The following all came from the 25 cent bin at Independent (Nov):
Foghat - Tight Shoes. 1980 Bearsville (LP). As noted on the Stone Blue entry, Foghat were one of the first bands I got into as an early teen. Tight Shoes was also part of this batch. Already by Boogie Motel (1979), I was pretty much done with Foghat. I never did hear Tight Shoes, but I didn't expect it was something I was going to keep, and that proved true. But it isn't such a bad album really, and it's very much of its era. To be honest, there isn't that much difference between Foghat and ZZ Top at this stage. Both were blues rock bands looking to update their sound to that of the 80s. ZZ Top just happened to adapt better, especially by 1983. There's some fine guitar, and that would be its saving grace. But those fat beats, with the sterile production only will take you so far. There's not much in the way of memorable songwriting unfortunately.
Illusion - Out of the Mist. 1977 Island (LP). Somewhere along the last two to three years I ended up with the second Illusion, and my conclusion to that record is similar to this, their debut. A fine post-early-Renaissance album with commercial sensibilities. Some progressive rock textures here and there (mellotron, a random meter change), and a very good album on the whole. Though not catchy enough to make it on FM radio and not underground enough to make it a cult classic. As such, not something I need to keep.
Lighthouse - Sunny Days. 1972 Evolution (LP). I recently spoke of Lighthouse's next album Can You Feel It, and what a disappointment the band was by 1973. Its predecessor is no different, and is arguably even worse. Most of this album is a slog to get through, with mainstream boogie rock as its primary driver. Sunny Days redeems itself a little bit on the final two tracks, with some excellent, guitar, horns, and "mellophonium". The latter I thought to be some variation of the mellotron, because the keyboard instrument does indeed reside on a couple of tracks. As it turns out, it's a variation of a mellophone, something akin to a French horn that looks more like a big trumpet. It's primary function is for marching bands. Learn something new every day...
Lucifer's Friend - Good Time Warrior. 1978 Elektra promo (LP). I'm not really that familiar with Lucifer's Friend, though I know this is way past their prime. For all of side 1 and half of side 2, it's an embarrassing display of radio friendly boogie tunes. I mean, these Germans came from the same era as the Scorpions and had the right moniker to take it to the next heavy level. But they chose to sell out, and it didn't work for them at the time, and history will be even less kind. The final 10 minute cut 'Warriors' has some quality moments, leaving one wishing for more. A waste of yet another cool lady fishnet cover (remember Blister Chap?).
Pacific Gas & Electric - Get It On. 1969 Bright Orange (LP). This one is pretty easy to describe: Los Angeles based late 60s blues rock. Has some fine guitar solos but mostly it stays in its lane, and doesn't take too many chances. A little too monolithic for me. Comes in a nice gatefold cover. Strange that this album was released on four different labels here in the States.
*FM - City of Fear. 1980 Passport (LP). This is just the kind of album I poo-pooed in my youth. Constantly pushed in my face as "prog", I tended to react negatively. Well it's not Yes, but it's definitely proggy. And over the years I've really been drawn to that late 70s "prog AOR" music. And these Canadians have a great thick sound. Many highlights can be found here. Very much in the Saga, Klaatu mold. Nice gatefold cover too.
Barclay James Harvest - Gone to Earth. 1977 MCA (LP). Nice die-cut cover. I have no idea what the allure of BJH is. I've tried many of their albums, and I'm left with nothing to hold onto. It's not prog and it's not even good AOR. Unlike bands such as FM, BJH seems very flat to me. The melodies don't stick.
* - Keeping for the collection
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