Description
About forty years in the making, and finally the world has the second Stepson album! Utilizing tapes preserved by drummer Len Fagan then transferred to digital and mastered by bassist Bruce Hauser, this fine collection of twelve songs is as close as the world will ever get to a real second Stepson album. Some is raw, some is embryonic, but its all prime stuff for fans to savor, reflecting the bands devil may care attitude and rock n roll lifestyle. And just in case you dont believe that the band liked to party, consider that the exact recording dates (and even some locations) have long been forgotten. To borrow an old adage: If you can remember Stepson, you werent there. Kicking off with a crunching riff by guitarist Joey Newman, Danger Zone is the heaviest track Stepson ever cut, replete with an ominous atmosphere reflecting the seedy side of their native Los Angeles; Streets of Alameda (1974) is an ode to vocalist Jeff Hawks hometown, featuring a liquor store holdup and a stolen Lincoln used as the getaway car. Flesh & Blood is the only track on here that got an official release, albeit by ex-Smith belter Gayle McCormick as the title track to her second solo album, released by Decca in 1972. This version showcases the riff in full glory. And if you dont believe that this riff is strong, consider that The Tonight Show band played it for approximately two weeks in 1976, prompting Fagan to confront author Don Menza, who coincidentally did the Flesh & Blood albums horn charts and was now claiming credit for the song under the title Instant Heart. The song disappeared from late night TV show shortly thereafter. Bad Situation, the only other 1974 track, describes the bands predicament that year: a track that should have propelled them to the big time, but instead bounced off a brick wall like a tennis ball. The maracas and funkified quasi-Bo Diddley groove hint at Stepsons growth and what might have been.
Points of Interest:
Bluesy hard rock band that rose from the ashes of Touch. Their sole album was released on ABC/Dunhill Records in 1974. Despite the fact that the band never toured in support of their amazing album, over the years the word has gotten out about this incredible album and the band enjoys cult success among collectors. Easily one of the best examples of cock rock ever put onto wax.
Long sought after unreleased recordings from this hard-nosed raunchy Detroit-style 70s hard rock band whose 1974 debut album on ABC is highly regarded. A smashing collection of memorable tracks featuring vicious growling guitar from Joey Newman, soulful vocals of Jeffs Hawks, along with the non-stop rocking backbone of Bruce Hauser (bass) and Len Fagan (drums). These guys really knew how to ride the pocket and lay down some badass rock n roll.
Another sure to sell-out limited edition vinyl release from Lion Productions & Vintage, including full size insert with detailed liner notes by Doug Sheppard, plus photos, and lyrics.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.