Pete Haycock - Guitar and Son. 1988 IRS No Speak (LP). 25 cents at Independent (Nov).I've been seeking out these No Speak instrumental albums for some time, but haven't found any, even though if I were to go the mail order route, I could buy them dirt cheap. I referenced this label's series in one of the Mathematicians' review some years ago. In the late 80s, many of the progressive rock contingent were pretty gung-ho about the series. And, as it turns out, Pete Haycock was the first to be released. Who is Pete Haycock you ask? He was the guitarist for the Climax Blues Band. In hearing this album for the first time, his guitar playing is quite good here. Just the right amount of hard rock, jazz fusion, and soulful playing. But the rest? Oh boy. Hardcore late 80s digital. The keyboard tones, the dull and canned drumming, the Kenny G styled sax (known here as Sax Phone), and the slick-as-a-butter-dish production. It's soooo 1988. Too bad. Something less professional would have lead to a much stronger release.
Blackfoot - After the Reign. 1994 Wildcat (CD). Thrift shop find (Oct). One type of CD I look for at thrift shops is past-their-prime releases. Generally these are on small labels, and released without much fanfare. As such, the CDs have become collectible over time, especially with a fan base still intact. Many who might say "I didn't realize they kept going!" And they sell for a premium because inventory is legitimately scarce. I bought Strikes (1979) real time on LP, as the radio airplay track had a mean riff that I liked. But as with Molly Hatchet, Blackfoot were really a 3rd tier Southern Rock band, this time from Jacksonville, Florida. This late era CD is a real drag, and doesn't even possess that "one song". They really have nothing in the tank by this point. Unfortunately one of the worst albums I've heard all year.
West, Bruce & Laing - Live 'n' Kickin. 1974 Columbia / Windfall LP). From Independent (Oct). Well known Mountain / Cream combo. This album gives the listener exactly what it says on the tin - straight up hard rock, no chaser. Very good on the whole, though I have too much of this kind of thing already.
* - Keeping for the collection
