Vinyl Rhetoric

Episode 39: Ronnie Montrose / Open Fire

Although best known for songs like "Rock Candy", "Bad Motor Scooter", and "Space Station #5" this album was instrumental exploring jazz, rock and acoutic. Produced by the legendary Edgar Winter this offering departs from the usual rock style and presents another side of Montrose that may not have been as acclaimed as much of his later work with Gamma. Be assured that this is offering provides another side of a fantastic artist that left us to soon. 

Episode 38: The Alarm / Declaration

Today we present the Welsh outfit The Alarm. Originally formed as a punk band known as The Toilets in 1977 they soon changed their name. First to Quasimodo, then Seventeen. Under that moniker they opened for The Stray Cats during 1980. 1981 saw the debut of The Alarm which had by then become a more mainstream rock band. Touring with such acts as U2 in the mid eighties shot them into the mainstream. So lets hear the U2 'esque sound of The Alarm.

Episode 37: Rossington Collins Band / This is the Way

Formed in the aftermath of the tragic plane crash of Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1977 the surviving members, in 1979, became the Rossington Collins Band in an effort not to be seen and a reformed Lynyrd Skynyrd. Difficulties with health issues and personal tradegies, aside from the crash in '77, lead to the demise after just 2 albums. This is the Way is one of those two. Hope you find it musically different than what you might expect.

Episode 36: Triumph / Just a Game

Our selection this afternoon is another quality Canadian group from the Toronto area.  Most known for its guitar-driven rock songs, such as "Lay It on the Line", "World of Fantasy", "Magic Power", and "Fight the Good Fight". With its progressive rock influences the group produced some rather unique music that did well globally. Some of this was also derived from the classical music style that guitarist Rik Emmet brought to the band. Because of this there is always one classical guitar solo piece on every album. Although criticized by the rock critics by 1978 they were playing to crowds in excess of 100,000. So sit back and and listen to Triumph. 

Episode 35: Jerry Reed / When you're hot you're hot

Episode 35 is the Blobs pick. He moves away from the rock environment and back into his first audio enjoyment with a selection that takes him back to his childhood. For your listening enjoyment please welcome our first country choice with the talented fingerpicking style of Jerry Reed.

Requested: Chicago V

Tom asked for either Chicago V or II. We have V do we are going with that. Not having listened to any Chicago for many a year, it was nice to get back to some interesting music. I now recall why the were popular and why a variety of talent chose to work with the band. I think you'll pleasantly surprised by this album, I know I was. Tom....good call! Keep sending those requests. We appreciate them all for a number of reasons.

Episode 34: The Time / Ice Cream Castle

This 1984 release by The Time followed their previous two releases. In a funk pop and ballad style they were to gain much attention. Two of this albums songs were featured in the movie Purple Rain. It was also heavily played in the club scene of the times. Although a Kingcow pick the Blob has high praise for this release. Let's give it a listen, I think you will find it pleasurable.

Episode 33: Lynyrd Skynyrd / Second Helping

This is, as far as the Blob is concerned, the best of the best of the best. Tonight we are playing the sophmore album from this legendary southern rock band. You won't be disappointed. 

Requested : Jethro Tull / Original Masters

Got another request into the studio. Nate, a listener from the Bremerton area of Washington, wants to hear some Jethro Tull. We shall oblige thee. Besides, the unique style and sound that came from Ian Anderson was crafted with careful instrumentation. Thanks Nate for getting us into the Tull finally. 

Episode 32: Y&T / Black Tiger

This is somewhat a special episode. Kingcow is a huge fan having seen them on multiple occasions. Y&T is a Bay Area band that became successful and are still working today. A hard driving band that stayed true to their roots, this group will have you moving in place. Internationally known, they will certainly put the rock in rock 'n' roll.