Blanket Of Secrecy - Ears Have Walls (1982)

Blanket of Secrecy (BoS) was a British new wave trio that existed for a short time in the early 1980s. The band is notable for the fact that the band members, true to their band name, were never officially identified, using only the pseudonyms Tinker, Tailor and Soldier. This led to some speculation in the music press regarding their true identity. Their music was synthpop, similar to their contemporaries A Flock of Seagulls, although comparisons to The Attractions (Elvis Costello's backing band) were also made.
All three BoS members had a hand in Carlene Carter's “C'est C Bon” record from 1983. Bechirian produced, and all three played on the album, as well as co-writing two of the songs. Bechirian also produced Nick Lowe's 1983 album “The Abominable Showman”, which featured backing vocals from Marsh and a Marsh–Howell song called "Cool Reaction". Peter Marsh´s musical career goes back at least to 1974, when he released a record with brother-in-law Ken Nicol under the name Nicol and Marsh (a/k/a Nicol & Marsh's Easy Street). They then changed their name to Easy Street and put out two records in 1976 and 1977. Their last record together was a 1978 release called simply Nicol & Marsh. Marsh's next project was Twist, which put out one record called This is Your Life (1979). Between then and BoS, he also worked with Vangelis and Manfred Mann's Earth Band, and released a solo single. Roger Bechirian is a noted producer, having worked with Elvis Costello, Squeeze, Nick Lowe, Dave Edmunds, Carlene Carter, Trash Can Sinatras, and the reunited Monkees. Andrew Howell is best known for having co-written The Monkees' reunion single "Heart and Soul", from Pool It!. He co-wrote and played many of the instruments on Simon Byrne's album Dream Crazy. He also played bass on Robert Ellis Orrall's Contain Yourself. Prior to BoS Andrew was also the bass player in South London punk band The Red Lights. The band's lone LP was titled “Walls Have Ears” in the UK, and “Ears Have Walls” in the US. The group can been seen in shadow on the album's back cover, and more clearly in the video for the associated single "Say You Will". Released in 1982, the album and single received some airplay on both sides of the Atlantic. At the time Ears Have Walls was recorded, BoS also reportedly recorded an entire second album, which has yet to see the light of day. The band broke up before the record could be released.

Track listing

01. "Say You Will"  (Tinker, Spy)  - 4:03) 
02. "Young Heart"  (Tinker, Tailor)  - 3:42)
03. "Love Me Too"  (Tinker, Tailor)  - 2:46)
04. "Remember Me and You"  (Tinker, Tailor)  - 3:24)
05. "Long Cool Glass"  (Tinker, Tailor)  - 3:35)
06. "Photograph"  (Tinker, Tailor)  - 4:46)
07. "Yo Yo"  (Tinker, Sailor)  - 3:19)
08. "Close To Me"  (Tinker)   - 4:16)
09. "Something I Don't Need"  (Tinker, Tailor)  - 3:02)
10. "Tell Me Baby"  (Tinker, Tailor)  - 3:29)
11. "Lovers"  (Hues, De Spig)  - 4:52) 
12. "B.O.S. Theme"  (Tinker, Tailor, Soldier)  - 3:24)

Credits
Pete Marsh ("Tinker") – vocals and guitar
Roger Bechirian ("Soldier") – keyboards, backing vocals, percussion
Andy Howell ("Tailor") – bass and backing vocals
Additional musicians:
Hogg - saxophone
Jack Hues - arrangements on "Lovers"

Notes
Recorded at Ampro Studios and Rockfield Studios
Mixed at Rockfield
Assistant engineers, Rob Keyloch at Ampro and Paul Cobbold at Rockfield
Originally mastered by Aaron Chakraverty at The Master Room
Produced and Directed by Roger Bechirian
Genre:  New Wave, Synth-pop
Length:  44:09
Label:  F-Beat / Warner Bros.

© 1982

Suicide - Alan Vega and Martin Rev (1980)

“Suicide: Alan Vega and Martin Rev” is the second studio album by the American band Suicide. The album was produced by Ric Ocasek of The Cars for Ze Records in 1980. Recorded in January 1980, Ocasek gave keyboardist Martin Rev new equipment to perform on, while Alan Vega distanced himself from the album musically to concentrate on the vocals. Michael Zilkha of Ze, pushed to give the album a more dance music oriented sound, hoping that disco musician Giorgio Moroder would produce the album. After a tour opening for the group The Cars, Alan Vega received a call from Michael Zilkha of Ze Records asking if he could sign Suicide to his label. Zilkha gave producer Ric Ocasek a copy of Donna Summer's "I Feel Love" single stating that that song is what Suicide should sound like. “Suicide: Alan Vega and Martin Rev” was produced without pay by Ocasek at the Power Station studios. Power Station was a very expensive studio at that time and was used by acts such as Chic and Bruce Springsteen. The album was recorded in January 1980.

Ocasek had provided the group with new equipment when in the studio, many of which keyboardist Martin Rev had not played before production had started. Bruce Springsteen was recording an album next door to Suicide and visited them during the production of the album. Alan Vega was less involved with this album musically in comparison to their previous album stating that the music was more of a collaboration of Ocasek and Rev while Vega "concentrated on the vocals". The songs "Harlem" and "Touch Me" were written and being performed after the production of the release of the duo's first album. The album was released in May 1980 and was listed on the NME's top albums of the year.

Track listing

01.  "Diamonds, Fur Coat, Champagne"  - 3:21
02.  "Mr. Ray (to Howard T.)"  - 5:14
03.  "Sweetheart"  - 3:37
04.  "Fast Money Music"  - 3:08
05.  "Touch Me"  - 4:24
06.  "Harlem"  - 6:38
07.  "Be Bop Kid"  - 2:13
08.  "Las Vegas Man"  - 4:10
09.  "Shadazz"  - 4:25
10.  "Dance"  - 3:23

Credits
Alan Vega – vocals
Martin Rev – electronics
Ric Ocasek – producer
Larry Alexander – engineer
Tony Wright – cover art
Producer: Ric Ocasek

Notes
Recorded January 1980 at Power Station Studios, New York City
All songs written by Martin Rev and Alan Vega
Genre:  Experimental Electronic, New York Punk
Length:  40:33
Label:  ZE Records

© 1980

King Harry - Divided We Stand (1977)

Little is known about british trio, King Harry. The band landed a deal with the largely progressive rock oriented label, Harvest Records.

It comes as quite a surprise that King Harry should appear on their roster in 1977. King Harry was hardly a prog act, though there is a certain quirkiness that puts them outside of mainstream rock. Sounding somewhat like fellow brits, Charlie, the band blends shifting chord structures and time signatures with a rather obtuse sense of melody. The band did tour for a short time in 1978, but virtually vanished after Harvest pulled the plug on their contract. The subsequent and current activities of the members is unknown.

With the exception of the fabulous "Dear Matthew" and "Dressed Up To Kill", most of the tracks are lacking a clear hook. Though this unique sound made for a fairly distinct identity, it certainly did not translate into record sales. Easily found in european record shops, this release is among the more elusive albums here in the states.

Track listing

1. "Fighting Talk"   (Dickinson, Licinio)  - 3:41
2. "You Stand Accused"   (Dickinson)  - 5:15
3. "Keeping The Peace"   (Licinio)  - 4:28
4. "Grandpa's Farm"   (Dickinson)  - 5:17
5. "Dear Mathew"   (Dickinson)  - 3:00
6. "Can You Hear The Music"   (Licinio)  - 7:00
7. "Dressed Up To Kill"   (Dickinson)  - 3:21
8. "Endless Miles"   (Dickinson)  - 4:53

Credits
Keyboards, Vocals – John Dickenson
Drums – Harold King
Guitar [Lead], Bass, Vocals – Al Bowery
Guitar, Bass, Vocals – Tino Licinio
Producer, Engineer - John Dickenson

Notes
Recorded and mixed at Movement Studios, Somerset
Genre:  Soft Rock
Length:  37:06
Label:  EMI Records

© 1977

Jack Parow - Jack Parow (2010)

Zander Tyler (born 22 February 1982), better known by his stage name Jack Parow is an Afrikaans rapper from Parow, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
He is well known for his contribution to the song Die Vraagstuk with Die Heuwels Fantasties and performing with them at the Oppikoppi festival in 2009. He has contributed and collaborated with many notable artists such as Die Antwoord in their songs Wat Pomp and Doos Dronk and worked with Gazelle and DJ INVIZABLE in Hosh Tokolosh and Francois van Coke in Hard Partytjie Hou, both from Parow’s second full-length album, Eksie Ou. From an outsider’s perspective, Jack Parow appears to be a rough, take-no-nonsense kind of person who parties a lot and always speaks his mind.
This being half true, Jack explained in an interview that he really is a nice guy who tries to avoid conflict which seems to be a slight occupational hazard when he performs in small towns and places where sometimes his music and style are not welcomed as openly as they are at other venues.  Parow also stated in a Dutch TV interview that he personally chose to avoid political and religious material in his work due to the sensitive nature of those subjects in South Africa. Parow’s songs Die Vraagstuk (which he produced with Die Heuwels Fantasties) and Cooler as Ekke have become very popular in South Africa, Flanders and The Netherlands. Parow’s first full-length album, the self-titled Jack Parow, was released in April 2010.
This album reached gold sales status. Collaborations with other artists on this release included Francois van Coke (Fokofpolisiekar & Van Coke Kartel), Die Heuwels Fantasties, rapper JR and others.

Track listing

01.  Ek Wens Jy Was Myne (feat. JR)  – 3:19
02.  Hier’s Hy Nou (feat. Le-Roi Nel)  – 4:07
03.  Cooler As Ekke  – 4:08
04.  Dans Dans Dans (feat. Francois van Coke)  – 3:28
05.  Feite  – 3:42
06.  I Miss  – 3:54
07.  Ricky Louw  – 4:10
08.  Farmhouse Brekvis  – 3:43
09.  Die Vraagstuk Remix  – 3:57
10.  Byellville  – 3:22
11.  Word Wakker  – 3:33
12.  Tussen Stasies (feat. Die Heuwels Fantasties)  – 3:41
13.  Parow To Paarl (feat. Disco)  – 8:57

Credits
Vocals / Rap - Jack Parow
Bass (Fretless Bass), Acoustic Guitar, Banjo, Electric Guitar – Fred Den Hartog
Acoustic Guitar – Hunter Kenendy
Acoustic Guitar – Laudo Liebenberg
Artwork By – Philip Erasmus
Photography – Sacha Waldman
Executive-Producer – Considerate Builder’s Scheme, The
Producer(s) – Justin De Nobrega, Haezer, Narch, Fred den Hartog, Johnny de Ridder

Notes
Written-By, Recorded By – Jack Parow
Genre:  Hip Hop, Rap, Rock, Pop
Length:  54:04
Label:  Topnotch / Universal Music

© 2010

The Eric Burdon Band - Sun Secrets (1974)

“Sun Secrets” is an album by The Eric Burdon Band recorded in 1973 and released in December 1974.

They formed in 1971, after Burdon left his previous band War to cut an album with blues/jazz-great Jimmy Witherspoon. They recorded the album ‘’Guilty’’ and then, without Witherspoon, the album ‘’Stop'’. It includes some re-recording of songs, with which lead singer Eric Burdon topped the charts a few years before. The band included Aalon Butler on guitar, Randy Rice on bass and Alvin Taylor on drums. "The Real Me", "Ring of Fire" and "Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood" were released as singles.

Released without Eric Burdon's authorization, “Sun Secrets” is nothing for the singer to be ashamed of artistically. With approximately 24 minutes per side, “Sun Secrets” is a far cry from “The Black Man's Burdon” and the rhythms of the group War. As Mountain guitarist Leslie West would do a year after this when he formed the Leslie West Band, Burdon beats him to the punch with a self-titled group that rocks rocks harder than the Animals, rocks harder than War.

It's innovative reinvention, and quite pleasing, not only to hear the three-piece unit blitzing behind the singer as he reinterprets Animals classics like "When I Was Young," "It's My Life," or the Hendrix/Cream riff-laden version of "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood," but on the instrumental title track as well. The tragedy of it all is that, according to the singer's biography, Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood by Eric Burdon with J.Marshall Craig (Thunder's Mouth Press), Burdon did not want this material out. The tapes were signed to Capitol and released without his permission. Produced by Jerry Goldstein, they are called "rehearsal tapes" by the singer and feature the original lineup of what he says in his book is "The first in a long series of Eric Burdon band(s)." Capitol released two different versions of this disc the full-length commercial LP, and a "Radio Programming Aid" which has edits of everything except for the 13-minute Burdon co-write "Letter From the Country Farm." It's disheartening to read the agony for the star during these sessions and the touring from this period in his life, but it's refreshing to hear in these grooves that under adverse conditions the star still comes out on top artistically.

Track listing

1.  "It’s My Life"  (Atkins, D’Errico)  - 4:43
2.  "Ring of Fire"  (Carter, Kilgore)  - 6:11
3.  "Medley: When I Was Young / War Child"  (Burdon, Butler)  - 8:30
4.  "The Real Me"  (Burdon, Butler)  - 3:34
5.  "Medley:Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood / Nina’s School"  (Benjamin, Marcus, Caldwell, Burdon, Butler)  - 8:25
6.  "Letter from the County Farm"  (Burdon, Gordon)  - 13:05
7.  "Sun Secrets"  (Butler)  - 3:02

Credits
Vocals – Eric Burdon
Bass – Randy Rice
Drums – Alvin Taylor
Guitar – Aalon
Engineer – Ed Barton
Remixed At – Wally Heider Studios
Mastered At – Crystal Studios
Producer – Jerry Goldstein

Notes
Recorded 1973 at Record Plant, San Francisco, CA
Genre:  Rock, Progressive Rock, Funk, Protopunk
Length:  47:30
Label:  Capitol Records

© 1974

Eric Burdon And War - Love Is All Around (1976)

When War debuted as Eric Burdon's backing band in the late '60s, they were on ABC-Paramount. The group was still hot in 1976, and ABC reissued vault material from their early days in a deceptive package trying to coast on the band's hitmaker status. The album deservedly flopped, and ABC's clumsy attempt failed.

“Love Is All Around” is an album by Eric Burdon and War (credited as "War featuring Eric Burdon" on the original edition). Released in 1976 on ABC Records, it contains tracks recorded during the band's brief existence from 1969 to 1971, but not found on their two albums from 1970. Many years later it was reissued on CD by Avenue Records; this edition restores the original group name, Eric Burdon and War. Only two tracks had been released previously: "Magic Mountain" was the B-side to "Spill the Wine"; and "Home Dream", though performed by Eric Burdon and War, appeared in 1971 on the album Guilty by Eric Burdon and Jimmy Witherspoon. Of the remaining tracks, the title track had not been previously released in any form; "Tobacco Road" is an alternate and shorter version of the John D. Loudermilk song which appeared on Eric Burdon and War's first album, Eric Burdon Declares "War"; "A Day in the Life" is a previously unreleased cover version of the song by The Beatles; and "Paint It Black" is a live version (Whiskey, Los Angeles, September 8, 1969) of the group's suite arrangement of the song by The Rolling Stones which appeared in a studio version on Eric Burdon and War's second album, The Black-Man's Burdon. In 1977, "Magic Mountain" and an edited version of "Home Dream" were issued as a single.

Track listing

1. "Love Is All Around"  (War)  - 4:12
2. "Tobacco Road"  (John D. Loudermilk)  - 6:30
3. "Home Dream"  (Burdon)  - 7:15
4. "Magic Mountain"  (War, Jerry Goldstein)  - 4:18
5. "A Day in the Life"  (John Lennon, Paul McCartney)  - 11:05
6. "Paint It Black Medley"  (Mick Jagger, Keith Richards)  - 10:09

Credits
Eric Burdon – vocals, percussion
Papa Dee Allen – conga, bongos, percussion, vocals
Harold Brown – drums, percussion, vocals
B.B. Dickerson – bass, vocals
Lonnie Jordan – organ, piano, vocals
Charles Miller – tenor, baritone, and alto saxes, percussion, vocals, flute
Lee Oskar – harmonica, percussion, vocals
Howard Scott – guitar, vocals
Jerry Goldstein, Lonnie Jordan, Howard Scott – producer

Notes
Recorded: 1969–70
Genre:  Psychedelic Soul, Funk Rock
Length:  47:19
Label:  ABC Records

© 1976

Randy California - Kapt. Kopter and the (Fabulous) Twirly Birds (1972)

“Kapt. Kopter and the (Fabulous) Twirly Birds” is a 1972 studio album album by Randy California.

This album was recorded and released following Randy California's departure from Spirit. Spirit's fourth LP, “Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus”, reached the charts but took an inordinate amount of time to receive attention. As a result, Jay Ferguson and Mark Andes departed Spirit to form Jo Jo Gunne with Andes' brother Matt (whose slide guitar work had previously appeared in "Prelude: Nothin' to Hide" on the Sardonicus album) and drummer Curly Smith. Following the departure of Jay Ferguson and Mark Andes in early 1971, Spirit recruited John Arliss (and later John Fine) on bass and resumed playing live shows in March 1971".Randy California, however, was also growing disenchanted in Spirit and left the band in July 1971, along with bassist John Fine. They were replaced by brothers Al and John Staehely (on bass and guitar, respectively), and Spirit went on to record Feedback without Randy. Randy spent much of his time afterwards in jam sessions with various musicians in Topanga Canyon clubs, particularly a club known as The Corral. Some of the musicians who appeared in these jam sessions, along with Noel Redding (under the pseudonym 'Clit McTorius'), Leslie Sampson (the drummer from Noel's band Road, under the pseudonym 'Henry Manchovitz') and Ed Cassidy (as 'Cass Strange'), would end up working with Randy when he started recording solo material in 1972. The resulting album featured numerous covers of the works of contemporary acts such at the Beatles and James Brown, with less emphasis upon original material by Randy.

The album was also heavily influenced by the death of Jimi Hendrix in 1970, who had been friends with Randy since they played together in Jimmy James and the Blue Flames.

Track listing

1.  "Downer"   (Randy California)  - 5:36
2.  "Devil"   (California)  - 4:13
3.  "I Don't Want Nobody"   (James Brown)  - 4:25
4.  "Day Tripper"   (John Lennon, Paul McCartney)  - 3:00
5.  "Mother and Child Reunion"   (Paul Simon)  - 2:51
6.  "Things Yet to Come"   (Victor Keith Phillips, Lenny Lee Goldsmith)  - 8:12
7.  "Rain"   (Lennon, McCartney)  - 8:38
8.  "Rainbow"   (California)  - 3:31

Credits
Randy California – vocals, guitar, waterbass
Charlie Bundy – bass
Noel Redding (credited as 'Clit McTorius') - bass
Larry "Fuzzy" Knight – bass
Tim McGovern - drums
Leslie Sampson (credited as 'Henry Manchovitz') - drums
Ed Cassidy (credited as 'Cass Strange') - drums
Janet Wolfe, Robin Wolfe - background vocals
Engineer - Roger Dollarhide
Producer - Kapt. Kopter (Robin Wolfe, Randy California)

Notes
Recorded at Studio Larrabee, Sunwest and Sound City Studios, Los Angeles, California
Genre:  Rock
Length:  40:26
Label:  Epic Records

© 1972

Wendy & The Rocketts - Dazed For Days (1983)

By the time the rock group Wendy & The Rocketts launched operations on the Melbourne pub circuit during August 1980, lead singer Wendy Stapleton had already established herself as a vocalist of rare quality on the Australian music scene. Stapleton had fronted a number of popular live acts during the second half of the 70s, including Incession, Souled Out, Southern Transit and the Bill Livingstone Trio. She had also performed in a number of stage musicals, including 1975’s ‘The Magic Show’ (which also featured Samantha Sang - see future post). This led her into regular studio session work (working with the likes of Jon English and Joe Camilleri), which in turn led to Festival Records offering her a solo recording deal. Wendy Stapleton’s debut solo single was a cover of the Rolling Stones’ ‘Heart Of Stone’, released in September 1979. The single didn’t do great business, but Stapleton soon set her sights on forming a fulltime backing band - The Rocketts.

After quickly establishing themselves as one of the biggest drawcards on the Melbourne live music scene, Wendy & The Rocketts were signed to the high profile Mushroom Records label in early 1981. The crew at that time comprised, Wendy Stapleton (lead vocals), Mark Chew (guitar/keyboards, ex-Southern Transit), along with three former members of the rock band Fastbuck - Victor Crump (guitar), Wayne Sullivan (bass), and Steve Donald (drums). The band’s first single release was ‘Reputation’ in July 1981. The song peaked at #40 during August of that year, but the follow up ‘Tonite’ didn’t fare so well.

In early 1982 Wendy Stapleton unveiled a new model Rocketts line-up, retaining drummer Steve Donald, and adding lead guitarist Joey Amenta (ex-Russell Morris Band), rhythm guitarist Adrian Dessent (Ex-Vixen and ex-Scandal) and bassist Noel Beare (ex-Misfits). Wendy & The Rocketts targeted the charts with a new single ‘Your Place Or Mine’, released in March 1982.

But what the band lacked in record sales, they made up for in terms of building a huge live following. Stapleton and her Rocketts had cultivated a reputation as being one of the most high energy rock bands on the scene. That high energy stage performance was captured in the six track ‘Live’ EP, released in September 1982. The EP was a combination of tracks recorded during live shows at The Lower Plenty Hotel and Dorset Gardens Hotel during June ‘82, and was produced by Ross Cockle and Jim Barton (producer for Renee Geyer). ‘Live’ peaked at #46 on the Australian album charts in the latter part of ‘82. In early 1983 Wendy & The Rocketts went intercontinental when they travelled to the U.K. to record their debut full length album at London’s Mayfair Studios. Produced by Paul Muggletong and John Hudson, ‘Dazed For Days’  hit the stores in July 1983, and benefited from backing vocals on a number of tracks from Judie Tzuke (see future post). The advance single was ‘Play The Game’ which proved their first, and only, single to explode inside the Australian top 30 . The follow up singles ‘Have You Been Telling Me Lies’  and ‘Security’ couldn’t maintain the flight path toward the big time. The A&M label saw enough potential in the ‘Dazed Days’ album to release it in the U.K. and parts of Europe, and in September ‘83 the band embarked on an extensive tour of those territories, supporting the likes of Bryan Adams and ZZ Top along the way. In late 1984 lead guitarist Joey Amenta left to join Moving Pictures (see early Sep post), and bassist Noel Beare also departed the scene.

They were replaced by John Ballimore (ex-Jon English band) and Brian Hamilton respectively. The band continued to play a packed schedule into early 1985, but no more studio recordings surfaced. By March 1985 Wendy Stapleton made the decision to ground the Rocketts permanently, and returned to session work.

Track listing

01. "No Control"  (A. Dessent, S. Donald)  - 3:31 
02. "Security"  (J. Amenta, N. Beare)  - 3:38 
03. "Play The Game"  (W. Stapleton)  - 3:48 
04. "Have You Been Telling Me Lies"  (W. Stapleton)  - 3:43 
05. "Over Yonder"  (J. Amenta, N. Beare)  - 6:06 
06. "I Can't Tell You"  (A.Dessent, S. Donald)  - 3:43 
07. "How Come You're Still Hanging 'Round"  (A. Dessent, S. Donald)  - 3:22 
08. "Magic Bullet"  (W. Stapleton)  - 5:22 
09. "Nightflier"  (M. Chew, W. Stapleton)  - 4:23 

Credits
Vocals – Wendy Stapleton
Backing Vocals [Additional Vocals,  – Judie Tzuke, Don Snow, Paul Muggleton
Bass, Vocals – Noel Beare
Drums, Percussion – Steve Donald
Guitar, Vocals – Adrian Dessent, Joey Amenta
Keyboards – Bob Noble, Don Snow
Tape [Tape Operator] – Andy (Carb) Cannelle, Kevin Whyte, Laura Bouisseau
Management – Geoff Skewes
Mastered By – Bob Carbone
Engineer – Bob Parr, John Hudson
Producer – John Hudson, Paul Muggleton

Notes
Recorded At – Mayfair Studios
Mastered At – Mayfair Studios
Genre:  Pop, Rock
Length: 38:20
Label:  A&M Records

© 1983

Wailing Wall - Wailing Wall (1970)

Released in 1970 by the El Paso, TX, label Suemi, Wailing Wall's sole LP is mostly an item for the psychedelic rock collector's wish list, but it delivers an interesting enough listen for more casual fans of obscure American '70s rock. Mike Cancellari (guitar), Doug Adams (vocals), Darrel Adams (bass), and David Rutledge (drums) were not the best of musicians, but what they lacked in tightness (and they did) they almost made up in feeling and a certain level of creativity. Cancellari was obviously a quick learner of Jimi Hendrix's chops, but while other guitarists at the time were focusing on the genius' sound and riffs, Cancellari picked up his bluesy soul ("Meet My Dreams" borrows the moody feel of "Rainy Day, Dream Away").  Doug Adams misses a few easy notes, but he has a deep soul-blues voice, between the range and strength of Chicago's Robert Lamm and Terry Kath. The vocal harmonies in "Scissor-Tailed Swallow" and the addition of two trombones in "Meet My Dreams" provide extra similarities with early Chicago, although Wailing Wall's brand of rock is heavier and definitely Southern. The heartfelt delivery and hard-thumping grooves ("Mad Rapper" crosses Hendrix's "Red House" with the rootsier moments of early Captain Beefheart) compensate for some awful lyrics, especially in "Country of the Goose," which could have been a strong song at four or five minutes, but becomes embarrassing at nine. Still, this album deserved to receive a wider audience than the El Paso locals.

Track listing

1.  Scissor Tailed Swallow  - 3:19
2.  Country of the Goose  - 9:28
3.  Flying  - 4:57
4.  Hot Summer's Night  - 2:55
5.  Mad Rapper  - 5:39
6.  Dark House, Crazy Nights  - 5:00
7.  I'm Running Low  - 6:01
8.  Meet My Dreams  - 3:13

Credits
Mike Cancellari (guitar)
Doug Adams (vocals)
Darrel Adams (bass guitar)
David Rutledge (drums)

Notes
Genre:  Psychedelic Rock
Length:  40:31
Label:  Suemi Records

© 1970

Return To Forever feat. Chick Corea - Hymn Of The Seventh Galaxy (1973)

“Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy” (1973) is Return to Forever's third studio album.

This was the group's first album with a rock influenced sound and without any vocals. Former members Flora Purim, Joe Farrell and Airto Moreira were replaced by drummer Lenny White and guitarist Bill Connors. The album was originally recorded with drummer Steve Gadd but when Gadd did not want to tour with the band, a new version was recorded with Lenny White. The version featuring Gadd was never released and the whole recording is said to be lost.

The music draws upon elements from various genres, including Latin jazz, funk, psychedelic rock, and avant-garde jazz. Corea relies mostly on electric pianos and organs, not yet playing the Minimoog. Also, Clarke has not developed his famous electric bass sound yet and plays his one solo on the album through a fuzzbox. Bill Connors does not have the same reputation for technical wizardry as his successor Al Di Meola, but his heavily distorted guitar sound and fiery licks have received positive comments from reviewers. The review of the album is, the quality of the compositions that marks “Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy” as an indispensable disc of '70s fusion". Clarke contributed one song for the album and Corea wrote the rest of the material. The first track, the title track, is Corea's short space rock anthem that sets the mood for the rest of the album. The second track, "After the Cosmic Rain", is Clarke's sole composition on the album, and it features a long bass solo played through a fuzzbox followed by Corea's fiery electric piano solo. "Captain Señor Mouse" is a piece that has a fast, airy theme that suddenly turns into another theme that sounds like Latin music. This composition shows a humorous side of Corea, who has claimed that the song was written about a mouse that he saw in a house while visiting Switzerland. Long solos following themes are played by Corea and Connors. Al Di Meola recorded his own version of this song for his album “Casino” (1978). "Theme to the Mothership", which is another space-rock anthem.  After a melodically strong theme, Connors plays a solo over one long repeating riff. Corea switches distortion on during his own solo. "Space Circus" features Corea's "Children Song" as a spooky intro that is followed by a piece that is based on a funk riff. This time Corea leaves solo space solely for Connors. Lenny White has also some extensive drum breaks on the track. The last track, "Game Maker" has also a slow intro after which an avant-garde-like theme comes in. Corea and Connors play improvised solos in a call-and-response style.

After touring for a while following the album's release, Connors left the group for a solo career, stating that he wanted to concentrate on acoustic music. He was replaced by Al Di Meola.

Track lising

1.  "Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy"  (Chick Corea)  - 3:31
2.  "After the Cosmic Rain"  (Stanley Clarke)  - 8:25
3.  "Captain Señor Mouse"  (Chick Corea)  - 9:01
4.  "Theme to the Mothership"  (Chick Corea)  - 8:49
5.  "Space Circus, Pts. 1 & 2"  (Chick Corea)  - 5:42
6.  "The Game Maker"  (Chick Corea)  - 6:46

Credits
Bill Connors - electric guitar, acoustic guitar
Chick Corea - electric piano, acoustic piano, organ, harpsichord, gongs
Stanley Clarke - electric bass, bell tree
Lenny White - drums, percussion

Notes
Recorded August 1973, at Record Plant Studios, N.Y.
Genre:  Jazz-rock
Length:  42:14
Producer:  Chick Corea
Label:  Polydor Records

© 1973

The Johnny Average Band - Some People (1980)

Mick Hodgkinson / aka Johnny Average died of cancer on 19 September 2007 in Kingston New York, aged 61. He was born in Rainworth, Nottinghamshire, England but moved to Woodstock New York in the 70s, to play with Elizabeth Barraclough. He then formed (and led) Johnny Average And The Falcons who later became The Johnny Average Band. He was a gifted songwriter, vocalist, guitarist and pianist and over the years he worked with with Ian Kimmet, Mick Ronson, Meatloaf, Brian Briggs, Billy J. Kramer, Jerry Dorsey, Terry Dactyl And The Dinosaurs and Brett Marvin & The Thunderbolts.

Mick Ronson first recorded with the Falcons in 1980, on the "Some People" album by The Johnny Average Band. This was really the Falcons in disguise, and it was the first LP to feature all members who would later end up in the New York Yanquis.  Ronson played on the song "Gotta Go Home" - this was also available on a single in USA and England, as the B-side to "Ch Ch Cherie". For the record, Johnny Average's real name was Mick Hodgkinson - he was the Falcons' main keyboard player.  This album also featured his talented wife (and the Falcons' lead singer) Nicole Wills. Ronson later played on the eponymous debut album by her mid-80s band The Phantoms.

Nicole Wills was the lead vocalist with the Johnny Average Band, and she was also married to Johnny Average at the time. She had moved to Woodstock in the early 70s and soon teamed up with local bands - most notably The Falcons (who was the blueprint for Johnny Average Band). She eventually got signed to Bearsville Records - was managed by Albert Grossman and toured US and Europe in support of her solo album "Tell Me", released in 1983. On 28 October 2007, a Tribute To The Music Of Johnny Average was held at Levon Helm’s Midnight Ramble Studio - featuring original members of The Falcons & The Johnny Average Band along with many special guests.

Track listing

01.  Thermostat  - 2:52 
02.  Whatcha Gonna Do (When The Reggae Breaks Your Heart)  - 3:36 
03.  Shake Your Shake  - 3:26 
04.  Some People  - 3:54 
05.  Wake Up Call  - 3:14 
06.  Ch Ch Cherie  - 2:43 
07.  Gotta Go Home  - 3:02 
08.  Heaven Bound  - 4:01 
09.  Public Image  - 3:07 
10.  Give Us All The Money  - 3:33 

Credits
Nikki Wills - Vocals
Johnny Average - Composer, Guitar, Bass, Keyboards, Piano, Vibraphone, Vocals
Don Adams - Trombone
Shane Fontayne - Guitar, Vocals (Background)
Ian Bennett - Sax (Tenor)
Frank Campbell - Guitar (Bass), Vocals (Background)
George Carnell - Engineer, Guitar (Bass), Vibraphone, Vocals (Background)
John Casto - Vocals
Mark McKenna - Vocals
Wells Kelly - Drums, Percussion
Billy Mundi - Drums
Eric Parker - Drums
Mick Ronson - Guitar
Dede Washburn - Vocals (Background)
Gary Windo - Sax (Tenor)
Producer - Mick Hodgkinson, Griff McRee

Notes
Genre:  Pop
Length:  33:42
Label:  Bearsville Records

© 1980

The Buddy Odor Stop - Buddy Odor Is A Gas! (1979)

The Buddy Odor Stop is een zij-projekt van Gruppo Sportivo.

Na uitvoerige promotie-activiteiten in Frankrijk en Duitsland gaat Gruppo Sportivo een maand lang op tournee door Engeland. In maart 1979 verschijnt de single “Disco Really Made It”, een nieuw nummer dat niet te vinden is op het album “Back To 78”.

In Nederland is het de grootste hit voor de band. Terwijl de platen met een grote publiciteitscampagne in de Verenigde Staten worden uitgebracht komt tot ieders verrassing het bericht dat Hans Vandenburg heeft besloten de groep op te heffen omdat hij zich beperkt voelt in zijn muzikale ontwikkeling. Zijn plan is een nieuwe band op te richten met muzikanten die hij in New York zal uitzoeken. In juni doet de groep nog een uitgebreide afscheidstournee.  De laatste single “Sleeping Bag” flopt. Eind van het jaar verschijnt het debuutalbum van Vandenburg's nieuwe band Buddy Odor Stop, waarin geen Amerikanen voorkomen maar wel Peter Calicher, Max Mollinger en Meike Touw. Nieuwe gezichten zijn Martin Bakker (bas) en Lisa Bialac (zang).  De begeleidende concertreeks trekt veel publiek, maar de reacties zijn gereserveerd. Het jazzy geluid is voor velen een te grote stijlbreuk en de zaal roept voortdurend om de oude successen. Het album “Buddy Odor Is A Gas!” en de gelijknamige single floppen genadeloos.

Zangeres Bialac maakt daarna nog deel uit van The Spliff Radio Show (ex-Nina Hagen band) waarna ze vanaf 1982 woont en optreedt in de Verenigde Staten.     www.bing.com/translator

Track listing

01. "Buddy Odor Is A Gas!"  (Van DeFruits)  - 2:34 
02. "(Gimme That) Lipstick"  (Van DeFruits)  - 2:22 
03. "Redskins"  (Van DeFruits)  - 2:26 
04. "Lock Yourself Up"  (Van DeFruits)  - 2:22 
05. "I Want It Now"  (Van DeFruits)  - 3:10 
06. "If I Were You"  (Barry Hay, Van DeFruits)  - 1:44 
07. "Teardrops And Two Broken Hearts"  (Van DeFruits)  - 3:32 

Pop For Jazzholes 
08. "I Love You Madly"  (Meike Touw, Van DeFruits)  - 2:33 
09. "Cats Hiss"  (Van DeFruits)  - 2:24 
10. "For Pim"  (Van DeFruits)  - 0:55 
11. "It Feels So Good"  (Van DeFruits)  - 3:26 
12. "Men"  (Van DeFruits)  - 1:52 
13. "My Little Man And I"  (Meike Touw)  - 2:17 
14. "Jazz It Up!"  (Van DeFruits)  - 1:59 

Credits
Lead Vocals – Barry Hay
Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals – Josee Van Iersel , Meike Touw
Bass – Gerard van Dooren
Double Bass – Ernst Glerum
Drums – Bart Terlaak, Huub Janssen, Max Mollinger
Guitar, Lead Vocals – Hans Vandenburg
Horns – Fred Leeflang, Ruud Bos
Keyboards – Peter Calicher , Robert Jan Stips
Saxophone – Jan Cees Tans
Music By – Van DeFruits
Producer – Hans Vandenburg, Robert Jan Stips

Notes
Genre:  Jazz-Pop
Length:  33:03
Label:  Ariola Records

© 1979

Paul Kantner & Grace Slick - Blows Against The Empire (1970)

“Blows Against the Empire” is a concept album by Paul Kantner and Grace Slick, released under the name Paul Kantner and Jefferson Starship, the first album to use the "Starship" name.

Billing, predating the formation of the group with that name by four years. Kantner used it, extrapolating on the name of his current band, Jefferson Airplane, to refer to Blows's science fiction concept: A bunch of left-wing hippies closely resembling his San Francisco Bay Area compatriots hijack a government-built starship and head off to re-start the human race on another planet.

Kantner had presaged this post-apocalyptic colonization idea on "Wooden Ships" on the last Airplane album, “Volunteers”, and here he expanded it out to album length with the help of members of The Airplane, the Grateful Dead, Quicksilver Messenger Service, and Crosby, Stills and Nash, plus assorted others, a shifting supergroup informally known as PERRO, The Planet Earth Rock And Roll Orchestra. (Kantner later would borrow that name for a subsequent solo album.)  “Blows Against the Empire” actually was a little loose as concept albums go, seeming as concerned with the arrival of Kantner and Grace Slick's baby as with the departure of the starship. Kantner employed often dense instrumentation and complex arrangements, but there were enough hooks and harmonies to keep things interesting.  The album eventually went gold, and it was even nominated for a science fiction award usually reserved for novels.

Track listing

01. "Mau Mau" (Amerikon)  (Joey Covington, Paul Kantner, Grace Slick)  - 6:33 
02. "The Baby Tree"  (Rosalie Sorrels)  - 1:42 
03. "Let's Go Together"  (Paul Kantner)  - 4:11 
04. "A Child Is Coming"  (Paul Kantner)  - 6:15 
05. "Sunrise"  (Grace Slick)  - 1:54 
06. "Hijack"  (Marty Balin, Gary Blackman, Paul Kantner, Grace Slick)  - 8:18 
07. "Home"  (Paul Kantner, Graham Nash, Phil Sawyer)  - 0:37 
08. "Have You Seen The Stars Tonite"  (David Crosby, Paul Kantner)  - 3:42 
09. "XM"   (Jerry Garcia, Mickey Hart, Paul Kantner)  - 1:22 
10. "Starship"  (Marty Balin, Gary Blackman, Paul Kantner, Grace Slick)  - 7:07 

Credits
Paul Kantner – vocals, electric guitars, acoustic guitars, banjo, bass machine
Grace Slick – piano, vocals
Jerry Garcia – banjo, pedal steel guitar , sound effects and vocals, lead guitar
Bill Kreutzmann – drums
Mickey Hart – percussion, sound effects and vocals
Joey Covington – drums and vocals, congas
Jack Casady – bass
David Crosby – vocals and guitar, background vocals
Graham Nash – congas, sound effects, background vocals
David Freiberg – background vocals
Harvey Brooks – bass
Peter Kaukonen – lead guitar
Phill Sawyer – sound effects
Mastered At – Artisan Sound Recorders
Engineer – Allen Zentz
Producer – Paul Kantner

Notes
Recorded Fall 1970 at Pacific High Recording and Wally Heider Studios, San Francisco
Genre:  Psychedelic Rock, Folk Rock
Length:  41:41
Label:  RCA Victor

© 1970

The Elvin Bishop Band - Rock My Soul (1972)

When Elvin Bishop left the Butterfield Blues Band in 1968 and moved to California, he added the one ingredient missing from San Francisco's bubbling musical cauldron - nasty, down-home, electrified blues.

The talented musician in the likable Elvin Bishop is always fighting for the upper hand with Pigboy Crabshaw, his spaced-out hayseed persona. Co-producer Delaney Bramlett helps steer the sound toward Memphis and Muscle Shoals R&B and keeps the focus on the music, not the headliner. Not a bad idea, considering his enthusiasm barely overcomes his singing limitations.

The Elvin Bishop Group's self-titled debut from 1972, is one those gems of music that never received the recognition when initially released. This is not your typical Elvin Bishop album, with focus on great rock-and-roll with a R&B influence. Released in 1972, this album seemed to have Elvin working well with Jo Baker. They just sparked each other. Jo Baker great singing talent comes across on the song "Rock Bottom", where she sings lead. The song "Stomp" shows the great guitar playing talent of Elvin Bishop. The song "Don't Mind If I Do" showcases the song writing talent of Elvin.

Track listing

01. "Rock My Soul"  (Elvin Bishop)  - 2:48 
02. "Holler And Shout"   (Elvin Bishop)  - 2:42 
03. "Let It Shine"  (Elvin Bishop)  - 3:20 
04. "Don't Mind If I Do"  (Elvin Bishop)  - 1:59 
05. "Rock Bottom"   (Elvin Bishop, Jo Baker)  - 2:57 
06. "Last Mile"  (Elvin Bishop)  - 2:49 
07. "Have A Good Time"  (Elvin Bishop)  - 2:46 
08. "Wings Of A Bird"  (Elvin Bishop)  - 3:38 
09. "Old Man Trouble"  (Elvin Bishop)  - 3:48 
10. "Out Behind The Barn"  (Elvin Bishop)  - 2:54 
11. "Stomp"  (Elvin Bishop)  - 3:11  

Credits
Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar, Slide Guitar, Lead Vocals – Elvin Bishop
Lead Vocals – Jo Baker
Vocals, Tenor Saxophone – Ron Stallings
Bass – Kip Maercklein
Clarinet – Jim Gordon
Design – Jeff Smith
Drums – Bill Meeker
Fiddle – Bobby Bruce
Harmonica – Perry Walsh
Organ, Piano – Steve Miller
Percussion – Milt Holland
Photography By – Jim Marshall 
Slide Guitar, Rhythm Guitar – Delaney Bramlett
Tenor Saxophone – Dennis Marcellino, Mel Ellison
Mastered By – Bob Irwin
Engineer [Original Recordings] – Bob Gratts, Willie Greer
Producer [Original Recordings] – Delaney Bramlett, Elin Bishop

Notes
Genre:  Blues Rock, Southern Rock
Lenght: 33:24
Label:  Epic Records

© 1972

Mary J. Blige - Mary J. Blige & Friends (2006)

American recording artist Mary J. Blige began her career as a backing vocalist for Father MC in the early 1990s. Her discography as a solo artist began in 1992 and consists of eleven studio albums, two live albums, two remix albums and over eighty singles including more than 20 as a featured artist.

“Mary J. Blige & Friends” is a compilation album by American recording artist Mary J. Blige.  Released on October 31, 2006 it was sold exclusively in Circuit City stores, (was an American multinational consumer electronics corporation.

It was founded in 1949 and pioneered the electronics superstore format in the 1970s. Circuit City liquidated its final American retail store in 2009, following a bankruptcy filing and subsequent failure to find a buyer.) and includes tracks featuring guest artists such as Sting, Robin Thicke, and Nas.

Also included was a bonus DVD that included a brief career biography, excerpts and behind the scenes views of some of her music videos, interviews with fellow collaborators, and live performances of "Can't Hide from Luv", "Family Affair", and "No More Drama".

Track listing

01.  "Whenever I Say Your Name"  (with Sting)  (Sting, Mary J. Blige)  - 5:25
02.  "Ask Myself"  (with Robin Thicke) )  (Robin Thicke, Bobby Keyes, Robert Daniels)  - 3:47
03.  "Ain't No Way"  (with Patti LaBelle)  (Carolyn Franklin)  - 4:28
04.  "Love Changes"  (with Jamie Foxx)  (Skip Scarborough)  - 4:30
05.  "Alone"  (with Dave Young)  - 4:30
06.  "Favorite Flavor"  (with LL Cool J)  (Ryan Toby, Samuel Barnes)  - 3:28
07.  "Love Is All We Need"  (with Nas)  (James Harris III, Terry Lewis, Blige, Rick James)   - 4:17
08.  "My Man"  (with Santana)  (Antwan Patton, Nsilo Reddick, Nicholas Sherwood, Rob Thomas)  - 4:34
09.  "I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues"  (with Elton John)   - 5:09

Notes
Genre: R&B, Soul
Length: 39:24
Label: Geffen Records

© 2006

Leon Russell & Marc Benno - Asylum Choir II (1971)

“Asylum Choir II” is the second and final album of the studio aggregation consisting entirely of Leon Russell and Marc Benno.

Initially kept in the can until Leon Russell started hitting his stride in the early '70s, “Asylum Choir II” is an artifact from 1967-1969. This was a fertile time for music. All the popular themes of the times show up here: protests of the Vietnam war in Down on the Base and Ballad for a Soldier; notes on the political scene and corporate profit-making in the face of the war in Sweet Home Chicago, Tryin' to Stay Alive, Lady in Waiting, and Straight Brother; and, of course, love in Hello Little Friend (which would later prove a hit for Joe Cocker when Leon was running that show).

The tracks sound fairly dated in part because many songs were so topical. Although Leon Russell is credited as contributing bass, guitar, piano, keyboards, vocals, and being the producer while Marc Benno is credited as a performer and producer, the music does not suffer from the "Winwood" syndrome, which occurs when one musician tries to do everything and the resulting product sounds flat and uninspired. Quite the opposite, the music, for the most part, is jaunty and full-bodied. For example, on Straight Brother, the sound is a rich pastiche of fiddle, wah-wah, percussion, bass, and some great vocals from, I would guess, Rita Coolidge (set up in the Intro to Rita). Which also begs the question: who else is making some uncredited guest appearances? I find it hard to believe the late Carl Radle only served as a photographer and never plugged in his bass here. Could one of the drummer Jims (Gordon or Kneltner) be sitting in, too? No doubt, there are quite a few uncredited performers lurking on this recording, perhaps uncredited because of contract issues. Russell, who was just gaining his musical footing about the time this album was orginially recorded, wrote some great lyrics and sings with great verve. His vocals, veering from ragged to howling, still can conjure chills on Straight Brother. And his keyboard playing is articulate and quirky, a harbinger of what was yet to come.

The CD re-release contains all but three of the tracks from their first LP as bonus cuts.

The bonus tracks are curiosities at best, likely the product of some acid-tinged sessions that extended way past any sane hour of the night. Still, Henri the Clown is catchy litte ditty that can get stuck in your head.

Track listing

01.  "Sweet Home Chicago"  (Leon Russell, Marc Benno)  - 3:20
02.  "Down on the Base"  (Leon Russell, Marc Benno)  - 2:18
03.  "Hello Little Friend"  (Russell)  - 2:52
04.  "Salty Candy"  (Leon Russell, Marc Benno)  - 2:26
05.  "Tryin' to Stay Alive"  (Leon Russell, Marc Benno)  - 2:50
06.  "Intro to Rita"  (Leon Russell, Marc Benno)  - 2:07
07.  "Straight Brother"  (Leon Russell, Marc Benno)  - 3:08
08.  "Learn How to Boogie"  (Leon Russell, Marc Benno)  - 2:40
09.  "Ballad for a Soldier"  (Russell)  - 4:25
10.  "When You Wish upon a Fag"  (Russell)  - 4:10
11.  "Lady in Waiting"  (Russell)  - 3:37

The CD re-issue contains the following bonus tracks:
12. "Welcome to Hollywood" - 2:35
13. "Death of the Flowers" (Russell, Benno, Greg Dempsey) - 2:08
14. "Icicle Star Tree" - 2:55
15. Medley: "N.Y. Op" "Land of Dog" "Henri the Clown" - 6:07
16. "Soul Food" (Russell, Benno, Bill Boatman, Jimmy Markham) - 2:05

Notes
Recorded at Skyhill Studios, Hollywood
Genre: Psychedelic Rock, Symphonic Rock
Length:  49:42
Producer:  Leon Russell & Marc Benno
Label:  Shelter Records

© 1971

Blacroc - Blacroc (2009)

Blakroc is a Rap/Rock collaboration between The Black Keys, Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney, and several hip hop and R&B artists that came about in 2009, in collaboration with Damon Dash, co-founder and former co-owner of Roc-A-Fella Records, who oversaw the project. The album features guest appearances from several hip hop and R&B acts, namely Mos Def, Nicole Wray, Pharoahe Monch, Ludacris, Billy Danze of M.O.P., Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest, Jim Jones and NOE of ByrdGang, as well as Raekwon, RZA and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard of Wu-Tang Clan.

Rap and rock don’t always make easy bedfellows, and the combination of the two genres has mostly produced a case of ever-diminishing returns over the years. It all started so well, with Run DMC and the Beastie Boys successfully melding giant riffs with ingenious rhymes. But in 2009, the most talked-about rap/rock alliance is Lil Wayne’s Rebirth, which has been delayed and rescheduled by a record company who appear to have got cold feet over the whole idea. So it’s with some trepidation that anyone will approach Blakroc, a brief blast into the rap/rock world from Akron two-piece The Black Keys. Their savvy move was hiring Jay-Z’s Roc-A-Fella partner Damon Dash to help with the project – he enlivened the 11-day recording sessions in New York by bringing RZA, Raekwon, Mos Def and Ol’ Dirty Bastard on board, the latter appearing from beyond the grave.

ODB gets the album off to a fine start, alongside Ludacris, on Coochie, full of vast, echoed drums and an infectious treated guitar line. Mos Def has plenty of experience working with live bands and sounds like the most comfortable performer here on the straightforward blues jam On the Vista, but the album works best when Timbaland-inspired odd noises and circuitous loops are stirred into the mix. The best example of this is Pharoahe Monch/RZA effort Dollaz & Sense, which is played out to a heavily tremolo’d guitar riff that bounces all over the track. The key template of Patrick Carney’s cavernous drum sound and thick, raw, overdriven guitar noise from Dan Auerbach remain a constant throughout, but the band also introduce other influences. Hard Times pulls hard on a whistling riff that could have been lifted straight from Harlem River Drive’s Idle Hands, and Nicole Wray’s soulful Why Can’t I Forget Him, delivered over squelching wah-ed out guitar, is a welcome diversion from the norm.

It doesn’t always work – RZA’s Tellin’ Me Things veers too far in the direction of uncomplicated, clumpy rock, sounding like an off-cut from Mos Def’s The Ecstatic – in this writer’s opinion, something of a misstep. But for the most part this is a surprisingly compelling and welcome rejoining of the rap and rock worlds that successfully captures the off-the-cuff nature of the recording sessions.

Track listing

01. "Coochie"  (feat. Ludacris & Ol' Dirty Bastard)  - 4:08
02. "On the Vista"  (feat. Mos Def)  - 2:39
03. "Hard Times"  (feat. NOE)  - 2:38
04. "Dollaz & Sense"  (feat. RZA & Pharoahe Monch)  - 3:47
05. "Why Can’t I Forget Him"  (feat. Nicole Wray)  - 4:16
06. "Stay Off the Fuckin’ Flowers"  (feat. Raekwon)  - 2:31
07. "Ain't Nothing Like You (Hoochie Coo)"   feat. Mos Def & Jim Jones)  - 3:23
08. "Hope You’re Happy"  (feat. Billy Danze of M.O.P., Q-Tip, & Nicole Wray)  - 2:11
09. "Tellin’ Me Things"  (feat. RZA)  2:39
10. "What You Do to Me"  (feat. Billy Danze of M.O.P., Jim Jones, & Nicole Wray)  - 5:14
11. "Done Did It"  (feat. Nicole Wray & NOE)  - 3:29

Credits

The Black Keys:
Dan Auerbach
Patrick Carney

features:
Mos Def
Nicole Wray
Pharoahe Monch
Ludacris
Billy Danze of M.O.P.
Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest
Jim Jones
NOE of ByrdGang
Raekwon
RZA
Ol' Dirty Bastard of Wu-Tang Clan

Recorded By – Joel Hamilton
Mastered By – Adam Ayan
Mixed By – Clay Holley, Joel Hamilton, Tchad Blake
Producer: Damon Dash (exec.), Dan Auerbach, Patrick Carney, Joel Hamilton

Notes
Recorded: 2009 (Brooklyn, New York City, New York)
Genre: Rap rock, alternative hip hop, garage rock, blues rock
Length: 37:47
Label: BlakRoc LLC, Cooperative Music, V2 Records

© 2009

Michael Jackson - Invincible (2001)

“Invincible” is the tenth and final studio album by American recording artist Michael Jackson. It was released on October 30, 2001, by Epic Records. The album was the first release of new Jackson material since “Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix in 1997”, the first studio album in six years since “HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I” in 1995, and the first studio album of all new material since “Dangerous” in 1991. Jackson, Rodney Jerkins, R. Kelly and Teddy Riley received producing and writing credits, among others. Similar to Jackson's previous material, Invincible explores themes such as love, romance, isolation, media criticism, and social issues. Invincible received generally mixed reviews from contemporary music critics. Largely due to disputes between Jackson and his record label, the album saw little promotion. Four singles were released from the album, although all had limited releases. The lead single "Speechless" was released in radio airplay in Korea, the second single "You Rock My World" was only released to radio airplay, consequently only reaching number ten on the Billboard Hot 100. Internationally, where it was given a commercial release, the song was more successful, reaching the top five on several charts.  The third single, "Cry", was not released in the United States at all and had a moderate chart performance overall. The final single "Butterflies" was only released in the United States to radio airplay, consequently only reaching number fourteen on the country's singles chart.

Ultimately, the record runs too long, losing steam halfway through, as it turns to a series of rants about "Privacy" or a deadly stretch of uncomfortably treacly, sub-"Man in the Mirror" songs about "The Lost Children," or when he says that he can't change the world by himself on "Cry." Fortunately, Jackson was clever enough to front-load this record, loading the first seven songs with really good, edgy dance numbers even the opening "Unbreakable" isn't sunk by the creepy resurrection of Biggie Smalls and lovely ballads, highlighted by "Break of Dawn" and "Butterflies" with its Bacharach-styled horns.  Even if these are too self-conscious and a little mechanical (which they are), they still have a spark and sound better than anything Jackson had done since “Dangerous”. That's not enough to make “Invincible” the comeback Jackson needed he really would have had to have an album that sounded free instead of constrained for that to work but it does offer a reminder that he could really craft good pop.

Track listing

01. "Unbreakable"  (feat. The Notorious B.I.G.)  (M. Jackson, R. Jerkins, F. Jerkins III, L. Daniels, N. Payne, R. Smith, C. Wallace)  - 6:26
02. "Heartbreaker"  (feat. Fats)  (M. Jackson, Jerkins, Jerkins III, Daniels, M. Butler, N. Gregg)  - 5:11
03. "Invincible"  (feat. Fats)  (M. Jackson, Jerkins, Jerkins III, Daniels, Gregg)  - 4:46
04. "Break of Dawn"   (Dr. Freeze, M. Jackson)  - 5:32
05. "Heaven Can Wait"   (M. Jackson, T. Riley, A. Heard, N. Smith, T. Beal, E. Laues, K. Quiller)  - 4:49
06. "You Rock My World"   (M. Jackson, Jerkins, Jerkins III, Daniels, Payne)  - 5:39
07. "Butterflies"   (A. Harris, M. Ambrosius)  - 4:41
08. "Speechless"   (M. Jackson)  - 3:21
09. "2000 Watts"   (M. Jackson, Riley, T. Gibson, J. Henson)  - 4:25
10. "You Are My Life"   (M. Jackson, Babyface, Carole Bayer Sager, J. McClain)  - 4:33
11. "Privacy" (feat. Slash)  (M. Jackson, Jerkins, Jerkins III, Daniels, B. Belle)  - 5:05
12. "Don't Walk Away"   (M. Jackson, Riley, R. Stites, R. Vertelney)  - 4:24
13. "Cry"   (R. Kelly)  - 5:00
14. "The Lost Children"   (M. Jackson)  - 4:00
15. "Whatever Happens"  (feat. Carlos Santana)  (M. Jackson, Riley, G. Cang, J. Quay, G. Williams)  - 4:58
16. "Threatened"   (M. Jackson, Jerkins, Jerkins III, Daniels)  - 4:20

Credits
Michael Jackson - vocals, programming, background vocals
Brandy - vocals, background vocals
Sue Merriett, Tim Fulford Brown, Laquentan Jordan, Alice Jean McRath, Judy Gossett, Valerie Doby, Zaneta M. Johnson, Tenika Johns, Late Great Daniel Johnson, Harold Green, Zandra Williams, Voncielle Faggett, Howard McCrary, Sam McCrary, Gloria Augustus, Kristle Murden, Linda McCrary, Maxi Anderson, Andraé Crouch, Patrice Morris, Angela Johnson, Ron Taylor , Sandra Crouch, Kevin Dorsey , Yvonne Williams - vocals
Marsha Ambrosius, Mischke, Richard Stites, Dr. Freeze, Mario Vasquez, LaShawn Daniels, Mary Brown, Nora Payne - background vocals
The Notorious B.I.G. - rap vocals
Carlos Santana - whistling
Michael Hart Thompson , Michael Landau, Michael Thompson , Rick Williams - guitar
Babyface - acoustic guitar, keyboards, bass guitar, drum programming, background vocals
John Wittenberg, Robin Lorentz, Kristin Fife, Gina Kronstadt, Kirstin Fife, Peter Kent, Rob Lorentz - violin
Thomas Tally, Novi Novog - viola
Matt Cappy - horns
Brad Buxer - keyboards, programming, keyboard programming, drum programming
John "J.R." Robinson ,Emanuel Baker, Gerald Hayword - drums
Paulinho Da Costa - percussion
Rodney Jerkins - programming
Producer (s): Michael Jackson, Rodney Jerkins, Teddy Riley, Andre Harris, Andreao "Fanatic" Heard, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, R. Kelly, Dr. Freeze

Notes
The rap verse by The Notorious B.I.G. in "Unbreakable" was originally from the song "You Can't Stop the Reign" by Shaquille O'Neal.
Recorded - October 1997 – August 2001 Recording information: Barking Doctor, Mt. Kisco; Brandon's Way Recording, Los Angeles, CA; Capitol Studios, Hollywood, CA; Criteria, Miami, FL; Dark Child Studios, Pleasantville, NJ; Future Recording Sutdio, Norfolk, England; Marvin Room Studio, Los Angeles, CA; Marvin's Room Studio, Los Angeles, CA; Plant, Los Angeles, CA; Record One, Los Angeles, CA; Record Plant, Los Angeles, CA; Sony Music Studios, New York, NY; Sony Studios, New York, NY; The Hit Factory, Criteria, Miami, FL; Touch Of Jazz Studios, Philaelphia
Genre:  R&B, Pop, Dance-Pop
Length: 77:10
Label:  Epic Records

© 2001

Watsonian Institute - Master Funk (1978)

In 1978, Johnny "Guitar" Watson's backup band decided to record a project as the Watsonian Institute.
Released during the height of his laid-back space funk era, Johnny drops a batch of mostly instrumental numbers with himself providing guitar, fender rhodes, synths, clavinet & organ in that style we all know and love. This is the 1st of two albums that Johnny Guitar cut under the “Watsonian Institute” moniker for DJM Records
“Master Funk” is for all intents and purposes, very much a Johnny "Guitar" Watson album. In addition to doing all of the producing and arranging, the late singer/guitarist wrote most of the material and contributed his share of lead vocals. So not surprisingly, his stamp is all over Master Funk. The main difference between this record and the hit albums that Watson had been recording under his own name in the 1970s is the fact that this release has a stronger jazz influence. While 1976's “Ain't That a Bitch”, 1977's “A Real Mother for Ya”, and 1977's “Funk Beyond the Call of Duty” are funk/soul albums first and foremost, “Master Funk” is an album in which funk, soul, and soul-jazz live under the same roof.
Instrumentals like "Dr. John's Delight" and "Coming Around" are in the soul-jazz vein, and the jazz influence is also present on some of the tunes that Watson sings on. Master Funk is generally decent, but it's uneven, and it's an album that simmers without really catching fire. This album wasn't among Watson's big sellers of the 1970s and is far from essential, although it's a fairly interesting listen if you're among his truly hardcore fans.

Track listing

01. "The Institute"  (Johnny Guitar Watson)  - 4:08 
02. "Master Funk"  (Johnny Guitar Watson)  - 4:40 
03. "The Funk If I Know"  (Tommy Roberson)  - 4:00 
04. "Lady Voo Doo"  (Johnny Guitar Watson)  - 4:44 
05. "De John's Delight"  (Johnny Guitar Watson)  - 3:00 
06. "Coming Around"  (Matt Ender)   4:00 
07. "Virginia's Pretty Funky"  (Johnny Guitar Watson)  - 4:55 

Credits
Synthesizer, Lead Vocals, Guitar, Clavinet, Keyboards [Fender Rhodes], Organ – Johnny "Guitar" Watson
Technician [Spiritual Advisor] – Chaney "Aney" Harris
Vocals, Bass – Bobby "Bumble Bee" Howard
Vocals, Clavinet, Keyboards [Fender Rhodes], Synthesizer  – Gip "Pretty Playin" Noble
Vocals, Percussion, Bass, Trombone – Tommy "Slide" Roberson
Vocals, Percussion, Drums – Emry "Elegant E.T." Thomas
Soloist, Saxophone – Bill Haley
Soloist, Bass – Johnny Jones
Backing Vocals – Charles Wright, Larry Williams
Soloist, Trumpet – Walt Fowler
Soloist, Synthesizer [Programming Soloist] – Matt Ender
Co-producer [Production Assistant] – Emry Thomas
Engineer – Kerry McNabb
Producer, Arranged By – Johnny Guitar Watson

Notes
Genre: Funk, Soul
Length: 29:27
Label: DJM Records

© 1978

B.B. King - B.B. King & Friends: 80 (2005)

Released the week of B.B. King's 80th birthday, 80 is a star-studded duets album, the first B.B. released since 1997's “Deuces Wild”. It was recorded in a variety of locations in the spring of 2005 and features a variety of guest artists, ranging from the familiar (Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Bobby Bland) to the unsurprising (Billy Gibbons, Mark Knopfler, Elton John, Sheryl Crow) to the frankly bewildering (John Mayer, Daryl Hall, Gloria Estefan).
Unfortunately, the material isn't quite as wide-ranging in fact, it leans toward the overly familiar, with a pleasant, thoroughly bland version of "The Thrill Is Gone" with Eric Clapton sadly living up to its title. There are a couple other bum tracks -- most notably the turgid slow blues "There Must Be a Better World Somewhere," which drags on for an interminable seven minutes, or a full six minutes longer than needed to prove that sultry blues is not Gloria Estefan's forte but for the most part, 80 plays better than it reads on paper.
Most of it is solid, straight-ahead big band blues, firmly within B.B.'s comfort zone and sounding appropriately comfortable not as in boring, but warm, relaxed, and friendly, whether he's playing with old friends like Bobby Bland or with John Mayer, who acquits himself well as a guitarist, even if his voice is overwhelmed by B.B.'s towering presence. There are couple of nice little surprises along the way, such as how "Ain't Nobody Home" with Daryl Hall works up a nice soulful groove or how Sheryl Crow reveals that she's a convincing blues singer (there are also some unpleasant surprises, as on "Tired of Your Jive," an otherwise fine track that's derailed by the realization that Billy Gibbons' voice has been torn to shreds, leaving a phlegmy mess behind), but the best moments come from the old guard of the British Invasion. Roger Daltrey proves that he's singing better than ever with "Never Make Your Move Too Soon," Elton John and his house band really cook on a terrific "Rock This House," but it's Van Morrison who steals the show with "Early in the Morning," a clean but down-and-dirty version of the standard.
It's the best thing here, but it's unfortunate that it kicks off the album, since it suggests that this might be a harder-hitting blues album than normal from B.B. It's not it's a slick, stylish, professional record, one that's actually a little more straightforward than he's been at any time since, well, "Deuces Wild". Coming after some truly interesting records over the last few years, the predictability of 80 is a bit of a disappointment, but there's still a bunch of good stuff to hear, and, no matter how you look at it, for B.B. to be recording and still sounding vital at 80 is a remarkable thing even if the album that commemorates his birthday falls short of the remarkable itself.

Track listing

01. "Early in the Morning"  (Dallas Bartley/Louis Jordan/Leo Hickman)  - 4:50  (with Van Morrison)
02. "Tired of Your Jive"  (Janet Despenza/Johnny Pate)  - 3:53  (with Billy Gibbons)
03. "The Thrill is Gone"  (Roy Hawkins/Rick Darnell)  - 5:03  (with Eric Clapton)
04. "Need Your Love So Bad"  (Mertis John Jr.)  - 3:58  (with Sheryl Crow)
05. "Ain't Nobody Home"  (Jerry Ragovoy)  - 3:52  (with Daryl Hall)
06. "Hummingbird"  (Leon Russell)  - 4:42  (with John Mayer)
07. "All Over Again"  (Carl B. Adams)  - 4:54  (with Mark Knopfler)
08. "Drivin' Wheel"  (Roosevelt Sykes)  - 4:20  (with Glenn Frey)
09. "There Must Be a Better World Somewhere"  (Doc Pomus/Mac Rebennack)  - 6:50  (with Gloria Estefan)
10. "Never Make Your Move Too Soon"  (Stix Hooper/Will Jennings)  - 4:59  (with Roger Daltrey)
11. "Funny How Time Slips Away"  (Willie Nelson)  - 4:09  (with Bobby Bland)
12. "Rock This House"  (James A. Lane)  - 3:07  (with Elton John)
13. "Early in the Morning"  - 3:57  (BB Solo Alt Version)

Credits
B.B. King - vocals, guitar
Glenn Frey, John Mayer , Billy Gibbons - vocals, guitar
Van Morrison - vocals, harmonica
Elton John - vocals, piano
Daryl Hall, Gloria Estefan, Roger Daltrey, Sheryl Crow, Bobby "Blue" Bland - vocals
Davey Johnstone , Dean Parks, Eric Clapton, Larry Campbell, Mark Knopfler, Clem Clemson - guitar
Brandon Fields - saxophone
Gary Grant, Jerry Hey - trumpet
William Frank "Bill" Reichenbach Jr. - trombone
Luke Smith - Hammond b-3 organ
Chris Stainton, Guy Babylon , Robbie Buchanan, Brian Mitchell - keyboards
Leland Sklar, Bob Birch - electric bass
T-Bone Wolk, Yolanda Charles - bass guitar
Nigel Olsson, Russ Kunkel, Ian Thomas , Billy Ward - drums
John Mahon - percussion
string arrangements by: David Campbell

Notes
Genre:  Blues, R&B, soul
Length:  54:29
Label:  Geffen Records

© 2005