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Boston's Debut: More Than A Feeling...Smokin'

When I think of my Top Ten Debut Albums of the 1970s, Boston ranks high on that list. More than an album...it was perfection! It was hotter than hot. Not a throw-away song on the album. I was fortunate enough to see Boston in concert while they were Smokin'... it was electric.
Want to hear a perfect debut album? Take a listen: http://www.passalong.com/1pass/redirpass.aspx?paid=1804

And then...like so many cases of first album perfection, nothing afterwards measures up. The first album was so amazing that the next work created a huge disappointment within us--borderline feelings of betrayal and shock. I can't remember how many times I've felt that way about a group...but the last time I felt that way was with Spin Doctors. They just couldn't match that first album.

Whoa-oh, Listen To The Doobies!

The driving beat and percussion of two drummers, plus the rhythm and riffs from three guitars... what a sound! It was a West Coast groove, somehow driving hard and refreshingly light at the same time. The Doobies differed from other three-guitar bands like Lynard Skynard and the Allman Brothers. There was a certain peaceful, easy feeling about them... peaceful, yet zipping along at freeway speeds.

I've selected one of their live albums, because the Doobies were only able to capture their magic in about two songs per album. Ironically, Doobies Part II featuring Michael McDonald was more consistent and cranked out lots of hits, but it was not the pure Doobie sound.

Take a listen to the Doobie driving groove songs--China Grove, Long Train Runnin', Black Water, and Listen To the Music--which were made to be heard live. Enjoy!

http://www.passalong.com/1pass/redirpass.aspx?paid=1795

Eagles soar with Hotel California

The Eagles had already perfected their unique fusion that i'd label "Southwest Country Rock," but really was a unique sound. Glenn Frey and Don Henley wrote two hits in their first week of collaboration--"Desperado" and "Tequila Sunrise." And they kept cranking out great hits that could rock you, or give you that "peaceful, easy feeling."

AND THEN CAME HOTEL CALIFORNIA!

They expanded, stretched, and reached a new level--not only for them, but for the music world. The addition of Joe Walsh added yet another element to their current all-star line-up. But the album was so unique. Even non-Eagles fans were buying it. And it became one of my Top 10 Albums of the '70s.

Check it out at:

http://www.passalong.com/1pass/redirpass.aspx?paid=1707

The Piano Man: Billy Joel

While Billy Joel might have started the decade out as "The Piano Man," he ended the decade as the "Pop Genius" of the 1970's ... well, he might have to share it with Elton John and Paul Simon.

The Piano Man was the raw, angry Billy Joel that first hooked me. But he released five additional albums in the decade--each containing popular hits. And then he went on to do the same in the 1980s, securing his place in history.

But let's walk into the smoke-filled bar, with the piano man in the corner banging away, or delicately singing a ballad. Take a seat and listen to the early Billy Joel while he was finding his way to the top:

http://www.passalong.com/1pass/redirpass.aspx?paid=1708

Who's Next: Take That, Monolith!

In the early 70's The Who had hit its stride: "Live At Leeds," "Tommy," and "Quadrophenia." And sandwiched between these efforts was Who's Next--one of the Top 10 rock albums of the decade. The Who effortlessly transcends from delicate melodies to screaming rock, and back again. It's their ability to shift gears from light to hard rock and unleash an equipoise of power that differentiates them from mere mortal rockers.

I was fortunate to see The Who in concert while drummer Keith Moon was mostly still here on this planet. Roger Daltry screaming and prancing around the stage swinging the mike into the fray, while Pete windmilled his guitar and caught big air and John stoically played his Bass with explosive lead guitar-like riffs. Amazing. And this was after the days when the m-m-my g-generation boys used to smash their instruments on stage.

If you are not familiar with this album, take a listen below. You will find that you've heard several of the songs on commercials or TV shows such as CSI.
http://www.passalong.com/1pass/redirpass.aspx?paid=836

Celebrating RARE EARTH

No "one hit wonder" here... Rare Earth had a whole handful of rare gems. And if you can master the 21-minute live concert renditions--and Rare Earth can milk a rock, you can tour forever. (Ancient Rocker Theorem 34: six extended play hits equals one concert)

Their "Millennium Collection: Best of Rare Earth" contains the four songs that I'd pay to have in my 70's collection:
- Get Ready (21:29)
- I Just Want To Celebrate (3:36)
- (I Know) I'm Losing You (10:54)
- Born to Wander (3:19)

Go ahead... take a listen below: http://www.passalong.com/1pass/redirpass.aspx?paid=835

Humble Pie: If Live, No Doctor!

The 1970's presented a breed of bands that were better live than in the studio. Today it's just the opposite. When Humble Pie guitarist Peter Frampton went solo, the same thing occurred-- great live album, and the studio albums... no comment.
Rockin' The Filmore is the Humble Pie you want to hear. LIVE, Baby! Feed off the energy. "I Don't Need No Doctor" was their battle cry... and on stage, they rocked, no digital surgery required. Listen to samples here:
http://www.passalong.com/1pass/redirpass.aspx?paid=784

Only The Beginning--Chicago's early ending

Chicago--In The Beginning

Chicago cranked out brassy pop hits for over two decades. But in the beginning it was Terry Kath's guitar work and vocals that gave Chicago Transit Authority its edge. Rock needs the edge. Not to take anything away from keyboardist Robert Lamm, bassist/vocalist Peter Cetera, James Pankow et al. They were all amazing. Chicago created a unique fusion sound and earned a worldwide following. But when the fatal gunshot blew away Terry Kath in 1978, you knew the end was near. The end of the "rock edge" that kept Chicago from being too pop or too brassy.

http://www.passalong.com/1pass/redirpass.aspx?paid=776 (.....listen to samples here)

BEGINNINGS
Only the beginning of what I want to feel forever.
Only the beginning. Only just the start.

Mostly in silence, silence. The end was too close to the beginning.