STARCASTLE / STARCASTLE

Digitized from the original vinyl, released in 1976 on Epic Records.
Format: Mp3
Bit Rate: 320 kbps
ALBUM INFO:
Produced By: Tommy Vicari
Engineered By: Norm Kinney & Tommy Vicari
Recorded At: Golden Voice Studios, Pekin IL.
Mixed At: Sound Labs Inc. Los Angeles, California
Album Cover: Alex Ebel
TRACK LISTING:
Lady Of The Lake
Elliptical Seasons
Forces
Stargate
Sunfield
To The Fire Wind
Nova
All Song Written by Starcastle
THE PLAYERS:
Terry Luttrell – Lead Vocals
Gary Strater – Bass, Bass Pedals, Vocals
Stephen Tassler – Drums, Percussion, Vocals
Herb Schildt – Keyboards
Matthew Stewart – Guitars, Vocals
Stephen Hagler – Guitars, Vocals
WEBSITE(S):

http://www.starcastlemusic.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starcastle
REVIEWS:
Evaluate them on their own merits, October 12, 2004
By Jeffrey J.Park (Massachusetts, USA) - (Amazon Customer Review)
Much to my surprise, I found the debut by this American band to be actually quite good. My surprise stems from the fact that everything that I have ever read mentions something to the effect that Starcastle is a Yes rip-off band. Although high pitched five-part vocal harmonies, positively excellent bass playing (on a trebly Rickenbacker bass no less), some agile Steve Howe-ish guitar playing, several thinly-veiled references to Stravinsky's Firebird Suite (Yes opened their shows with this piece), and Rick Wakeman-esque keyboard parts figure prominently, there is a discernible Starcastle quality to the music. In their defense, these guys had the ability to play music with great sophistication and possessed the compositional skills to write really interesting pieces of music. When you move past the superficial Yes trappings, the careful listener will realize that these compositions bear little semblance to any Yes piece written prior to the time of this release (1976). This is a great recording that deserves a bit more recognition and is certainly able to stand on it's own merits. For those folks that like Starcastle, the Italian band Cherry Five might also prove enjoyable.
================================
Yes, but when?, November 21, 2002
By Steven Marks "Prog Harpo" (Petaluma, CA United States) - (Amazon Customer Review)
A cursariary glance at the other reviews reveals that most people compare this band to Yes. I am a Yes-head (early 70s "classic period" mainly). I think it is a little unfair to call them a Yes-clone band. I can not take a single song on this album and say they ripped that off from any specific Yes song. I think they deserve to be judged on their own work. They have a great sense of composition and musicality; melody and counter melody in common with Yes.
I say "Yes, but when." If you want to compare this Yes - it is most like "The Yes Album" and "Fragile". "South Side of the Sky" comes to mind. They have an extra treble elctric guitar compared to Yes. Starcastle is more rock than Yes.
I give Starcastle a 4 Star review. I think they are good, but they are not at the level of 5 stars. 4 stars for me is a good rating. There are 3 songs in particular that I like:
1) Elliptical Sun
2) Forces
3) Nova.
Unlike a lot of prog, I did not have to listen multiple times to like these tunes. I liked them from the first listen.
With the exception of "our Lady" all songs have a "cosmic" connection - referring to comets; stars; etc. Songs 1) and 2) on my list have multiple parts and vocals. #3), "Nova" is all instrumental.
I came into this review not wanting to beat the Yes comparison to death; but it is hard to avoid. **The vocals are actually superior to Yes.** Anderson is the voice of Yes; the band is so talented that they have adjusted their music to fit his voice. But on a head to head comparision the vocals of Starcastle are very, very good. A very melodic voice.
"Forces" has multiple parts and the group has very good transitions between the parts. A lot of pop rock is only 3 minutes long to avoid difficult transitions. Starcastle can go to 7 to minutes with 4 parts with very good transitions. It is indeed my favorite song on the album. One transion had funky dual guitars leading the way.
"Nova" is total instrumental with heavy percussion - if you want a Yes comparision "White fish" (Not "the fish").
The percussion on the labum is straightforwarded. you will not find intricate time signatures and polyrithms here.
Good solid enjoyable prog rock ( YOU KNOW IT IS EARLY 70s - definatley not timeless ). 4 stars, not a 5 star masterpiece. Not a Yes clone, but Yes inspired.
CONTACT:

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THE SECTION / FORWARD MOTION

Digitized from the original vinyl, released in 1973 on Warner Bros. Records.
Format: Mp3
Bit Rate: 320 kbps
ALBUM INFO:
Produced By: The Section and Robert Appere
Engineered By: Robert Appere

Recorded At: Clover Recording Studio in Los Angeles, California, between April and May of 1973

Sergio and Lee Pastora: percussion on “Smilin’ Ed”
“Get Down, Piltdown” is a bass solo by Leland Sklar
On “The Garden of Ryoanji” acoustic guitar by Russ and Danny, marimba by Russ, bass by Lee
TRACK LISTING:
Smilin' Ed
Mirado Bolero
Kind Of Albatross
One Drum
Bullet Train
Forward Motion
Baby Lame'
Get Down, Philtdown
Garden Of Ryoanji
Burning Bush

THE PLAYERS:
Danny Kortchmar - Guitars
Leland Sklar - Bass
Russ Kunkel - Drums, Percussion
Craig Doerge - Keyboards

WEBSITE(S):
http://www.dannykortchmar.com/
http://www.craigdoerge.com/
http://www.russellkunkel.com/
http://www.toto99.com/band/former/sklar.shtml
REVIEW:

Fabulous Album, October 28, 2006
By David Bishop (Mequon WI United States) - Amazon Customer Review

I've waited forever to hear this on CD!!!!!!!!! A bunch of studio musicians that played on so many pop albums including Carol King's Tapestry come together to make the most unbelievable fusion album of all time. This album is the lost gem of the seventies. Fusion with a psychedelic tinge to it that you will play over and over. Buy it play it, but get it now before it's gone! You won't regret it. Now release the first one on CD too.

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

Forward Motion, December 1, 2007
By Dennis Battle - (Amazon Customer Review)

I first purchased this album when I was 18yrs old. I'm now 52 and the music is TIMELESS. Musicians such as these, along with Hendrix, Miles and Coltrane took music where it was supposed to go.

CONTACT:

READ THIS for more information on this album.

THE SECTION / THE SECTION

Digitized from the original vinyl, released in 1972 on Warner Bros. Records.
Format: Mp3
Bit Rate: 320 kbps
ALBUM INFO:
Produced By: The Section and Robert Appere
Engineered By: Robert Appere
TRACK LISTING:
Second Degree
Same Old Same Old
Sporadic Vacuums Of Thought
Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay
Holy Frijoles
Doing The Meatball
Swan Song
The Thing What Is
Mah-Hoo-Dah-Vah
Zippo Dippo
THE PLAYERS:
Danny Kortchmar - Guitars
Leland Sklar - Bass
Russ Kunkel - Drums, Percussion
Craig Doerge - Keyboards
Guest:
Michael Brecker - Saxophone, Flute
WEBSITE(S):
http://www.dannykortchmar.com/
http://www.craigdoerge.com/
http://www.russellkunkel.com/
http://www.toto99.com/band/former/sklar.shtml
REVIEW:
By Yours Truly

This is the 1st album of 3 put out by this group of musicians who were the consummate studio musicians for darn near everybody’s album in the 70’s. No kiddin’….it’s hard to pick up an album made during the 70’s by a singer/songwriter and not find at least one of these guys on it. Carol King, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, J. D. Souther to name just a few all used these guys talents at some point to help produce their albums. Somewhere along the line they decided to get together as a self –contained unit, in their spare time no doubt…..and put out some great music of their own. Some folks call this music jazz, some call it fusion, some just forget the labels and dig the grooves these boys were (and still are) capable of laying down. There are no vocals, just lots of nice melodies and counterpoint. Music to sooth the savage beast after a bad day at work or late night music for background during quality time with your significant other. This release also contains the talents of one Michael Brecker on Sax and flute who does a nice job of adding another dimension to the already multi-dimensional Section.

Tom
CONTACT:

READ THIS for more information on this album.

CITY BOY / IT'S PERSONAL

Digitized from the original vinyl, released in 1981 on Vertigo Records.
Format: Mp3
Bit Rate: 320 Kbps
ALBUM INFO:
Produced By: Mike Slamer & City Boy
Recorded At: Battery Studios, The Farmyard, Rockfield Studios
Mixed At: Rockfield Studios by Pat Moran, Mike Slamer & City Boy
Engineered By: Mike Shipley, Steve Taylor, Ian Marais, Pat Moran

Cover Art: Brian Homer & John Reardon of Sidelines Design & Photography
TRACK LISTING:
No Ordinary Life
Rat Race
The Blind Leading The Blind
Le Guerra De Mondo
Lovers
It's Personal
Who Killed Delores?
Names And Addresses
Exit The Heavyweight
THE BAND:
Lol Mason - Vocals
Max Thomas - Keyboards
Mike Slamer - Guitars, Bass
Roy Ward - Drums, Vocals
WEBSITE:
http://cityboy.org/
http://cityboy.psilander.se
REVIEW:
By Yours Truly

Album #7. The last Gasp. As I've already mentioned, I didn't even know this album existed until about 6 years ago. I just happen to stumbled onto a website that mentioned the lost City Boy album and that started a search that ultimately brought a copy home to me. The way I understand it this album never even got released in the states and was only released in a handful of European countries.

My feelings about this release are of course colored by the fact that there was a 20+ year gap between "Heads Are Rolling" and finally hearing this lp and although I don't think it stands up to "Heads" in the quality of the tunes department it's still not a bad album, there's just nothing that's going to knock your socks off.

There is still some tasty Mike Slamer guitar and Roy Wards drumming and vocals are still very distinctive but I'd hazard a guess that after 7 attempts to get noticed and now at this point not even getting released in the states that they'd simply gotten tired of not getting the recognition that they'd deserved since Dinner At The Ritz came out.

I would say that if you've downloaded and enjoyed the City Boy experience up to this point that you should go ahead and get this one too, to have the complete catalog, but If you've been less than impressed with the City Boy you heard so far then you might as well skip this one.

After the demise of City Boy Mike Slamer went on to hook up with Steve Walsh, who'd left Kansas at that point and they put together a great rock n roll band called Streets. They put out two lp's, of which I have one. Still looking for the 2nd one. I was lucky enough to see Streets perform live in a small club environment in Grand Rapids, MI. back then and got to see Mike Slamer work his magic up close and personal.

Tom
CONTACT:

READ THIS me for more information on this album.

CITY BOY / HEADS ARE ROLLING

Digitized from the original vinyl, released in 1980 on Atlantic Records.
Format: Mp3
Bit Rate: 256 Kbps
ALBUM INFO:
Produced By: Tim Friese-Greene & City Boy

Recorded At: Superbear Studios, France & Tocano Studios, Denmark
Mixed At: Tocano Studios
Engineered By: Mike Shipley
Cover Art: City Boy & Michael Munday
TRACK LISTING:
Mr. Shoes
Heads Are Rolling
Need A Little Loving
Change In The Weather
Domino
Speechless
Bloody Sunday
The Sound Of The Bell
You're Leaving Me
Heaven For The Holidays
Life On The Balcony
THE BAND:
Lol Mason - Vocals
Max Thomas - Keyboards
Mike Slamer - Guitars, Bass
Roy Ward - Drums, Vocals
WEBSITE:
http://cityboy.org/
http://cityboy.psilander.se
REVIEW:
By Yours Truly

Album #6. When this one came out I was almost distraught when I found out that 2 of the 6 members had left the band. I also learned a valuable lesson with this album that I still carry around with me today when listening to new music. Between what I saw as the band breaking up and the fact that their last album was one of the best albums ever released at that point in my life, I developed a bias against this release before I ever put it on the turntable. I did play it a number of times, but it never lived up to my expectations of being "The Day The Earth Caught Fire Volume 2" so I put it away and moved on and never saw another City Boy album after that one.

Move ahead 20 years or so, my kids are starting to grow up and leave home and I have time again to devote to music and now with the internet info is so much easier to find.....One night I ran across a German gentleman who was selling copies of the last City Boy album called "It's Personal" that he'd transfered from vinyl to CD and for 20 bucks he'd send me a copy. Well, legalities and moral issues aside, I wanted to hear it and the only way I could see that happening was to send him a check, so I did and hoped for the best. Several weeks later a CD showed up in the mail. I popped it in the player and City Boy came rockin' out of the speakers. This of course prompted a replay of their whole catalog and when I got to this album I found myself amazed that I hadn't liked it because now I found a fantastic, rockin' collection of great tunes. There are no slouches on here at all for me but I do have my favs......"Need A Little Lovin'', "Domino" "Speechless" is a beautiful tune. "The Sound Of The Bell" & "Life On the Balcony" really paint pictures in my head too.

Oh, the lesson learned? Don't listen to music with any predetermined opinion or bias. Easy enough to say but it's hard not to do sometimes. I've found the best way to listen to new music is without knowing who is doing the playing. Then, it's all about the song which is the way it should be.

Anyhow, give this one a go and see what ya think. Hopefully you won't be Speechless after hearing it from start to finish.....

Tom
CONTACT:

READ THIS for more information on this album.

CITY BOY / THE DAY THE EARTH CAUGHT FIRE

Digitized from the original vinyl, released in 1979 on Mercury Records.
Format: Mp3
Bit Rate: 256 Kbps
ALBUM INFO:
Produced By: Robert "Mutt" John Lange

Recorded At: Compass Point Studio, Nassau, Bahamas
Engineered By: Tim Friese-Greene
Cover Art: Don Brautigam
Strings Arranged By: Louis Clarke
TRACK LISTING:
The Day The Earth Caught Fire
It's Only The End Of The World
Interrupted Melody
Modern Love Affair
New York Times
Up In The Eighties
Machines
Ambition
a. Ambition
b.Me And MyTarot
c. Rev-On (The Crunch)
d. The End (Came Easy)
THE BAND:
Lol Mason - Lead Vocals, Back-up Vocals, Lyrics
Steve Broughton - Lead Vocals, Back-up Vocals, Autoharp
Max Thomas - Vocals, Keyboards
Mike Slamer - Electric Guitars
Chris Dunn - Bass, Guitar
Roy Ward - Lead Vocals, Drums, Percussion
WEBSITE:
http://cityboy.org/
http://cityboy.psilander.se
REVIEW:
By Yours Truly

This is album #5 and if it'd come out any other time in history than at the end of the 70's it would've been a monster. This is a fantastic, rockin' album. With the opening chords of The Day The Earth Caught Fire it's obvious that the boys are here to kick ass and take names. Roy Ward's vocals and drumming is superb and so is pretty much everything else on this record from start to finish. One of my favorite tunes is Interrupted Melody. Mike Slamer's guitar work in that piece is just freaking awesome. It still knocks me out almost 30 years later.

These guys were at the top of their game with this album and thanks to changing trends and stupid ass fads nobody gave a damn that one of the best records of the last decade had just been released. I'd almost consider it your civic duty to download this one and give it a go. If you agree with me that it's awesome stuff come back and leave a comment then go out there and spread the word. REV ON!

Tom
CONTACT:

READ THIS for more information on this album.

CITY BOY / BOOK EARLY

Digitized from the original vinyl, released in 1978 on Mercury Records.
Format: Mp3
Bit Rate: 256 Kbps
ALBUM INFO:
Produced By: Robert "Mutt" John Lange

Recorded At: Rockfield Studios, Monmouth, South Wales
Engineered By: Robert John Lange, Ted Sharp, Neil Ross, Gary Edwards
Mixed At: The Record Plant, Los Angeles, California
Cover Art: Richard Haughton
TRACK LISTING:
5.7.0.5.
Summer In The School Yard
Goodbye Laurelie
Raise Your Glass (To Foolish Me)
Cigarettes
What A Night
Do What You Do, Do Well
The World Loves A Dancer
Beth
Moving In Circles
Dangerous Ground
THE BAND:
Lol Mason - Lead Vocals, Back-up Vocals, Lyrics
Steve Broughton - Lead Vocals, Back-up Vocals, Autoharp
Max Thomas - Vocals, Keyboards
Mike Slamer - Electric Guitars
Chris Dunn - Bass, Guitar
Roy Ward - Lead Vocals, Drums, Percussion
WEBSITE:
http://cityboy.org/
http://cityboy.psilander.se
REVIEW:
By Yours Truly

This is album #4 and listening to it tonight I'm almost not sure if it's this one or "The Day The Earth Caught Fire" that is my favorite City Boy album. Hey, what am I thinking, this is my blog, I can have 2 favorite albums by the same band if I want to.........

So, this is a fantastic album. 5.7.0.5. starts it off and if there ever was a City Boy tune screaming to be a top 10 hit this would be it. A little further on is "Goodbye Laurelie". A tune that's a bit of mystery to me, never been able to really get a handle on the subject matter but I do love to sing along with the chorus. Another fav of mine is Cigarettes. A rocking tune that almost makes me want to light up...

Side B starts out with one of the best tunes ever and one that contains a life's lesson. Do What You Do, Do Well......damn few times you'll get better advice than that and then have it delivered by Mr Roy Ward, the new drummer who's a killer on the kit and has a classic rock n roll voice. The rest of Side B is equally as good as the first tune although no more life's lessons are to be found and the album ends with the cut Dangerous Ground, a history lesson of sorts and a tune I dearly love to sing along with as long as there's no one around to hear.

City Boy really stepped it up a couple notches with this 4th release. The song writing keeps getting better with each album and the addition of Roy Ward on drums was just what the doctor ordered to kick this band into high gear. If the world wasn't seriously off kilter these boys would've been as big a household name as Pink Floyd or at least 10cc.

If you download this one minimize the distractions and just listen.......a feast for your ears.

CONTACT:

READ THIS for more information on this album.

Tom

CITY BOY / YOUNG MEN GONE WEST

Digitized from the original vinyl, released in 1977 on Mercury Records.
Format: Mp3
Bit Rate: 256 Kbps
ALBUM INFO:
Produced By: Robert "Mutt" John Lange

Recorded At: Rockfield Studios, Monmouth, South Wales
Mixed At: Trident, London
TRACK LISTING:
Bordello Night
Dear Jean (I'm Nervous)
Honeymooners
She's Got Style
Bad for Business
Young Men Gone West
I've been spun
One after two
The Runaround
The Man who ate his Car
Millionaire

THE BAND:
Lol Mason - Lead Vocals, Back-up Vocals, Lyrics
Steve Broughton - Lead Vocals, Back-up Vocals, Autoharp
Max Thomas - Vocals, Keyboards
Mike Slamer - Electric Guitars
Chris Dunn - Bass, Guitar
Tony Braunagel - Drums, Percussion
WEBSITE:
http://cityboy.org/
http://cityboy.psilander.se
http://www.tonybraunagel.com/">http://www.tonybraunagel.com/

REVIEW:
By Yours Truly

This album, the 3rd one, is pretty much the definition of eclectic in my mind. Each song on here is a seperate little entity from the tunes before and after it and they all hold up pretty well as individual pieces of work. Not surprisingly I have my favorites, the most favorite one being "The Man Who Ate His Car". A fun song with some R&R kick ass punch to it too. Mike Slamer's guitar playing continues to stand out and impress and the dual lead vocals of Lol Mason and Steve Broughton add a lot to the overall unique sound of the band.

With this album they've also lost their first member, Roger Kent, the original drummer. Tony Braunagel is credited with the drum work on this Lp and as far as I've been able to tell he was never an official member of the band, just a session musician helping out in a time of need. He does a fine job with the latitude given by the rest of the boys. I've added a link to his website for you drummer types and others who like to know who's who.

Tom

CONTACT:

READ THIS for more information on this album.

CITY BOY / DINNER AT THE RITZ

Digitized from the original vinyl, released in 1977 on Mercury Records.
Format: Mp3
Bit Rate: 256 Kbps
ALBUM INFO:
Produced By: Robert "Mutt" John Lange
Engineered By: dB Charles & Robert John Lange

Mixing Engineer: Peter Kelsey
Recorded At: Rockfield Studios, Monmouth
Mixed At: Trident, London
Album Cover: Geoff Halpin & Paul Wakefield
TRACK LISTING:
Momma's Boy
Walk On The Water
Narcissus
Dinner At The Ritz
Goodbye Blue Monday
The Violin
State Secrets - A Thriller
THE BAND:
Lol Mason - Lead Vocals, Back-up Vocals, Lyrics
Steve Broughton - Lead Vocals, Back-up Vocals, Autoharp
Max Thomas - Vocals, Keyboards
Mike Slamer - Electric Guitars
Chris Dunn - Bass, Guitar
Roger Kent - Drums, Percussion
WEBSITE:
http://cityboy.org/
http://cityboy.psilander.se/
REVIEW:
By Yours Truly

Album Two is where I came in. WLAV, the rock & roll station in this area to listen to in the 70's if you wanted to hear something new and stay up on what's happening and one afternoon I heard Walk On The Water coming out of the speakers and as soon as I found out who it was I was heading down to the local record store (ah, the good ole days) to pick up a copy. At that point I found out that Dinner At The Ritz was the second release so I bought 'em both and headed home. It didn't seem all that long after that, that their 3rd album came out. By then I was a large City Boy fan.

There's not a bad cut on this album but my favorites would have to be hmmm, all of 'em I guess although I have a special fondness for Walk On The Water cuz it was the first cut I ever heard from this boys from the other side of the pond. I never got to see 'em live but have heard from folks who have that said they could get it done live too.....

If you've never heard of City Boy before now I'd suggest starting with this one or Book Early (Once I get it posted) and see what ya think. For me their 1979 release "The Day The Earth Caught Fire" is the pinnacle of City Boy creativity, but we'll talk more about that one later on.
CONTACT:

READ THIS for more information on this album.

Tom

CITY BOY / CITY BOY

Digitized from the original vinyl, released in 1976 on Mercury Records.
Format: Mp3
Bit Rate: 256 Kbps
ALBUM INFO:
Produced By: Robert "Mutt" John Lange
Engineered By: Mick Glossop, Steve Brown
Recorded At: The Manor Studios, Oxford & Phonogram Studios, London
Album Cover: Clare Osborn, Rayment Kirby
TRACK LISTING:
(Moonlight) Shake My Head And Leave
Deadly Delicious
Surgery Hours (Doctor, Doctor)
Sunset Boulevard
Oddball Dance
5000 Years / Don't Know, Can't Tell
The Hap-Ki-Do Kid
The Greatest Story Ever Told
Haymaking Time
THE BAND:
Lol Mason - Lead Vocals, Percussion
Steve Broughton - Lead Vocals, Guitar, Mandolin, Percussion
Max Thomas - Vocals, Keyboards, Guitars, Percussion
Mike Slamer - Vocals, Lead Guitar, Percussion
Chris Dunn - Vocals, Bass, Guitar
Roger Kent - Drums, Percussion
WEBSITE:
http://cityboy.org/
http://cityboy.psilander.se/

REVIEW:

By Yours Truly

I'm warning ya right now, City Boy is one of my all-time favorite bands amd Mike Slamer is one helluva guitar player so I'm a bit biased, but I will tell ya that this is their first vinyl effort and it is a bit spotty in places as are many bands first efforts in the studio. However, knowing what they were going to produce in the future I tend to be forgiving of the few warts this album has.....I mean, cmon, everybody's gotta start somewhere! Personally the first cut on side 2 (of the vinyl, duh!), a two-fer called "5000 Years / Don't Know, Can't Tell" is worth the price of the album all by itself and there are other great moments thru-out the disc. If you give it a couple listens with an open mind I'm sure you'll find something to hang your hat on and next week when I put up the rest of their discography you'll be ready to watch them grow (and eventually peter out) as a highly creative band.

To say City Boy was a not a radio friendly band is kind of an understatement. I do remember hearing some of the stuff off their later albums on the local progressive rock station until big business started trying to kill off any music that didn't fit in with their plan to rule the musical world and feed us the drivel they thought we should have........ Isn't it about time for underground radio to make a comeback???

Anyhow, check this one out, but be warned you need to pay attention to what's going into your ears. Background music it's not and it's pretty much guaranteed that your date (or girlfriend, or wife etc..) won't like to hear this stuff blasting out of the speakers from the den so you might as well just put the headphones on now and scour the net for the lyrics to these tunes. They don't make 'em like this anymore kids........

Tom
CONTACT:

READ THIS for more information on this album.

IAN THOMAS / LEVITY

Released in 1988 on Warner Bros. Records.
Format: Mp3
Bit Rate: 320kbps
ALBUM INFO:
Produced By: Ian Thomas & Christopher Neil
Canadian Recording & Mixing: I.T.P. Studio, Winona, Ontario
Recording Engineer in England: Simon Hurrell
Recording Engineer in Canada: Jim Scott
Mixed by Simon Hurrell except All About Her and Another Chance,mixed by Ian Thomas with Steve Thompson.
Studio Assistants: Earl Torno, Darren Millar at Phase I Studios, Toronto,
Bonehead & The Firm Young Man at Comfort's Place, U.K.
Mastering: George Marino, Sterling Sound, New York City
TRACK LISTING:
Levity
Losing Control
Only Believe
Another Chance
Back To Square One
Modern Man
All About Her
These Are Not Gods
Let The Stone Roll
THE BAND:
Ian Thomas - Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards
Mick Oberle - Drums, Vocals
Dave Sawyer - Bass, Vocals
Hugh Syme - Keyboards, Vocals
Dave Cooper - Guitar
WEBSITE:
http://www.ianthomasband.com/
REVIEW:

By Yours truly

This is a great Ian Thomas album and one that's very hard to find these days. It's a very cohesive effort, all the tunes have strong personalities although I have my favorites. Levity, Only Believe, Back To Square One & Let The Stone Roll are all great tunes with great lyrics and melodies. There is also the original version of Modern Man on this recording, a tune that Ian redid with the Boomers. This version is slightly different than the Boomers version, which I believe I like better, but that could be just cuz I heard that version first.....
Listening to this record again tonight I'm still amazed and disappointed that Ian could never break thru to become a major player in U.S radio markets. This is an album full of great hooks and foot tappin' rhythms, give it a chance and you too might become an Ian Thomas advocate.

Tom
CONTACT:

READ THIS for more information on this album.

JESS RODEN / THE PLAYER NOT THE GAME

Digitized from the original vinyl, released in 1977 on Island Records.
Format: Mp3
Bit Rate: 320 Kbps
ALBUM INFO:
Produced By: Joel Dorn for the Masked Announcer
Engineered By: Vince McGarry
Recorded & Mixed At: Regent Sound Studios, New York, New York
Album Cover: Richard L. Shaefer
TRACK LISTING:
Misty Roses
Sensation
Lonely Avenue
The Quiet Sound Of You And I
The Hardest Blow
Drinking Again
Woman Across The Water
In Me Tonight
THE PLAYERS:
Jess Roden - Vocals
Keyboards - Leon Pendarvis, Rob Mounsey, Shirley Scott
Bass - Anthony Jackson, Francisco Centeno, Milt Hinton
Guitars - Clifford Morris, John Tropea, Charlie Brown, Lance Quinn, Jeff Mironov, Franklin MiCare
Drums - Gary Mure, Bguddy Williams
REVIEW:
By Yours Truly
This is a nice, laid back, jazzy, late at night kind of album and well worth a listen when you not in the mood for some Motely Crue or something else along those lines. The content of this one is considerably different from his first solo album but Mr. Roden seems to be able to handle about anything vocally you can throw at him. Give it listen....it comes with a money back guarantee!
Tom
CONTACT:

READ THIS for more information on this album.

IAN THOMAS / GLIDER

Digitized from the original vinyl, released in 1979 on GRT records.
ALBUM INFO:
Produced by Ian Thomas
Recorded at Phase I Studios, Toronto
Overdubs & Mixing at Ian's House thanks to Filtroson Truck, Montreal
Engineered by: Ian Thomas
Additional Engineering & Valid Idea Person: Mick Walsh
Album Jacket Design: Hugh Syme & Bob King
Album Graphics: Hugh Syme
Cover Photography: Yosh Inouye
Format: Mp3
Bit Rate: 320 Kbps
TRACK LISTING:
Pilot
I Still Want To Hold You
Small Talk
High & Mighty
Time Is The Keeper
Beast Of Phobia
Nero's Spell
Voices Of The Children
THE BAND:
Guitar & Vocals: Ian ThomasBass: Steve (Ace) Hogg
Drums: Mike Oberle
Lead & Rhythm Guitars: Dave Cooper
Keyboards: Hugh Syme
Drums: Jorn Andersen
Recorder: Bob Doidge
String Arrangements: Milan Kymlicka
All songs arranged by Ian Thomas & Hugh Syme
WEBSITE:

http://www.ianthomasband.com
REVIEW:

By Yours truly

Another great album from one of the best singer/songwriters of the last 40 years. This is not my favorite Ian album, but it's still an album chock full of great songwriting and arrangements and having said that let me just say that I'd rather have an average Ian Thomas album then most of the rest of the stuff released in 1979.

There's not a whole lot else I can say but give it a listen and see if there's anything there for you. As an FYI, all the lyrics to all Ian's songs are to be found on the excellent fan website listed above

Tom
CONTACT:

READ THIS for more information on this album.

THE WHIPSAWS

The Whipsaws are from Anchorage Alaska. If there was ever a place that I'd never have thought a rock and rock (alt Country, whatever) band would hail from, Alaska would be real close to the top of that list, but these guys are and they do!
I stumbled across "Ten Day Bender" on a blog, much like you just did, and downloaded it cuz the review piqued my interest. By the end of the 3rd tune I was a fan of the Whipsaws. Wish I could recall what blog I found it on cuz I'd like to go back and thank the guy who pointed me in the right direction. Hopefully I'll stumbled across it again sometime so I can ease my guilty conscience.
Rather than bore you with my own ramblings I'll give you the link to their website and if you're interested you can go and get all the info there is on 'em from the horses mouth, so to speak......

http://www.thewhipsaws.com/home.html

http://www.myspace.com/thewhipsaws

Also, for this entry, because we're talking new and readily available music, I've put together a Whipsaw Sampler, which is the 1st 3 tunes off their 1st album that got me hooked. If you download the sampler and play those 3 tunes and dig 'em....well, then head on over to their website and plunk down yer change, that's what I did.....They've also got 1 minute long mp3's of all their tunes there too so you can hear even more of their music before you buy. They've been called an Alaskan version of the Drive-By Truckers but I think they stand on their own pretty well. Give 'em a listen and see what ya think!

TEN DAY BENDER

Petersville
Hillbilly Heroin
Ass Grass Revival
Shotgun Wedding
Hole In My Heart
Contraband
Bootlegger's Blues
Wayward John
Sweet Marie
Codeine

60 WATT AVENUE

60 Watt
Jesse Jane
Coming Home
Stick Around
High Tide
Lonesome Joe
The War
Sinferno
Bar Scar
Amsterdam
Mr. Soul
Ode To Shakey
Seven Long Years

CONTACT:

READ THIS for more information on this album.

Tom

IAN THOMAS / STILL HERE

Digitized from the original vinyl, released in 1978 on Atlantic records.
ALBUM INFO:
Produced by Ian Thomas
Recorded at Phase I & Eastern Sound Studios, Toronto.
Engineered by: Alan Thorne & Mick Walsh
Album Jacket Design: Bob Defrin & Sandi Young
Cover Photography: Frank Moscati
Format: Mp3
Bit Rate: 320 Kbps
TRACK LISTING:
Just Like You
Sally
I Really Love You
Clear Sailing
Still Here
Coming Home
Faces
Tinkerbell
Tycoon
THE BAND:
Lead & Background Vocals: Ian Thomas
Acoustic & Rhythm Guitars: Ian Thomas
Bass & Background Vocals: Dave Sawyer
Bass (Just Like You, Faces, Tinkerbell & Tycoon): Steve Hogg
Drums & Background Vocals: Mike Oberle
Lead Guitar: Dave Cooper
Lead Guitar (Just Like You, Clear Sailing, Faces, Tinkerbell & Tycoon): Josh Onderisin
Keyboards & Background Vocals: Hugh Syme
Electric Guitar (I Really Love You): Rick Doyle
String Arrangements: Milan Kymlicka
WEBSITE:
http://www.ianthomasband.com/
REVIEW:
By Yours truly

The music business is such a screwed up mess these days......I know that's stating the obvious but it was brought home again while trying to find an online review of this album that wasn't an insult to my minimal intelligence. How someone with the amount of talent, brains and longevity that Ian has can manage to stay off the radar his entire career is a crime. Maybe he's ok with it, but I think most people who create works of art like some type of acknowledgement of their efforts. So I'm kinda on a one man mission to get him some exposure whether he wants it at this point or not......STILL HERE is a very enjoyable album. It doesn't set new trends in music or rend a slice thru the fabric of the cosmos but it makes my feet move, makes my voice want to sing along and at the end of the disc I feel like it's been time well spent. There are tons of great melodies and harmonies included along with some much better than average lyric writing. All in all it's a complete package from the year 1978. Don't do yourself the disservice of not taking a listen and after a couple times thru the tunes if you don't find yourself singing along then at least you tried..........and your no worse for the experience.

Tom
CONTACT:

READ THIS for more information on this album.

CRYAN SHAMES / SYNTHESIS

Digitized from the original vinyl, released in 1968 on Columbia Records.
ALBUM INFO:
Produced by Jim Golden
Engineered by Fred Catero & Glen Kolotkin
Format: Mp3
Bit Rate: 320 Kbps
TRACK LISTING:
Greenburg, Glickstein, Charles, David Smith & Jones
Baltimore Oriole
It's All Right
Your Love
A Master's Fool
First Train To California
The Painter
Sweet Girl Of Mine
20th Song
Let's Get Together
Symphony Of The Wind
THE BAND:
Tom (Toad) Doody - Vocals
J.C. Hooke - Vocals, Percussion
Dave Carter - Vocals, Guitar
Alan Dawson - Vocals, Drums, Percussion
Lenny Kerley - Bass, Guitar, Vocals
Isaac Guillory - Bass, Guitar, Keyboard, Vocals
WEBSITE:
http://cryanshames.com
http://home.comcast.net/~mcduff01
REVIEW:

By Richie Unterberger

Synthesis is an apt name for an album that, like its predecessor, A Scratch in the Sky, proved the Cryan' Shames to be among the most versatile mainstream pop/rock groups of the late '60s. Versatile does not mean great, though, or especially interesting, and can also mean an absence of a solid identity. This record is more eclectic than it is exciting, though the material is well arranged and the group was accomplished harmony singers in particular. On "Greenburg, Glickstein, Charles, David Smith & Jones" they get heavy; with the cover of Hoagy Carmichael's "Baltimore Oriole," they get jazz/folk-rock progressive; on "It's All Right," it's jaunty country-rock; on "First Train to California," there's an almost-self-conscious straining for an MOR AM radio hit. The segueing together of tracks and occasional insertion of spacy instrumental and production flourishes indicate that they wanted to leave the impression of making a progressive statement. But it sounds for the most part like 1960s AM radio filler trying to get hipper with a touch of the far-out, the problem being that 1960s AM radio filler intrinsically cannot get too hip or far out. The 2002 Sundazed CD reissue of this odd mix of sunshine pop and mild pop-psychedelia adds eight bonus tracks. No less than six of them are single versions of tracks from the LP; the other two present both sides of their 1969 single, "Bits and Pieces"/"Rainmaker," which matched a country-rock original with a Harry Nilsson cover.
CONTACT:

READ THIS for more information on this album.