Lone Star ~ Wales

Lone Star (1976)

Lone Star have an image problem. Here in America when one sees the moniker Lone Star, they immediately think of Texas, and musically that of Southern or Country rock. However this Lone Star is from the land of Budgie and offer up a distinctly mid 70s proggy hard rock and AOR album. Their sound, ironically, does recall the North American acts of the day. Same period Triumph, Rush (short form), Boston, Journey, Styx, and a host of bands from the great Midwest is where you'll spot the sound of Lone Star. There is some Zep references as well. What I like about Lone Star is their ability to create seperation with a big fat riff in the midst of the song. Vocals are outstanding. They made it to a major US label, but just couldn't penetrate the competitive FM landscape of the era. Which is too bad, as they certainly had the talent, the right sound, and some great ideas.

Remains a cheap record. I pulled this copy out of a buck bin here in town.

Ownership: 1976 Columbia (LP). Acquired in 2025.

4/7/25 (review)

4/7/25 (new entry)

Man - Original Album Series Vol. 2. Wales

Man - like the Grateful Dead - are judged more by their live output than studio offerings. And true to form, I've not really been too enamored with any of Man's regular albums, though perhaps it's high time for some revisits. Like the Grateful Dead, songwriting isn't their ace in the hole. But jamming in a live setting is an entirely different skill set, one that Man possesses in spades (let's play cards shall we?). I hadn't really ever delved into their live work prior, but based on many a recommendation, I decided I probably should get on that. And this Original Album Series addresses only the live aspect of Man, whereas Vol.1 is for their early studio albums. I was familiar with Live at the Padget Rooms Penarth, and to be honest I wasn't overwhelmed by it. For many music fans, this recording is considered the apex of their canon. So what do I know? As for the others, they all scored better in my book. Well... the Christmas at the Patti is a mixed band affair, and related group Help Yourself steals the show on that release. The first 15 minutes are boogie rock bands, and the less said, the better.

The highlights for me are Back into the Future and Maximum Darkness, in that order. Both these recordings catch lightning in a bottle, and demonstrate that Man could build up guitar climaxes with the best of them. Honestly jam bands aren't really my thing, but when they're this good, it's hard to pass up. If you're like me, and only want a handful of stuff like this, you could do worse than pick up this 5 CD budget set.

Ownership: CD: 2016 Parlophone. Typical OAS with original cardboard artwork... and no liner notes. Sigh.

Budgie - In For the Kill. 1974 Wales

4th album from pioneering heavy rock band, and it doesn't disappoint. Almost all the tracks are excellent, and 'Zoom Club' is one for the ages - a track that encapsulates all that is great about Budgie: Heavy riffs, jamming solos, creative breaks, high pitched vocals, and grooving rhythms. Also has a slight proggy component that shows up in disparate places. If you have any interest at all in the origins of heavy metal - or thought provoking hard rock - then early Budgie is a must.

Ownership: LP: 197? MCA (UK). Single sleeve. Acquired from JL (2023).

CD: 2016 MCA (Europe). Super box set that has 3 gatefold mini-LP sleeves as well as full liner notes. The CD compiles their 3rd through 5th albums: Never Turn Your Back on a Friend, In For the Kill, and Bandolier. Arguably these are the 3 best albums in the Budgie canon, and demonstrate why they were an influence on the original NWOBHM movement. I was very pleased by the sound - better than the Repertoire CDs I had. No bonus tracks. I'm not sure why they didn't press on with The MCA Albums 1971-1975 and cover the first 5. That would have been even better.

7/9/20 (new entry); 7/8/23 (LP add)  

Quicksand - Home is Where I Belong. 1974 Wales

Quicksand are a Welsh progressive rock band that recalls other interesting UK groups - that aren’t necessarily progressive in the classic sense of the term - but are musically interesting all the same. Originally released on Dawn, and consistent with the label’s musical outlook. One can hear Fantasy, Jonesy, Spring, Cressida, and early Fruupp. Plenty of organ and guitar jams to satisfy even the most discerning 1970’s progressive rock heads. And, of course yea, there's even a little mellotron. There’s also a distinct Quicksilver Messenger Service 1960’s “West Coast” sound that permeates – which was also a huge influence on fellow countrymen Man. There are two tracks here that clear the 8 minute mark, that are truly overt progressive rock pieces and are brilliant. You don’t hear many folks talk about this album, but it’s a really, really good one… definitely a hidden classic from the almost infinite and fertile British 70’s scene.

CD: 2011 Esoteric
CD: 2002 Victor (Japan)

Originals on the collectible Dawn label come in a fine gatefold, and are pretty scarce. My first exposure to the album came via the first Japanese mini on Victor, and as always, replicates the original cover to perfection (sold June 2018, since it had a notch cut). In addition, I recently picked up the Esoteric CD as a supplement, as I wanted to check out their mastering and liner notes. As an aside, most of the websites attribute a 1973 date to the original, though according to the Esoteric CD, the album was released in February of 1974.