Knowbody Else - Soldiers of Pure Peace (1967)

Artist: Knowbody Else
Album: Soldiers of Pure Peace
Label: Arf! Arf! Records
Catalog#: AA 102
Released: Nov. 13, 2012
Country: US
Genre: Rock, Psychedelic
Duration: 00:26:48

• Группа Knowbody Else образовалась в северо-восточном уголке Арканзаса и была коллективом, взращенным под воздействием музыки "Лета любви" (Summer of Love) и относящимся к пост-Sgt Pepper/Byrds`овской эре. То, что они сотворили в студии "Ardent" в 1967 г. вместе с легендарным мемфисским продюсером Джимом Дикинсоном (Jim Dickinson), - это не меньше, чем истинно бриллиантовый психоделический шедевр, созданный под влиянием "времён, которые меняются".
• Удивительно и преступно, как такие десять нереализованных оригинальных песен оставались неизвестными и никем не слышанные почти 45 лет. Над этим авторизованным релизом, созданным прямиком на основе оригинальных мастер-лент, лейбл "Arf! Arf!" работал в тесном сотрудничестве с Дикинсоном. Музыка возвращена в упаковке из роскошного 24-страничного буклета, которые полон фотографией, меморабилией и проникновенными заметками артиста Гленнрея Тьютора (Glennray Tutor), который был свиделем возвращения этого волшебства.
• В 1969 г. группа записала корневой лонгплей для лейбла "Stax" перед тем, как преобразоваться в BLACK OAK ARKANSAS и достичь большого успеха в AOR, благодаря своему раздолбанному и зажигательному южному року. Но этот удивительный пласт их ранней работы, содержащийся в этом историческом релизе "солдат чистого мира" (Soldiers of Pure Peace) в конечном счете демонстрирует то, какими они когда-то были пугающе новаторскими и экспериментальными артистами, и это настоящий документ для всех об их пророческом музыкальном чутье и поэтическом гении.

• Hailing from the northeast corner of Arkansas, Knowbody Else was a groundbreaking musical force during the Summer of Love who were caught up in the post-Sgt Pepper / Byrds-ian day-glow era. What they created at Ardent Studio in 1967 with legendary Memphis producer Jim Dickinson is nothing short of a truly brilliant psychedelic masterpiece influenced by “the times they are a changin’.”
• How these ten unreleased original songs have remained unknown and unheard for 45 years is both a mystery and a crime. Arf! Arf! has worked closely with the Dickinson estate for this authorized release taken directly from the original mastertapes. The music comes wrapped in a luscious, 24-page booklet chock full of photos, memorabilia, and insightful notes by noted artist Glennray Tutor, who witnessed their magic back in the day.
• In 1969, the band cut a rootsy LP for Stax before morphing into BLACK OAK ARKANSAS and going on to achieve huge AOR success for their raunchy and rambunctious Southern Rock. This astonishing body of early work contained in this historical release of Soldiers of Pure Peace will finally set the record straight on how they were once frighteningly innovative and experimental artists, and properly document their prophetic sense of musical and poetic genius for all to experience.

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 • Tracklist:

01. MRB 02:31
02. On a Busy Day 02:23
03. Your Big Brown Chair 02:48
04. The Circus Song 02:54
05. Free Singers' Island 02:21
06. Secret Storm 03:09
07. The Cowboy Song 02:25
08. Ten Till Five 02:40
09. Until I'm Like Uncle Hugh 02:49
10. White, Mix and Smith 02:48

     All songs written by Rick Reynolds and Jim Mangrum.
     Musical arrangement by Rick Reynolds.
     Recorded and Produced by Jim Dickinson at Ardent Studios, 
     Memphis, Tennessee in 1967.
     All music transferred from the original 2-track stereo mixes.
     Licensed from the estate of Jim Dickinson.
     CD Mastered by Rob Pemberton. Package design by Aram Heller.
     Special thanks to Mary Lindsay Dickinson, )ohn Fry and Alec Paleo.
     ©2012 Arf! Arf! Records, PO Box 465. Middleborough, MA 02346 USA
     Reissue produced by Erik Lindgren and Glennray Tutor
     wvvvv.arfarfrecords.com

Personel:
Jim Mangrum - Lead Vocals
Rick Reynolds - 12-String Guitar, Organ, Bass, Vocals
Artis Brewer, Jr. - 6-String Guitar, Vocals
Keith McCann - Drums, Vocals

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West - West (1968 Epic Records) 

Artist: West
Album: West
Label: Epic Records
Catalog#: BN 26380
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1968
Genre: Rock, Pop, Country
Format: FLAC (track+.cue)
Bitrate: lossless
Duration: 00:26:16

• Группа "West" нашла музыкальную манеру — нечто среднее между The Byrds, Poco и We Five. Результатом стал милый, гармоничный фолк-рок с приятным вокалом плюс кантри и поп-влияния, достаточно энергичный, сыгранный талантливыми музыкантами. Их первый титульный альбом вышел в 1968 году. Его продюсировал Воб Джонстон, который также работал с Бобом Диланом, Саймоном и Гарфанкелем, Леонардом Коэном и Джонни Кэшем…

• West's self-titled 1968 debut isn't particularly rare and it isn't particularly original, but I'll readily admit to enjoying some of the album's country-rock moves.
• Having previously recorded a couple of singles with The Untouchables and Captain Zoom and the Android and supported a broad array of acts as a sessions player, singer/guitarist Ron Cornelius was apparently the band's front man and creative focal point. Backed by keyboardist Bob Claire, former Captain Zoom bassist Joel Davis, drummer Lloyd Perata, harmonica player John Sagen, and former We Five multi-instrumentalist Michael Stewart, in 1967 the band found themselves the subject of a major label bidding war, with Epic eventually signing them to a contract. Epic management seemingly had major plans for the group, teaming them with Dylan and Simon and Garfunkel producer Bob Johnston. (Curiously, the front and back photos only showed five members - not sure who was missing.) Regardless, 1968's "West" found the band straddling the musical fence somewhere between The Byrds, Poco, and We Five. The result was a pretty, harmony rich collection of folk-rock that would have benefited from a couple more originals (xx of the 11 tracks were covers), and from a sizable dose of energy. On the plus side, these guys were obviously talented musicians, capable of tackling a wide array of well known covers. They also had a couple of decent singers in Cornelius, Davis and Stewart. The downside is that the set had far too many covers and precious little originality shined through the collection. With the possible exceptions of a nice Byrds-styled cover of Dylan's 'Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues' and 'xxx', they came off as little more than an above-average cover band. (BadCat records)

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 • Side One:
A1. Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues (Bob Dylan) - 3:07
A2. Baby You've Been On My Mind (Bob Dylan) - 1:40
A3. Four Strong Winds (Ian Tyson) - 2:50
A4. Summer Flower (Ron Cornelius - Joel Davis) - 2:20
A5. Step By Step (Mike Stewart - J. Chambers - B. Jones) - 2:30
A6. Dolphins (Fred Neil) - 3:20
 • Side Two:
B1. Six Days On The Road (E. Greane - C. Montgomery) - 2:04
B2. Everybody's Talkin' (Fred Neil) - 2:10
B3. Donald Duck ( Mike Stewart) - 2:00
B4. Settin' The Woods On Fire (F. Rose - E.G. Nelson) - 1:55
B5. New England Winter (B. Kimmel) - 2:19

Personel:
Michael Stewart - vocals, guitars
Ron Cornelius - lead guitar, vocals
Joe Davis - bass, vocals
Bob Claire - keyboards, cello, guitar
Jon Saegen - harmonica
Lloyd Perata - drums

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Todd Rundgren - A Wizard, a True Star (1973) 

Artist: Todd Rundgren
Album: A Wizard, A True Star
Label: Bearsville
Catalog#: BR 2133
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Shaped Sleeve
Country: US
Released: Jun 1973
Genre: Electronic, Rock
Style: Pop Rock, Synth-pop
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Bitrate: lossless
Duration: 00:55:56

• This is the original 1973 pressing, which had a sleeve with specially shaped corners, an innersleeve with all lyrics, credits & a photo collage. It also included a postcard with a poem by the then almost unknown Patti Smith. Todd promised that anyone who would send back this postcard would get his name on the next record. He kept his promise on the back of the poster included on his 1974 album Todd.

• Something/Anything? proved that Todd Rundgren could write a pop classic as gracefully as any of his peers, but buried beneath the surface were signs that he would never be satisfied as merely a pop singer/songwriter. A close listen to the album reveals the eccentricities and restless spirit that surges to the forefront on its follow-up, A Wizard, a True Star. Anyone expecting the third record of Something/Anything?, filled with variations on "I Saw the Light" and "Hello It's Me," will be shocked by A Wizard. As much a mind-f*ck as an album, A Wizard, a True Star rarely breaks down to full-fledged songs, especially on the first side, where songs and melodies float in and out of a hazy post-psychedelic mist. Stylistically, there may not be much new -- he touched on so many different bases on Something/Anything? that it's hard to expand to new territory -- but it's all synthesized and assembled in fresh, strange ways. Often, it's a jarring, disturbing listen, especially since Rundgren's humor has turned bizarre and insular. It truly takes a concerted effort on the part of the listener to unravel the record, since Rundgren makes no concessions -- not only does the soul medley jerk in unpredictable ways, but the anthemic closer, "Just One Victory," is layered with so many overdubs that it's hard to hear its moving melody unless you pay attention. And that's the key to understanding A Wizard, a True Star -- it's one of those rare rock albums that demands full attention and, depending on your own vantage, it may even reward such close listening. - Review by Stephen Thomas Erlewine

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 • Side One:
A1. International Feel – 2:50
A2. Never Never Land (Betty Comden, Adolph Green, Jule Styne) – 1:34
A3. Tic Tic Tic, It Wears Off – 1:14
A4. You Need Your Head – 1:02
A5. Rock & Roll Pussy – 1:08
A6. Dogfight Giggle – 1:05
A7. You Don't Have to Camp Around – 1:03
A8. Flamingo – 2:34
A9. Zen Archer – 5:35
A10. Just Another Onionhead/DAda Dali – 2:23
A11. When the Shit Hits the Fan/Sunset Blvd. – 4:02
A12. Le Feel Internacionale – 1:51 
 • Side Two:
B1. Sometimes I Don't Know What to Feel – 4:16
B2. Does Anybody Love You? – 1:31
B3. Medley:
I'm So Proud / Ooh Baby Baby / La La Means I Love You / Cool Jerk – 10:34
(Curtis Mayfield, Al Cleveland, William "Smokey" Robinson Renaldo "Obie" Benson,
William Hart, Thom Bell, Donald Storball)
B4. Hungry for Love – 2:18
B5. I Don't Want to Tie You Down – 1:56
B6. Is It My Name? – 4:01
B7. Just One Victory – 4:59

     Mastered At – Sterling Sound
     Distributed By – Warner Bros. Records Inc.

Members:
Todd Rundgren – vocals, guitars
Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker – horn
Rick Derringer – guitar
Mark "Moogy" Klingman, Ralph Schuckett – keyboards
Jean-Yves "Frog" Labat – synthesizer
Barry Rogers – trombone
David Sanborn – saxophone
John Siegler – acoustic bass, cello
John Siomos – drums

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West - Bridges (1969 Epic Records)

Artist: West
Album: Bridges
Label: Epic Records
Catalog#: BN 26433
Format: Vinyl, LP
Country: US
Released: 1969
Genre: Rock, Folk Rock, Country
Format: FLAC (tracks+.cue)
Bitrate: lossless
Duration: 00:27:26

• One of many rock groups signed to Columbia or its Epic subsidiary that got lost in a shuffle of under-promotion in the 1960s, West played mild folk-rock emphasizing their clean, careful vocal harmonies. Their self-titled 1968 debut was produced by Bob Johnston (who also did Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, Leonard Cohen, and Johnny Cash in the late 1960s), and comes off as a sort of Byrds-lite with some country and pop influences. Their most famous member, by far, was ex-We Five leader Michael Stewart (brother of singer-songwriter John Stewart), although indeed it's hard to figure out exactly who was in the band. The brief liners for their first LP state that "West is comprised of no less than four and no more than six members--Ron Cornelius, Michael Stewart, Joe Davis, Lloyd Perata, (Bob Claire and Jon Sagen)." The inexactitude was compounded by cover photographs showing five guys. Not that it was much cause for speculation among the public, since few listeners heard the album or its 1969 follow-up.

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 • Side One:
A1. Somebody (Somewhere) Needs You (F.Wilson-M.Gordon) - 2:21
A2. July, you re a Woman (J.Stewart) - 1:52
A3. Shanty Boat (C.Daniels) - 2:35
A4. You only think youve come Home (L.Perata) - 3:08
A5. Peaceful Times (J.Davis-M.Stewart) - 2:50
A6. Looking back Johanna (J.Stewart) - 2:35
 • Side Two:
B1. Down along the Cove (Bob Dylan) - 2:45
B2. General Mojos well laid Plan (S.W.Swallow) - 2:50
B3. Funeral on the Beach (J.Davis-M.Stewart-R.Cornelius) - 2:50
B4. Sad about the Times (L.Perata) - 2:30
B5. Sharon loved the Wine (L.Perata) - 2:35

     Recorded at Columbia Studios Nashville, Tennessee, 1968
     Producer by Bob Johnston 

Personel:
Michael Stewart - vocals, guitars
Ron Cornelius - lead guitar, vocals
Joe Davis - bass, vocals
Bob Claire - keyboards, cello, guitar
Jon Saegen - harmonica
Lloyd Perata - drums

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Southwind - What a Place to Land (1971 Blue Thumb) 

Artist: Southwind
Album: What A Place To Land
Label: Blue Thumb Records
Catalog#: BTS 26
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1971
Genre: Rock, Blues, Country-rock
Duration: 00:29:27

• Country-rock unit Southwind comprised singer/guitarist John Martin, singer/bassist Jim Pulte, organist Phil Hope and drummer Eric Dalton. Originally formed at the University of Oklahoma as a rockabilly combo called the Disciples, in 1967 the group relocated to Los Angeles at the suggestion of musician friend Fontaine Brown, adopting the more contemporary moniker Southwind and significantly expanding their sound to incorporate elements of British Invasion-inspired pop, psychedelic rock and traditional country. Signing to the tiny Venture label, in 1968 Southwind issued their self-titled debut; Brown soon replaced Hope as a fulltime member of the band, with a move to Blue Thumb preceding their 1970 follow-up Ready to Ride, in part recorded live at the Fillmore West. 1971's What a Strange Place to Land, meanwhile, spotlighted a more pronounced blues influence than past efforts. Southwind disbanded soon after the record's release; swapping his birth name for his nickname "Moon," Martin went on to back Linda Ronstadt, later recording a series of solo albums and writing the Robert Palmer smash "Bad Case of Loving You (Doctor, Doctor)." Pulte also cut a pair of 1972 solo LPs for United Artists before disappearing from the music scene. - allmusic (by Jason Ankeny).

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 • Side One:
A1. Slippery John 03:12
A2. Beside The Mountain 03:15
A3. The Best Part 03:12
A4. Please Don't Hichhike 02:37
A5. Back In The Band 02:46
 • Side Two:
B1. Bottleg Woman 03:29
B2. Baby Games 02:54
B3. Dynamite 02:07
B4. Buzz Me 05:29

Personel:
Bass – Fontaine Brown, Jim Pulte
Guitar, Vocals – Jim Pulte, John Martin
Piano, Guitar, Vocals – Fontaine Brown
Drums – Dalton*

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Terry Melcher - Royal Flush (1976 RCA Victor)

Artist: Terry Melcher
Title: Royal Flush
Company: RCA Victor
Catalog#: BEL1-0948
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Year: 1976
Country: US
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Duration: 00:31:19

• Released by Melcher's own RCA Victor's affiliated Equinox label, 1976's "Royal Flush" was challenging. Apparently intended as a concept piece, the set was built around a Western theme (gambling, girls and Mexico). Like the debut, Melcher's voice remained an acquired taste. Sounding like a cat with its tail caught in a door, or think of Neil Young at his least tuneful ("High Rollers" and "Rosarito") and you'll get a feel for what Melcher sounded like. The fact his voice was so limited probably explains why the album had an odd, muffled sound - Melcher's vocals frequently sound treated ("Down In Mexico"). While Melcher was clearly interested in scoring a commercial hit, material such as "Fire In a Rainstorm", "Take It To Mexico" and "Rebecca" sounded listless and unenthusiastic. Like it's predecessor, the collection proved a commercial nonentity. (The album was originally released with a gatefold sleeve.).

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 • Side One:
A1. Fire in a Rainstorm (Mike Hazelwood) - 3:58
A2. L. A to Mexico (House - Terry Melcher) - 2:50
A3. High Rollers (Terry Melcher) - 2:55
A4. Down in Mexico (Lieber - Stoller) - 4:43
A5. Take It to Mexico (Tulsa County Blue) (Polland) - 2:06
 • Side Two:
B1. Freeway Close (House - Terry Melcher) - 2:03
B2. Rebecca (Albert Hammond - Mike Hazelwood) - 3:55
B3. Rosarito (House - Terry Melcher) - 3:18
B4. So Right Tonight (Terry Melcher) - 2:14
B5. Card Game (Polland) - 3:38

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Ron Davies - Silent Song Through The Land (1970)

Artist: Ron Davies
Album: Silent Song Through The Land
Label: A&M Records
Catalog#: SP-4264
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1970
Genre: Rock, Folk, World, & Country
Duration: 00:27:18

• Ron Davies is best-known, if he's known at all, it's for writing "It Ain't Easy," which David Bowie covered on Ziggy Stardust just a little while after Long John Baldry had a U.K. hit with the tune. This, along with Dave Edmunds cover, gives the impression that Davies was a bit of a blues-rocker, which isn't the case. He fit comfortably within the wave of singer/songwriters of the early '70s, influenced by Dylan but perhaps a bit more meditative and inward-looking, never quite kicking up the dust after "It Ain't Easy" opens 1970s Silent Song Through the Land, even though the title track does bring the soulful backing singers back and replicates some of the mountain imagery. Davies maintains the quiet, almost pastoral mood, although it has to be said that his quivering, nasal voice can pierce that spell, and the intimate settings also reveal his songs as just a shade too guileless. So, he's better suited to the bigger arrangements, the ones that arrive on "Change," "Silent Song Through the Land," and, especially, on "It Ain't Easy," which is indeed his one enduring moment of brilliance. - Stephen Thomas Erlewine

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 • Side One:
A1. It Ain't Easy 02:29
A2. What Life Must Be Like For Some 02:28
A3. Change 02:51
A4. The Clown 04:12
 • Side Two:
B1. Silent Song Through The Land 02:33
B2. Yesterday Is All I Want 02:47
B3. Open Road, The Open Sky 02:55
B4. Lover And The Loved 06:05 

Members:
Vocals, Acoustic Guitar – Ron Davies
Backing Vocals – Clydie King, Merry Clayton, Venetta Fields
Banjo, Mandolin – Byron Berline, Doug Dillard
Bass – Chad Stuart
Drums – Jim Keltner
Engineer – Bart Chiate, Rick Henke
Harmony Vocals – Vicki Davies
Lead Guitar – Demetri Callas, Mike Deasy
Organ – Larry Knechtel
Piano – Leon Russell, Mike Lang
Producer – Chad Stuart

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Terry Melcher - Terry Melcher (1974) © 2005 Reprise Records

Artist: Terry Melcher
Album: Terry Melcher
Label: Reprise Records
Catalog#: WPCR-2321
Format: CD, Album
Released: 2005
Made in Japan
Genre: Rock, Pop, Soft Rock
Format: FLAC (track+.cue+log)
Bitrate: lossless
Duration: 00:34:54

• Although he'd been a fixture in the West Coast rock & roll scene since his teens, Terry Melcher only issued two solo long-players. His 1974 self-titled outing indeed reflects the unique tastes of one-time 'Golden Penetrator,' -- an elite group of Los Angeles scene-makers consisting of Melcher, Beach Boy Dennis Wilson and Gregg Jackobson. Melcher calls on a notable cast of support from his days as a staff producer for Columbia Records in the early- to mid-'60s, where he worked with the Byrds as well as Paul Revere & the Raiders. Chief among the luminaries is singer/songwriter Bruce Johnston, with whom Melcher had previously collaborated in the short-lived surf-rock combo Bruce & Terry, which evolved into the Rip Chords. The latter aggregate is best remembered for the Top 40 entry "Hey, Little Cobra." Johnston co-produces and provides the occasional vocal alongside Spanky & Our Gang's Spanky MacFarlane and Melcher's mother Doris Day (yes, that Doris Day). The project is split between the artist's compositions and eclectic reworkings of familiar tunes, such as the rural rock reading of "Roll in My Sweet Baby's Arms," recalling latter-era Byrds-meets-Tower of Power horns. Conductor/arranger Jimmie Haskell's refined string score accompanying the cover of Jackson Browne's "These Days" gently unfurls with an added hue of wistful nostalgia. "Dr. Horowitz" -- co-penned by Johnston -- is a derisive observation of 'cure-all' psychic physicians and the intentionally schmaltzy melody is assuredly a sonic send-up, matching the tongue-in-cheek lyrical content perfectly. The dubious down-home lamentation "Beverly Hills" is given an incongruously twangy rural feel and the opening line "Beverly Hills is funky/Just plain folks, livin' close out there" is equally surreal and perhaps depicts Melcher's point of view better than any documentary or bio ever could. Granted, Melcher's interpretation of "Arkansas" doesn't bear the same authenticity as the Osborne Brothers or the Wilburn Brothers respective renditions, yet it remains a standout, mirroring a Randy Newman-like introspection with Melcher's expressive leads. The countrified waltz infused into the remake of Bob Dylan' s "4th Time Around" is a recommended spin, as is the medley containing Melcher's own "Halls of Justice" and the Dylan titles "Positively 4th Street" and "Like a Rolling Stone." - Review by Lindsay Planer.

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 • Tracklist:

01. Roll In My Sweet Baby's Arms 03:16
02. These Days 04:23
03. Dr. Horowitz 02:51
04. Beverly Hills 03:24
05. These Bars Have Made A Prison Out Of Me 03:12
06. Arkansas 03:20
07. Stagger Lee 02:36
08. 4th Time Around 02:31
09. Just A Season 03:21
10. Medley:
Halls Of Justice/Positively 4th Street/Like A Rolling Stone 03:57
11. The Old Hand Jive 02:05

     Phonographic Copyright (p) – Warner Bros. Records Inc.
     Licensed From – Warner Bros. Records Inc.
     Manufactured By – Rhino Entertainment Company . 

Members:
Horns Arranged – Jim Horn
Strings Arranged – Jimmy Haskell
Backing Vocals – Bruce Johnston, Doris Day, Spanky McFarlane
Bass – Chris Hillman, Joe Osborne
Design – Dean Torrence
Drums – Hal Blaine, Jim Keltner, Michael Clark
Guitar – Clarence White, Mike Deasy, Ry Cooder, Tony Martin Jr.
Horns – Chuck Findley, Jim Horn, Slyde Hyde
Piano – Larry Knechtel, Spooner Oldham, Terry Melcher
Steel Guitar – J.D. Maness, Sneaky Pete Kleinow

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Eve - Take It And Smile (1970)

Artist: Eve
Album: Take It And Smile
Label: LHI Records
Catalog#: L.H.I. 3100
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1970
Genre: Rock, Pop, Folk, & Country
Duration: 00:33:00

• Not that more than a handful of folks will know or care, but for all intents and purposes 1970's "Eve" stands as the sophomore release by Honey Ltd. In terms of personnel the only difference was the absence of original singer Alex Sliwin who had previously dropped out to briefly marry J.D. Souther, leaving Laura Polkinghorne Creamer, Joan Sliwin and Marsha Jo Temmer to soldier on as a trio.
• Produced by Tom Thacker with backing from an all star cast of sessions players including Hal Blaine, James Burton, and Ry Cooder, the trio's debut as Eve found them abandoning their earlier blend of self-penned psychedelia and soul for a more conventional mixture of popular covers spice with a couple of original tunes. While the group's trademarked harmonies remained intact, this time around the sound was far more restrained with tracks like 'I've Got A Secret', 'Give a Hand' and ''Anyone Who Had A Heart' offering up a mixture of sensitive singer/songwriter, gospel and country influences. Given the gospel edge to material like their cover of James Taylor's 'Lo and Behold' it's hard to believe they were originally from Detroit ...
• Unfortunately while he trio's harmony vocals remained a joy to hear (check out 'Dusty Road'), their decision to largely abandon rock oriented material wasn't a wise choice. The results were professional and occasionally quite pretty, but with one or two exceptions seldom particularly exciting. LHI tapped the album for a single in the form of 'Anyone Who Had a Heart' b/w 'Dusty Roads' (LHI cataloig number 25), but it did nothing commercially. With Bell Records stepping in to rescue the ailing label, 'Take It and Smile' b/w 'You Go Your Way' (Bell catalog number 914) was also released as a 45, though it didn't fair any better. The group saw one of their songs included on the soundtrack to the flick Vanishing Point and their recording careers were over.

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 • Side One:
A1. Lo And Behold (James Taylor) - 2:58
A2. I've Got A Secret (Fred Neil) - 3:02
A3. Give A Hand (Barry Gibb - Maurice Gibb) - 3:44
A4. Dusty Roads (Marsha Temmer - Laura Polkinghorne) - 3:00
A5. Anyone Who Had A Heart (Burt Bacharach - Hal David) - 5:12
 • Side Two:
B1. You Go Your Way (Bob Dylan) - 3:14
B2. Hello L.A., Bye-bye Birmingham (Mac Davis) - 2:30
B3. Could You (Laura Polkinghorne) - 2:37
B4. My Man Sunshine (Marsha Temmer) - 3:47
B5. Take It And Smile (Laura Polkinghorne - Glen Frey) - 3:01

     Recorded in the Spring of 1970 at T.T.G. Recording Studios, Hollywood
     Dist. by Bell Records, a div. of Columbia Pictures Industries Inc., N.Y.C. 

Members:
Laura Polkinghorne Creamer - Vocals
James Burton - Lead Guitar, Dobro
Ry Cooder - Bottleneck, Rhitm Guitar
Mark Creamer - Rhitm Guitar
Gary Illingsworth, Larry Muhoberac - Piano, Organ
Joe Osborne - Bass
"Sneaky Pete" - Steel Guitar
Ron Tutt, Hal Blane - Drums
Vocal Arrangements by EVE:
Laura Polkinghorne, Marsha Jo Temmer, Joan Sliwin
Cover Art by Joan Sliwin

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Barry Allen - Barry Allen (1971 UNI Records)

Artist: Barry Allen
Album: Barry Allen
Label: UNI Records
Catalog#: 73104
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1971
Genre: Rock, Pop Rock
Duration: 00:38:23

• Canadian rock artist Barry Allen started his musical career working as a background singer and guitarist for the '60s group Wes Dakus and the Rebels. After Allen left the Rebels, he went on as a solo artist to earn a couple of hits, a gold record, and a Juno Award. When his solo career fizzled, he teamed up with a few other bands in the '70s, before opening up a recording studio of his own, Homestead Recorders.
• Allen was born in Edmonton, Alberta. He grew up with a love for music that was only fueled by the new rock & roll tunes he heard on the radio. It was like a dream come true when little gigs earned him enough experience to land a job performing and touring with Wes Dakus and the Rebels. In the early '60s, Allen's singing style caught the attention of a producer, Norm Petty. With Petty's help, Allen recorded a few solo numbers and around 1965, Capitol Records put him under contract. That same year, he released his first two singles, "It's All Right With Me Now" and "Easy Come Easy Go," and a debut album titled Goin' Places. A year later he had a hit with the title song from the album Love Drops. The single became a chart topper for weeks and went on to become Allen's first gold-seller.
• In 1967, Allen finished two more singles for Capitol Records, "I Know You Don't Want Me No More" and "Armful of Teddy Bears." Neither song received the same sell marks as the earlier singles. Soon Capitol lost interest in Allen and he was released from his contract. Not ready to give up, he formed a band called Barry Allen and the Lords. By 1970, he was working under a new label, Molten Records, and with a new band, Painter. The group offered up one single and one self-titled album before Allen left. Later, he put together a recording studio in his hometown. - Charlotte Dillon

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 • Side One:
A1. See The World 03:09
A2. Wednesday In Your Garden 03:07
A3. I Need Someone (The Painter) 03:49
A4. Darlin' Be Home Soon 04:14
A5. Never Comin' Home 02:37
A6. If You Look Away 02:24
 • Side Two:
B1. Coming To Life 06:28
B2. Lifetime 02:09
B3. Take The Long Way Home 03:55
B4. Prophesy 02:58
B5. Goin' Home 04:18  

     Recorded at RCA Mid-America Studio / Chicago
     Recording Engineer, Mixed By – Brian Christian
     Technician Recording – Ed Schnabl, Russ Vestuto
     Copyright (c) Universal City Records 

Members:
Vocals, Rhythm Guitar – Barry Allen
Bass Guitar – Jim Lewis
Handclaps, Other (Guidance) – Danny "B.F.D." Astles
Lead Guitar – Al Mix
Organ, Piano – Miles Jackson
Odds And Ends, Producer – Randy Bachman
Pedal Steel Guitar – Wes Dakus
Trombone – Ed Gilchrist
Trumpet – John Lacey, Lorne Peet
Drums – Paul Burton

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