Down Payment Blues by AC/DC (1978)

I remember first hearing AC/DC in grammar school. A few of my classmates(Bill, Ricky, and Dan) would listen to Highway to Hell and Back in Black constantly. For me, I didn't get it. I guess I wasn't old enough yet to appreciate the guttural riffs of the band. By high school, though, I had come around to enjoying their music to a degree and then that exploded in college. I remember hearing the rest of the band's catalog in my those years. I took a particular shine to the band's 1978 album, Powerage. I like the big riffs of What's Next to the Moon, the breakneck speed of Riff Raff and the full rock n roll lyrical package of Gimme a Bullet. But, I always held a special place for their epic blues lament, Down Payment Blues. So here it is. RIP Malcolm Young.

[Original video taken down. Live version replaced here]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jtBG0kvjJ4

Aeroplane Head Woman by Pete Brown & Piblokto! (1970)

Jack Bruce's/Cream's oft lyricist didn't always want to sit behind the scenes. So, on a couple of occasions, he tried to form a band. While the results were not always stellar, there were some shining moments. Here he is with a proggy track from his 1970 release, Thousands on a Raft.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbq3gD1KYDs

Fanatical Fascists by Gary Moore (1978)

Hmm, a solo B side from Gary Moore that was written by Phil Lynott. I think I've found a somewhat clever way to include another almost-Thin Lizzy song into this blog space, despite the band being featured in the inaugural post.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRU4jZmrXFk

Chicken C by Ahkmed (2003)

This Melbourne area band sound like what it would be like if Tool recorded instrumental doom metal music. At least that's what I hear? Do you agree?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Nyuq6LsW3Q

A Cue Stick by Fable (1975)

A power trio with a whole lotta wah wah guitar? No, this isn't 1969. These Canadian rockers probably were born too late. That said, they had some good rockin' tunes that they've left us to enjoy years later.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MBoii9UO04

Fire & Water by Secret Oyster (1973)

Alright, what better music for Boxing Day than some Danish fusion...Here is Secret Oyster off of their self-titled debut album.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Geqnyj8qg7s

Brainstorm by Hawkwind (1972)

So, for the Christmas blog post this year, I looked for an Xmas tune that fit the bill, but nothing grabbed me. My second instinct was to play a track from Metallica as there are many fans of the band and I love the first half of their career. However, Metallica is not too fond of Youtube videos featuring their music. So the third option was to play one of my favorite bands, space rock legends Hawkwind. Here they are from their third album with one of their underrated classics. Plus it features one Lemmy Kilmister on bass guitar, so how can you go wrong...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0att2_Zc1A

Everybody's Got Something to Hide Except For Me and My Monkey by Fats Domino (1969)

Good ole Fats Domino. Another one of the greats that left us this year. Here he his doing a funky cover this deep cut from the Beatles' white album.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNeSJVUxOkc

Human Pony Girl by Samhain (1986)

Inbetween the Misfits and Danzig, Samhain was the horror goth rock musical vehicle of one Glenn Danzig. Here they are off of the moody final track off of their second and most celebrated LP, November-Coming-Fire. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ESsVut-0CE&feature=youtu.be

Gimme Some Lovin' by Euclid (1970)

Hailing from Haverhill, Massachusetts(a town I've spent some time in), these heavy psych rockers released one album  on the Amsterdam label, which didn't really release many rock albums. Perhaps that contributed to the fact that there wasn't a second album. In any case, enjoy this heavy cover of Steve Winwood's classic.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FqjMZDdMNI

My Son's Alive by Crushed Butler (1970)

Crushed Butler was one of proto-punk legend Jesse Hector's many bands. Two of those other bands have already been featured in this space. You can check out The Hammersmith Gorillas and Jesse Hector and the Sound to get a sense of his history. Crushed Butler existed in 1969 and 1970. They recorded some tracks, but nothing got released. Until 1998, in any case. Here they are with one of those resurfaced tracks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUdvSkUT7Oo

Gangland by The Violators (1982)

The Violators, not to be confused with New Jersey's Violators from a couple of years prior, were from England and recorded a couple of very interesting punk/post-punk singles in the early 80's. Unfortunately, they split up on the verge of, perhaps, some bigger success. I think they've got a little Joy Division sound in them. See if you agree.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUsTuFQJquY&feature=youtu.be

Sometimes by The Gordons (1981)

The Gordons were a post punk band out of New Zealand that would eventually morph into the long running noise rock band, Bailter Space. I haven't dug in too deeply into their later incarnation, but I do enjoy their early work as the Gordons. Here is my favorite track off of their self-titled debut album. Thanks Jeff for another great suggestion!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2i5K3mzU94&feature=youtu.be

Ejection by Robert Calvert (1973)

Lead singer and lyricist for legendary space rockers, Hawkwind, in the 1970s, Robert Calvert also found time to release a couple of solo albums in that decade. And they are quite the efforts. His first solo LP, Captain Lockheed and the Starfighters, is particularly awesome. Today's track was a single on that record that was released before the album. It sounds like a combination of space rock and glam.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iD1MguybwEg

Wild Cult by Omega Plus (1969)

Alright, how about some heavy French psych for your Sunday? Here is Wild Cult with a track off of their only LP.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlKa0K4PCgw

Witches Wand by Luv Machine (1970)

The story of Luv Machine is a bit unique. This rockin' band formed in Barbados in the late sixties and moved to England in order to kick start their career. They would manage to record one album, but actually broke up before it was released. In any case, some good music remains.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CC_pseY5KlE

Dick and Jane by Human Sexual Response (1980)

Alright, time for some Boston new wave with Human Sexual Response from early in the era...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKC9ChhxW6Q&feature=youtu.be

Summer Madness Laced With Newbald Gold by Red Dirt (1970)

Red Dirt was a British heavy psych band that recorded just one album and it is quite a scorcher. If you ever see an original pressing in the wild, it will cost you about $1,000. Too rich for my blood, but I will enjoy the download!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAevxX2pSnk

It's Just Begun by The Jimmy Castor Bunch (1972)

Last month, I was spending my Saturday morning in the usual way. That is to say, I was driving all over eastern Massachusetts scouring yard sales, moving sales, and estate sales for old vinyl records. Towards the end of the morning, I happened upon a moving sale that had a lot of the usual records and a lot of pre-rock music. Right in the middle of those records, was an album by the Jimmy Castor Bunch. I hadn't heard of this group, but decided to take a chance on it due to its cool cover art. Sure enough, this funk music was great, and it reminded me of how much music there is still to discover!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WylCcdTrzS4

Dust My Broom by Hound Dog Taylor and the House Rockers (1976)

The other day, as is often the case, I was downloading some music onto my PC and my son wanted to use the computer. I agreed to let him surf the net a bit, provided that he kept the music on that I had started to play. This music was Hound Dog Taylor's 1976 live album, Beware of the Dog. My son agreed to my conditions, but told me that this music was "stupid". Despite his protestations, within two minutes he was subconsciously tapping his feet and rocking his head to the music. Mission accomplished.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yT4L_hj-QwU

Plastic Shit by Jody Grind (1970)

I've read a description British rockers, Jody Grind, describing their music as psych/prog with a touch of heavy blues. I think it is more that just a touch of heavy blues, especially on their second and final LP, Far Canal, released in the musically magical year of 1970. When thinking about which track to feature in this space, I gravitated to Plastic Shit because I'm sure the world has a lot more plastic shit as it did back in 1970. Oh, and it helps that this song is an absolute scorcher.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYnXCZlzLrA&feature=youtu.be

Den of Iniquity by The Norman Haines Band (1971)

For only recording one album, Norman Haines and his band were fortunate to record at Abbey Road Studios. However, unlike the most popular band to use that studio, the Norman Haines band never received much label support and their 1971 release, Den of Iniquity, never had much of a chance to succeed. Here they are with the title track of their psychedelic long player.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fx2erzlx-wY&feature=youtu.be

Help Me by Archie Russell (1972)

I don't know much about Archie Russell, aside from the fact that he recorded this scorcher of a soul/funk song back in 1972. Unfortunately, it was never released back in the day. Fortunately, it was released in 2011 as part of a UK compilation called Superfunk's Mission Impossible: Hard to Find and Unreleased Funk Masters.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dUCNEBkAYc

The Squirreling Must Go On by Blodwyn Pig (1970)

Jethro Tull's first album, Time Was, was a lot heavier and bluesier than the albums that would follow for the legendary rock band. This was primarily due to the presence of lead guitarist Mick Abrahams. After that first album, Mick and Tull's singer, Ian Anderson, had a falling out. Mick left the band to create his own image of what he wanted Jethro Tull to be. This band ended up being Blodwyn Pig. The Pig released two albums, one in 1969 and another in 1970, before calling it quits(although they did reform in the 90's to record a couple of albums). For today's song, we are going back to their second album, Getting to This, for this bluesy instrumental.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qsmYMINbEw

Next Time See You At The Dalai Lhama by Guru Guru (1970)

Guru Guru are somewhat legends of the Krautrock scene. While the lineup has changed a number of times, the band has persevered for over 40 years and over 30 albums. Here they are with a psychedelic number off of their debut LP, UFO.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsA2nZLpzn0

Necessities by Nervous Eaters (1979)

Maybe the best punk rock that came out of Boston, Nervous Eaters enjoyed a relatively long career with a number of different line-ups. Today's track was never actually released and the date is just an estimate. To me, it sounds like it could be earlier.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dacW2P1Y4hM&feature=youtu.be

Angels and Demons by The Tourists (1980)

When I found out that Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart were both in a band together before the Eurythmics, I imagined it to be a slightly peppier version of the big 80's pop band, and I was right! The Tourists had some well crafted songs. They managed to release three albums between 1979 and 1980. Here is a track off of their third and final album, Luminous Basement.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUyxaXt-TZg&feature=youtu.be

Hot Rod Queen by Castle Farm (1972)

It's been awhile since I've featured some glam rock. Castle Farm was a short-lived London band in the early 70's that made some music, but only released one single. To find out more about this band, check out this blog. Here is Castle Farm's 1972 A Side.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpAmtFIRvl8

I Was Down by Les Variations (1972)

And now for some Morrocan hard rock by way of France. Les Variations were together for nearly ten years releasing four albums and a number of singles. Here is one from 1972.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgRoFa85eZM

Juvenile Delinquent by Ronnie Allen (1959)

On rare occasion, I like to dial the wayback machine back to the 50's. Here is some rockabilly with a punk attitude from Ronnie Allen's first single.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIU6RHJDDW8

Lord of Lightning by Thristy Moon (1976)

Thirsty Moon was a prog/fusion band out of Germany that managed to release five albums over the course of their ~ decade long career. Here they are with a tasty little track off of their 1976 long player, Blitz.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KXSS9OEaEY

Cryin' in the Beer of a Drunk Man by New Bomb Turks (1992)

Now here is some awesome garage punk that I never knew about in the 90's. I only discovered their music much later. These guys are still around and tour occasionally. Here they are from their early days.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNqpBs5RSA0&feature=youtu.be

Cosmic Vibration by A.R. & Machines (1971)

Here is some Krautrock at its finest. A.R. & Machines, the name of Achim Reichel's early 70's musical vehicle, laid down their masterpiece LP, Die Grüne Reise, in 1971. Today's featured song is the penultimate track on that album.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6HiNflZUsA

Why Don't We Do It In The Road? by Lowell Fulsom (1969)

Man, 1969 must have been a great time to be a music fan. The biggest band in the world, The Beatles, release music like you've never heard and then all of their material gets covered by other artists ranging from old fashioned crooners to heavy psychedelia. Somewhere between those extremes is Lowell Fulsom's funky cover of Paul McCartney's 1:41 white album filler song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yP9RNPx2_oA

Cheese by Eela Craig (1974)

How about some Austrian prog/fusion for your Monday. Here is Eela Craig with the B side of their first single.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXLyl6rgOXI&feature=youtu.be

Shame on You by Alan Jack Civilization (1969)

Now here's a French blues rock band whose name sounds like an English band. In fact, the music sounds like in could have come out of England, as well. Of course, that is a complement. Here they are from their second single.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8kBjZwPcCk

To Cut a Long Story Short by Spandau Ballet(1980)

I was never much into Spandau Ballet, but I know this much is true: Their earlier work was better than the sappy songs that would follow later in the 80's. With that in mind, here is the band with their first single.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JE2sCISQmpE

Pink Moon by Nick Drake (1972)

Last month, at a yard sale, I picked up a box of albums with some standard selections, including Elvis Costello, Steely Dan, and Bruce Springsteen. There were also three records by an artist, Nick Drake, who I hadn't heard of. So, when I get home to research the records, I am floored to see that these Nick Drake LPs are worth much more than any of the others. That led me to put the record on the turntable and I'm glad I did. This is some quality music.

Now, I don't usually feature slower music or folk in this space, but today is an exception. Here is the title track to Nick's third and final LP. Just two years after it's release, he would tragically take his own life in England.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjtKty30iKU&feature=youtu.be

Aere Perennius by Docdail (1969)

I couldn't think of any good Thanksgiving music for this year, so I'm not going to try to force it. So, here is some heavy French psych instead. Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6A8ElXa8OQE

Disconnect by Terry Malts (2012)

While San Francisco area band, Terry Malts, claim to be inspired by The Troggs, I don't really hear it that much in their music. That said, I still like what I hear. It is more like how I imagine power pop or modern day post-punk would sound when done right. Here they are from a 2012 split EP with Dead Angle.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGHu4ex1LuM&feature=youtu.be

Louisiana Blues by Flower Travellin' Band (1970)

No, I did not intend to feature two Japanese rock bands on consecutive days. Today's track just came up on my iPod. I don't have the vinyl or CD. I just downloaded this somewhere earlier this year. It was only when I sat down to write today's entry did I realize that the band was from Japan. No matter, though, this is some high quality blues rock.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ty6zQRa9pmI

Iijanaika by The Mops (1971)

The Mops were one of Japan's biggest psych rock bands. They had a big regional LP hit called Psychedelic Sounds of Japan in 1968. A few years later and their sound turned decidedly more hard rock. This period interests me much more. Here they are with the title track off of their 1971 release.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9phOgqwXCc

Ex Lion Tamer by Wire (1977)

You know that feeling you had when you listened to Television's Marquee Moon for the first time? You just couldn't believe that this was a band's debut album. It was just too good. This is how I felt listening to Wire's debut, Pink Flag. And, it seem's way ahead of its time. See if you agree.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMRGOWb6AWM&feature=youtu.be

Bizwambi by Charisma (1970)

Here is a fusion-y track from a band that had a couple of albums in 69/70. Definitely sounds like some interesting mood music to me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hN5YcvxoXyM

Daddy's Gone Mad by Legal Weapon (1981)

Alright, time for some late-era SoCal punk. The guitar riff seems to be lifted right out of a Stooges song, and that's okay with me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOcsnA6XEYY&feature=youtu.be

Boo Bee Doo by Charmer (1971)

Today's selection is a real scorcher from a band named Charmer and it was released around 1977. However, it is unclear if a band named Charmer ever actually existed and the sounds you're hearing on the Youtube link were actually recorded around 1971. Apparently, the recordings on this 1977 album were recorded over a number of years much earlier with a variety of musicians in Southern Florida. This seems to be a side project of Duane Hitchings from Cactus and Mike Pinera from Blues Image, among others. Despite all the confusion surrounding when and who recorded this, it is definitely worth a listen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-N8RVU50Dk

Weed by Weed (1971)

Alright, today's selection wins the trifecta. It's a song called Weed, by a band named Weed, off of an album called Weed...! I guess they love to garden...

In all seriousness, though, this side project featuring Ken Hensley of Uriah Heep is quite good. Check it out!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAHomcIwpQc&feature=youtu.be

Rollin' Down the Broadway by Flied Egg (1972)

Flied Egg, despite the terrible name, made some terrific hard rock/prog music in early 1970's. This Japanese band would only make a couple of albums. Here they are off of their debut release, Dr. Siegal's Fried Egg Shooting Machine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pn28MVsyKB0

Big Bang by Modey Lemon (2002)

Modey Lemon was one of a great number of neo-garage rock bands to form in the late 90's/early 2000's that never achieved much fame, but provided a nice counterbalance to the highly produced rock music of the era. That was of course, if you knew where to find the music. It wasn't as easy as today's broadband rich internet environment. In any case, here is this Steel City band from their self-titled second album.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZnByfe_2fc

C.O.T.L.O.D. by Testament (1987)

Having a longevity similar to Metallica and Megadeth, Testament hasn't had nearly as much success in the thrash metal world. Still, they have a strong following due to the quality of their music. Check out this track from their 1987 debut, The Legacy. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbE_0NsNiuw&feature=youtu.be

Transparent Face by Phantasia (1971)

I'm finding it hard to categorize today's selection. This track from the one full length release by this early 70's Missouri band sounds equal parts psych, garage, and something else. Maybe you have a thought.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqkc7VYBQ9w

Song Without an Ending by Matt Johnson (1981)

Before Matt Johnson formed The The, he released an album of post-punk/psych music that is really a a masterpiece. I only stumbled on this LP, Burning Blue Soul, recently. I could have selected any number of tracks to showcase here, so I just picked one. Enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wV616hS4r8w

Negru Voda by Phoenix (1969)

Alright, I've completely lost my mind posting a fifteen minute plus song. Well, skip around the Youtube clip then to see if you might like it. Phoenix was a heavy psych Romanian band who would later morph into prog. I like their earlier stuff better.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpBOoPrlDsM

Misfit by The Outsiders (1968)

Not to be confused with the Outsiders from Cleveland and their big hit "Time Won't Let Me", this group of Outsiders hail from Amsterdam and are a bit cooler IMHO. Here they are from the their second and final studio LP, CQ.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vLJ1imHO7g

Don't Waste Your Time by Gift (1974)

Those prog/krautrockers really knew how to make an album cover. Art or tasteless, it is hard not to look at it. In this case, though, the music is also worth a listen. Here is a track off of their second and final LP, Blue Apple.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7k2zq7mYvsI

Nineteen by Dogs (1977)

Today, let's listen to the B-side of the first single by French punk band, Dogs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoQ0oXJz9Zk

City's Full by Savages (2013)

This space has featured neo-psych, neo-garage, neo-punk, and neo-hard rock, but I'm not sure if I've ever featured neo-post punk. Well, in case I haven't, I am rectifying that today. Here is a new band playing music that sounds like it could have come right out of 1981. Here is a track from their 2013 debut album, Silence Yourself.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzIpMRzeMcM

Soul Sister, Brown Sugar by Sam & Dave (1968)

Alright, time for R&B with the inimitable Sam & Dave...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rB8VY1mD520

Svarta Skuggor by Skogen Brinner (2013)

These Swedes were definitely schooled in early Black Sabbath. Although their music sounds like it was recorded in the early 70's, it is only a few years old. Check out their web page here. Here is the first track on Side 2 of their debut album, 1st. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-BM39rSSnY&feature=youtu.be

Merciliess Onslaught by Metal Church (1984)

Name the best speed/thrash metal band to come out of San Francisco in the early 80's whose band name starts with "Metal...". That may be very easy for some to answer, but it shouldn't be. Metal Church should also be in that conversation. Now, they didn't end up having the long term success as Metallica, but some of their early stuff is great. Check out track #3 off of their self-titled debut.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ljmzmriFYY&feature=youtu.be

Stars in the Sky by Wildfire (1970)

Not bad for a college band. Wildfire formed and were together while the band members attended the University of Texas in the late 60's/early 70's. During summer break, they would go to Southern California to play live and record tracks. Here they are with one of those recordings.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41E7fRgMlX0

Jilly's On Smack by Primus (2011)

In my house, I'm the one who gives out the candy to neighborhood children on Halloween. Each year, I try to think of unique, spooky music to play in the background when kids come to the door for their treats. On many occasions, I've wound up playing Primus. One year recently, I featured their Primus and the Chocolate Factory LP. 2011's Green Naugahyde is another favorite. Here is my favorite song off of that release.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Y-jYxjEVsU

Garbage by The Deviants (1967)

Man, 1967 was a weird year for music. While some bands, like the Beatles, had made the transition to psychedelic rock, there were hundreds of bands that were in the middle of that transition. Here is one such example. Mick Farren's band sounds like equal parts garage and psychedelic on the band's debut long player, Ptooff!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAb1-glPEpM

Snortin' Whiskey by The Pat Travers Band (1980)

Some astute followers of this blog may think that I've already featured Pat Travers in this space. While that is true and the post can be seen here, today's selection is slightly different as this tune is from the Pat Travers Band, not just Pat Travers. Pat would record and tour solo and with the Pat Travers Band interchangeably over his career, especially in the early days. Here he is with his band in 1980 singing about the pinnacle of 70's excess.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwfxXWefyCA

The Tower by Nomeansno (1989)

What do you get when you mix punk rock with very talented musicians? You get Nomeansno. This band from British Columbia made some very angular, well-played songs. For me, it took a couple of attempts to get into their music and at this point, I've only really scratched the surface. So far, I've gravitated to their fourth LP, 1989's Wrong. Here is a track off of that album.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wh2m7nb5cIw&feature=youtu.be

Hit & Run by Jack Ruby (1973)

1973 for a recording date of today's song is a mere guestimate. New York proto punk legends, Jack Ruby, did not see any of their original songs released during the approximate time of their existence(~1973-1977). It wouldn't be until 2011 before these songs were unearthed and released as a self-titled CD release. As you might expect, the music is raw. That, of course, is what makes it so appealing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wb732tf2wNc

Won't Get Fooled Again by Richie Havens (2008)

Today is a rare post for three reasons. First of all, I don't usually feature slower paced tunes. Secondly, I rarely feature music from late in an artist's career(as they are not usually as good). And finally, it is not common for me to play songs that were massively overplayed in their original incarnation. But, there is just something about Richie Havens version of this Who staple that just grabs me. Maybe the Pete Townsend lyrics seem more poignant than ever in today's turbulent times. And I wouldn't have heard them in the same old Who presentation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnzjrtC2O0Y

Primordial Ooze by The Nomads (1991)

While the rock world was getting swept up by the grunge scene, the Nomads were coming up in Sweden playing old fashioned garage rock. But unlike grunge, the Nomads are still going strong 25 years later. Here they are off of their debut LP, Sonically Speaking. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbhhxePvLM0&feature=youtu.be

Punk Police by Fancy Rosy (1977)

Fancy Rosy was not a punk singer. She came from Puerto Rico to Germany and wound up in a disco group called Pretty Maid Company. When punk music started to get big, she decided to record a song in that style on her own. It isn't clear if she meant it to me a joke(like when the Beastie Boys first decided to rap) or if she really liked punk music. The fact that I can't tell means that maybe she is pulling it off!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ccSBg8IWN8&feature=youtu.be

I Think You'd Cry by T.I.M.E. (1969)

The band T.I.M.E. stands for "Trust In Men Everywhere" and that seems like terrible advice. Ignoring the name, though, this group features future Steppenwolf guitarist, Larry Byrom. T.I.M.E. made a couple of psych albums in the late 60's. Here they are with track that seems inspired by Smokey Robinson's Get Ready. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84nHekjT5sM

Sprawie Sobie Nispoddzianke by Krzysztof Klenczon (1971)

Krzysztof Klenczon was a Polish composer who made some interesting psychedelic music in the early 1970's. Unfortunately, his life was cut short at the age of 39 in 1981 at the hands of a drunk driver in Chicago. We are left with his music, though, which is definitely its own brand of psychedelia.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2f5PiI9Gk0&feature=youtu.be

Power by New Lords (1971)

German rockers, New Lords, must have had a fresh copy of The Who's Live at Leeds when they recorded their self-titled 1971 album. The riff from today's song, Power, seems to have be lifted directly for the middle of the My Generation jam on the Who's seminal live album. If you're curious, as to what I mean, go to 8:41 of this link. Still, the New Lords music is definitely worth a listen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2CJWXLbXXc&feature=youtu.be

Red Weather by Leigh Stephens (1969)

After guitarist Leigh Stephens was unceremoniously kicked out of Blue Cheer, he went right into the studio to record a decidedly trippy, less hard rock album as a solo artist. Here is the title track to his 1969 solo effort.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gglx5VJh-B8

All Set by Welcome (2006)

Recently, one of this blog's readers(Thanks Jeff!) tipped me off to Seattle's Welcome. This band has been described as indie rock, but it sounds a lot like garage rock or even proto punk to me. Of course, today's song was released in the mid-2000's, so indie rock might have been an easier description. To me, this band resembles Simply Saucer, at least on this track.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psWyrrez504

Peace Officer by Morly Grey (1972)

Morly Grey was a psych rock band from Ohio that formed in the late 1960's. They didn't get around to releasing their first album, though, until 1972, and it ended up being their only studio release. Check out the debut track off of The Only Truth. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ENQpLJs0bA

Faze 1 by Bob Goodsite (1972)

I do not know much about Detroit guitarist Bob Goodsite. I do know that I enjoyed his fuzztone stylings on today's song, which recently saw a second life on the Brown Acid compilation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBAlnv7U_04&feature=youtu.be

She Smiled Wild by Mirrors (1975)

Time for some Cleveland proto-punk. Mirrors was originally active from about 1972 to 1975. They recorded several tracks in 1975, but nothing would get immediately released. It wasn't until 1977 that two of those tracks wound up on a single. By this time, the band was broken up. Here is one of those two released tracks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCJZJwVzQM0&feature=youtu.be

Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic by Isaac Hayes (1969)

No, the title is not a typo. In fact, Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic is sung by the back-up singers for the chorus. As for the song itself, it sounds like a cross between proto-funk and soul. Perhaps Isaac Hayes nailed the sound with the title of his 1969 release, Hot Buttered Soul. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8N8k3uJu6K8

Narita by Riot (1979)

Riot is one of those bands that transitioned from hard rock to heavy metal. The title track to this NYC band's sophomore effort illustrates that process well. There are other tracks on this LP that are much more "hard rock" in nature, but it is clear which direction the band is heading in...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ii2BQFWDAqU&feature=youtu.be

Street Scene by Leon Mitchison (1974)

Today, let's try some mid-70's Houston funk from Leon Mitchison. If you come across the original 45 of this tune, it could be worth $200. If not, it was also a part of a 2005 compilation called Cold Heat: Heavy Funk Rarities 1968-1974.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrVqQU_G53o

Tropea by Deodato/Airto (1974)

Ah, a great little fusion set recorded in 1974 with keyboardist Eumir Deodato and percussionist Airto Moreira. The band also featured some smokin' guitar from John Tropea, hence the title of this piece of work. In other words, it is guitar heavy. Enjoy.

https://www.discogs.com/Deodato-Airto-In-Concert/release/851373

Midget Submarines by Swell Maps (1979)

Now it's time for some post-punk with a track from the phenomenal debut release from Birmingham, England's Swell Maps.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0H0d6O8DfAQ&feature=youtu.be

Armageddon by Blitzkrieg (1985)

Okay, here is that heavy track I was subconsciously seeking out yesterday. Blitzkrieg was a band that was originally signed during the NWOBHM wave of the early 80's. For a multitude of reasons, though, the band split up in 1981 before being able to record a full length album. The band members went on to other projects, but would find their way back to each other by 1985 to reform the band and record their debut album, A Time of Changes. Here is a track off of that release.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MXp6YQQLjU&feature=youtu.be

Laisse Tomber Les Filles by France Gall (1964)

As happens on occasion, I started writing today's song post with no particular artist in mind. I just start searching through my list of potential blog songs rather randomly. I thought I was in the mood for something heavy from the 80's or 90's, but strangely enough I ended up selecting a mid-sixties yé-yé chanson tune from France Gall. Pop is not usually my thing, but this song is pure pop goodness to my ears.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWRCJhsz5t4

Children's Heritage by Bloodrock (1970)

The other day I was walking to work and today's song popped up on my iPod. I had forgotten about this track and Bloodrock in general. They were a hard rock band from Texas that had a bit of the Southern Rock sound, but was mostly just hard rock. Today's track is just a straight up rocker.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-exIk0J9qc

Age Concern by Department S (1981)

After a week in the early 70's, which is not a terrible place to be, I'm consciously pushing forward to the next decade for some post-punk. Department S was a British band that was named after a 60's tv show. The band would last only a couple of years during its initial incarnation and released a few singles. Today's song, though, was not one of them. This lost classic wasn't released until years later.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBBcHs6hNHA&feature=youtu.be

Everybody Party All Night by Chairmen of the Board (1974)

Alright, Fridays are a great time for some funky goodness with Detroit's own Chairmen of the Board off of their 1974 LP, Skin I'm In. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxfQ0uBIegY

Hey Joe by Lee Moses (1971)

While I've been careful not to feature the same artist more than once(with the notable exception of David Bowie after his death), I have repeated songs on occasion. In fact, today mark's the third time that I've featured Hey Joe, written by Billy Roberts in 1962. Of course, it's most popular version was Jimi Hendrix's take. I first featured this song in one of my early blog posts. You can find it here. Then, I played a version a few weeks ago that was a pure rocker by Wicked Lady. Today's version is from soul singer Lee Moses, who gives it an entirely different treatment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HL04E1APQnY

Son of Mr. Bulldog by The Mebusas (1973)

How about some raw Afro-funk from Nigeria to start off your weekend. Here are the Mebusas....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kBs3sdMRgs

Lame by Incredible Hog (1973)

Today, let's enjoy the hard rocking sounds of this short-lived London-based power trio with the opening track off of their self-titled debut release.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHGVlfPF2aI

So Goes The Story by Eddie Hazel (1977)

Eddie Hazel, lead guitarist with Funkadelic and Parliament-Funkadelic only released one solo album in his entire career, but it was a doozy. That album, Games, Dames, and Guitar Thangs, is a great album from end to end. It was a funk LP released during the height of disco, so it's timing was a bit off for mass exposure. Eddie would continue to perform for a number of years, but would die young of liver failure in 1992. At least we have this one solo album to feature his skills.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_DoPmXh6ew

Happy Just to Be by Mom's Apple Pie (1972)

Back in the 80's, when I was a teenager, I have a recollection of reading some Rolling Stone list of the most controversial album covers of all time. Near the top of that list was the self-titled debut album from a ten-piece band from Ohio, Mom's Apple Pie. (Please note that the album cover pictured in the linked Youtube video is the censored version. If you'd like to see the uncensored version, you are only a quick Google search away). In any case, after reading that article, I remember looking at my local record store to see what all the fuss was about. Of course, that album had been out of print, so I quickly forgot about it. Fast forward a couple of decades or so, and I looked up this album on the internet. The controversial album cover was quite predictable. The music, however, was surprising. The band sounds like a slightly funkier version of Blood, Sweat, and Tears. I had expected some hard rocking tunes that matched my stereotype of a band that would have racy album art. It just goes to show you that you can't judge a record by its cover...

Here is the band performing one of their more upbeat tunes. Enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiaJuulcO04

A Sinful Man by Mendoza (1972)

Mendoza was a short-lived prog/jazz fusion band out of Sweden. Their self-titled album has a mix of styles that weave together very well. I could have selected a longer more-fusion type track for today's post, but I just couldn't resist playing this short scorcher.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXFwxJZw6q0&feature=youtu.be

The Fall of Lucifer by Trouble (1984)

If there was such a thing as "proto-doom metal", Chicago's Trouble would qualify as one of those bands. At least that is the sound that developed over time. Here they are from their second album, 1984's Psalm 9. Here the sound is still distinctly metal, not quite yet doom. Enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvn0IB4VsY8&feature=youtu.be

Street by Egor (1971)

Egor was a London-based hard rock band that was only around for a short while in the early 70's. While most of the band were in their twenties, the lead guitarist, Eric Taylor, was only sixteen when this track was recorded. It was never released, though, until it showed up on a 2000 compilation called Downer-Rock Genocide 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8sqLc0Q5DQ&feature=youtu.be

Third Uncle by Brian Eno (1974)

You know you have to be a pretty good musician/artist if you've inspired David Bowie. And what a good artist/musician Brian Eno is. Over his career, he's played with Roxy Music, Robert Fripp of King Crimson fame, the aforementioned David Bowie, and David Byrne of Talking Heads, among many others. The funny thing is, according to Brian himself, none of this would have happened had he not randomly met Roxy Music saxophonist Andy Mackay on a subway platform one day in the early 70's. Brian reckons that he would have become an art teacher had that not happened(although he probably would have been a very good one). As it happens, he did meet Andy Mackay and the rest is history. Here he is off of his second solo LP, Taking Tiger Mountain. The first twenty seconds or so of today's track seem to have been inspired by Pink Floyd, no? You decide.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yai4bier1oM

Free Man by George Freeman (1972)

At the age of 90, Chicago-born jazz guitarist George Freeman is still a working musician. His life in music can be celebrated with recent release, 90 Going on Amazing. However, today I'm reaching back to his fusion fueled release, Franticdiagnosis, for a song named after himself.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnfvmLRKfTQ

Lemanis by Spaceslug (2016)

It's been a while since some doom metal was featured here in this space. So, I'll rectify that by playing a new band from Poland, Spaceslug. Here is the closing title track to their first full length release, Lemanis.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSwodVGEy8E&feature=youtu.be

White Mice by Mo-Dettes (1979)

Today's song of the day was the first single from the Mo-Dettes, a short-lived UK new wave band making interesting music between 1979 and 1982. By the time that their one and only album would be released, the band changed the name of this song to White Mouse Disco. In any case, it's got great bass line that had that distinctive early 80's sound. In addition to the song, enjoy the "poor quality" VHS video that was also typical of the time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0JCoMYpiA0

Drivin' Me Insane by Vyper (1984)

The members of the Kansas City 80's band certainly had the hair to qualify as a "hair band", their music was a bit heavier than most popular hair bands of the time. As a result, the music is more appealing to me. It's too bad that they only made one full length album, Prepared to Strike, before splitting up. In any case, check out this track.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbWF274H_NY&feature=youtu.be

People by Rhesus (1980)

Rhesus was a short-lived proto-metal/hard rock French band that were active when most metal bands were developing in the NWOBHM style. I guess it's not surprising that they didn't catch on given the environment, but at least we have one single to remember the band. Here is the B side of Hard Times. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQoHwDY43Ko&feature=youtu.be

A Biker's Tune by Peacepipe (1968)

Peacepipe was a short-lived L.A. heavy psych band that managed to release just one 45 during the time of their actual existence. They then broke up in 1969, only to have their unreleased album released in the 1990's. There is some interesting material here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBio4WlDQPo

Misty Morning by White Summer (1976)

White Summer was a Michigan power trio born a few years too late. They released one album in 1976 on limited release that sounds like it should have been released in 1970. See if you agree.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQVWeOM2KRk

Deceptacon by Le Tigre (1999)

A couple of days ago, the 1,000th consecutive daily musical post hit this blog space. Since three of those 1,000 posts were for David Bowie after his untimely death, today's entry marks the 1,000th different band/artist featured here.

Le Tigre was the musical endeavor for Kathleen Hanna after Bikini Kill and her solo album, Julie Ruin. This is quite a catchy number.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czGw_UmqhLA

Atomic Bongos by Lydia Lunch (1980)

Back in my mid-twenties I, along with half of my generation, loved Nirvana. After Kurt Cobain died, I sought out Nirvana tracks that weren't on the CDs that I already owned. One such case was the appearance of a live Radio Friendly Unit Shifter on some compilation called Home Alive - The Art of Self Defense. While I liked this Nirvana track, I was unexpectedly blown away by the rest of the CD. To back up for a second, the Home Alive CD was created to raise money for a Seattle-based anti-violence and self-defense organization formed in the wake of The Gits' Mia Zapata's 1993 rape and murder. Listening to this disc over and over again, I was awoken to the pervasive culture of misogyny in this country(world). In addition to the many musical tracks on the album(which were also very good), there were some spoken word pieces that were equally as powerful. One was Lydia Lunch's Why We Murder. It is uncomfortable in the most appealing of ways. I highly recommend seeking it out.

But, this is a music blog, and it turns out that Lydia Lunch has quite a career before the 90's. Here she is off of her first album, Queen of Siam.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkqUPS6UHHs

Deep Rock Mining Posting Data by Year of Release

"Hey wait, this isn't a song, why am I even here?" you might be thinking. Well, after 1,000 music posts, I figured that I'd do some very minor statistical analysis about the years in rock that have the greatest amount of underappreciated tunes. Of course, this is all based on my humble opinion. Not surprisingly, 1969 and 1970 were tops in this list, followed by '71 and '72. I kind of expected this. I was not expecting that 1978 would be next on the list, though. This is likely the combination of punk and post-punk coming to the fore. 

Other Notes: The late 80's were a pretty dark time with a small upsurge in the mid 90's. 2014 was also a strong year, but that is likely to "recent period bias". In other words, if I were coming up with this list ten years from now, would 2014 stand out so much? Probably not. 

Okay, enough borax out of me. Back to the music tomorrow.

Interstellar Overdrive by Pink Floyd (1967)

For my 1,000th consecutive daily post, I figured I'd feature a track of one of rock's heavy hitters. And why not? Despite their popularity in the rock world, there is still a ton of music they created that is largely unknown by the general listening audience. Like most rock fans growing up in the 80's, I was exposed to Pink Floyd through classic rock radio. This often meant that I became overly familiar with songs from The Wall, Dark Side of the Moon, and Wish You Were Here. These are all great albums, albeit overplayed. Today, let's reach back to their first album, Piper at the Gates of Dawn,  for a 9-minute plus track showed how this band was firing on all cylinders even early in their career.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4o2sA0vpA-4

Eleanor Rigby by The Rattles (1971)

I thought to myself that I really shouldn't play another version of the Beatles' Eleanor Rigby, so soon on the heels of the instrumental version that Jerry Garcia intertwined into After Midnight, only a few short weeks ago in this space. Then I figured, what's the point in having this blog if I can't do just that! So here is a really trippy version of Sir Paul McCartney's song from German psych rockers, The Rattles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAQ8NCbsHVs

Fascist Lover by Lou Miami & The Kozmetix (1982)

Lou Miami was a Boston punk rocker that had a nice run locally in the late 70's/early 80's. Lou and his band, the Kozmetix were staples at the Ratt, a legendary Boston rock club. The band fizzled out by the mid-80s and Lou would die of a heart attack in 1995. Here is the band's first single.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kV5NCnZxmWw

Bell Park Loon by Spiny Normen (1978)

One of the gems off of the recent psych compiliation Brown Acid The Second Trip, is today's track that was never released until 2016 after it was recorded in 1978. Here is the Houston psych rockers with a track sounding a bit like a heavy Jethro Tull. The video is Super 8 of the band back in the day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uO-iLLCOfcQ

Coast Road by Gravy Train (1970)

Today, here on Deep Rock Mining, the blues rock/fusion stylings of England's Gravy Train will be featured. This track is off of their first self-titled LP release.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6BEZqU-7f4

Hey Joe by Wicked Lady (1981)

This recent Dangerous Minds article turned me onto this late 70's/early 80's Dutch garage glam band, not to be confused with the proto-metal band of the same name that was previously featured in this space. Apparently, that is not a hard mistake to make as I myself pulled the photo of the today's Wicked Lady when I created the video for that post back in early 2016. Oy, egg on my face. In any case, as compelling as today's song is, the grainy black and white video is equally interesting. You or I were never this cool....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezWVCBDWfaU

Calum Hyder's Welcome to South London by Ken Hyder's Talisker (1978)

Ken Hyder was/is a Scottish jazz fusion drummer who recorded a series of well-made smokin' albums in the late 70's. Here he is with a funky track off of his 1978 release, The Last Battle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DqMHjE6Z-U&feature=youtu.be

Salvation by Sacred Miracle Cave (1990)

Sacred Miracle Cave came out of the LA scene in the late 80's making some really interesting, spacey, alt/hard rock music. Unfortunately, they only made one full length album. At least it was a good one. Here is the opening track off of that album.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7eytjSjduU&feature=youtu.be

Hang Ten in East Berlin by The Detours (1981)

And now for some late to the era San Diego punk from the Detours...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0-4JriVDPI

FFWF by Thundermother (2015)

Thundermother is(was?) a Swedish hard rock band with a couple of albums under their belt before four members of this five-piece left the band earlier this year. I believe the lead guitarist is soldiering on with a new cast of musicians, including a new singer. Here, however, is a short track off of their second album, 2015's Road Fever. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqZqVzWnaWg&feature=youtu.be

Time Has Come Gonna Die by Lincoln Street Exit (1970)

When it comes to bluesy garage rock from Albuquerque, New Mexico, it doesn't get much better than Lincoln Street Exit. Here they are with a track from their awesome 1970 LP, Drive It.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCq9epgrbe4&feature=youtu.be

Fire & Ice by Running Wild (1991)

Running Wild was a German band formed in 1976 that had a long career and continue to perform in the classic heavy metal style. Here they are from their 1991 LP, Blazon Stone. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RU_cfa_N4vQ&feature=youtu.be

Glory Box by Portishead (1994)

If I had a blog that celebrated underappreciated albums, instead of just songs, Portishead's Dummy would be one of the first to be featured. While it is not underappreciated among Portishead fans, this album is generally overlooked by the general listening audience. And that is a shame as it is a masterful piece of mood. Here is the closing track off of this great album.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGmYZfkFqZ8&feature=youtu.be

The Boston Rag by Steely Dan (1973)

What can you say about Steely Dan? As far as studio production quality is concerned, Steely Dan was the Beatles of the 1970's. I planned on doing a Steely Dan post when I got close to the end of the blog as they are near the tops in my book. Unfortunately, Walter Becker died unexpectedly and I feel the need to post something today. So, I'll go with a track for which I know the lyrics backward and forward, having listened to, and enjoyed, so many times. RIP Walter!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJ3OZEiM9OQ

Sunshine Is Dying by Second Life (1971)

Before the members of the German power trio Tiger B. Smith performed under that moniker, they released an album with a similar sound under the name Second Life. I've commented before that Tiger B. Smith was kind of a dumb name. But I guess it was better than the boring name, Second Life. In any case, the music is better.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNeffbJmj-o