Ashkan - In From The Cold (1970 uk hard blues rock - MP3 320K and WAV)

This was the first album released on Decca's progressive Nova label.

Co-produced by Peter Sherter and Ian Sippin, much of the album bears an uncanny resemblance to early Spooky Tooth.

Propelled by Bailey's hoarse vocal growl and the band's penchant for screaming guitars, this comparison is reinforced on tracks such as Going Home, Take These Chains and Out Of Us Two.

Elsewhere Bailey sounds like Joe Cocker on Practically Never Happens, while Bob Weston's Slightly Country sounds like it was stolen from the early Steve Winwood and Traffic catalogue.

With the exception of the pedestrian blues number Backlash Blues the album, but including the extended Darkness, is worth hearing.

We're shallow enough to admit the weird cover is what initially attracted our attention to this obscure LP ... there was just something odd about seeing four "hip" looking guys standing in a wheat field in front of an ancient windmill ... wonder if the recorded the album in Holland ? Are there windmills in England?

First off, we'll tell you numerous critics have slagged the album as being ordinary and unimaginative.

We'll take issue with them and tell you it's actually an overlooked minor classic. Featuring the talents of singer Steve Bailey, bassist Ron Bending, drummer Terry Sims and guitarist Bob Weston,

Besides, had Gary Wright and Spooky Tooth released something this good, it would have been a massive success ...



One Of Us Two:


Track List:
01 - Going Home
02 - Take These Chains
03 - Stop (Wait and Listen)
04 - Backlash Blues
05 - Practically Never Happens
06 - One Of Us Two
07 - Slightly Country
08 - Darkness

Personnel:
Steve Bailey – Vocals
Ron Bending – Bass, Vocals
Terry Sims – Percussion, Drums
Bob Weston – Guitar, Vocals, Mandolin

[ Rip and Scans by LARRY ]
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