When you live in a military town like Colorado Springs, then you'll notice at the thrift shops that we get an overabundance of records from the Armed Forces (RT had a ton of these). Most of them are what they call "transcription" records - that is albums that have been released but pressed specially for those in the field, without a cover. They feature one side each of known artists and albums. Many of these are collectible, though most are unknown, and I have a few of these LPs in my future inventory stack. The other type of record are what were used as "recruiting" albums. These are usually albums made by members of whatever branch of military is doing the recruiting. Since The Springs is the home of a large Army and Air Force base, not to mention the Air Force Academy itself, then that's what we see more of than the Navy or Marines. Of these original recording albums, most are from the time of Gomer Pyle or before and are not of interest to me. But they did carry the practice into the 70s. The best one I've heard to date - by far - is Mach One.
The cover is an indication that this isn't a garden variety military record. Specifically it's a blend of hard hitting horn rock and jazz funk. The songs are a mix of original and cover tunes. The musicianship is top notch and these guys and gals could have hit the touring circuit. Perhaps they did - but not commercially. Some fantastic fuzz guitar, organ, and synthesizer along with killer horn charts, tight rhythms, and great male/female vocals. For 1976 they're running a few years outside the boundary of the style they're playing, sounding more like 1972. Which is a good thing...
Ownership: LP: 1976 U.S. Air Force Recruiting Service. Single sleeve. Thrift shop find (2020). I've only seen it once though and this title definitely has an established market. Keep your eyes peeled for it. According to Discogs, the band went on to release 6 more albums, and I haven't ever run across them. However they appear to be more cover heavy and I'm guessing lack the inventiveness of this debut. Which might explain why this title is more in demand. None have been reissued in any format.
8/23/20; 9/14/22 (new entry)
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