Rating: *** (3 stars)
Title: Head Over Heels
Company: Capitol
Catalog: ST 797
Year: 1971
Grade (cover/record): VG/VG+
Comments: minor ring wear (see picture)
Available: 1
Price: $95.00
Geez, there are certainly some loud power trios (Cream, Mountain, early Robin Trower, etc. readily coming to mind), but this early-'70s Michigan-based outfit deserves special recognition ...
Showcasing a line up consisting of drummer John Bredeau, singer/guitarist Paul Frank and singer/bassist Michael Urso, the band only managed to release one instantly obscure album, but what an LP! Produced by Dan Moore and Buzz Clifford, 1971's
"Head Over Heels" is simply great. Loud, tough, yet surprisingly accessible, material such as "Road Runner" and " In My Woman" showcased the trio's knack for melodic, but crunching guitar rock. Frank and Urso had attractive voices and as we said before, they sure could generate some sound. Among the few missteps were some out of kilter harmony vocals ("Question") and the bland power ballad "Children of the Mist" (which was almost redeemed by Frank's nice guitar solo). Elsewhere, recorded at Detroit's Eastowne, and extended cover of Willie Dixon's "Red Rooster" and "Circles" were in concert efforts that aptly showcased the band's impressive live chops. Wish we'd seen 'em live ... Frank and Urso reappeared with the band Fresh Start. Urso was also a member of HUB and a late-inning member of Rare Earth.
"Head Over Heels" track listing:
1.) Road Runner (Paul Frank) - 3:21
1.) Right Away (Paul Frank) - 3:04
3.) Red Rooster (live) (Willie Dixon) - 7:32
4.) Children of the Mist (Paul Frank) - 3:30
5.) Question (Paul Frank) - 3:00
6.) Tired and Blue/Land, Land (Paul Frank) - 5:00
7.) In My Woman (Matthew Moore) - 2:45
8.) Circles (live) (Paul Frank) - 7:33