Senthaclos - Chansons Des Coleres (1974) 

Artist: Senthaclos
Album: Chansons Des Coleres
Label: Expression Spontanee
Catalog#: ES 38
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: France
Released: 1974
Genre: Chansons, French Folk Prog
Format: FLAC (track+.cue)
Bitrate: lossless
Duration: 00:35:27

• Il n'est pas si loin le temps ou le groupe SENTHACLOS enflammait les scenes de ses refrains engages. Aujourd'hui Jean Pierre PERMANNE - artiste accompli sous d'autres pseudonymes - revient a ses premiers amours pour un recital toujours epice melant reprises et creations . Voila L'occasion d'humer le parfum d'une autre epoque pour une soiree de retrouvailles ou JIPP compte vraiment sur ses potes d'autrefois.

-------- ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ --------

 
 • Side One:
A1. Ma Ville Grand Vent 03:56
A2. Mon Fils Prend Ses Quinze Ans 03:13
A3. L'Ecole 02:42
A4. L'Afrique A Paris 05:39
A5. La Panne 03:28
 • Side Two:
B1. J'habite Un Cube 02:53
B2. Les Soldats Sont Chez Nous 04:10
B3. La Torture Existe 02:35
B4. La Chanson Du Caisson 01:45
B5. J'en Appelle A La Fete 05:03

Members:
Patrice Bourdin - Accordion
Daniel Bance - Acoustic Guitar
Thierry Mabire - Bass
Gerard Chervin - Lead Guitar
Didier Chervin - Drums, Percussion
Jean-Pierre Permanne - Vocals

-----  ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ -----

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The Johnsons - St (1986 Plush) 

Artist: The Johnsons
Album: The Johnsons
Label: PLUSH  Records
Catalog#: JIBS 001
Format: Vinyl, LP Album
Released: 1986
Country: US
Genre: Rock, Hard Rock
Duration: 00:28:15

• The Johnsons играли в основном в Сан-Диего, штат Калифорния, в том числе открывали шоу-выступления The Beat Farmers, The Lords Оf The New Church, The Ramones, Screaming Sirens, The Lyres и покойной Edith Massey, прославившейся в фильме Джона Уотера. Во главе группы состояли Tom Hildebrandt (гитара, вокал), его двоюродный брат Matt Harpster (гитара, клавишные, вокал) и Armand Spiotto (бас, вокал). На барабанах, как правило, играл Stevie Ray Plush (Steve Huber), но иногда его подменял фотограф Paul Redmond, а ещё им всем помогали сёрфер Dave Driver и местная активистка-общественница Lisa Fredsti на басу, и Rex Havoc (перкуссия). Среди оказавших влияние на творчество коллектива были The Undertones, The Kinks, X и New York Dolls.
• Переезд Spiotto в Лос-Анджелес фактически прекратил начавшийся было устойчивый прогресс The Johnsons и Huber вскоре тоже последовал за ним, чтобы сформировать культовую группу Spiderbaby. Hildebrandt и Harpster продержались ещё какое-то время, предприняв все возможные меры для реформирования группы, но уже под названием The Johnsons Оf The Jungle Moon. Однако их новые демо-записи уже показали смещение акцента на более фуззовое звучание, напоминающее австралийцев The Scientists, и представляли собой довольно твёрдый рифф-ориентированный материал. И всё-таки, примерно в 1989 году, Hildebrant вынужден был окончательно распустить группу..- спасибо Джорж

• The Johnsons played primarily in San Diego, CA and opened shows for The Beat Farmers, The Lords of The New Church, The Ramones, Screaming Sirens, The Lyres and the late Edith Massey of John Water's film fame. The band was led by Tom Hildebrandt (guitar, vocals), his cousin Matt Harpster (guitar, keyboard, vocals), Scranton native Armand Spiotto (bass, vocals). Drums were generally played by Stevie Ray Plush (Steve Huber), but fill-in players included the photographer Paul Redmond (drums), surfer Dave Driver (bass), activist Lisa Fredsti (bass) and Rex Havoc (drums). Their collective influences were The Undertones, The Kinks, X and New York Dolls.

-------- ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ --------

 
 • Side One:
A1. She's a Butcher - 04:32
A2. Modern Maturity - 03:10
A3. Apparently Lied - 03:04
A4. Kill That Girl - 02:18
 • Side Two:
B1. (I Don't Wanna Be No) Catholic Boy - 03:04
B2. Bad Tonight - 03:52
B3. National Noise - 03:36
B4. Gore - 04:35

Members:
Tom Hildebrandt - Guitar, Vocals
Matt Harpster - Guitar, Keyboard, Vocals
Armand Spiotto - Bass, Vocals
Stevie Ray Plush (Steve Huber) - Drums
Paul Redmond, Rex Havoc - Drums
Dave Driver, Lisa Fredsti - Bass

-----  ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ -----

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Ron Armstrong - Ready For Ya (2013) 

Artist: Ron Armstrong
Album: Ready For Ya
© 2013 Kagel Canyon Productions
Label: CD Baby (distributor)
Catalog#: 5638092264
Country: US
Released: 22 Mar. 2013
Genre: Rock, Country, Blues
Duration: 00:43:52

• Ron Armstrong has been through the wars. Playing rock and roll since the mid-1960’s with bands such as The Misfits, Jamul, Little Rock (Joel Sonnier) and the Ron Armstrong Band. Armstrong’s voice is as eclectic as his writing style, and sampling his catalog of songs can be a dizzying experience. The work on his latest album, Ready For Ya, is solidly written, full of subtle nuance and occasionally a gentle but insightful humor.
• Armstrong kicks things off with "Old Folks Boogie", featuring wicked guitar work and a bantering, light hearted premise. An exotic dancer is on Armstrong's mind in "Oh Suzie", and his rumination is delivered in 60's pop style that is quite enjoyable. "Just Around The Bend" is a song of angst over the future. Hope and fatalism mix with gentle humor over a powerhouse arrangement. It's a great listen with surprising depth. "Fences" laments the privatization of nature, where what's intended to be a relaxing afternoon turns into a confrontation with fences and signs.
• Armstrong issues a bluesy/country invitation in the form of "I'll Be Your Baby Tonight", done up in classic style. The guitar work is top notch, and every musical detail sounds perfectly crafted. "You Can't Catch Me" is a love song to a car with serious horsepower and smooth lines. It's a fun little number you can dance to. "Movin' To The Country" vamps on loving the country and country music, but not fitting into a marketable niche. Armstrong digs into the blues for "Little Red Rooster", laying down some nasty guitar licks while singing and growling his way through the vocal.
• "J Marie" rides on a 60's backbeat and classic rhythm and blues guitar sounds. Armstrong sings with heartfelt desire and brings the song to life. "Just Like A Woman" is a well intended ballad that falls flat. The pacing here is painful, and many listeners will move forward before Armstrong is finished. "Listening To Jimmy Reed" is a nice recovery, infusing a little honky-tonk attitude into the process. This ode to the great performer is a bit gratuitous, but is written and played from the heart. Armstrong closes out with an energetic cover of Reed's "The Sun Is Shining". Armstrong and his band are at their best, closing out on a high note that shakes the foundations of country, rock and old school rhythm and blues.
• Ron Armstrong sings with a voice both worn and warmed by age on Ready For Ya. It’s a musically and lyrically enriching album that digs at the roots of rock, country and blues. Ready For Ya is a quiet keeper. It’s not an album you’ll obsess over, but don’t be surprised if you keep getting called back to it from time to time.

-------- ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ --------

 
 • Tracklist:

01. Old Folks Boogie (Slim Green) - 03:46
02. Oh Suzie (Ron Armstrong) - 03:09
03. Just Around the Bend (Ron Armstrong) - 02:55
04. Fences (Ron Armstrong) - 04:26
05. I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight (Be My Baby Tonight) (Bob Dylan) - 04:38
06. You Can't Catch Me (Chuck Berry) - 03:40
07. Movin' to the Country (Ron Armstrong) - 03:42
08. Little Red Rooster (Willie Dixon) - 05:31
09. J Marie (Ron Armstrong) - 03:43
10. Just Like a Woman (Bob Dylan) - 03:27
11. Listening to Jimmy Reed (Ron Armstrong) - 02:19
12. The Sun Is Shining (Jimmy Reed) - 02:36

Members:
Ron Armstrong - Keyboards, Producer, Vocals
Dub Campbell - Fiddle
John David - Banjo, Guitar (Acoustic)
John Davis & the Georgia Sea Island Singers - Bass, Vocals (Background)
Lynn Fanelli, Delbi Smart - Vocals (Background)
Tony Gilkyson, Joel Scott Hill - Guitar
Ed Gonzales, Jerry Raney - Rhythm Guitar
James "Hutch" Hutchinson, Glenn McKinney - Bass
Gene Lamarr, Cary Sharraf - Guitar
David McKelvy - Harmonica
Cary Park - Rhythm and Slide Guitar
Jack Pinney - Drums
Richard Podolor - Mandolin, Producer
Will Ray - Guitar, Slide Guitar, Vocals (Background) 
Steve "Syco Steve" Williams - Harmonica
Jimmy "Z" Zavala - Saxophone

-----  ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ -----

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The Johnsons - Break Tomorrow's Day (1986) 

Artist: The Johnsons
Album: Break Tomorrow`s Day
Label: Restless Records/ Enigma
Catalog#: 72141-1 / 4D-219
Format: Vinyl, LP
Country: US
Released: 1986
Genre: Rock, Power Pop, Pop Rock
Durstion: 00:39:02

• В 80-е годы, ещё до взрыва гранж-рока, было несколько групп и звукозаписывающих компаний, которые заложили основу для того, что сегодня называют инди-рок. The Johnsons была группой из троих музыкантов, основанной в Филадельфии, штат Пенсильвания, которая имела в своём послужном списке лишь один полноформатный релиз на лейбле Restless Records. Но их единственный альбом, "Break Tomorrow's Day", вышел в 1986 году без особой помпы. Группу в то время гораздо лучше знали и принимали на так называемых "frat party" на площадках Филадельфии и в национальных концертных турах, где они выгодно продавали публике свой ​​бренд пауэр-поп трио. Даже при поддержке содружества звукозаписывающих компаний Resless Records и Enigma Records рекламная акция по поддержке альбома провалилась и к середине 1988 года The Johnsons канули в безвестность.
• Переиздание альбома "Break Tomorrow's Day" около 25-ти лет спустя показывает, что это трио вполне было способно штамповать жёсткие и плотные пауэр-поп-рок мелодии в стиле Cheap Trick или The Records. Простой, прямолинейный вокал и обширные пассажи гитары пронизывают все 11 песен, которые присутствуют на данной записи. Стиль ведущего вокалиста и басиста Адама Миллера прекрасно воплощается на заглавном треке и на роковом кавере "Sylvia Plath" (оригинальный исполнитель - Peter Laughner). Если у вас есть Google, то легко можно найти эту запись для скачивания на нескольких сайтах. Есть также несколько виниловых копий на eBay для продажи. Но моя любимая копия - это старая потрёпанная магнитофонная кассета. Проигрывая её на столь же старом кассетнике, я снова и снова слышу звук, такой тёплый и сладкий, который возвращает меня в давно ушедшую эпоху...- спасибо Джорж

• Back in the 80s, before the explosion of 'grunge' rock, there were a handful of bands and record labels that laid the groundswell for "indie" rock of the day. The Johnsons were a 3 piece band based out of Philadelphia, PA who had one full length release on Restless Records. Their one and only album, "Break Tomorrow's Day" came out in 1986 to little fanfare. The band who at that time were best know for playing the "frat party" scene in Philly went out on a national tour, serving up their brand of 3-piece power pop. Even with the support of the Resless Records / Enigma Records promotional machine there was little buzz that surrounded this group, and by mid-1988 The Johnsons faded into obscurity.
• A quick spin of "Break Tomorrow's Day" some 25+ years later shows a trio churning out tight, lean powerpop rock tunes in the style of Cheap Trick or The Records. Simple, straight forward vocals and mile wide guitar hooks punctuate the 11 songs that appear on this record. Lead vocalist and bassist Adam Miller's style melds perfectly on the title tune or the rockin' cover of the Peter Laughner tune "Sylvia Plath."
If you Google this record you'll find a handful of sites where you can download this release. There are a few vinyl copies on eBay for sale. But my favorite copy of this is an old beat-up cassette copy. Playing this loud on an old boom box brings back that sound of a bygone era so warm and sweet...

-------- ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ --------

 
 • Side One:
A1. Open Door 03:05
A2. Burning Desire 03:18
A3. Call Your Name 04:25
A4. Sylvia Plath 03:03
A5. Breakfast Or The Air 04:48
 • Side Two:
B1. Hard To Find 03:28
B2. Different Sun 02:30
B3. Love You So 02:51
B4. Break Tomorrow`s Day 03:17
B5. The Affirmation 02:21
B6. Phototrails 06:02

     Recorded at Third Story Studios, Philadelphia, February 1986.
     Producer – Glenn Morrow, John Wicks
     Artwork By (Cover Conception & Design) – David Doris

Members:
Drums – Dana Penny
Engineer – John Wicks, Lew Wernick
Guitar, Vocals – Mike Morrison
Vocals, Bass – Adam Miller

-----  ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ -----

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The Shuffles - The Shuffles' Greatest Hits (1971) 

Artist: The Shuffles
Album: Greatest Hits
Label: CBS Records
Catalog#: S 53012
Format: Vinyl, LP, Compilation
Country: Netherlands
Released: 1971
Genre: Rock, Pop, Ballad
Duration: 00:34:00

• The Shuffles, originators of the worldwide hit "Cha-La-La, I Need You", belong to the elite of Dutch pop groups which have made it big on the international record scene. Since the group was formed in 1964, it has undergone several changes in style and personnel. The Shuffles started out as an instrumental combo playing dances in the southern part of Holland. After four years of rocking the joints, charter members Harry Empty (real name: Harry van Liempt) and Jan van Crey were joined by lead singer Albert Westerlaken and solo guitarist Hank Hillman (real name Henk van den Heuvel). These new members brought about a lot of changes. Albert's solo voice gave the group an identity of its own. and Hank was to write a sizable number of songs with hit potential. The new Shuffles, being adept at vocal harmonizing.
• Were a winning team from the very start. Pacted to a CBS-Artone recording contract in 1969. their initial platter. "Cha-La-La, I Need You", became a gold record in Benelux, was released in more than 20 countries, and reached Top Ten positions in South Africa and Brazil. In addition, special foreign language versions were recorded, whereas the song also was covered extensively. "Cha-La-La" was followed by a string of other hits, including "The Way The Music Goes" and "Teardrop on Teardrop", their current successes. As a result, the group has toured all over Europe, making concert and television appearances. Excellent close-harmony group vocals and an attractively arranged repertoire of ballads and folk-rock songs appeal to a wide segment of musical tastes and age groups, and have established The Shuffles as one of the hottest attractions to emerge from the Low Countries.

-------- ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ --------

 
 • Side One:
A1. Cha-la-la, I Need You (Hank Hillman - Brian Goldwyn) - 03:20
A2. The Way The Music Goes (Hank Hillman - Brian Goldwyn) - 02:30
A3. Teardrop On Teardrop (Mitch Murray - Peter Callander) - 03:30
A4. Silly Man (Hank Hillman - Brian Goldwyn) - 02:35
A5. Believe In Tomorrow (Harry L. Empty - Brian Goldwyn) - 02:50
A6. Bitter Tears (Hank Hillman - Harry L. Empty) - 03:00
 • Side Two:
B1. Madeleine (Madam O Madam) - 02:25
(C. Dupont - E. Manga - G. Belby - W. Mischcon - M. Clarke)
B2. Run Run Run Fly Fly Fly (Ben Finton) - 02:30
B3. Why Cant You Be Like A Guy (H. Hillman - A. West - B. Goldwyn) - 02:45
B4. Without You (Hank Hillman - Ernst Hemmyway - Brian Goldwyn) - 03:20
B5. How Long Will It Take (Hank Hillman) - 02:20
B6. What More Can I Say - 02:15
(Hank Hillman - Ernst Hemmyway - Brian Goldwyn)

    Produced by Lion J. Swaab
    Arranged & Conducted by Martin Gale
    Recording Engineer by Luc Ludolph
    Cover Photograph: Kees do Jong
    Cover Design: Harry van Ziji
    Liner Notes: Paul Visser

Members:
Albert Westerlaken - lead singer
Honk van don Heuvel - vocals & solo guitar
Harry van Liempt - vocals & bass guitar
Jan van Crey - vocals & drums

-----  ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ -----

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Greg Smaha - Greg Smaha (1979) 

Artist: Greg Smaha
Album: Greg Smaha
Label: RCA Victor
Catalog#: PL 37298
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Made in France
Released: 1979
Genre: Funk / Soul
Duration: 00:36:43

-------- ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ --------

 
 • Side One:
A1. Mirror Of Love 04:30
A2. Never Before 04:00
A3. But I Love You 03:10
A4. Angel Adele 03:52
A5. No One Knows 03:15
 • Side Two:
B1. Money 03:40
B2. You 03:55
B3. Springtime In Boston .3:00
B4. Sunshine 03:42
B5. Lady L.A. 03:00

     All songs published by Masouza Music / Executive Prod. - Niko.
     Produced by Misha Sgel for Roads Of Music. 

Members:
Jim Keltner - Drums
Pete Christlieb - Alto Saxophone
Morgan Ames - Arranger, Background Vocals
Lisa Freeman Roberts, Patti Brooks, Roy Galloway - Backing Vocals
Bill Green - Baritone Saxophone
Bill Nuttycombe - Concertmaster
Bill Dickenson - Bass
Mitch Holder, Tommy Rotella - Guitar
Don Grusin - Keyboards
Emil Richards - Percussion
Misha Segal - Arranger, Conductor, Producer
Ian Underwood - Synthesizer
Jerome Richardson - Tenor Saxophone
Dick Slyde Hyde - Trombone, Bass Trumpet
Al Aarons, Chuck Findlay, Oscar Brashear - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Vocals – Greg Smaha

-----  ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ -----

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Brush Shiels - Celtic Road Warrior (1997) 

Artist: Brush Shiels
Album: Celtic Road Warrior
Label: BUS Records
Catalog#: BUSCD801
Format: CD, Album
Released: 1997
Country: Ireland
Genre: Rock, Hard Rock
Duration: 00:47:56

-------- ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ --------

 
 • Tracklist:

01. I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For - 05:07
(written by U2, Blue mountain, Ghappell)
02. Ride On - 04:33
(Jimmy McCarty)
03. Sonny's Dream - 03:38
(Ron Hynes Morning Music)
04. The Boy's from the County Armagh - 03:17
(trad. arr. B.F. Sheils, Brush Music)
05. Star of the County Down - 03:03
(Cathai McBarvey, Boosey 8 Co. Ltd.)
06. The Tractor - 03:21
(B.F. Shells, Brush Music)
07. Danny Boy - 03:15
(ieatherley, Boosey & Co. Ltd.)
08. Rare Our Times - 03:52
(Pete St. John, Celtic Songs/Valentine Music Group Ltd.)
09. Carrick Fergus - 03:43
(trail, arr. B.F. Shells, Brush Music)
10. Raglan Road - 03:20
(Patrick Kavanagh, trad. arr. B.F. Shells, Brush Music)
11. Town 1 Love So Well - 05:22
(Phil Coulter, Four Seasons Music Ltd.)
12. Green Fields ol France - 05:20
(Eric Bogle, Bohertson Brown 8 Assoc.)

     This album was recorded under the influence of Sean Boylan's Herbs!
     Recorded at the Works, Dublin.
     Thanks to Paul Ashe-Brown & Bod Dalian.
     Engineered & mixed by limy Martin,
     assisted by Mark Butterly.
     Mastered at Digital Pigeon by Aidan Foley.
     Produced by Brush & Mattew Shiels.
     Speial thanks to: Sean Boylan, the master herbalist from Ounboyne,
     Noel Bridgeman, Fran, Tinny Martin & Eamon Fitzpatrick.

Members:
Guitar & Vocals - Brush Shiels
Solo Guitar & Vocals - Mattew Shiels
Drums - Grant Nicholas

-----  ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ -----

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Brush Shiels - Fields Of Athenry (1988) 

Artist: Brush Shiels
Album: Fields Of Athenry
Label: Bruised Records
Catalog#: BRU 020
Format: Vinyl, LP
Released: 1988
Country: UK
Genre: Rock, Hard Rock
Duration: 00:40:23

-------- ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ --------

 
 • Tracklist:

01. Dirty Old Town 03:49
02. Fields of Athenry 05:13
03. Celtic Rock 05:54
04. Dublin City Girls 02:38
05. Touch the Earth 04:00
06. Rocky Road to Dublin 04:19
07. Whiskey in the Jar 03:43
08. Molly Malone 03:14
09. Spanish Lady 03:26
10. Danny Boy 03:45

Members:
Brush Shiels - Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica, Piano
The King Eric Bell - Lead Guitar, Vocals
John Brady - Bass
Nollaig Bridgeman - Drums
Danny Bongoes - Percussion

-----  ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ -----

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Kyle - Kyle (1973 MGM Records) 

Artist: Kyle
Album: Kyle
Label: MGM Records
Catalog#: SE-4919
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1973
Genre: Rock, Pop
Duration: 00:33:41

-------- ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ --------

 
 • Side One:
A1. She Brings Sunshine 03:12
A2. Summer Days 02:02
A3. The Wrong Song 04:15
A4. Red, White and Blue 03:38
A5. Prelude To Stoney Road 04:42
 • Side Two:
B1. Stoney Road 04:59
B2. Dream Maker 03:51
B3. Face The Music 03:59
B4. She 02:25

     Recorded at Western Sound Studios, Los Angeles, California
     Engineered by Joe Sidore and John Boyd
     Produced by John Madara
     Arranged By Tom Sellers, Artie Butler,
     Gene Page, Artie Ripp and Kyle

Members:
String Arrangements on "She" by John Madara & Tom Sellers
Bass: Joe Osborn
Piano: Mike O'Martian
Guitars: KYLE, Larry Carlton, Dean Parks, David Cohen, Michael Stewart
Percussion: Gary Coleman, Gene Estes
Congas: King Erickson
Background Vocals: KYLE, Larry Marks, John Madara
Concert Master: Sid Sharp
Drums: Hal Blaine

-----  ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ -----

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                                                  • Many Thanks to EW

Marlin Greene - Tiptoe Past The Dragon (1972) 

Artist: Marlin Greene
Album: Tiptoe Past The Dragon
Label: Elektra Records
Catalog#: EKS-75028
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1972
Genre: Rock
Style: Folk, Soft Rock, Classic Rock
Format: FLAC (tracks+.cue)
Bitrate: lossless
Duration: 00:34:46

• Марлин Грин начал свою карьеру в качестве исполнителя и автора песен, заключив контракты с RCA (1957) и Philips (1962). Его игра на гитаре принесла ему уважение в Muscle Shoals, Алабама, где он работал с Queen Ivy и продюссировал песню "When a Man Loves a Woman" Percy Sledge. Грин играл на гитаре в этом и последующих хитах Percy Sledge. Состав исполнителей альбома достаточно интересен.

• Greene's is one of those names that is a reliable indicator for good tunes when it turns up on '60s soul and rock records, often in songwriting collaborations with iconoclastic Southern white soul men such as Dan Penn, Spooner Oldham and Eddie Hinton. I had no idea that Greene had ever done any solo recording; it turns out he actually recorded quite a few 45s in the late '50s and early '60s before moving to the other side of the studio glass.
• Tiptoe Past the Dragon dates from 1972, and was released on Elektra. By that point the label had largely moved away from the traditional folk and ethnic music of its origins, but was still releasing rootsy material by artists such as Paul Siebel and Mickey Newbury, whose albums have aged much more gracefully than many of Elektra's rock acts of the time. Greene's album fits comfortably in that canon.
• Dragon was recorded at Muscle Shoals Sound Studios, and three of the studio founders -- drummer Roger Hawkins, bassist David Hood and keyboardist Barry Beckett -- are among the players. Eddie Hinton is also in the list of various studio hands here, along with one name that doesn't turn up in album credits too often: Larry "Gimmer" Nicholson. His acoustic finger-style guitar playing is often noted as a big influence on a young Chris Bell, who was hanging around at Ardent Studios in Memphis when Nicholson was recording a then-unreleased LP with Terry Manning. There are a couple songs here that do have that shimmering acoustic texture heard on Big Star's #1 Record.
• All the heavy hitters would be for naught if Greene didn't bring some songs, and he takes care of his end of the deal just fine. Tiptoe Past the Dragon maintains a laid-back country rock groove, and the often hippie-ish lyrics date the album to its era more than the much of the music does. There's nothing immediately gripping here; it's definitely an album that requires some repeated listens for its subtle charms to begin to take root. Greene's wife Jeanie also cut an album for Elektra right around the same time, and I'll be looking to track down a copy of that one after hearing Marlin's excellent disc. -

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 • Side One:
A1. Grand Illusion 02:58
A2. Masquerade Ball 02:56
A3. Jonathan's Dream 02:11
A4. My Country Breakdown 02:12
A5. Forest Ranger 03:03
A6. Gemini Gypsy 03:13
 • Side Two:
B1. Ponce De Leon 02:54
B2. Who's The Captain Of Your Ships Of Dreams 03:29
B3. Fields Of Clover 07:22
B4. Good Christian Cowboy 02:56
B5. Tiptoe Past The Dragon 01:15

     All songs recorded at Muscle Shoals Sound Studios,
     Muscle Shoals, Alabama, with the exception of "Tiptoe Past The Dragon"
     which was recorded at Elektra Sound Recorders, Los Angeles, California,
     and "Fields Of Clover" & "Grand Illusion" which were recorded
     at Quinvy Studios, Muscle Shoals, Alabama.
     Produced by Marlin Greene

Members:
Bass – David Hood, Jerry Masters
Drums – Fred Prouty, Lou Mullenix, Roger Hawkins
Guitar – Eddie Hinton, Larry (Gimmer) Nicholson, Marlin Greene, Wayne Perkins
Keyboards – Barry Beckett, Chuck Leavell
Steel Guitar – Leo La Blanc
Vocals – Marlin Greene
Written-By – Marlin Greene, Wayne Perkins

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