Great Rock Albums of 1985: Molly Hatchet- Double Trouble Live

 

It was only logical that after six great studio albums, Molly Hatchet would put out a live album and boy what a live album! This album is so brilliant that it almost, I stress almost, removes my regret of never having seen this great band live. There was a couple of near opportunities to do so but the US Marine Corps had other ideas at the time. That means, I have had to settle for the consolation prize, not a bad one in any way, of “Double Trouble Live.”

What is cool about this live album is that the song selection has offerings from each of the studio albums. This includes the “Beatin’ the Odds” and “Take No Prisoners” albums when Jimmy Farrar handled the vocal duties. I have to say that Danny Joe Brown does a good job on both of the songs “Beatin’ the Odds” and “Bloody Reunion.” Speaking of Danny Joe, the band even plays a track, “Edge of Sundown,” from his one album with the Danny Joe Brown Band. Therefore, this album has a great diverse mix but Molly Hatchet shines on each and every song.

Of course, there are all the familiar Molly Hatchet classics we have come to love. “Flirtin’ With Disaster,” “Bounty Hunter,” “Fall of the Peacemakers,” “Stone In Your Heart,” “Satisfied Man” and “Boogie No More” are all played brilliantly live. You’d expect nothing less. On top of that, it was only natural they opened with “Whiskey Man” but the song where they really go above and beyond is “Gator Country.” That has always been a cool song but live, guitarists Duane Roland and Dave Hlubeck go absolutely nuts and turn it into a great jam session, well done lads!

When I first heard the album, I was slightly perplexed as to why they would cover Lynyrd Skynyrd’s legendary “Freebird.” After all, most Southern rock bands have their own answer to the Skynyrd classic. Blackfoot has “Highway Song” and even Molly Hatchet had “Fall of the Peacemakers.” So I asked myself, “Why?” The answer came when I listened to the track. Molly Hatchet definitely do it justice. I mean, I have heard some awful attempts covering this classic and I wanted to take an Uzi to those pretenders but Molly Hatchet would have made Ronnie Van Zant proud. There is also a cover of the Allman Brothers classic, “Dreams I’ll Never See” and again, it’s nicely done. Like I said, “Double Trouble Live” nearly removes my regret of not having seen them live.

Track Listing:

1. Whiskey Man
2. Bounty Hunter
3. Gator Country
4. Flirtin’ With Disaster
5. Stone in Your Heart
6. Satisfied Man
7. Bloody Reunion
8. Boogie No More
9. Freebird
10. Walk on the Side of Angels
11. Walk With You
12. Dreams I’ll Never See
13. Edge of Sundown
14. Fall of the Peacemakers
15. Beatin’ the Odds

Molly Hatchet

Danny Joe Brown- vocals

Dave Hlubeck- guitar

Duane Roland- guitar

John Galvin- keyboards

Riff West- bass

Bruce Crump- drums

It has been said the “Double Trouble Live” is one of the best live albums of all time. It’s definitely one of the best in 1985. The only reason it’s not number one for the year as there is a definite contender as well but I’ll get to that one in due course. In the mean time, have a listen to a fantastic live album from Molly Hatchet. You too might not feel so bad if you haven’t seen them live.

Next post: Joe Walsh- The Confessor

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Great Rock Albums of 1985: Van Zant

 

If there was ever proof that in 1985, the phrase 'sold out' was banded about quite liberally, even by me, it was with this 1985 from Van Zant. The name has always been familiar in Southern Rock terms and in this case, it was a simple re-branding of the Johnny Van Zant band. The band even had all its original members. So, why did I accuse them of selling out? The answer was that with this self titled album, Van Zant, like Molly Hatchet and Blackfoot a year earlier had moved away from the traditional Southern Rock boogie sound to a more keyboards, progressive AOR sound. However, my mis-branding of this band was short lived because after a few listens, I realized that I was wrong to ever accuse them of selling out.

One major proof I was wrong was that this album contains one of my favourite songs of 1985 and it's definitely up there in the all time list. "I'm a Fighter" was not an abandonment from Van Zant's more hard rocking Southern sound. In fact, it's rare that a single released from an album in the mid 1980s sound less AOR than the rest of the album but this song absolutely kicks ass! From its unique acoustic guitar intro, to the hard rocking guitars and the blow away guitar solo, all led by the steady vocals of Johnny Van Zant who does the family name proud on every track of the album.

Once one gets over the fact that keyboards are used on the album, the rest of the album is quite good. In fact, the keyboards are used quite well. Sure, they are more prominent in tracks such as "She's Out With a Gun" and "You've Got to Believe in Love" but they are still good songs and the latter does have a killer guitar solo. In fact, I think that Robbie Gay and Erik Lundgren may be the most underrated guitar duo of all time. Tracks such as the opener "Midnight Sensation," the single I've already mentioned, "Two Strangers in Love" and "2+2" are all good to decent rockers. "Two Strangers in Love" is my vote for the hidden gem on the album, especially the way the guitar solo takes the song out at the end.

Thinking back to that time, maybe the reason why it took me a couple of listens to get into this album maybe be down to the four remaining tracks. While not bad, they don't reach the mark set by the first six songs. The possible exception being "Does a Fool Ever Learn," which is about a woman who's with an abusive man but won't leave him. Full marks to the band for bringing this issue to light in the song. Also while not as spectacular as the first six, "Heart to the Flame" does have a catchy vibe to it and but it took me a couple of listens to notice. However, all's well that ends well and now I regard this album as one of my tops for 1985.

Track Listing:

1. Midnight Sensation
2. She's Out With a Gun
3. I'm a Fighter
4. You've Got to Believe in Love
5. Two Strangers in Love
6. 2+2
7. Heart to the Flame
8. Does a Fool Ever Learn
9. Right on Time
10. Lonely Girls

[caption id="attachment_2173" align="aligncenter" width="265"]                          Van Zant [/caption]

Johnny Van Zant- vocals

Robbie Morris- drums

Danny Clausman- bass

Robbie Gay- guitar, backing vocals

Erik Lundgren- guitar, backing vocals

Additional musicians:

Richard Head- synclavier

Brian Heathrington- keyboards, synthesizer

Steve McCray- keyboards, synthesizer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rP_t0jVwWes

Thinking about it, the self titled album from the re-branded Van Zant wasn't the top of my favourite album of 1985 list but it was definitely on it. I would call this the most underrated album of said year because it is a blinder. The problem was with people's attitudes in 1985. Anything with heavy guitars was considered heavy metal while many metalheads considered anything with a keyboard too mainstream. This can be the only reason this album didn't fare so well.

Next post: AC/DC- Fly on the Wall

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Great Rock Albums of 1984: Blackfoot- Vertical Smiles

 

Another great Southern Rock or in my view Southern metal band who went for a more commercial rock sound in 1984 was Blackfoot with their album, "Vertical Smiles." Keyboards player Ken Hensley from Uriah Heep became a permanent member and guitarist Charlie Hargrett left over disagreements with the band and management. However, I have always believed Charlie's departure to be fairly amicable because written on the album cover is "Special thanks to Charlie Hargrett for fourteen years of agony and dedication."

The move to more commercial rock comes out in the very first song, "Morning Dew," which was released as the album's only single. I remember it getting limited airplay on radio. While I have always liked this song, it was certainly a departure from traditional Blackfoot. The keyboards lead into the song and it's present throughout, although this isn't a bad thing. I also love the military sounding snare drums complements of Mr Spires and Rick Medlocke pelts a good guitar solo on it. So there is a lot to like with "Morning Dew."

Things go decisively harder for the next few songs after. "Living in the Limelight" is a pure belter and Medlocke's signature vocals are present. The song rocks! The same can be said for "Get It On." This too is a good rocker from the more memorable days of Blackfoot. The song in between them, "Ride With You" isn't bad either. It's just too much keyboards where some good guitar stuff should be and that lets it down a little. Then, the album slows right down with two power ballad type songs, "Young Girl" and "Summer Days." It does show a more tender side to the band and both songs are done very well. Happily, things go back to more familiar ground with the blazing "A Legend Never Dies." I have always thought "this is more like it."  It proves that Blackfoot can effectively employ guitar and keyboard together in a song. But the most true old style Blackfoot track is the pen ultimate, "Heartbeat and Heels." This song casts aside any doubt that Blackfoot have completely abandoned their past. It is the hidden gem on the album. I've never been too sure about the closer. You would think that any song titled, "In For the Kill" would be a hard rocker and though this song has moments, it doesn't move me in for any kill. Still, it's probably the best song to close the album.

Track Listing:

1. Morning Dew
2. Living In the Limelight
3. Ride With You
4. Get it On
5. Young Girl
6. Summer Days
7. A Legend Never Dies
8. Heartbeat and Heels
9. In For the Kill

[caption id="attachment_3114" align="aligncenter" width="259"] Blackfoot[/caption]

Rick Medlocke- guitar, lead vocals

Ken Hensley- keyboards, backing vocals

Greg T Walker- bass, backing vocals

Jackson Spires- drums, backing vocals

Sherri Jarrell- backing vocals

Note: This was a band photo from the last album but I thought I'd use out it of respect for Charlie Hargrett

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IUbOy1_UKs

All in all, "Vertical Smiles" is a pretty decent album. True, they incorporate keyboards where a harder guitar sound should be in places but it's not bad. The album does have good songs. Still, it's not near the same level as their three famous albums, "Strikes," "Tomcattin'" and "Marauder."

Next post: Survivor- Vital Signs

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Great Rock Albums of 1984: Molly Hatchet- The Deed is Done

 

In the mid and late 1980s, there was a belief that whenever a hard rock or heavy metal band incorporated keyboards into their sound, they had sold out and were trying to sound more commercial friendly. Yes, this was the case for a good number of bands back then and Molly Hatchet were accused of the same when guitarist Steve Holland was replaced with keyboards player John Galvin, who had played with Danny Joe Brown when he had his own band. Sure, the band moved away from their Southern Rock stylings to a more commercial friendly arena rock sound but their 1984 album, "The Deed is Done" is by no means in any shape or form a sell out.

While there are notable differences with this album and their very famous hard smashing album "Flirtin' With Disaster," the hard rock sound is there for all to hear. Even with two guitars, Molly Hatchet really rock out on the album, the keyboards only give it a more melodic back ground. The most prominent examples are the two tracks released as singles, "Satisfied Man" and the one I prefer slightly more, "Stone in Your Heart." These are both rockers with John's keyboards providing excellent melodic back up. Unlike so many bands who tried using keyboards, Molly Hatchet does it right here and unfortunately, this is why the album didn't sell as well as the fore mentioned biggie. Some metalheads scoffed at the use of keyboards while mainstream trendies were put off by the hard guitars and labelled them heavy metal. That's another issue about the 1980s, but I'll save that for another time.

As for the rest of the tracks, they cook as well and the now guitar duo of Duane Rolands and Dave Hlubeck show that even with two guitars, they can still kick ass. There is many a good hard rock song on "The Deed is Done" to be heard. However, if someone moaned about them using keyboards, then that person might have really been freaked out by the use of a saxophone on the track, "She Does She Does." What younger metalheads didn't understand in the 80s was that saxophones were employed very well in many a good rock song throughout the ages and it is done very well on this track. And while Molly Hatchet may have moved a little away from their Southern Boogie Rock sound, it is still there in the tracks, "Heartbreak Radio" and "I Ain't Got You". In fact, the second half of the album really rocks. "Good Smoke and Whiskey" wasn't only a great track, it was my theme song for a while. However, my personal favourite on this album has to be "Man on the Run." The old style of Molly Hatchet is stamped on it from the very beginning and the keyboards, like on the hits, provide the necessary support. This song is probably the best example of how you can incorporate the old Hatchet with the new. So what you do get with "The Deed is Done" is a more melodic hard rock sound in places but with the traditional southern sound not completely forgotten. It does make an excellent combination to the open minded.

Going on a little more about the keyboards, John Galvin is definitely underrated in this position. Some have compared him to Lynyrd Skynyrd's Billy Powell, probably because their both from Southern Rock bands. Like Southern Rock bands, the piano is given that honky tonk sound which only works with bands like these two giants. However, John's work with organs and synthesizers can't be ignored because he plays them well. Oh yes, with all the talk about keyboards, I forgot to mention that the album also marked the return of Bruce Crump on drums. It was good to hear him return on the album.

Track Listing:

1. Satisfied Man
2. Backstabber
3. She Does She Does
4. Intro Piece
5. Stone In Your Heart
6. Man on the Run
7. Good Smoke and Whiskey
8. Heartbreak Radio
9. I Ain't Got You
10. Straight Shooter
11. Song For the Children

[caption id="attachment_4097" align="aligncenter" width="334"] Molly Hatchet[/caption]

Danny Joe Brown- vocals

Duane Rolands- guitar

Dave Hlubeck- guitar

John Galvin- keyboards

Riff West- bass

Bruce Crump- drums

Additional Musicians

Jim Horn- saxophone

Jimi Jamison, Tom DeLuca, Steve Bassett, Terry Manning- background vocals

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1wIhEICMoI

I think that I've established before the metal court that "The Deed is Done" album was in no way a sell out for Molly Hatchet. While the album marks a departure from their traditional Southern sound, it still rocks and rocks hard. It's just a shame there were too many musically narrow minded people around in the mid 1980s who didn't give the album a chance.

Next post: Blackfoot- Vertical Smiles

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Great Rock Albums of 1983: 38 Special- Tour De Force

 

"Tour de Force" proves what I probably said about albums by 38 Special in previous posts. Each new album is not as good as the ones before. Going back to the very first 38 Special album I listened to, "Rockin' Into the Night" was outstanding, their best album ever. The next one, "Wild Eyed Southern Boys" was an excellent album and "Special Forces was somewhere between good and very good. However, the 1983 "Tour de Force" album was just good.

Another thing which I have said in the past was my belief that if the single opens the album, then the album may not be up to much because that has always been a trick of one hit wonders. In the case of this album, the first three tracks are the singles that were released on the album. Of those three, the middle one, "Back Where You Belong," is the best. That song is more the 38 Special I had come to know and love back then. A good opening hard riff with a cool guitar solo, full marks there. Saying that, "If I'd Been the One" is a decent enough song but I've never been impressed with the third track, "One Time for Old Times."

Here is a case where instead of one song not making an entire album, it's two. I won't include "Back Where You Belong" because it is a great song. However, after those three singles, things definitely turn up a few notches for the good. "See Me In Your Eyes" starts to return things to a normality with 38 Special and then "Twentieth Century Fox" is a complete rocker. The exact same thing can be said for the tracks that follow on after that. "Long Distance Affair" and the closer, "Undercover Lover" are fine rocking tracks with the latter song, when it closes out the album, leaves you with an all's well that ends well feeling towards the album.

I must also add that "I Oughta Let Go" is more of a Southern boogie number which proves that at this time, the band hadn't completely abandoned their Southern Rock roots. But my brain has me wondering if the decline in each album is down to cause and effect. With "Rockin' Into the Night," Donnie Van Zant sings lead on five songs and Don Barnes three and one cracking instrumental. On the ensuing albums, the number of Van Zant leads lessen and Barnes sings lead on more. On "Tour de Force" Donnie Van Zant only sings lead on three songs with Barnes the other six. Now, I'm not knocking Don Barnes, he is a great vocalist and I should have included him in my list of great rhythm guitarists but Donnie Van Zant definitely brings an energy to the songs he sings. So, I wonder that if they kept it as it was on the first album, there wouldn't have been such a noticeable decline. Oh yes, I've said it before and I'll say it again because it remains true on "Tour de Force." Jeff Carlisi is a very underrated guitarist.

Track Listing:

1. If I'd Been the One
2. Back Where You Belong
3. One Time for Old Times
4.  See Me in Your Eyes
5. Twentieth Century Fox
6. Long Distance Affair
7. I Oughta Let Go
8. One of the Lonely Ones
9. Undercover Lover

[caption id="attachment_1691" align="aligncenter" width="313"] 38 Special[/caption]

Don Barnes- lead vocals, guitar

Donnie Van Zant- lead vocals

Jeff Carlisi- lead guitar, steel guitar

Larry Junstrom- bass

Steve Brookins- drums

Jack Grondin- drums

Carol Bristow- backing vocals

Lu Moss- backing vocals

Jimmy Markham- harmonica

38 Special were at a cross roads at this point in time. I remember tearing my hair out trying to convince my friend that they were not a top forty band and that they were a cool Southern Rock band like Lynyrd Skynyrd and Molly Hatchet. I'm not sure if he ever believed me but while this album may lead one to think that they had sold out, there is enough on this good album to show that hadn't.

Next post: Rolling Stones- Undercover

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Great Rock Albums of 1983: ZZ Top- Eliminator

 

I wasn't completely accurate when I said that Molly Hatchet's "No Guts No Glory" album was the first vinyl record I bought after leaving the marines. In fact, I was only telling half the truth because I bought the record through a mail order record club but not only did I buy Molly Hatchet, I had also bought "Eliminator" by ZZ Top and they came in the same package. I won't lose any sleep over it though, after all I had two great albums from 1983 to listen one right after the other, which I did.

For many people, ZZ Top's "Eliminator" album epitomized 1983. It was one of those albums that brought people of different musical tastes together. Johnny-come-lately trendies liked it because ZZ Top sounded a little different and back then, anything to mainstream enthusiasts that sounded different was branded new wave. However, for harder rockers like me as well as those who had been listening to them for years, it was the fact that ZZ Top managed to do so well without compromising their musical style, well not too much anyway. They retained their Texas-bad boy-boogie-blues style rock that had endeared them to listeners such as myself. Believe me, unlike some artists about this time, "Eliminator" has never had me pining for their earlier classics like "Tres Hombres" or "El Loco." It's great as it stands.

The main reason why I like is that Billy Gibbons just basically rips through the entire album with his guitar solos. Pick any song on this album and guaranteed, I will be rocking away to his solo on it. But while Billy is sensational, you must give credit to the Dusty Hill and Frank Beard who must be one of the tightest rhythm sections in music. Another plus for "Eliminator" is the songs are so upbeat without being mushy. Most of the songs are topics we can all identify with. Yes, every girl is crazy about a sharp dressed man. It's just too bad I didn't take those words to heart back then and more than the average man, I am definitely a sucker for a nice pair of legs. We've all eaten TV dinners at one time in our lives. Oh, I do like that song because ZZ Top proved that they could add keyboards and still sound great. Then I think everybody gets the innuendo with "I Got the Six." I could say that the song was about a dice game but I don't think anyone would believe me somehow. One more thing, I think that "Got Me Under Pressure" is a very underrated song with some amusing lyrics.

"She don't like other women, she likes whips and chains.
She likes cocaine and filppin' out with great Danes.
She's about all I can handle, it's too much for my brain."

[caption id="attachment_3206" align="aligncenter" width="251"] The famous ZZ Top Eliminator car[/caption]

Another first for me with this album was that it was the first one where I was influenced by video. Videos for the songs "Gimme All Your Lovin,'" "Sharp Dressed Man" and "Legs" all featured the famous eliminator car, (see above) and those three lovely ladies. Now, I'll be the first one to say that ZZ Top didn't need such things for this album to succeed because the music is that good but on the other hand, who am I to complain?

[caption id="attachment_3207" align="aligncenter" width="362"] Remember these ladies from the ZZ Top videos?[/caption]

Track Listing:

1. Gimme All Your Lovin'
2. Got Me Under Pressure
3. Sharp Dressed Man
4. I Need You Tonight
5. I Got the Six
6. Legs
7. Thug
8. TV Dinners
9. Dirty Dog
10. If Only I Could Flag Her Down
11. Bad Girl

[caption id="attachment_1585" align="aligncenter" width="251"] ZZ Top[/caption]

Billy Gibbons- guitar, vocals

Dusty Hill- bass, keyboards, vocals

Frank Beard- drums, percussion

"Eliminator" by ZZ Top brings back fond memories of 1983 for me. It was a great album and on a personal note, it was a great one to return to civilian life to. It's an album in the ZZ Top style that happened to gain loads of commercial success. Well done!

Next post: A Revelation That Might Interest Some Readers!

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Great Rock Albums of 1983: Molly Hatchet- No Guts No Glory

 

One Southern Rock band that did still get some attention up North in 1983 was the great Molly Hatchet. What excited many Hatchet fans north and south of the Mason-Dixon Line was the return of lead singer Danny Joe Brown to the band to record the "No Guts No Glory" album. For those who are new to 80smetalman, it might be a good idea to have a crash history lesson. Danny Joe Brown left Molly Hatchet after the magnificent "Flirtin' With Disaster" album, actually he was kicked out because of his drinking, and replaced by lead singer Jimmy Farrar who sang on the next two albums, "Beatin' the Odds" and "Take No Prisoners." While there was nothing wrong with either of those albums and Jimmy Farrar is a very capable singer, there seemed to be something missing from those albums. It was hoped that Brown's return would re-ignite the chemistry that brought them fame with "Flirtin' With Disaster."

The old chemistry certainly does return on the "No Guts No Glory" album from the very first song. Things definitely feel very upbeat on the first two songs and at the time, I wanted to scream, although I did inwardly, "Welcome back Danny!" While the first two tracks set the pace for the entire album, it is the third track that propels things into the ionosphere. "Sweet Dixie" is one of those Southern rock boogie tunes that has me bouncing in my chair whenever I hear it. Unless I'm walking, then it makes me quicken my step. Even when I returned north after I got out of the service, the lyrics reminded me of the good things about being down South.

"Just give me those stars and bars, Willie on the radio

A good cold beer and that rebel cheer

And man I'm ready to roll

That sweet sweet Dixie music really gets into my soul

So Mr Deejay won't you play that Southern rock and roll."

Of course the guitars of Dave Hlubeck, Duane Roland and Steve Holland are all over that song as well as the entire album but the song where they really shine is the best known song from the album, "Fall of the Peacemakers." Written as a lament over the murder of John Lennon although I always saw it as an anti- war song, the three guitarists lay down some killer solos in the style of "Freebird" or "Highway Song" on the final five minutes of it. "Fall of the Peacemakers" has been said to have been Molly Hatchet's own "Freebird." The guitars are certainly good enough.

Having originally bought "No Guts No Glory" on vinyl, actually my first vinyl purchase upon leaving the service, the songs mentioned were side one. Side two is definitely not filler. There are five awesome tracks on it that keep the party going very well. Of those five, the standout for me is "Kinda Like Love." They do throw in something a bit different at the end as the closer, "Both Sides," is an instrumental. Some more great guitar work on it to end the album just right.

Other interesting facts about the album are the fact that this is the only Molly Hatchet album not to portray a Franzetta painting on the cover. Another is the use of keyboards. Danny Joe Brown was wise to bring John Galvin over from his Danny Joe Brown band to play on the album. The album also features a completely new rhythm section with Riff West on bass and Barry BB Borden on drums. They work very well here.

Track Listing:

1. What Does it Matter
2. Ain't Even Close
3. Sweet Dixie
4. Fall of the Peacemakers
5. What's it Gonna Take
6. Kinda Like Love
7. Under the Gun
8. On the Prowl
9. Both Sides

[caption id="attachment_3121" align="aligncenter" width="276"] Molly Hatchet[/caption]

Danny Joe Brown- vocals

Dave Hlubeck- guitars

Duane Roland- guitar

Steve Holland- guitar

Riff West- bass

Barry BB Borden- drums

Additional musicians:

John Galvin- keyboards

Jai Winding- keyboards

*Note- Steve Holland would leave the band during the tour for the album and John Galvin would replace him and become a permanent member

Thanks to the return of Danny Joe Brown, many would say that Molly Hatchet was back. I know they never really went anywhere but the "No Guts No Glory" album in my mind, returned them to former glory.

Next post: Talking Heads- Speaking in Tongues

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Great Rock Albums of 1983: Blackfoot- Siogo

 

Further evidence to support the fact that Southern Rock was becoming a non entity north of the Mason-Dixon Line is to be found with Blackfoot's 1983 album, "Siogo." It's also yet another reason why I was glad I got to spend three months in the South. In the years running up to 83, Blackfoot had been slowly but surely gaining attention in the North thanks to their three best known albums, "Strikes," "Tomcattin'" and "Marauder." However, when I did return North in the middle of the year, it seemed that no one had known they put out a new album and it was fortunate I had bought it in North Carolina because it would have been tougher to find it in New Jersey.

"Siogo" marked a slight change of direction for Blackfoot in the sense that they acquired keyboards player Ken Hensley. Many metalheads and hard rockers normally panic when a band known for hard power chords from the guitar adds keyboards. There is the belief that said band is selling out, going commercial or whatever and Van Halen in 1986 proves that point but that story is for another time. Well, you can all rest easy because when I first heard the single from the album, "Send Me and Angel," I thought the keyboards went well with the hard crunching guitar that Blackfoot was known for. Everything else associated with Blackfoot was in place, the great guitar solos, Rick Medlocke's unmistakable vocals and the rhythm section provided by Walker and Spires.

Let me get right to the point, "Siogo" is a great album and it's unfortunate it has been overlooked so long. It also proves that the addition of a keyboard does not destroy the sound of a hard and heavy band if employed properly. Dio is the ultimate example but again, that's for another time. Proof of this with this album lies in the track "Goin' in Circles." You can hear the keyboards in support at the beginning when the guitars pound in on the intro to the song. They add flavour to it and then go on a support role as the song gets into full gear and there's a killer guitar solo on it. If you want to hear Hensley at his keyboard best, then the track "We're Going Down" is the one. His keyboard solo is the highlight of a song that is no less rocky. The rest of the album is more old school Blackfoot if there is such a thing. Full of trademark intros, see "Teenage Idol" and "Crossfire" here and straight forward, blow your eardrums hard rock music. I said it before but it still applies with "Siogo," Blackfoot could be called "Southern Metal."

When I first looked at the track listing and saw a track called "Sail Away," I thought that this was going to be some sort of ballad. After all, there are plenty of songs with similar titles that are. However, the song that bears the title on this album is nothing of the sort. Okay, maybe the first two notes of the intro may give that impression but the rest of the song just rocks! And don't be fooled by the lyrics of "White Man's Land." It's nothing racist, the song, at least to me, is a dig at the rat race and I can definitely see where they're coming from here. Besides, the song reminds me a little of the classic "Train, Train."

Track Listing:

1. Send Me an Angel
2. Crossfire
3. Heart's Grown Cold
4. We're Goin' Down
5. Teenage Idol
6. Goin' in Circles
7. Run For Cover
8. White Man's Land
9. Sail Away
10. Drivin' Fool

[caption id="attachment_3114" align="aligncenter" width="200"] Blackfoot[/caption]

Rick Medlocke- lead vocals, guitar

Charlie Hargrett- guitar

Ken Hensley- keyboards, backing vocals

Greg T. Walker- bass, backing vocals

Jackson Spires- drums, backing vocals

I'm afraid that I'm going to have to say, "Damn Yankees" for the fact that this album has been overlooked up North. Fortunately, I was in the South so I didn't miss out on it, to which I'm glad. "Siogo" is definitely a Blackfoot album that deserves a mention when you say the band's name.

Next post: Molly Hatchet- No Guts, No Glory

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Great Rock Albums of 1983: Doc Holliday- Modern Medicine

 

Here's another reason why I was glad that I spent my final three months in the marines down south. Nantucket headlined the Mayfair Festival that great day in May, 1983 and were fantastic but the band on right before them was just as good. On that day, Doc Holliday reinforced what I have always loved and continue to love about Southern Rock. If I hadn't been there, I would have missed them because like I said previously, many people up North had moved on from Southern Rock in 1983. That is why my only album experience of Doc Holliday to this day was their 1983 "Modern Medicine" album.

The band being from Atlanta, Georgia, their album has all the trademarks of all things good about Southern Rock but that doesn't stop Doc Holliday from putting their own personal stamp on things. All of the above is evidenced in the very first song on the album, "City Nights." The keyboard at the beginning rams home the 'these guys are a bit different' feeling before quickly going into more harder southern boogie guitar work complimented by typical Southern lyrics about partying and getting drunk. "City Nights" sets the rest of the album perfectly.

Other songs go a bit harder after that for most of the songs. "Rock City," "Hell to Pay," "Gimme Some" and "No Relation to Love" are all hard rocking scorchers. But if you are looking for ballads, then "You Don't Have to Cry" fills that bill very nicely. It's a good Southern love song with some rather impressive guitar work. It provides a kind of break in the action between all the harder songs mentioned above so it's not out of place. "You Turn Me On" sounds almost like a 1970s funk tune but Doc Holliday pull it off perfectly. It is my conclusion that those damn Yankees up North shouldn't have been so quick to abandon Southern Rock because many of them missed out on one hell of a band.

Track Listing:

1. City Nights
2. Dreamin'
3. Gimme Some
4. You Don't Have to Cry
5. Rock City
6. Hell to Pay
7. No Relation to Love
8. You Turn Me On
9. We're Not Alone
10. You Like to Rock

[caption id="attachment_3110" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Doc Holliday[/caption]

Ric Skelton- guitar

Bruce Brookshire- lead vocals, lead and slide guitar, synths

Eddie Stone- synths, piano, backing vocals

John Samuelson- bass, backing vocals

Herman Nixon- drums

Thank God that in 1983 I got to go to the Mayfair Festival and witness this band. If I hadn't, I would not have experienced the "Modern Medicine" album because Doc Holliday's fame never spread to New Jersey. That is a shame but at least I got to hear them and can tell you how great they were and hopefully, you will give them a listen on Youtube.

Next post: Blackfoot- Sirrocco

To buy Rock and Roll Children, email me at: tobychainsaw@hotmail.com

Great Rock Albums of 1983: Nantucket- No Direction Home

 

One thing I am grateful for as I reflect back on 1983 was the fact that I got to spend my remaining three months in the marines in North Carolina. If I hadn't, I might have missed out on some great stuff from a few of the great Southern Rock bands that were around at the time, Nantucket being one of them. By 1983, Southern Rock was once again contained to the South. Many people from the North had moved on from listening to what for me was a great sub-genre of rock. In the case of Nantucket, it was most unfortunate, because the world didn't get to hear what a great band they were.

Memories came flooding back as soon as I listened to the album, "No Direction Home," after so many years. I remember the single, "Hiding From Love," which was written by Bryan Adams getting a good amount of airplay on the local station in North Carolina. While Bryan's influence can be heard on the song, Nantucket certainly make the song their own, adding that Southern boogie vibe that all great Southern Rock bands are known for.

A criticism that was being aimed at Southern bands in the mid- 1980s was they were abandoning their roots to sound more mainstream. There is some sign of this with "No Direction Home," with the fore-mentioned single and the cover of Marvin Gaye's "Ain't That Peculiar." Saying that, Nantucket still stamp their authority on both songs and that's where any thoughts of mainstream ends. That point is made crystal clear with the hard rocking opener. The second song, "I Don't Want to Lose You" is more of a blues based song and it's done very well. Following the two songs already mentioned that they didn't write, there are some steaming rockers, "Morning, Noon and Night" and "Ready For Your Love" before slowing down to the ballad "Come Home Darling." That is as good a power ballad as any. The album finishes on a very high note with three more rockers with the closer, "Tennessee Whiskey," being everything you've always loved about Southern Rock. A massive heart pumping rocker about a favourite Southern past-time, drinking whiskey.

Another disservice to Nantucket is the lack or respect to the guitarists, Tommy Redd and Mark Downing. These two deserve to being mentioned among the great names of Gary Rossington, Allen Collins, Rick Medlocke, Duane Rowlands and Dave Hlubeck. They're that good! Nantucket offer a unique feature as well in the form of saxophonist Eddie Blair. I'm going to go out on a limb and say he's as good as Clarence Clemmons of Bruce Springsteen fame. In evidence, I ask you to listen to "Girl I Got Your Number."

Track Listing:

1. No Direction Home
2. I Don't Want To Lose You
3. Hiding From Love
4. Ain't That Peculiar
5. Morning, Noon and Night
6. Ready For Your Love
7. Come Home Darling
8. Never Felt This Way Before
9. Girl I Got Your Number
10. Tennessee Whiskey

[caption id="attachment_1322" align="aligncenter" width="472"] Nantucket[/caption]

Gary Uzzell- lead and backing vocals

Tommy Redd- guitar, backing vocals

Eddie Blair- keyboards, saxophone, backing vocals

Mark Downing- guitar

Richard Gates- drums

David 'Thumbs' Johnson- bass, backing vocals

I had the fortune of seeing Nantucket live two months before I left the service on tour supporting the "No Direction Home" album. (The above photo wasn't taken at that concert). They headlined a local festival called the Mayfair and I remembered they were brilliant, though I wish I wasn't so partied out by the time they hit the stage. While they were great in the South, I still think they were cheated out of their chance to gain wider attention.

Next post: Doc Holliday- Modern Medicine

To buy Rock and Roll Children, email me at: tobychainsaw@hotmail.com 

Great Rock Albums of 1982: The Greatest Hits of the Outlaws, High Tides Forever

 Whether it was down to the lack of commercial success of the 1982 studio album, "Los Hombres Malo," or simply because they thought it was the appropriate time but in 1982, The Outlaws decided to release a greatest hits album. So, they chose eight of their best songs and put out what was to be a must have for any Outlaws fan or someone who considered themselves a purveyor of Southern Rock. I was the latter.

It might have been only eight songs buy by God, what eight great songs they are! There are the three best known songs, at least to me, "Green Grass and High Tides," "Ghost Riders in the Sky" and "There Goes Another Love Song," which I had always thought was on the "Los Hombres Malo" album because I remember it being played quite a bit on radio in early 1983. As an added bonus, the version of "Ghost Riders" is a live recording that sounds really good. The album also opened my eyes to some of the lesser known Outlaws jams as well. "Hurry Sundown," "Holiday" and "Stick Around for Rock and Roll" are all great songs as can only be done by the Outlaws. All three have those long guitar solos in that Southern Blues based fashion. The only track that doesn't go in this mold is "Take It Anyway You Want It." It actually has a more harder edge but lasting only three minutes and fifteen seconds, is very short for an Outlaws song. It's still a decent song goes well in this compilation of Outlaws' history.

Track Listing:

1. Stick Around for Rock And Roll

2. There Goes Another Love Song

3. Take It Anyway You Want It

4. Green Grass and High Tides

5. Ghost Riders in the Sky

6. Hurry Sundown

7. Holiday

8. You Are the Show

[caption id="attachment_1329" align="aligncenter" width="179"] The Outlaws[/caption]

Rick Cua- bass, lead and backing vocals

David Dix- drums, percussion

Dave Lane- fiddle, violin

Dave Lyons- keyboards, lead and backing vocals

Freddie Salem- guitar, lead and backing vocals

Hughie Thomasson- guitar, banjo, lead and backing vocals

There are so many greatest hits albums around that it's no wonder that the Outlaws would put out one of their own. "High Tides Forever" contains the classics that made their name at the time.

Next post: Rush- Signals

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Also available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Froogle and on sale at Foyles Book Shop in London

Great Rock Albums of 1982: Johnny Van Zant Band- Last of the Wild Ones

 Owing to the fact that I spent two thirds of 1982 overseas combined with the expectations of the military, I only managed to attend one concert in 1982. It was at a local club in Jacksonville, North Carolina called the Chateau Madrid. It's not there any more and unlike the Driftwood, I couldn't find any pictures of it on line. Anyway, there are no prizes for guessing who it was I saw that night as I am visiting the album from that tour of the Johnny Van Zant band right now. I remember it being a good night and Johnny and Co were on form and I loved when they played Lynyrd Skynyrd's "I Ain't the One." However, what could have ruined that night was the fact it was in a club full of drunk marines, yes I was one of them but I didn't get involved in any scraps that night. No kidding, while I was enjoying the show, two marines to my right suddenly went to the floor in a heap and started hooking and jabbing. A few minutes after the bouncers broke up that fight and ejected the participants, two more guys on my left engaged in similar festivities. Those weren't the only two bouts on the card that night but I didn't let it spoil my enjoyment of the evening.

"The Last of the Wild Ones" is the third album from the Johnny Van Zant Band and it is definitely a power Southern Rock album. Some of the tracks are almost metal such as the opener and "Can't Live Without Your Love." Both of these are some very heavy songs where Robbie Gay and Erik Lundgren show what they are capable of with a guitar in their hands. The track "Inside Looking Out" sounds like what I think Boston would have sounded like if they had come from south of the Mason-Dixon Line. The power ballad, "Still Hold On" is the one song of such genre that comes closest to the bar set by April Wine the previous year as to what a power ballad should sound like. "It's You" is the one song I remember getting air play at the time and it's not your standard made for radio single. This song rocks and I can't believe how much I had forgotten of the song, shame on me I know. My question is why this album didn't break the band out of the Southeast as had it gotten more notice up North, it would have done well.

Track Listing:

1. Good Girls Gone Bad

2. It's You

3. The Last of the Wild Ones

4. Still Hold On

5. Can't Live Without Your Love

6. Danger Zone

7. Together Forever

8. Inside Looking Out

9. The One and Only

[caption id="attachment_2173" align="aligncenter" width="292"] Johnny Van Zant Band[/caption]

Johnny Van Zant- vocals

Robbie Gay- lead guitar

Erik- Lundgren- lead guitar

Danny Clausman- bass

Robbie Morris- drums

Maybe it was because the corporate record companies had made their millions out of Southern Rock the previous year the reason for why this album seems virtually unknown outside the Southeast of the USA. This is a shame because they alone got to enjoy what a great album "The Last of the Wild Ones" really is and many got to do it without having drunk marines fighting around them.

Next post: Greatest Hits of the Outlaws- High Tides Forever

To Buy Rock And Roll Children, go to www.strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/RockAndRollChildren.html

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Great Rock Albums of 1982: Charlie Daniels Band- Windows

If there was one song whose lyrics really made me think in 1982, it was the single by the Charlie Daniels Band, "Still in Saigon." For those unfamiliar, it's a very haunting song about a Vietnam Veteran and his struggles with the war ten years since coming home. Two lines that still stick in my mind and even more so since I listened to the 1982 "Windows" album are:

"All the sounds of long ago will be forever in my head,

Mingled with the wounded's cries and the silence of the dead."

Those lyrics make me glad that while I served, I never had to fire a live round at a living target nor had any live rounds fired at me. "Still in Saigon" was the first true song that I know of that showed true sympathy to those who served in Vietnam. At the time, some thought it was a bit contradictory to their previous patriotic 1980 hit "In America." There is nothing unpatriotic about "Still in Saigon" and if America apologised to the Vietnam Veterans for they way it treated them every day until the last veteran died, it might just be enough. For me, the song would come to mind in unfortunate circumstances a year later when my old unit got blown up in Beirut.

Like I have said many times before, one song does not make a good album but there are plenty of good ones on "Windows." Charlie Daniels seems to go more rock than country on this album although there is the country ballad type "We Had It All One Time" there's nothing wrong with that song. "Ragin' Cajun" is the other known single from the album which features some fiddle playing reminiscent of the old 1979 classic, "The Devil Went Down to Georgia." It's a good rock hoe down. The gem in the dark for me on this album is definitely "Partyin' Gal." I knew a few ladies who partied like that in those days so it should be a tribute to them. It is probably the most rock of all the songs on the album. If "We Had It All One Time" is the country ballad then "Blowin' Along With the Wind" is the rock one. It's not a power ballad, more of a progressive one but it slots in nicely with the rest of the line up. Whether you're country or rock or both, you can't go wrong with "Windows."

Track Listing:

1. Still in Saigon

2. Ain't No Ramblers Anymore

3. The Lady in Red

4. We Had It All One Time

5. Partyin' Gal

6. Ragin' Cajun

7. Makes You Want To Go Home

8. Blowing Along With The Wind

9. Nashville Moon

10. The Universal Hand

[caption id="attachment_1335" align="aligncenter" width="264"] Charlie Daniels Band[/caption]

Charlie Daniels- vocals, guitar, fiddle

Tom Crane- guitar, vocals

Joel "Taz" Di Gregorio- keyboards, vocals

Fred Edwards- drums, percussion

James W Marshall- drums, percussion

Charles Hayward- bass

One song made me think in 1982 but an entire album rocked the year away.
 "Windows" proved to many, especially many up North, that the Charlie Daniels Band were certainly not one hit wonders.
Next post: Johnny Van Zant- The Lat of the Wild Ones

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Great Rock Albums of 1982: The Outlaws- Los Hombres Malo

 It often pays to be in the right place at the right time and in the case of the Outlaws "Los Hombres Malo" album, I was fortunate to be in the south when this album was released. Otherwise, it might have passed me by. "Los Hombres Malo" isn't one of the Outlaws' better known albums like "Ghost Riders" or "In the Eye of the Storm" or in fact, some of the classic albums they made in the mid to late 1970s. All that aside, it's still a pretty good album.

The Outlaws have never been as heavy as Southern Rockers such as Blackfoot or Molly Hatchet. Their sound is more bluesier with some great long lead guitar solos like their all time classic jam, "Green Grass and High Tides." It is more of the same with "Los Hombres Malo." "Don't Stop" is a classic Outlaws type song and opens the album quite well and it's followed up by the similar sounding "Foxtail Lilly." "Rebel Girl" is the only song I remember getting any airplay, even on southern stations and it is a decent song except that the guitar solo isn't as long. My assumption: they were asked to shorten the lead for airplay. The rest of the album goes back to the more traditional Outlaws sound and if, while listening to it, you think that every song is in the same vein, the album throws a curve ball with the more slower "Running." It's a ballad done the Outlaws' way. "Easy Does It" and "All Roads" end the album just fine. While this album doesn't make me want to forget some of the more classic albums, it doesn't make me want to discard it for them either.

Track Listing:

1. Don't Stop

2. Foxtail Lilly

3. Rebel Girl

4. Goodbye

5. Back From Eternity

6. Won't Come Out of the Rain

7. Running

8. Easy Does It

9. All Roads

[caption id="attachment_1329" align="aligncenter" width="248"] The Outlaws[/caption]

Rick Cua- bass, lead and backing vocals

David Dix- drums, percussion

Dave Lane- fiddle, violin

Dave Lyons- keyboards, lead and backing vocals

Freddie Salem- guitar, lead and backing vocals

Hughie Thomasson- guitar, banjo, lead and backing vocals

One event I regret missing in 1982 was that the Outlaws and Blackfoot toured together. That must have been an amazing show. They would have played some songs from "Los Hombres Malo" and that would have been cool.

Next post: The Top in in Israel, in April 1982.

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Great Rock Albums of 1982: Rossington//Collins- This Is the Way

One of the best things about being in the Southeastern part of the US in 1982 was that while the rest of the world seemed to be getting into new wave and synth pop was starting to rear its ugly head, Southern rock was still going strong there. Of course heavy metal was growing into a monster out of control but that's another story. As I have said many times before, Southern Rock had stamped its authority in 1981 but while most of the trendy world may have moved on, Southerners were still true to their music. The result being that there are still quite a few more albums in this vein for me to visit and one of the major ones was the second album from Rossington/Collins, "This is the Way."

For me, "This is the Way" is as every bit as good as their debut album "Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere." It has that very pronounced Southern down home boogie vibe that is synonymous with Southern Rock. Plus, having several ex Lynyrd Skynyrd members in the band, you can definitely hear their influence on the album. What is different about Rossington/Collins is the lead singer, Dale Krantz- Rossington. Not enough mention is given to her vocal ability which is very high indeed. She really shines on the acapella "Pine Box." Her vocals are just as noteworthy in the songs that have music with them but they have the additional bonus of some of that great Skynyrdesque guitar play from Gary Rossington and Allen Collins. Great examples to this are "Gotta Get it Straight," "Gonna Miss It When Its Gone" and "Means Nothing to You." "Don't Stop Me Now" has an added bonus of the piano work of Billy Powell proving that he could still tinkle the ivories. It beats me why he doesn't get the respect he deserves as a keyboardist. The best example, though, is the more bluesy ballad "Tashauana." This song puts together all of the things already mentions and makes a really good song. Dale's vocals are superb, their is some great powerful guitar and you can hear Powell's well done efforts as well. "Tashauana" demonstrates why "This is the Way" is such a great album.

Track Listing:

1. Gotta Get it Straight

2. Tashauana

3. Gonna Miss It When Its Gone

4. Pine Box

5. Fancy Ideas

6. Don't Stop Me Now

7. Seems Like Every Day

8. I'm Free Today

9. Next Phone Call

10. Means Nothing to You

[caption id="attachment_2147" align="aligncenter" width="275"] Rossington/Collins[/caption]

Gary Rossington- guitar

Allen Collins- guitar

Dale Krantz- Rossington- vocals

Billy Powell- keyboards

Barry Lee Harwood- guitar, vocals

Leon Wilkeson- bass

Derek Hess- drums

"This is the Way" would be the second and final album from Rossington/Collins. They would disappear after this for reasons I will never fully understand. Maybe it was because I didn't appreciate them enough back then. If that's the case, then that's not good, because if they kept putting out albums like this one, I would have been listening to them for years.

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Also available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Froogle and on sale at Foyles Book Shop in London

Great Rock Albums of 1982: Blackfoot- Highway Song Live

What is the most logical thing to do after your band has put out three very good studio albums? Well, in the case of Blackfoot, the answer is to put out one hell of a live album. That is exactly what they did in 1982 with the album recorded live in London. If it hadn't been for the fact that I happened to visit London in the summer of 1983, this album would have past me by because I never saw it on sale at any of the record shops in New Jersey and that, to me, would have been a damn shame.

Why is this live album so good? The answer is pretty obvious to any Blackfoot fan. At this particular concert, they played some of their finest material off their previous three albums, "Strikes," "Tomcattin'" and "Marauder." If I were to have produced the album, I would have done little different except ask the band to play "I Got a Line On You" from the "Strikes" album but that's a personal thing. The album is fine as it stands. Things open with two songs from "Tomcattin,'" "Gimme, Gimme, Gimme," which is definitely a great concert opener, especially at the beginning when Rick Medlocke announces "All right London, it's boogie time!" You get little time to rest after the opener because Medlocke gets the crowd going by saying, "If someone messes with your queenie, you're gonna mess up their god damn nose!" Then they launch into "Queenie, Every Man Should Know." If the crowd isn't fully up by now, then the almost thrash sounding, "Good Morning" definitely gets them there.

"Good Morning" is the first of three songs from the "Marauder" album. The other two songs that follow, "Dry County" and "Fly Away" sound much better live than the versions on the album and there was nothing wrong with those. It's just the raw energy this concert gives that takes things up several levels. One note, in between "Dry County" and "Fly Away," Blackfoot play their own version of John Lee Hooker's "Rolling and Tumbling" and I will say that they put their own unique stamp on that song quite nicely.

The rest of the album/concert is dominated by songs from the "Strikes" album. "Road Fever" for all the Scotland rock and roll maniacs as how Medlocke introduces the song, rolls things along very well. After they play "Trouble in Mind," Blackfoot take the show up on an enormous high with the two best songs from that album, "Train, Train" and of course "Highway Song" and both are cases of the live version being way above the studio version. This leads me to realise that if Blackfoot can improve on songs from great studio albums when played live, they are definitely a band to be reckoned with.

Track Listing:

1. Gimme, Gimme, Gimme

2. Queenie, Every Man Should Know

3. Good Morning

4. Dry County

5. Rolling and Tumbling

6. Fly Away

7. Road Fever

8. Trouble in Mind

9. Train, Train

10. Highway Song

11. Howay the Lads

[caption id="attachment_1316" align="aligncenter" width="215"] Blackfoot[/caption]

Rickey Medlocke- guitar, lead vocals

Charlie Hargrett- guitar

Greg T Walker- bass, backing vocals

Jackson Spires- drums

I think back to that time in 1983 and thank God that I was in London and saw this album in a record store. Otherwise, I would have missed it. Then again, each time I listen to the album, I become pig sick at not having ever seen them live. Trust me, "Highway Song" will make you feel that way.

Next post: Rossington/Collins- This is the Way

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Great Rock Albums of 1982: 38 Special- Special Forces

Southern rock hit its highest point in 1981 but it hadn't descended down the summit in 1982. There were still Southern Rock bands making some great albums and getting their songs played on the radio, even up North. One of them was 38 Special whose single "Caught Up in You" from the 1982 album "Special Forces" got into the top ten in the pop singles charts. I have said many times before that I normally didn't pay too much attention to the singles charts but whenever I see that a good rock or metal band I like has a song that gets in there, I find it a cause for celebration.

Hit single aside and "Caught Up In You" follows the trend in 1982 of leading off the album, the rest of the album is the brand of Southern Rock I have always liked about the previous 38 Special albums. There are some great riffs in the likes of "Back on the Track" and "Breakin' Loose" as well as some great rhythm and harmonies on the tracks "Back Door Stranger" and "Take 'Em Out." As usual, Donnie Van Zant and Don Barnes do a magnificent job with the vocals on the album singing the songs that play to their strengths. The track I find most fascinating, though, is "Chain Lightning." It starts off with an acoustic riff and at first sucks you into thinking of a possible ballad but then the guitars slam in and the song totally rocks out. Jeff Carlisi reminds me on the song why I consider him very underrated among guitarists. And if you think "Chain Lightning" sounds good on record, you should hear it played live. I got that opportunity in 1984 and it was totally kicked ass. They do sneak another single in and I have to admit, I prefer "You Keep Running Away" to "Caught Up In You" even if chart history dictates otherwise. I have never considered "Special Forces" to be a totally mind blowing as "Wild Eyed Southern Boys" or "Rockin' Into the Night," it isn't really that far below them. A good solid album that kept Southern rock in the spotlight in 1982.

Track Listing:

1. Caught Up in You

2. Backdoor Stranger

3. Back On the Track

4. Chain Lightning

5. Rough Housing

6. You Keep Running Away

7. Breakin' Loose

8. Take 'Em Out

9. Firestarter

[caption id="attachment_1691" align="aligncenter" width="249"] 38 Special[/caption]

Don Barnes- guitar, lead and backing vocals

Jeff Carlisi- lead guitar

Larry Junstrom- bass

Steve Brookins- drums

Jack Grondin- drums

Donnie Van Zant- lead and backing vocals

Additional Musicians

Jimmy Barnes- harmonica, harp

Terry Emery- piano

Steve McCray- keyboards

Lu Moss- backing vocals

Carol Bristow- backing vocals

38 Special achieved the double in 1982 by putting out a great album and breaking the top ten in the singles charts. This was a a great time for the band but what nobody saw back in that year was that the one achievement would have a detrimental effect on the other one with their future albums and attitude towards music.

Next post: Blackfoot- Highway Song, Live in London

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Great Rock Albums of 1981: ZZ Top- El Loco

I first listened to "El Loco" in conjunction with another classic ZZ Top album "Tres Hombres." For me, it turned out to be a double delight getting to listen to two great albums by the same band one after another and it marked another turning point in my musical life. It wasn't until 1981 that I listened to any ZZ Top at all. That was because back in 1977, the uncle of my best friend had one of their albums, (I don't know which), and he said it sucked and I was dumb enough back then to let that influence my music listening tastes. That is why I never listened to them back in the 70s and why I don't allow things like that to happen anymore.

"Tres Hombres" has my two favourite ZZ Top songs of all time on it. You'll have to read my 1979 post to discover which ones, but "El Loco" is a very good album too. The album was also the beginning of a turning point for the band musically. It was the first album they would use synthesisers in some of their songs and I must comment that they do a grand job of it on the track, "Groovy Little Hippy Pad." For the most part, however, they stay true to their more bluesier roots. The first track "Tube Snake Boogie" is a classic and still has me rocking away to it whenever I hear it. Billy Gibbons shows his guitar worth on that and many of the other songs here. The final two tracks, "Heaven, Hell or Houston" and "Party on the Patio" are definite standouts. The band also reinforces another dimension to their music in the fact that they have a sense of humour with their songs. "Ten Foot Pole," "Pearl Necklace" and the fore mentioned "Groovy Little Hippy Pad" bear witness to this. All in all, I remain thankful to yet another old marine buddy who opened my eyes to more cool music in the shape of ZZ Top and "El Loco."

Track Listing:

1. Tube Snake Boogie

2. I Wanna Drive You Home

3. Ten Foot Pole

4. Leila

5. Don't Tease Me

6. It's So Hard

7. Pearl Necklace

8. Groovy Little Hippy Pad

9. Heaven, Hell or Houston

10. Party on the Patio

[caption id="attachment_1585" align="aligncenter" width="251"] ZZ Top[/caption]

Billy Gibbons- guitar, vocals

Dusty Hill- bass, keyboards, vocals

Frank Beard- drums

I may have missed some of the classic ZZ Top albums when they came out in the 70s, although I did make up for that in the 80s, it didn't stop me from appreciating what a great band ZZ Top are. The more I travel back in time, the more I have grateful I am to the USMC. Hard core Republicans might not like this fact but my experiences there opened a great chasm in my musical awareness and played a major role in shaping me in the metal head I was to eventually become. I can say that ZZ Top had an hand in that too.

Next post: 1981 Triumph and Tragedy

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Great Rock Albums of 1981: Marshall Tucker- Dedicated

I must thank Wikopedia on this occasion or I would have been totally wrong here. The Marshall Tucker Band came to my attention in 1981 through my lieutenant who was heavily into them. It was only when I did a little research that I found out they had been going on well throughout the seventies. What would have been a greater sense of shooting myself in the foot was that 1981 was when I first heard the song they were most famous for, "Can't You See." I now realise that the song
 was actually released in 1973, so thank you Wikopedia.

Still none of this hides the fact that the Marshall Tucker Band put out a decent album in 1981. "Dedicated" is another album that got over looked due to the wave of Southern Rock bands that were coming into the light at the time. Saying that, "Dedicated" reminds me of the dilemma that many Southern Rock bands faced at the time, straddling the fine line between genuine rock and country music. I remember a friend from up North calling Southern Rock nothing more than country music with a few power chords. Boy, was he naïve. Then again, he didn't experience Southern Rock they way I did back in 1981.

Looking more closely at "Dedicated," it is plain that The Marshall Tucker Band were one of those bands who did try harder to tightrope the line between country and rock. They weren't as heavy as Molly Hatchet or Blackfoot but that doesn't stop the album from being good. There are some great traditional rock tunes like "Rumours Are Raging," "Silverado" and my personal favourite, "Tell The Blues To Take Off The Night," which has some good bluesy guitar work on it. There are also more radio friendly tunes like "Tonight's The Night (For Making Love) and the appropriate closer, "Ride In Peace." There are a couple of more countrified tunes like "Love Some" although it is still a good song. The Marshall Tucker Band does a great job in taking all of these things and rolling them up into one good album.

Track Listing:

1. Rumour Are Raging

2. Tonight's the Night (For Making Love)

3. Love Some

4. Silverado

5. Something's Missing in My Life

6. This Time I Believe

7. Tell the Blues to Take Off the Night

8. Special Someone

9. The Time Has Come

10. Ride In Peace

[caption id="attachment_2184" align="aligncenter" width="192"] Marshall Tucker Band[/caption]

 Doug Gray- vocals

Toy Caldwell- guitar

George McCorkle- guitar

Jerry Eubanks- keyboards

Paul Riddle- drums

Franklin Wilkie- bass

There is one note of tragedy to this album in that it was made after the death of the band's bassist and brother of guitarist Toy Caldwell, Tommy Caldwell, who was killed in a car accident. It has been said that the closing track is a dedication to him. This album was a fitting tribute to Tommy and a good album all around. It is also probably the best one to end my series of posts on Southern Rock in 1981 as it's popularity north of the Mason-Dixon line would decline after.

Next post: ZZ Top- El Loco

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