ZZ Top - ZZ Top's First Album - (1971 Hard blues - Vinyl Rip with the original sound - Wave audio format)

This is a vinyl rip of original album, to replace previous version of CD, where the mix was changed (Echo + building exaggerated of the bass drum & some drum machine) from the album (vinyl) original, in order to approximate the sound of albums like Eliminator or newer Afterburner . With disastrous result !!!

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ZZ Top's 1970 debut is an absolute treat for fans of blues rock. It's raw and hard rocking as was all 70's Top. Billy Gibbons' guitar tone is stellar as always, and he pulls of killer riff after riff and solo after solo. My favorite song on the album is Brown Sugar, which has an awesome intro with just Billy's vocal and guitar with a killer solo, after which the rhythm section comes in for the first time. Great song...

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The debut ZZ Top record may not be the bands strongest release. However, the guitar stylings are pretty close to grade A. Plenty of rock, a load of the blues, and some stylish slide licks thrown in for good measure by Billy Gibbons. Pretty consistent throughout as all the songs are at least good but none are really over the top. Shakin' In Your Tree stands out a little more from the pack with the tasty guitar licks and cool vocal harmonies. Just Got Back From My Baby's has a cool tone as well. And you cannot deny the energy of Backddor Love Affair and Going Down To Mexico. Not their best release but certainly a good start.(By G. J Wiener)





ZZ Top - Brown Sugar Live





Tracks Listing :

01. (Somebody Else Been) Shaking Your Tree

02. Brown Sugar

03. Squank

04. Goin' Down To Mexico

05. Old Man

06. Neighbor, Neighbor

07. Certified Blues

08. Bedroom Thang

09. Just Got Back From Baby' S

10. Backdoor Love Affair

11. Miller's Farm (From SP 1969) *

12. Salt Lick (From SP 1969) *



Credits :

Billy Gibbons : Guitar, Vocals

Dusty Hill : Bass, Vocals

Rube (Frank) Beard : Drums

*The original ZZ Top lineup being Billy Gibbons, Lanier Grieg and Dan Mitchell. This lineup released a single in 1969 on Bill Ham's Scat label, Salt Lick b/w Millers Farm) ...



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Canned Heat - Boogie With Canned Heat - (1968 Us blues rock, hard blues and boogie CD digipack edition - Wave audio format)

Canned Heat's second long-player, Boogie With Canned Heat (1968), pretty well sums up the bona fide blend of amplified late-'60s electric rhythm and blues, with an expressed emphasis on loose and limber boogie-woogie. The quintet -- consisting of Alan "Blind Owl" Wilson (guitar/vocals), Larry "The Mole" Taylor (bass), Henry "Sunflower" Vestine (guitar), Aldolfo "Fido" Dela Parra (drums), and Bob "The Bear" Hite (vocals) -- follow up their debut effort with another batch of authentic interpretations, augmented by their own exceptional instrumentation. One development is their incorporation of strong original compositions. "On the Road Again" -- which became the combo's first, and arguably, most significant hit -- as well as the Albert King inspired anti-speed anthem, "Amphetamine Annie," were not only programmed on the then-burgeoning underground FM radio waves, but also on the more adventuresome AM Top 40 stations. Their love of authentic R&B informs "World in a Jug," the dark "Turpentine Blues," and Hite's update of Tommy McClennan's "Whiskey Headed Woman." The Creole anthem "Marie Laveau" is nothing like the more familiar cut by Bobby Bare, although similarities in content are most likely derived from a common source. The side, as rendered here, is arguably most notable for the driving interaction between guitarists Wilson and Vestine as they wail and moan over Hite's imposing leads. Saving the best for last, the Heat are at the height of their prowess during the lengthy audio biography on "Fried Hockey Boogie." Each member is introduced by Hite and given a chance to solo before they kick out the jams, culminating in Hite's crescendo of " ... Don't forget to boogie!" In 1999 the French label, Magic Records, issued an expanded edition of Boogie With Canned Heat supplemented by half-a-dozen sides, such as the 45 RPM edits of "On the Road Again," "Boogie Music" and "Goin' Up the Country." Also included are the once difficult-to-locate 45-only "One Kind Favor," as well as the seasonal offering "Christmas Blues" and "The Chipmunk Song" -- with guest shots from none other than Alvin, Simon, Theodore, and David Seville of the one and only Chipmunks. For enthusiasts as well as listeners curious about the oft-overlooked combo, this is an essential, if not compulsory platter. ~ Lindsay Planer,(All Music Guide)





Canned Heat - Evil Woman





Tracks listing

01-"Evil Woman" (Larry Weiss) – 2:59

02-"My Crime" (Canned Heat) – 3:57

03-"On the Road Again" (Floyd Jones, Alan Wilson) – 5:01

04-"World in a Jug" (Canned Heat) – 3:29

05-"Turpentine Moan" (Canned Heat) – 2:56

06-"Whiskey Headed Woman No. 2" (Bob Hite) – 2:57

07-"Amphetamine Annie" (Canned Heat) – 3:56

08-"An Owl Song" (Wilson) – 2:43

09-"Marie Laveau" (Henry Vestine) – 5:18

10-"Fried Hockey Boogie" (Larry Taylor) – 11:07

Bonus Tracks

11-"On The Road Again"- 3:22

12-"Boogie Music" - 2:46

13-"Goin' Up The Country" - 2:51

14-"One Kind Favor" - 4:54

15-"Christmas Blues" - 2:35

16-"The Chipmunk Song" - 2:49



Personnel

Bob Hite – Vocals, Harmonica

Alan Wilson – Slide Guitar, Vocals, Harmonica

Henry Vestine– Lead guitar

Larry Taylor – Electric Bass

Fito de la Parra – Drums



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Randy Holden - Guitar God 2001 (1997 us heavy psychedelic, hard rock and blues rock - FLAC)

When I first contacted Randy Holden I immediately recognized his name. I couldn't place him though.

After more thought and reflection, I realized that this was the man that replaced Leigh Stephens in Blue Cheer back in 1968. And he did a really nice job filling those shoes.

Well, here it is 2001 and Randy is blazing his own path, producing and releasing his own music via the Internet.

He told me before I received the CD that I would love it. He was right on the money. I was in awe of the guitar playing on this CD.

The third track "Prayer To Paradise" is over twenty-two minutes long. My god, that's an entire CD for some folks ! It's a cosmic ride of instrumental fire.

Holden reaches down real deep and lets his guitar do all the talking. What you will hear will leave your mouth agape wondering why you haven't heard of this great musician.

Using middle-eastern flavored high-powered rock, Holden cuts loose an unembellished arsenal of crunching, power driven chords that will leave you in disbelief of what you heard when it finally ends.

I thought of Hendrix, Zappa, and Dick Dale while I was taking in this awe-inspiring journey of rock nirvana. If that wasn't enough, "I'll Take Your Blues Away" kicks in to close things out.

A female vocalist by name of Rachel Stavage sets the song ablaze with her authoritative vocal style.

Holden's playing on this number is scorching, and truly befitting of blues-rock number. Hang on to your a**.

This guy will blow you away. If you like hard rocking guitar jams, you will think you died and went to heaven when you hear this CD (Keith Hannaleck).



Space Surf Rider:


Tracklist:
1. Space Surf Rider
2. I Sail on Love
3. Prayer to Paradise
4. I'll Take Your Blues Away

Credits:
Randy Holden : Guitar, Vocals (1,3)
Randy Pratt : Bass (1,2,4)
Darren Lyons : Drums (1,3,4)
Phil Weiss : Drums (2)
Rachel Stavage : Vocals (4)

Recorded 1997 At E-R-S, N.Y.C.
Produced By Randy Holden
Cover Art & Design: Marlon Holden


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Savoy Brown - Raw Sierra (1969 uk blues rock blended jazz and boogie rock - MP3 320K and FLAC)

With the release of their fifth album, Savoy Brown starts hitting their stride. Raw Sienna is the first of three masterpieces in a row for Kim Simmonds and company, as well as Chris Youlden's finest hour with the band. (So fine, in fact, that he would leave the band soon after for his own solo career.)

He and Kim would continue their experiments, begun on the previous album A Step Furthur, with horns and orchestration, and thus continue to expand the vocabulary of blues/rock.

Some tracks, such as "Needle and Spoon," swing as well as any produced by jazzman Dave Brubeck, with intense lyrics that undercut the nonstop groove with pain. (Does anyone out there really think this is a prodrug song? Listen again: "You married to H, you know you married for life!")

"Hard Way to Go" and "A Little More Wine" would deservedly become concert staples, while "Stay While the Night is Young" finds Youlden at his most romantic and tender.

Kim was also beginning to compose some of the most eloquent instrumentals in rock: "That Same Feelin'" continues the 1960's-adventure-movie-soundtrack feel of "Waiting in the Bamboo Grove" from A Step Furthur, while "Is That So" foreshadows the deep introspection of Savoy's next masterpiece, Looking In.

Most bands would be lucky to have one album half as good as Raw Sienna; the fact that Savoy Brown climbed so many peaks in their illustrious career shows the desire and the determination of leader Kim Simmonds to constantly reinvent and challange both himself and his fellow musicians (by Chris Meesey Food Czar).

That Same Feelin':


Track List:
01.A Hard Way to Go
02.That Same Feelin'
03.Master Hare
04.Needle and Spoon
05.A Little More Wine
06.I'm Crying
07.Stay While the Night Is Young
08.Is That So
09.When I Was a Young Boy

Personnel:
*Chris Youlden (vocals, guitar)
*Kim Simmonds (guitar, piano)
*Tone Stevens (electric bass)
*Roger Earl (drums)


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Mahogany Rush - Mahogany Rush IV (1976 us hard rock and hard blues with guitarrist Frank Marino - MP3 320K and FLAC)

IV is probably my favorite Mahogany Rush recording which is pretty amazing considering how much I like Strange Universe, Live, World Anthem & Tales of the Unexpected.

Frank Marino is in peak form on this recording and so are is the original rhythm tandem of Paul Harwood on bass & Jimmy Ayoub on drums.

This is the original line up and to me these guys shared a special chemistry and vision that reached its zenith during this recording session.

Frank Marino is one of the most charismatic and electric of personalities I have ever had an honor to witness.

I've seen Mahogany Rush play in 1977, 1979 and in the 1980's too. Recently I've seen his new edition of Mahogany Rush in 2005. While he is no longer flying across the stage these days, he is no less a guitar player.

In fact I would say a good analogy might be he is more like a marathon runner vs. a sprinter like he once was. His shows now are like 3 hours non-stop!! Frank Marino is still one of the most intense players to ever sling a six string bar none.

Franks ability to compose and perform these compositions goes beyond the physical requirements to do so.

Employing a special spiritual gift, Franks soul pours through his fingertips sculpting the sound. He further shapes the messages vocally allowing him to tap directly into your inner being itself.

Proof of this is right at the beginning with the heart wrenching opener "I'm going away" where the solos are off into the stratosphere with no intentions of coming back. This is one that you will always remember and a tune I hope I hear when it's my time to leave this place.

There is no letting up with "Man At The Back Door" and I get chills just thinking about it.. you know, that feeling you get when you think someone is there right behind you that you can almost feel their breath on the back of your neck?!!

This album is made for headphones, if you don't have a pair, I would say buy a pair especially for this recording. ... and find some time to enjoy the whole thing in one sitting with no interruptions and at a good volume.

Speaking of volume, you will definitely want to crank it up a notch on "The Answer" which is one of my all time favorite Mahogany Rush tunes.

Paul Harwood's backing vocals will send those hairs on your neck on end for sure during this one which has it all!

The classic Mahogany Rush "sound of one" envelops you as a giant organic breathing entity whilst the guitar launches you into the deepest regions of hyper space and your imagination.

You may need to open you eyes from time to time to make sure you are still in your chair!

You might think your ride couldn't get any wilder after track 3, but "Jive Baby" will immediately
put any ideas of a let down to rest.

This has got to be one of the funkiest bass lines & rhythms ever! The guitar on this one is incredible and again if you have the headphones on the wah and panning during these solos will have your head feeling like it is on a swivel! Definitely an air guitar favorite that will have you making some pretty funny looking faces too working out the wah wahs! Simply awesome!

All of this leads up to "It's Begun To Rain" which has to be one of the most heart felt pieces Frank has ever sung next to "Moonlight Lady" from Strange Universe.. A magnificent solo during the climax of this song leads into some really fine jazz playing.

You know, every time I listen to this recording I can only laugh at those critics that say Frank is a Jimi clone or others like Robin Trower and Stevie Ray have matched and / or surpassed the ability of our beloved Mr. Marino.

What a bunch of idiots these people are. I really like Jimi, Robin & Stevie, but give credit where credit is way over due. Like I said earlier, Frank is one of the best ever bar none. This one recording alone proves that.

The rest of this album is just as good as the beginning but I don't want to make your eyes bleed any more than they have to. Suffice it to say that "Dragonfly" is another all time classic Mahogany Rush tune that made it onto the "Live" album.

"Little Sexy Annie" is on par with the guitar pyrotechnics that would surface later on the album "The Power of Rock & Roll".

"Moonwalk" is a really cool track that showcases the great imagination these guys had when composing this song! I don't even know how to classify this one except it is purely their own and again highlights the bands love of jazz playing in which they all excel. Simply amazing! (Did I say put on those headphones!!!!)

Ending with "IV... The Emperor" this track shifts emotionally from the introspective melancholy of a soul in despair to the raging anger of a warrior in battle to a wise man that has reached the end of his life. The lessons and trials of life seem to be breathing through the guitar during this epic masterpiece.

This recording means a lot to me. It was and remains one of my favorite records ever. It was recorded at a time when I was graduating from high school and was always on my turntable and in my 8 - Track Player! Some of my most distinct memories of listening to this recording were when I moved to Alameda, CA with my sister.

I knew no one out there and there were many nights when I would just sit on the top of her front steps of her Lincoln Ave. apartment at night by myself and have Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush transport me to another place.. another time (by
Thomas A. Gallagher's).

The Answer:


Track List:
01.I'm Going Away 4:09
02.Man At The Back Door 3:44
03.The Answer 4:38
04.Jive Baby 3:29
05.It's Begun To Rain 6:30
06.Dragonfly 5:07
07.Little Sexy Annie 3:25
08.Moonwalk 5:50
09.IV ... (the Emporer) 7:17

Mahogany Rush:
*Frank Marino (guitar, vocal)
*Jimmy Ayoub (drums)
*Paul Harwood (bass)


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Zakarrias - Zakarrias (1971 uk mix of hard rock, blues and folk rock - MP3 320K and FLAC)

Recorded in London in the summer of 1971 by Austrian singer/songwriter Bobby Haumer and an English pick-up band, Zakarrias was issued on the highly collectable Deram label.

However, Deram withdrew the album almost immediately when they discovered that Haumer didn't have a work permit and therefore had to return to Austria.

The result is one of the rarest slabs of early Seventies vinyl, original copies having sold for in excess of $1000 on the rare occasions that they surface.

Full of unexpected melodic shifts, and with an over-whelming sense of space and unresolved tension, the album skilfully blends singer/songwriter introversion with elements of folk, blues, psychedelia and progressive rock.

The results have been compared to outtakes from the third Led Zeppelin album, but while the lead vocals are certainly reminiscent at times of Robert Plant, the overall sound and general air of quiet pretension is probably closer to Van der Graaf Generator leader Peter Hammill's early solo work (amazon.co.uk)



Who Gave You Love:


Track List:
01."Country Out Of Reach" 4:03
02."Who Gave You Love" 3:58
03."Never Reachin´" 4:56
04."The Unknown Years" 7:00
05."Sunny Side" 3:40
06."Spring Of Fate" 3:17
07."Let Us Change" 3:50
08."Don´t Cry" 4:11
09."Cosmic Bridge" 5:59

Zakarrias:
*Zakarrias (vocals, guitar, bass, kazoo)
*Geoff Leigh (flute, saxophone)
*Pete Robinson (keyboards)
*Don Gould (piano on 6, string arrangements)
*Martin Harrison (drums)
*Samy Birnbach (Lyrics)


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Stepson - Stepson (1974 us hard rock - MP3 320K and Wave audio format)

An excellent hard/blues album, with Jeff Simmons on one track. Most of the songs were written by the group and the vocals and guitar parts are especially interesting (Rude Attitude, I Apologize, Burnin' Hurt).

Arthur Lee of Love and Chris Hillman od The Byrds get "special thanks" on the cover.

Hawks, Newman and Gallucci had all previously been in Don and the Goodtimes and later with Hauser in Touch

After the demise of TOUCH, 3 (of the 5) members went on and resurfaced in 1974 with this hard drivin' slab of attitude, swagger, fuzz and hammond.

JEFF SIMMONS appears on one of the tracks and a heavy Detroit-vibe hangs in the air throughout (by Fuzz, Acid & Flowers).





Track List:
01.Rule In The Book - 3.20
02.Lil´ Bit - 3.59
03.Rude Attitude - 3.26
04.It´s My Life - 3.03
05.I Apologize - 5.34
06.Suffer - 4.45
07.Back To Bama - 2.35
08.Man, I´m A Fool - 4.34
09.Turnpike - 2.42
10.Burnin´ Hurt - 4.36

Stepson:
*Len Fagan (drums)
*Bruce Hauser (bass, vocals)
*Jeff Hawks (lead vocals)
*Joey Newman (guitar, vocals)


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