Box, who misread things, did not send in shoes for the shoot, so he is the only member barefoot on the cover.

More so than Sweet Freedom, Wonderworld saw Heep producing shorter tunes, ditching the lengthy epics, but still offering up quite a variation of tunes. The album opened with the title track, featuring a grand intro from Hensley, coming down to a soft piano before David Byron’s vocals come in softly. A near ballad that soars up and down between the verses to chorus and back, and an underrated classic in the band’s catalogue. Side one also contained 2 rockers, the classic “Suicidal Man” and “So Tired”. “Suicidal Man”, a favorite, would return to the live set in 1980, when longtime Heep fan John Sloman joined, and recommended it to be included. “So Tired” perhaps reflected the band’s state at the time, having such a non-stop recording-touring schedule at the time. It reappeared in the band’s live set in the early 2000s. The first side also includes the fan favorite “Shadows And The Wind”, which starts out soft and builds up, with the Heep choir adding a unique arrangement towards the end. “The Easy Road” ends side 1; this piano based ballad featured strings arranged by Mike Gibbs. It’s interesting (to me) that this type of ballad pre-Kiss’ huge hit “Beth”, which came a year later, and that it was never issued as a single! It did feature in the band’s live set at the time, and has been brought back periodically over the last few decades.

Side 2 opens with upbeat rocker And single, “Something Or Nothing” This is one of my favorite songs here, and a shame it doesn’t get more attention. The band adds some slower blues rock, with the guitar heavy “I Won’t Mind”; this one may have been better geared to the live show, featuring multiple guitar solos, but it kinda falls short in being an epic here. The album’s last 2 tracks are again something different in “We Got We”, and somewhat eerie (musically) closing track “Dreams”. The latter, again, was a chance where the band might’ve expanded this into something greater, like most closing tracks that came before, but instead it just ends with vocal lines mixed in from the track “Dreamer” (from the previous album), before grinding to a halt. All seeming a bit rushed, But not bad.

The single “Something For Nothing” was backed with the non-LP “What Can I Do”, a decent cut, that could’ve easily substituted for a few album cuts. The band’s 25th Anniversary box set Time Of Revelation, also included 2 outtakes from these sessions, the excellent acoustic track “Stones Throw”, as well as “Love, Hate, and Fear”, which sounds somewhat unfinished.

Despite a big promotional campaign and world tour, Wonderworld was seen as a disappointment to many fans, and is still a controversial album for some, due to the drop in sales, the aftermath of the album. It may not sit top 10 with many Heep fans (does it?), but it was the last Uriah Heep album to chart on the Billboard’s top 40 albums (only Return To Fantasy and Abominog would break the top 100). Wonderworld did reach the top 10 in a number of European countries, and #31 in Canada. It also made fans and influenced the likes of A-HA’s Morten Harket, and German guitarist/songwriter Axel Rudi Pell. The band were featured on US TV, filmed live at Shepperton studios (which was later transferred to being a live album release). Live At Shepperton featured a number of tracks from Wonderworld. A shame there was no 2nd single from this album, as the band went on break following the electric shock suffered by Gary Thain in Dallas on the Wonderworld tour, followed by his firing. But 1975 would become another very busy year for the band, between a line up change, new album, and solo projects.

Wonderworld is being reissued (again) as part of the 5-disc box The Shadow And The Wind – 1973-1974, in November.

WONDERWORLD – Uriah Heep – Warner Bros. W 2800
Always in demand as a top concert draw, Uriah Heep has proven over the past few years that it is indeed a viable’ recording act as well. With several Gold disks behind them, the fellows in Uriah Heep have reached a plateau of success that gets brighter and brighter with each new piece of work. Certainly this LP with its accent on strong bass and lead guitar riffs (not to mention Davey Byron’s vocals) will attract even more devotees to the Heep fold. Best cuts off this stunner are “The Easy Road,’ “Something Or Nothing,- and the mind boggling title track. (CashBox, 29-06-74)

URIAH HEEP-Warner Bros. WB 7836
SOMETHING OR NOTHING (prod. by Gerry Bron/
Bronze) (WB, ASCAP)
From their “Wonderworld” of hard rock, the group’s strongest single effort since switching labels. Gutsy get -down still leaves room for quite a catchy melody riff. (Record World, 1974-08-03)

Uriah Heep/WONDERWORLD/Warner Bros. ( Past Uriah work
has included some decent writing. Their power wasn’t excessive because of the substance. Here the power is empty as it drives too many songs with no reason to exist. Flabby.) (Walrus, 07-10-74)

Uriah Heep – Wonderworld

10 Classic Band Photo Album Covers

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This is the first 10 I’ve selected of classic album covers that feature a photo of the band on the cover. Not all album covers featuring the band on the front cover are interesting or memorable, but I think these 10 are a good start. If you have any suggestions for the next 10 (or further), let me know in the comments. (Actual photos, not drawings or separate photos put together).

Alice Cooper – Love It To Death (1971)

One of 2 early AC album covers that featured the band on the front cover, and really, what inspired me to start this list. Released in March of 1971, and featuring the band’s breakout hit “I’m 18”. This came in a black & white gatefold sleeve, with the band on the front, photographed by Roger Paul Prigent, who also shot cover photos for Nancy Wilson (jazz singer) and Barbara Streisand. A classic shot, with the band around their lead singer, in cape, with a black backdrop lit up with a spotlight. The cover shot originally saw Alice sticking his thumb out of above his cape, which some took as an obscene gesture, thus subsequent reprints air-brushed out the thumb or cropped it out.

Lynyrd Skynyrd – Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd (1973)

The debut album from Southern rock’s greatest band. This album featured classics – “Free Bird”, “Tuesday’s Gone”, “Simple Man”… The cover photo taken on Main Street, in Jonesboro, Georgia, after a day of photography (other shots used for publicity). A casual shot of the band on the sidewalk, against a local business, was taken by the photography team of Emerson-Loew (Sam Emerson, Anthony Loew).

The Who –Who’s Next (1971)

My favorite Who album, and arguably their best, with “Baba O’Riley”, “Won’t Get Fooled Again”, “Bargain”, “Behind Blue Eyes”… This classic cover shot taken of the band, by Ethan Russell, who’s cover photo credits include The Beatles, Spooky Tooth, and Burton Cummings, among others. I’ve added a link to the story, as told by Russell below. https://www.loudersound.com/features/album-artwork-the-who-whos-next

Beatles – Abbey Road (1969)

The Beatles iconic cover, a photo of the band on the cross-walk, in front of Abbey Road Studios. Taken by Scottish photographer Iain Macmillan, who only took a half dozen of the band, in a short period of time, as it was a busy roadway. Macmillian also took cover shots for John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Kenny Rogers & The First Edition. The Abbey Road photo was also recreated by the band New York City, Soulful Road, 1974 (also by Macmillian), as well as Booker T & The MGs, McLemore Avenue (the band’s 1970 album that covers the songs on Abbey Road). The crosswalk is a popular place apparently for tourists to be photographed at as well. *I’ve added a link to an in-depth feature on the album cover, as well as a link to the outtakes.

https://www.radiox.co.uk/artists/beatles/the-beatles-abbey-road-album-cover-facts-meaning/

https://web.archive.org/web/20050219004220/http://www.norwegianwood.org/beatles/english/abbey2.html#

Uriah Heep – Sweet Freedom (1973)

Fin Costello photographed URIAH HEEP a number of times over the years, notably for the Live January 1973 insides, which in turn inspired the KISS Alive packaging. The Sweet Freedom cover, by the legendary Peter Corriston marked a new beginning for the band, having switched to a new record label, as well as getting away from the fantasy themes of their previous 2 albums. Costello took this cover shot at the Chateau in France, (where the album was recorded). Note Lee Kerslake’s left arm hidden behind Ken Hensley, as he had an injury, and Mick was actually holding it up,

Golden Earring – Contraband (1976)

Contraband was the Dutch rockers 12th studio album, as it preceded the classic double Live album. It was the band’s lowing charting album in their homeland since the 1969, but still making the top 10 there. Included the hit “Bombay”, as well as classics “Fightin’ Windmills” and “Mad Love’s Comin'”. The cover photo of the band’s 5 piece line-up, which included guitarist Eelco Gelling, was taken by the legendary Dutch photographer, Ronnie Hertz (RIP, 2024). Hertz had photographed the band for their 1969 album On The Double, as well as photographing the model for the classic Moontan cover. Not totally sure what’s happening here, with bandmembers all decked out in different costumes, making for an odd ‘band’ photo. Released in Canada and the US as Mad Love with a totally different cover.

New York Dolls – New York Dolls (1973)

The debut album from the NEW YORK DOLLS. These guys pre-dated the likes of KISS and TWISTED SISTER with the trashy outfits and make-up, as is here on the cover, taken by Toshi Matsuo. Must’ve been a shocker for that era. This album would feature the band’s 2 best known songs – “Looking For A Kiss” and “Personality Crisis”.

April Wine – First Glance (1978)

Canada’s APRIL WINE had already had a number of hits here before their US (Capitol) breakthrough album First Glance, which included the hit “Roller”. And while the Canadian (Aquarius) version of the LP featured artwork done by the label’s in-house artist (Bob Lemm), who had done most of the band’s previous covers, the US version featured the classic debut shot of the new 3-guitar line-up, having recently added Brian Greenway. The same cover photo would be used by Aquarius for the band’s Greatest Hits album, as well as later CD compilations.

Max Webster – High Class In Borrowed Shoes

One of Canada’s most underrated great bands of the 70s. This is MAX WEBSTER’s 2nd of a 6 album run in that decade. High Class In Borrowed Shoes would feature the hit “Diamonds Diamonds”. The cover was a design by Bob King and Hugh Syme (who also worked on a few Max Webster labelmate Rush covers), with photography by David Street. It’s the cover photo, with each bandmember dressed so oddly and different to one another, that makes a huge impression here.

PETER GOALBY announces a new solo album (w/ special guests)

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PETER GOALBY, former URIAH HEEP and TRAPEZE singer, has announced his 3rd solo album of ‘new’ previously unreleased songs written and recorded after he left Heep. Don’t Think This Is Over features 9 songs, as well as a few former bandmates guesting. Just to be clear, over the last few months Peter let out a few of these songs on Youtube, but these songs have all been worked on for this release, withoverdubs and solos added, making them more than just the demos you might have heard or would think. It is safe to that if you liked Peter’s Easy With The Heartaches or I Will Come Runnin’ – you will definitely enjoy this! Artwork was done (as part of a series) by Michael Inns. Please read to the bottom, as Peter has more news to share. *Ordering link below!

“Hello everyone, great news, I am one happy bunny. I would like to tell you all about my new Album to be released December 5th 2025. Title is DONT THINK THIS IS OVER . (on Cherry Red) Songs written and recorded after I left Heep. We have spent the last few weeks overdubbing and adding some more to the tracks. We have used the same winning formula of Paul Hodson and Eddy Morton.  I have also had some help from special guests. I know you will be excited when I tell you who they are lets just say old friends for now. This time no co-writes all Goalby tunes which I hope you are going to love .”

Peter has also given his insight and some recall into the tracks featured on the new album –

I’ll Be The One

I don’t remember to much about this other than I was thinking Bryan Adams. I wanted to write it in his style .  ? Lots of guitars and a good guitar theme.

Don’t Think This Is Over

Yes you guessed it Foreigner. Loved it they were such a great influence on all of us British Bands…Great Band .The Singer Sounds a bit like me LOL LOL

The Sound Of A Nation

Well, where did that come from my god. Lyrics perfect for someone to record today. I often wonder where the words came from. Sometimes they just came out from nowhere I just sang them. I sent it to my dear friend  Mick Box . He loved it so much he asked if he could play on it . No sooner said than done Mick thank you . If I had any money I would pay you lots great Solo!

Another Paper Moon

Did I write such a song? I always loved the Title Paper Moon it’s an old song from a movie of the same name, as is Poor Little Rich Girl . So I thought I will write Another Paper Moon LOL .  I sent it to John Parr a couple of months ago, he said he filled up and got goose bumps. (Thank you my dear friend John). We wrote 3 songs together for his Man With A Vision Album back in the day. I also sent it to Mick Box. He said he never realized I had that other voice and could sing like that. Again thank you Micky Box X.

It’s Just My Heart Breakin‘

Well no prizes here . Only 2 words – Tina Turner  LOL. “If you hear the Thunder as you walk away Don’t worry darling , Every Thing Is OK . Its Just My Heart Breakin’ !!!!!!”  Am I mad or can you hear her singing it  ??

Show Some Emotion

I love the emotion of the song . The 2 part harmony I do . I imagine this song as a Rock Duet Boy Girl .  Leather Jackets all the way .

Heart What Heart

I wanted to write a song that Dusty Sprinfield would sing . I just love Dusty (waving her arms about LOL ) I think I captured the 60s vibe. Can you dance to it? Yes you can Mini Skirts everywhere . I can see her LOL.

Fallin’ Apart

I was so proud of this song. I have a Diamond Disc on my wall from 80.000 sales in  Norway. The band Smokie recorded it on an album. I gained a couple more Discs when I was in Heep.

I Don’t Wanna Fight

Well , How long have you got. One of my favorite compositions it really is. I did a great demo of this at the time which got lost. This song got me a record deal with RAK records . We recorded it . Micky Most Produced it and lost the magic of the song.  I have not played it for many years although I love the song, the arrangement was pretty awful. My Dear friend John Sinclair also loves the song . Recently John did a brand new arrangement for me, A complete new backing-track with a modern vibe WOW! what a difference. We put the original vocal on the new track. I got my dear friend Pete Kent (who I have known since he was 8 years old) to do the guitars and a great solo on the track. I think the song now has legs and I am convinced we will get a cover by one of today’s artists. Fingers Crossed!

I hope this has let you in to my writing world and that you will enjoy the Album.

AND there is more to come from Peter: “I have one more project to do before I close the book. Its a Rock Album which I am hoping to release next year. Recorded in 1980 this is Peter Goalby’s DESTINY…FINGERS IN THE FIRE”.

More to come on Destiny, as well as Peter recalls his short time in RAINBOW!

https://www.cherryred.co.uk/peter-goalby-don-t-think-this-is-over-cd

JAZZ SABBATH Live – RSD release

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The first live recording of longtime Black Sabbath/Ozzy Osbourne keys and guitar player Adam Wakeman’s project JAZZ SABBATH. Eleven Black Sabbath songs re-imagined as classic jazz tracks.
On the three studio albums released by Jazz Sabbath, the trio are backed up by additional musicians on brass, horns, guitars and a wide range of key instruments. Jazz Sabbath’s live shows are basic and raw, with just an upright bass, drums and a grand piano. In this set-up the trio takes these songs into long, elaborate improvisation sessions, miles from the versions they recorded in the studio, not knowing if songs like Rat Salad will be seven minutes long, or fourteen.
This live album was recorded at the legendary Paradox Jazz Club in Tilburg, The Netherlands, twenty-five shows into their 2025 tour, and shows Jazz Sabbath at their best. It’s available as part of RSD Black Friday at indie record stores as a double album pressed on translucent orange vinyl, in an exclusive gatefold sleeve.

Tracklist
A1 Black Sabbath
A2 The Wizard
A3 War Pigs
B1 Behind the Wall of Sleep
B2 Iron Man
B3 Fairies Wear Boots
C1 Hole in the Sky
C2 Paranoid
C3 Into the Void
D1 Rat Salad
D2 Children of the Grave

ALICE COOPER – LA Forum Live 1975 to get RSD release

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In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Alice Cooper’s debut solo record Welcome To My Nightmare comes this previously unreleased live show from the Forum, recorded June 17, 1975. The tour was categorized as one of the most over-the-top excursions of the era. From Rhino, 11/28/2025

Tracklist
SIDE ONE:
1. Welcome To My Nightmare
2. Years Ago
3. No More Mr. Nice Guy
4. Years Ago
5. Billion Dollar Babies
6. Years Ago
7. I’m Eighteen
SIDE TWO:
1. Years Ago
2. Some Folks
3. Cold Ethyl
4. Only Women Bleed
SIDE THREE:
1. Devil’s Food
2. The Black Widow
3. Steven
SIDE FOUR:
1. Welcome To My Nightmare (Reprise)
2. Escape
3. School’s Out
4. Department Of Youth

TWO WOLF release new album

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TWO WOLF is the Southern rock band formed by Blackfoot bass player Greg T. Walker, and features guitarists/vocalists Lance Lopez (Supersonic Blues Machine) and Kris Bell, as well as drummer Rusty Valentine. Their 11 track album was released on CD (via Cleopatra) in June, with a vinyl version coming in soon. Two Wolf is a guitar heavy band, with cuts like “Keep On Movin'”, “The Wrong Road”, and “Great Spirit” all easily likeable heavy tunes. There’s also 3 Blackfoot remakes here – “Too Hard To Handle”, “Diary Of A Working Man”, and “Fox Chase”.

Anyway, if you’re a Blackfoot fan, a Southern rock fan, or just looking for some cool heavy guitar rock check this out! (Original press info below)

TWO WOLF UNLEASHES SELF-TITLED DEBUT ALBUM
-Southern Hard Rock Titans Deliver a Ferocious Modern Take on Classic Grit-
Southern Hard Rock torchbearers Two Wolf are set to make their thunderous debut with their self-titled album, “Two Wolf,” dropping June 6, 2025, on Cleopatra Records. A gritty, groove-soaked storm of soaring guitars, swampy rhythms, and raw vocal fire, this release marks a bold new chapter in American rock music.
Founded by Greg T. Walker, the legendary bassist of Southern Rock pioneers Blackfoot and former member of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Two Wolf unites a powerhouse lineup including fiery guitarists and frontmen, Lance Lopez and Kris Bell, and hard-hitting drummer Rusty Valentine. Together, they blend Southern soul, hard-edged blues, and blistering rock ‘n’ roll into a sound that’s both reverent and rebellious.
“This record is about reclaiming what rock was always meant to be — loud, honest, and unapologetically real,” says Walker. “We’re carrying the torch for the legends while forging something fresh for a new generation of fans.”

LINKS:

http://www.twowolfmusic.com

https://www.facebook.com/twowolftheband

https://www.instagram.com/two_wolf_official/

ALAN WHITE – solo album Ramshackled, remastered & expanded (out now)

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A NEW REMASTERED AND EXPANDED EDITION OF THE LEGENDARY 1976 SOLO ALBUM BY YES DRUMMER ALAN WHITE.

·       REMASTERED FROM THE ORIGINAL TAPES.

·       FEATURING STEVE HOWE AND JON ANDERSON.

·       RESTORES THE ORIGINAL ALBUM ARTWORK.

·       WITH ILLUSTRATED BOOKLET AND NEW ESSAY.

Originally released in March 1976 when members of Yes were each exploring solo projects, Ramshackled showcased some of the finest session musicians in Britain, including keyboard player Kenny Craddock, guitarist Pete Kirtley and bassist Colin Gibson (both of whom had played with Alan in the short-lived bands Happy Magazine and Griffin in the late 1960s). The album also featured guest appearances from Jon Anderson and Steve Howe on the track Spring-Song of Innocence.

This new edition of Ramshackled has been remastered from the original master tapes and adds the single versions of Ooh Baby (Goin’ to Pieces) and One Way Rag as bonus tracks (making their first appearance on CD). Presented with an illustrated booklet and new essay, it stands as the definitive edition of this unique album.

“The track is beautiful, Jon sounds great. It’s a most noteworthy idea to re-release it now, 50 years later. I’m sure the ‘YES’ fans will love it!”
Steve Howe (on Spring-Song Of Innocence)

“Mystical and a wonderful memory. Such a peaceful event for me.”
Jon Anderson

It is most unique to have both Jon Anderson and Steve Howe endorse such a release – underlining its special place within the extended Yes legacy.

https://www.cherryred.co.uk/alan-white-ramshackled-remastered-and-expanded-cd-edition

Track Listing

1.    Ooh Baby (Goin’ to Pieces)

2.    One Way Rag

3.    Avakak

4.    Spring-Song of Innocence

5.    Giddy

6.    Silly Woman

7.    Marching into a Bottle

8.    Everybody

9.    Darkness Parts 1 – 3

Bonus tracks
10. Ooh Baby (Goin’ to Pieces) (single version)
11. One Way Rag (single version)

ATOMIC ROOSTER – Made In England (1972)

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As I recently had the privilege of interviewing Steve Bolton and Paul Everett to discuss the upcoming new Atomic Rooster album. It was an interesting and lengthy discussion on the band and mainly their current happenings. But, until I’m done editing, I thought I’d take up a retro review on the band’s 1972 album Made In England, which featured Bolton on guitar. ….

On ATOMIC ROOSTER’s 4th album, the line up changed once again, with Steve Bolton now on guitar, and singer Chris Farlowe replacing Pete French. Farlowe already had a lengthy career going back to the early 60s, recording with various bands and as a solo artist, but was a more soul and blues singer and writer. He’d also been (and still is) with COLOSSEUM. And although Atomic Rooster may have gained a reputation as being a heavier, darker sounding band (early proto-metal) on their previous albums, Farlowe brought with him some of that soul and funk influence, as Made In England took a bit of a turn from the earlier albums.

Like most Atomic Rooster albums, Made In England came with different covers from country to country. In Canada and the USA, the album came with very detailed piece from American artist Abe Gurvin, who had done covers for The Mothers of Invention, Jimmy Smith, Bread, and many different genres of music during the late 60s to early 70s. In other countries, Made In England came in a denim wrapped cover, which varied in color depending on the country. The denim cover was designed by Mike Gill, and I gotta wonder if anyone out there has collected them all!? (I have not pictured all different colors below).

While Vincent Crane wrote the bulk of this album, it also featured contributions from other members, with (drummer) Ric Parnell and (guitarist) Steve Bolton each adding 2 cuts, Parnell penned and sang the excellent slower heavy psych rock of “Little Bit Of Inner Air” and the evil titled “All In Satan’s Name”, a rocker that is lead by Crane’s organ playing, while both tracks are highlighted by heavy solos from Bolton. The guitarist would contribute the stand out “Space Cowboy” (a b-side to “Save Me”, that wound up on the next LP); musically fits it’s title, as well as the slower “Never To Lose”; somewhat of a ballad that builds up and then comes back down, again, featuring a heavy solo from Bolton, and so suited for Chris Farlowe’s big voice. “Never To Lose” has also been reworked and rerecorded for the band’s upcoming new album Circle The Sun.

Vincent Crane, aside from organ and piano throughout this, would also add orchestration arrangements, notably on the first 2 cuts “Time Take My Life” and the funk rock of “Stand By Me”. The latter was issued as a single, and I’m sure if this was Rare Earth in the US, it might’ve been a hit in North America. The added soul and funk influence also comes up in tracks like “People You Can’t Trust” with it’s added gospel-like backing voices, and “Close Your Eyes”, featuring piano, and having a pretty upbeat feeling, between Farlowe’s vocals and the backing vocals, and “Breathless”, with it’s jazzy piano, and featuring a powerful guitar break thrown in for added weight, before dropping back to the piano.

Made In England was certainly a new direction for the band, and perhaps an underrated gem of early 70s progressive rock. Although the album didn’t chart well in the UK or US, it did reach #60 in Canada, and #42 in Australia. Bolton left not too long after, and formed Headstone, and later toured with The Who and Paul Young. The band recorded one more album, Nice ‘n’ Greasy (aka as ‘IV‘ in North America), before disbanding until a new line-up emerged in 1980. Later CD reissues of this album would add bonus tracks, notably the band’s BBC performances in ’72.

Two New LPs From Elektra
Elektra Records will soon release new albums by Atomic Rooster and Casey Kelly. “Made In England” is the third album by Atomic Rooster to be released in this country. The group is headed by Vincent Crane, former organist for the Crazy World of Arthur Brown and composer of his greatest hit, “Fire.” This album marks the first appearance with the group of their newest member, Chris Farlowe, who is now their lead singer. The LP contains Rooster’s current single, “Stand By Me.” A tour for the group is being planned for November. (Cashbox, 08-26-72)

ATOMIC ROOSTER – Made In England. Elektra EKS 75039 Although A.R has previously only attracted a small following of self -proclaimed anglo- philes their future now appears bright and their destiny obvious. The acquisition of Chris Farlow as lead singer is a coup to be envied and admired. Farlowe is no musical novice; his credentials are legion his suc- cesses legendary. Group organizer and or- ganist Vincent Crane is again treading upon virginal musical territory. Best cuts are “Little Bit of Inner Air,” and “Breathless.” (Billboard, 09-09-72)

MADE IN ENGLAND- ATOMIC ROOSTER-Elektra 75039
Chris Farlowe, Ric Parnell, Vincent Crane and Steve Bolton present the third installment of their unique brand of heavy British rock. Eleven cuts meant to be played at only the highest volumes, and sure to test the eardrums of all good Rooster fans. (Record World, 09-09-72)

DEEP PURPLE – Seven Decades of, by Martin Popoff

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Canadian rock writer Martin Popoff has a new book on DEEP PURPLE, coming out October 28. Popoff has penned a number of Deep Purple and related books, notably Gettin Tighter (2005) and Castle Full Of Rascals (2009). *Check out book info below, as well as ordering link at the bottom.

Dive into the saga of Deep Purple and unravel the untold stories behind the legendary band, from their groundbreaking albums to their tumultuous journey through rock history to the present.

Seven Decades of Deep Purple tells the electrifying story of one of the most iconic bands in rock history.

From the band’s explosive formation in 1968 to the classic Mk. II lineup—Gillan, Blackmore, Glover, Lord, and Paice—and through all the iterations to the present day, this book delves deep into the band that brought the world unforgettable hits like “Hush,” “Speed King,” “Child in Time,” “Smoke on the Water,” “Highway Star,” “Burn,” and “Perfect Strangers.”

Through nearly 50 interviews by the author with Purple alumni, plus dozens more with others who are part of this story, readers will journey through the group’s formation, lineup changes, album sessions, and live performances, with the narrative emerging as the story of creativity itself, a tale enhanced by the use of over 450 images.

Album by album, it’s Deep Purple’s music that gives this book its solid-rock foundation. Starting with 1968’s Shades of Deep Purple, the book discusses all their genre-defining albums, including In Rock, Fireball, Machine Head, Burn, Purpendicular, Whoosh!, and 2024’s =1.

Seven Decades of Deep Purple captures the essence of a band whose influence transcended generations and shaped the sound of modern rock.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to their music, this book is a must-read for anyone wanting to explore the legacy of one of rock’s most enduring and relentlessly vital and creative forces.

https://schifferbooks.com/products/seven-decades-of-deep-purple?srsltid=AfmBOopUfFQIenrLF6_u2XgdIkobuVwunp7tlJwwKCtdqnrYFm5Q_B5h

PURPENDICULAR (feat. Ian Paice) announce new album ‘Banned’

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PURPENDICULAR, the band named after one of my favorite Deep Purple albums, and also features Ian Paice , on drums, have their 4th album ‘Banned‘ coming out on October 4th! Check out the bio below, as well as the 2 videos released so far, band photos, and links below.

In the hot summer of 2024, PURPENDICULAR decided to write their fourth album in a remote village high in the mountains near Porto, Portugal.

The concept was agreed on the first night, but that concept took a twist when the devastating fires took place that very evening, putting the lives of the band in grave danger.

The band were rescued off the mountain from their villa, to a safer option and to an alternative accommodation, where they spent the night watching the fires rage on the veranda.

It was here titles and more ideas came to fruition, to add to the already conceptual theme of Banned, which summarizes today’s sensitive culture, in that the slightest wrong word can get you banned, adding the pun Banned with the last two letters before the last D in the word being crossed out equaling the word BAND.

With all this in mind and the whole band in agreement, it was then decided to add an autobiographical theme also, telling the story of events as they unfolded that treacherous night where many people lost their lives and homes.

The final recordings of the album were completed in Italy, Poland, and the UK. The record is produced by Alessandro Debiaggi and Robby Thomas Walsh. It is a fresh modern look back at the ’70s! It is advised to play this record very loud!

Line-up:  
Robby Thomas Walsh (Ireland) – vocals (Roger Glover, Tony Carey, Joe Lynn Turner)
Ian Paice (UK) – drums (Deep Purple, Whitesnake, Gary Moore)
Murray Gould (UK) – guitars (Eric Clapton, Elton John, Joe Bonomassa)
Alessandro Debiaggi (Italy) – keyboards (has toured with Ian Paice Purpendicular since 2022)
Mauricio Torchio (Italy) – bass (has toured with Ian Paice Purpendicular since 2022, here replacing the unavailable Nick Fyffe)

LINKS:
www.facebook.com/PDworldwide 
www.youtube.com/@linxband

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