Vehicle (1970)
Long before Jim Peterik made his name as the author of Survivor's 'Eye of the Tiger', he had another major hit with 'Vehicle'. Personally I think it's one of the greatest of energetic horn rock tracks. Not sure if this is still the case, but not too long ago one would still here this song at Chicago Bears games (appropriate since that's where the band were from). After this, most of the original material is serviceable for the horn rock genre, though not extraordinary. And the Creedence Clearwater Revival homage 'Factory Band' is best skipped over. But the other two monster tracks here are the extended cover tunes, with highly original arrangements: 'Wooden Ships' and 'Symphony for Eleanor'. I've always liked The Beatles' 'Eleanor Rigby', but without any doubt, this is by far my favorite version of the track. And it rocks too!
Common Bond (1971)
Ownership: 2003 Rhino Handmade (CD). On Friendly Strangers with Common Bond. There are no less than 7 A/B singles included here, though some are just double-ups from the LP. Package is filled out with full liner notes, photos, and great sound. Encompasses one full CD plus a mini CD (fortunately full size so you can play it in all CD players). The CD originally could only be purchased from Warner Bros direct marketing, which I dutifully accomplished not long after its release. It's been since repressed by Wounded Bird. Not sure if they have the full liner notes though. Acquired in 2004.
First copy: 1970 Warner Bros. (LP). Acquired in 1995.
1995; 10//04; 2/28/15; 4/22/20 (review)
Common Bond (1971)
The Ides of March's second album could be described as a mix of Crosby, Stills, and Nash combined with Blood, Sweat, and Tears. Definitely a prototypical North American pop rock sound of its era. There are two great tracks here though, that make it well worthwhile. First is 'Superman', which was the mandatory follow up to their massive hit 'Vehicle'. It may be a rewrite, but it rocks out in the same fashion, and the horn charts are killer here. Second is the lengthy progressive jam of 'Tie-Dye Princess'. It's too bad we have such few examples of The Ides of March performing long form music, because in each case, they are a very entertaining unit with expert musicianship. Personally I find the lyrics charmingly antiquated. 'Ogre' is also a good track, with its raunchy soulful hard rock sound. As for the rest, it's mostly folk based pop rock. Contrary to the "Rolling Stone standard" type review, I find the horns are about the only saving grace to what are otherwise ordinary compositions.
10//04; 2/28/15; 9/3/16; 4/24/20
1/22/17 (new entry)
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