The Comb by The Waitresses (1978)

Known either for their big hit, "I Know What Boys Like" or their holiday classic "Christmas Wrapping", The Waitresses were more than just a two-hit wonder. These Akron, Ohio natives made a lot of interesting music in the late 70's/early 80's. Here they are with an interesting, funky number from a Stiff Records 1978 LP featuring the music of the Rubber City.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZStD7uI37k

Hearts & Flowers by Groundshaker (1971)

Groundshaker was an early 70's L.A. hard rock outfit that actually started out in San Francisco. They recorded an album's worth of material, but it never got released. Not until 2007 anyway. Here they are with one of the powerful tracks from that album.

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

High Tension Wire by Dead Boys (1977)

Dead Boys were one of those punk bands that I just assumed were from England for several years after I first bought the CD. You can't really blame me, though. Their debut album includes the word "Snotty" and the lead singer was Stiv Bators. It all sounds very British. Only years later did I realize that the band was from Cleveland. Another interesting fact, their debut album that I referred to, Young Loud and Snotty, was produced by Genya Ravan. In any case, here is one of the lesser known songs from that LP.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmV6mdsCHN0

Night Rider by Pagan Altar (1982)

Pagan Altar was an interesting band. They were a NWOBHM band that included a father and son(Terry and Alan Jones). The band formed in 1978, but would only get around to record their debut LP, Volume 1, as an unofficial non-label release. This wouldn't get a proper release until 1998! The band re-formed at that point with a decidedly more doom sound. Here they are from that first LP. As it wasn't an official release, the vocals are a bit muddy, but the power of the music is not lacking.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sWorrUe8n8

Unionize by Redskins (1984)

Sometime in the mid-90's, I picked up Agitprop The Politics of Punk. This CD set got a lot of airplay in my car. For me, the standout track is today's featured song. And what better day to play it than on Labor Day...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsNvH9dBYUY&feature=youtu.be

Changes Coming by Gypsy (1971)

Not to be confused with the American prog rock outfit that was also around in the early 70's, this Gypsy was a British band that played some proto-arena rock. Not sure I love the harmonies, but I like the sound of this band. The band would record two albums before calling it quits. Here they are from their 1971 self-titled debut.

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

Mental Astronaut by The Liverpool Scene (1970)

Today's track is not for everyone...It is a fusion-y psych music and that descends into noise. It's definitely not background music! These free rock/art rock musicians managed to release a few albums in the late 60's/early 70's. Here is a track off of their 1970 long player, Heirloon. 

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