Turn, Turn, Turn...

I'm sure most bloggers are up on the news of the day in the blogging world so I won't waste time using that for an excuse.

Anyhow the real reason I've decided to pull the plug on the blog now is not so much because of external sources as it is because of my personal situation these days. I've recently lost my job thanks to the ongoing collapse of the American auto industry and living in Michigan, probably the worst hit state in the union, it's a mess that I fear could go on for awhile.

With that in mind, as of now the request lines are closed kids. I need to concentate what energy I do have on trying to hold on to what I have......I'm sure no one's going to miss one little blog so I don't mean to make a big deal out of closing. I hope you'll understand. I've got other things right now I need to put my efforts towards. Losing a job is bad enough, I'd rather not lose everything else too......these are real rough times for a lot of folks.

Can't think of anything else to say so I'll just say take care and thanks for the correspondence.

Tc

THE DOMENIC TROIANO BAND / THE JOKE'S ON ME

Digitized from the original vinyl, released in 1978 on Capitol Records.
Format: Mp3
Bit Rate: 320 kbps
ALBUM INFO:
Produced By: Terry Brown
Engineer: Mike Jones
Assistant Engineer: Ed Stone
Recorded At: Sounds Interchange, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, January-February 1978
Cover Art: Yosh Inouye
TRACK LISTING:
The Joke's On Me
Maybe The Next Time
Spud
Here Before My Time
Eleanora Fagan
Road To Hell
War Zone
Look Up
THE PLAYERS:
Dave Tyson - Keyboards, Vocals
Jacek Sobotta - Keyboards
Keith Jones - Bass, Vocals
Paul DeLong - Drums
Domenic Troiano - Guitars, Vocals
WEBSITE(S):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domenic_Troiano

http://www.geocities.com/domenic_troiano/
REVIEW:
By Yours Truly

Domenic isn't a talent that I followed closely thru the years, but that's not to say he isn't worthy of being followed. I first heard of him when he joined the James Gang after Joe Walsh left. At the time no one could fill Joe's shoes so I was suitably unimpressed but later on in the 70's when he put out the bulk of his solo work I changed my opinion considerably and this album had a lot of miles put on it during the late 70's early 80's.

There is a lot of stuff to like on this disc besides the excellent guitar work. All the musicians are top notch at their craft which makes the album enjoyable on a number of different levels. For me the overall feel of the album is Jazzy rock. The first side of the album consisted of normal length tunes. Side two consisted of 3 cuts, all longer and more improvisational and all somewhat tied together.

As seems to happen alot these days, when I did a web search for this entry to see what I could find out about Domenic the first thing I learned is that he passed on a couple years ago. It was good to find out though that he managed to keep his music career going until the end and that's something that means a lot to me these days.....

Give this one a listen and see what ya think. What can it hurt?

CONTACT:
READ THIS for more information on this album.

DAKOTA / DAKOTA

Digitized from the original vinyl, released in 1980 on Columbia Records.
Format: Mp3
Bit Rate: 320 kbps
ALBUM INFO:
Produced By: Danny Seraphine & David "Hawk" Wolinski for "Skidrow Productions"
Engineer: Nick Blagona
Assistant Engineer: Robby Whelan
Recorded At: Le Studio, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Mixed At: Kendun Recorders, Burbank, California
Mixed By: Paul Northfield, Danny Seraphine, David "Hawk" Wolinski & Steve Williams
Mastered At: Sterling Sound, New York, New York.
Cover Art: Jim Houghton, N. McDonald
TRACK LISTING:
If It Takes All Night
Crazy For Your Love
Possession
You Can't Live Without It
One Step
Lady
Restless
Crazy Love
It Gets Easier
THE PLAYERS:
Jerry Hludzik - Lead Vocals, Guitar
Bill Kelly - Lead Vocals, Guitar
Lou Cossa - Keyboards, Background Vocals
Jeff Mitchell - Keyboards, Background Vocals
Bill McHale - Bass, Background Vocals
John Robinson - Drums
WEBSITE(S):
http://www.itsaboutmusic.com/dakota.html
REVIEW:

By Yours Truly

This was an album in my collection that was a matter of bad timing for several reasons. First off, I was more interested in other things than slickly produced country rock in 1980 so I think I played this one once or twice and filed it. Secondly, I think the whole world was off on a different trip in 1980 so even a well played, well produced country rock record like this one found nobody that seemed to care.

I recently pulled this one out to see how much of it I could recall and was pleasantly surprised to find a very well done record. Back in 1980 I figured this was another one album band and never really did any research to find out differently, but nowadays with the net available I've found out that at least one of the members kept on truckin' to keep his musical dreams alive and I've got a big soft spot in my calloused old heart these days for someone who wouldn't give up on their dreams.

So what we have here is a very musical, well produced record that is full of great tunes and tasty hooks. I can't imagine anyone nowadays not finding something on here that would get their toes to tappin'. Although it didn't impress me that much in 1980 I find myself doing repeated listenings lately and wondering what the heck was wrong with my ears in 1980.

It's all a matter of timing folks and I'd be the first to admit that sometimes during my lifetime my timing has been off a step or two.......This one will be a great addition to any country rock collection........I recommend it!

Tc

CONTACT:
READ THIS for more information on this album.

STANKY BROWN GROUP / IF THE LIGHTS DON'T GET YOU, THE HEALOTS WILL

Digitized from the original vinyl, released in 1977 on Sire Records.
Format: Mp3
Bit Rate: 320 kbps
ALBUM INFO:
Produced By: Hank Medress & Dave Appell
Engineer: Billy Radice
Assistant Engineer: Michael Getlin
Recorded At: The Hit Factory, New York, New York.
Mixed By: Hank Medress, Dave Appell, Billy Radice
Mastered By: Bob Ludwig at Masterdisk, New York, New York
Cover Art: Moshe Brakha
TRACK LISTING:
Coal Town
Life Beyond
Woman, Don't Let It Slip Away
Confident Man
Faith In The Family
Alone Tonight
Good To Me
As A Lover, I'm A Loser
Stop In The Name Of Love
Free And Easy
All arrangements by James Brown and Stanky Brown
Strings and Horns Arranged By: Chris Dedrick
THE PLAYERS:
James Brown - Vocals, Keyboards
Jeffrey Leynor - Vocals, Guitars
Richard Bunkiewicz - Bass
Jerry Cordasco - Drums, Percussion
Alan J. Ross - Sax, Clarinet, Flute
Jimmy MIller - Guitar
Frank Greene - Lyrics
Guests:
Elliot Randall - Guitars
Jimmy Maelenk - Congas
Werner Fritzsching - Guitar
Background Vocals - David Lasley, Lynn PItney, Arnold McCuller
WEBSITE(S):
http://www.musicstack.com/records-cds/stanky+brown

http://www.myspace.com/thestankybrowngroup

REVIEW:
By Yours Truly

Way back last May I upped the first SBG release for your ears and since then there's been a steady trickle of folks curious to hear the band. So, with that in mind and long overdue, I've decided it was time for the next installment so here is the 2nd effort from this 70's New Jersey band.

There's not a whole lot I can say about this one I haven't already said about the first one.....it's a solid effort full of catchy tunes that are toe tappers. That's usually enough reason right there for me to give it a listen, hopefully that'll be enough for you too.

Seriously. if you've heard the first one and liked it then you'll like this one too....I think it's a tighter effort and more solid all around this time around. Give it a listen and see if your foot ain't tappin' too!

Tc
CONTACT:
READ THIS for more information on this album.

RICK ROBERTS / SHE IS A SONG

Digitized from the original vinyl, released in 1973 on A&M Records.
Format: Mp3
Bit Rate: 320 kbps
ALBUM INFO:
Produced By: Chris Hillman
Engineers: Bruce Hensal & Thom Caccetta
Recorded: Rocky Mountain Recorders, Boulder Colorado
Mixed By: Rick Pekkonen
Mixed At: Hollywood Sound Recorders, Hollywood, California
Cover Art: Hagiwara - Mcgowan
TRACK LISTING:
Westwind
She Is A Song
Lights
Four Days Gone
Company
Sweet Maria
The Captain
She Made Me Lose My Blues
Old Songs
Glad To Be Going
All songs written by Rick Roberts except "Four Days Gone by Steven Stills & She Made Me Lose My Blues by P. Siebel

THE PLAYERS:
Rick Roberts - Vocals, Guitars
Paul Harris - Keyboards
George Grantham - Drums
Al Perkins - Pedal Steel, Guitar
Kenny Passerelli - Bass
Joe Lala - Percussion
Joe Walsh - Slide Guitar
Chris Hillman - Bass
Joe Vitale - Drums, Flute
Rusty Young - Dobro
Steve Fromholz - Bass, Vocals
WEBSITE(S):
See Firefall and Flying Burrito Brothers for info on Rick. I could find nothing relating to just him as a solo artist and songwriter.

REVIEW:

By Yours Truly

I never was really much of a fan of the Flying Burrito Brothers at the time they were making music although I've remedied that problem since. I was a big fan of Firefall however and for me the centerpiece of that band, like the FBB was Rick Roberts. His voice and his songs were the focal point for me in both those bands.

I don't really recall how I came to find Ricks two solo albums, but I'm damn glad I did. Since 1972/73 his two solo albums have been an important part of my record collection. On She Is A Song, his second solo album he has written even more songs that have been a part of my daily existence since the first time I heard them. Westwind, Company & Old Songs to name a few are songs that I can play in my head anytime I feel the need to give myself a couple moments of peace. It's worth owning this record if for no other reason that the final cut, Glad To Be Going, It's an anthem for me and has been since the first time I heard it. After you listen to this record once or twice you'll probably wonder like I have for the last 35 years, why wasn't Rick Roberts a household name?

These days from what I've been able to find out, Rick is not in good health, however he is still with us for now. I wish there was a way to reach him and thank him for his beautiful songs before it's too late.
CONTACT:
READ THIS for more information on this album.

RICK ROBERTS / WINDMILLS

Digitized from the original vinyl, released in 1972 on A&M Records.
Format: Mp3
Bit Rate: 320 kbps
ALBUM INFO:
Produced By: David Anderle, A Willow Production
Engineers: John Haeny, Richie Moore, Kent Nebergall
Recorded and Mixed At: Sunset Sound Studios, Los Angeles, California by David Anderle
Cover Art: Bob Jenkins
TRACK LISTING:
Deliver Me
Davy McVie
In My Own Small Way
Sail Away
Two Lovely Women
In A Dream
Drunk & Dirty
Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
Jenny's Blues
All songs written by Rick Roberts except "Pick Me Up On Your Way Down" written by Harlan Howard
THE PLAYERS:
Rick Roberts - Vocals, Guitars
Don Henley - Drums, Background Vocals
Bernie Leadon - Guitar, Banjo, Background Vocals
Randy Meisner - Bass
Jackson Browne - Background Vocals
Al Perkins - Pedal Steel, Guitar
Joe Lala - Percussion
Chris Hillman - Bass
Dallas Taylor - Drums
David Crosby - Harmony Vocals
Jane Getz - Keyboards, Harmony Vocals
Byron Berline - Fiddle
Lee Sklar - Bass
Mike Utley - Organ
Marc Benno - Guitar
WEBSITE(S):
See Firefall and Flying Burrito Brothers for info on Rick. I could find nothing relating to just him as a solo artist and songwriter.

REVIEW:
Forgotten Gems, September 17, 2008
By Nightspore - (Amazon Customer Review)

A worthwhile reissue of Rick Roberts' solo work, very much of its time but both albums are in my opinion very much underrated. For those more familiar with Roberts work with Firefall these songs may be an acquired taste, as there is a greater emphasis on country and folk here which is not so obvious in Roberts' later work. To Roberts' credit most of these songs work well, though there are definite standouts: Davy McVie, In A Dream, Deliver Me, and Sail Away all stand alongside Roberts best work with the Burritos and Firefall. Sail Away in particular improves with every listening, a song that is able to be epic and intimate all at once without overshooting the mark. It's a shame in a way there was not a live album released by Roberts at this time - it would have made an ideal companion to these forgotten gems.

=====================

By Yours Truly

I never was really much of a fan of the Flying Burrito Brothers at the time they were making music although I've remedied that problem since. I was a big fan of Firefall however and for me the centerpiece of that band, like the FBB was Rick Roberts. His voice and his songs were the focal point for me in both those bands.

I don't really recall how I came to find Ricks two solo albums, but I'm damn glad I did. Since 1972/73 his two solo albums have been an important part of my record collection. On Windmills, his first of two solo albums he has written some songs that have been a part of my daily existence since the first time I heard them. Deliver Me, Sail Away, In A Dream to name a few are songs that I can play in my head anytime I feel the need to give myself a couple moments of peace. It's worth owning this record if for no other reason that the final cut, Jenny's Blues. It's an absolutely beautiful song and after you listen to this record once or twice you'll probably wonder like I have for the last 35 years, why wasn't Rick Roberts a household name?

These days from what I've been able to find out, Rick is not in good health, however he is still with us for now. I wish there was a way to reach him and thank him for his beautiful songs before it's too late.
CONTACT:
READ THIS for more information on this album.

PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC / GET IT ON

Digitized from the original vinyl, released in 1968 on Power Records.
Format: Mp3
Bit Rate: 320 kbps
ALBUM INFO:
Produced By: Freddy DeMann & Frank Cook
Engineer: Bill Halverson & Bill Cooper
Recorded and Mixed At: Wally Heiders & American, Los Angeles
Cover Art: Ben Talbert
TRACK LISTING:
Wade In The Water
Cry, Cry, Cry
Motor City's Burning
The Hunter
Long Handled Shovel
Jelly, Jelly
Stormy Times
Live Love
THE PLAYERS:
Frank Cook - Drums
Brent Block - Bass
Tom Marshall - Rhythm Guitar
Glenn Schwartz - Lead Guitar
Charlie Allen - Vocals
Guests:
Joe Sample - Keyboards
WEBSITE(S):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Gas_&_Electric_(band
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=6429958
http://www.pacific-gas-electric.com/
REVIEW:
Its about time!, May 17, 2008
By Nels D. Peterson "loud and stoopid" (Los Angeles) - (Amazon Customer Review)

I looked over a few battered copies of this recording on lp, and chose to wait for it on cd, after so many years, it finally is available! Since I truly enjoy this group, specifically "Guitar Glen" I must say I have held very high hopes for this, and it is even better than my expectations. I've listened through it once, can't comment on sound quality yet, but the music itself is very enjoyable, plenty of exquisite guitar work, and of course, the singing is top notch. Extra tracks have been used to fill up the cd, and I enjoyed each, even the alternate takes. Get this cd, no hesitation, it is timeless, you won't think it is "from 1968", it is simply very enjoyable quality music.

============================

By Your Truly

This is a classic album in my collection for me. It's the first album I ever bought with the world "Blues" on the cover. I don't recall what prompted me to buy it, probably the cover. I hadn't heard any of it before buying it but I sure wore it out once I got it home.

This is the album I used to teach myself how to play drums. Which would probably explain the less than pristene sound of the vinyl. I would play it over and over, playing along with it on my practice pads to learn all the fills and different rhythms and beats. I still play along with it to this day though nowadays I crank the stereo and play on my kit.

On the strength of this album and their live performances the band managed to secure a big contract with Columbia and put out 2 more good albums, but then things kinda fell apart, like so many bands do, and that was pretty much it for PG&E. I believe some of this stuff came out on CD eventually and if you can find it, it's worth owning, but I've yet to see a vinyl copy of this first album with this oringinal cover.

Way back in '68 this album made a big impression on me and expanded my musical horizons to a point that allowed me to be receptive to many other styles of music. A process that's still going on today.

CONTACT:
READ THIS for more information on this album.