Son of Five Of The Best Country Rock Albums You've Never Heard
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- Опубліковано 17 вер 2024
- Arse in gear, the fat bearded one stuns the world with his return. "Oh, more bloody Country Rock!", I hear you cry. Yes, proof that you really can have too much of a good thing.
Heartwood is absolutely wonderful ! I need Carp.. Wow Oh wow, and w/ Sneaky Pete ! I need to dust my Redwing LP off and give it a spin later this morning ! Deal me in with Twin Engine.. Clarence & Sneaky Pete Kleinow.. Terrific !
appreciate this showing, and turn ons! that is what it is all about. It is up to us to sample them very easily on YT, and give them a listen and find out how it fits for us.
It is all about the exposure and turn on.
Did not know about Carp, and liked it!
Redwing ditto, has a The Band vibe also. cheers
Hey Flipside! While few of the country rock albums I show are quite up to the standard of the Flying Burrito Brothers, some are bloody good and should be of interest to anyone with a passing interest in Country Rock.
Cheers - Hedley
Good evening Hedley. Thank the VC heavens for your channel. It is a pleasure to see you keeping the country music spirit alive and well in this community. Nice to see the band Clean Living from my wood of the necks/neck of the woods. Looks like Worcester and Amherst which is the western part of the state near Springfield. Springfield is a few miles from Connecticut. Their music sounds pretty good. I just heard an interview with Gary Busey on the Howard Stern Show. He's a wild one. He did not talk about the band Carp. But he briefly talked about the music side of his career. More about playing Buddy Holly than anything else. >< I liked the harmonizing vocals on the Twin Engine album. You gave us some very tasty albums to check out Hedley. A top notch classic vinyl update. Thanks for sharing them all~
Rob/Boston
Hi, Rob! Thanks once again for your support.
It wasn't until I started making these videos and doing a bit of research that I realised how many of these bands came from the New England area, and specifically the Massachusetts scene. It strikes me that they didn't get the attention their West Coast cousins got. This is less about the quality and more about a geographical prejudice. Mind you, it wasn't until the Eagles made it big that anyone made any money from Country Rock.
I reckon you'd like that Redwing album. I played the most country sounding tune on the album, the rest is far more rocky. Like a country Rolling Stones.
Cheers - Hedley
You stumped me once again!!! Heartwood is interesting because they are local to me yet I've never heard of or heard mention of them before. There were a number of bands coming out of the Greenville area around that time, most importantly Super Grit Cowboy Band and the off shoot Bill Lyerly Band. I imagine they knew these guys but reading up it sounds like they weren't playing much locally and were gone by 1975. Also odd/interesting that around this time Ed King had relocated to this area from California and was playing in a Greenville cover band when Ronnie Van Zandt called him to join LS. Anyway, all these bands sounded good to me and I'll now be aware and on the lookout for them going forward. Keep em coming my friend!
Elliott, thanks for sharing the Ed King information, very interesting but not odd!
You'll have to keep your eyes peeled for those first two Heartswood albums, Elliott, seeing as they were local to you. I've got The Super Grit Cowboy Band's second album, but I'm looking for their first. I'm not familiar with the Bill Lyerly Band, I'm going to check them out now. Cheers.
Elliot, aren't you still fighting your way through 'Trout Mask Replica?'
@@thesixthbeatle Hello friend. I've listened to it twice now. I wouldn't say I had to fight my way through it. I just have to go in with an open mind and know it is intended to kind of shock the system. While it isn't something I'll listen to often, It is something I'll come back to occasionally. But more importantly, these records that Hedley shows are extremely interesting aren't they!
As advertised, I've never heard any of these bands, but every one sounds worth checking out. Thanks for this!
Glad you be able to draw your attention to some albums you might well enjoy.
Cheers - Hedley
Some great selections, as always. I like the sound of the Heartwood. My local store has had that for years, always just flipped right past it. Love the Carp. Ordered a copy from Discogs right after watching the video. I ran across Country Funk at one of my local stores about a month ago. I've been playing the heck out of it...such a great album. I love this series Hedley, keep them coming.
Hey, Steve! I hope you like the Carp album, did you check it out on UA-cam before ordering it? I reckon it's a beauty. Gary Busey wrote some pretty good lyrics for the songs.
Glad the Country Funk album was a hit with you. Not very country and not very funky, but pretty damn great.
I hope things are good with you.
Cheers - Hedley
Great to get another one of your videos. Will be looking for these records, I liked the Carp one especially. Nick
Hi Nick! Yeah, that Carp album is one to keep an eye out for.
Thanks for watching - Hedley
Hello Hedley ! Always good to tune in as you always focus in on my favorite genre.. Country Rock ! I think.we chatted, or each of us viewed Sam St. John's excellent rundown of the early origings of country rock, and yes, I could use some clean living ! Haha.😅 Nice needle drop. I bought Heartwood's 2nd LP.. 11.00 a few minutes ago at Discogs, and your 3rd album I ordered just now NM 15.00 with shipping. The BSide of Redwing is my favorite !
Hey, JT!
You'll be able to to a nice comparison between Heartwoods' second album and the rerecorded third. I'd love to hear your thoughts. If only I could go online and order albums like these so easily. While I have bought most of these from online sellers around Europe (mostly Germany), it's needed the planets to align and to catch the records before they're swiped by European Country Rock fanatics.
Cheers - Hedley
It looks a bit of the same way for these records, Hedley.. When I looked at Carp, slightly expensive ! Hopefully I will see some of these under the radar country rock albums out there in the real wild as I call it.. record shops not included in that statement And I will look at Brick and mortar record shops as well. I do have Orphan and Goose Creek Symphony out of Arizona.@@anotherfatbeardedmantalkin5893
Clean Living particularly took my fancy, nice needle drops Hedley. I’m going to check out Clean Living. Mike
Hey! Thanks for watching, Mike. That Clean Living record is a very solid album. I forgot to mention the nice cover of Dylan's It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry and Chuck Berry's Sweet Little Sixteen, which honestly I could do without.
I actually saw their second album Meadowmuffin in a record shop last month. I didn't pick it up as I already have a copy, but then I remembered my copy isn't in great shape. I'm kicking myself now. Grrrrr!
Cheers - Hedley
Hedley, some really cool country albums that I never heard or seen before. Thanks for all the needle drops! Carp & Twin Engine sounded nice. Cheers
Hey, Janne, thanks for swinging by.
The Carp album, as I said in the video, if a favourite of mine, a great mix of rocking numbers, gospel tunes and traditional country.
Cheers - Hedley
Nice video Hedley - I don't know any of these bands, but its a pleasure to step outside my usual wheelhouse in your fine company. Cheers - D
Thanks, David. It's nice to be back in my comfy corner of the VC.
Hed
Excellent installment, Hedley. I liked the Clean Living sample the most. That Carp album is something I definitely would have grabbed out of dollar bins a decade ago. My buying habits are not the same these days though. I’ve never heard of Heartwood, but that isn’t surprising. There were a bunch of country rock bands that popped up in Eastern NC back in the 70s/80s (more country in the 80s) that I’ve never heard or even heard of. Keep doing the work, sir! I love these videos. Cheers ✌🏻
Hey, Jon!
Just noticed the response I wrote has vanished.
I think I admonished you for not being aware of every obscure band coming out of North Carolina in the early 1970s. I then went on to explain how the situation of local music scenes around the US is quite alien to a Brit. When most UK bands can pack themselves and their gear into a rusty old van and drive to gigs in London and other big cities, they don't have to worry about their locale. National radio played its part as well.
Cheers - Hedley
I have discovered your channel recently. I'm a fan of Texas, Bakersfield, and Alt county. I'm not aware of a lot country rock. I look forward to catching up on your videos. Norman
Been waiting for this.
Hedley, yes ''Big Al'' Anderson was in the band, NRBQ. My friend, Jack was the manager of NRBQ, so I got to see them play live and chat with them. Joey Spampinato, the bass player, was married to Skeeter Davis, and the band recorded an album with her, ''She Sings, They Play'' released on Rounder Records. I dug all the needle-drops and Twin Engine sounded great, especially the guitar bits!
Hi Michael, thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.
I'd forgotten that NRBQ had recorded an album with Skeeter Davis, but I didn't know it was on Rounder and she was married to a member of the band. Thanks for the info.
I've not explored the music of NRBQ. I'm not really a Blues fan, so I've kind of avoided them, even though I know their music crosses lots of genres. I do have Al Anderson's first solo album though, also on Vanguard, which is great.
Cheers - Hedley
@@anotherfatbeardedmantalkin5893 Hedley, sometime in the 1990's, Al Anderson left NRBQ and moved to Nashville to focus on songwriting.
Hi Hedley, glad to hear this isn't going to be the last in this series...General Recording Company trumps Major Recording Company though...Liked the vocals on Carp...Interesting, not heard of any of these as per...cheers Dale
Thanks for watching my continued plummet down the country rock rabbit hole, Dale.
There was a bluegrass label called the Major Recording Company, and to no one's surprise it was far from a major bluegrass label.
I just checked what was the first release on GRC. It turns out it was a 1960 political campaign single for Richard Nixon! It didn't work, Nixon lost to JFK.
I wish I'd looked that up before I made the video.
Cheers - Hedley
I’m at the point where I don’t watch VC videos anymore. They’re all so stupid and boring I’m lucky to get past 3 minutes. Yours is one of the few exceptions. I’ll definitely have to keep on the lookout for some of these. Thanks
Thanks, Jonathan, that's very kind of you 🙂
@@anotherfatbeardedmantalkin5893 - Well it’s true.
Agreed! (Just this morning I was told that I am trite and boring.) Jonathan, I enjoyed rewatching your Sinatra video/thread earlier this week. It remains one of my all-time VC video favorites. Songs for Swingin' Lovers is my favorite Sinatra album, but I'll confess to having a soft spot for "Summer Wind" from the Strangers in the Night LP. @@cheapcheerfulrecordcollect8071
Thanks Hedley for the Heartwood turn-on. I used to be big on country rock, let it go in recent years. I really liked this one
Glad you found something up your street 👍
Carp is hard to find, Hedley.. a few are 25.00 or more ! I'll keep a look-out for now on..
It's funny, if you look on Discogs they have the Carp album identified as Blues Rock and Folk Rock. Another example of the prejudice against country music, especially by sellers trying to sell the records.
You know.. You are right on this one ! Crazy people.. just say.. Country Rock ! Haha🙂@@anotherfatbeardedmantalkin5893
@@anotherfatbeardedmantalkin5893 I'm looking forward to your next one, Hedley ! Eventually I will do a nice country rock vid.. I have an impromptu list for months !
My first video Headley, and it’s a good one. Not familiar with any of these bands, but I’d give all of them a shot. Cheers.
Hi Jack, thanks for swinging by. If you have a thing for Country Rock, all of these records are worth picking up if you come across them. They're likely to be dirt cheap. There are few Country Rock records, outside of those by Gram Parsons and Gene Clark, which sell for very much.
Cheers - Hedley
@@anotherfatbeardedmantalkin5893 Sorry for spelling your name wrong 🙁😁. I just spun J.D. Souther’s Black Rose last night. Great record. Got it for 5€ in Amsterdam in the spring. Mint 😀😀. Always do blind buys for country rock. Cheers.
@@vinylmartini3377 Hey, no worries. I really like J.D. Souther's first album, Jesus in 3/4 Time is my favourite song of his.
Twin Engine was the pick of the bunch.
That's Clarence White for you. He had a unique style. I'm sorry I didn't use his short guitar solo in the clip.
Ha! I knew I knew the Carp record. You’ve shown me that pic of Gary Busey before. CARP. The needle drop proves that the band name isn’t an anagram.
You've rumbled me. Yes, I've shown the Carp album before. I reckon there are some folks who have only watched these Country Rock videos, so I thought I'd double dip for them. It's also a cracking album, and deserves far more attention.
Delightful wordplay.
It's always the novelty song that becomes a hit isn't it. Chris Difford was always furious that 'Cool for Cats' had been a hit and 'Tempted' hadn't been. General Recording Company, that is quite funny. Is there a VC thread waiting to happen of 'show albums with water wheels on the cover' I wonder. Probably not. The Carp needle-drop had more than a touch of 'The Weight' about it. I thought 'Twin Engine' had the fullest sound, curiously enough given they maybe thought it was a demo. Intriguing selection Hedley, and apologies for the randomness of my comments but it's been a long day.
Hedley.. Wanted to let you know .. I received Heartwood ( 2nd LP ) and " Nothin' Fancy" in the mail last week. Thoroughly enjoying both ! Want " Hearts And Flowers" .. but 4 Men With Beards is such a lousy label for represses ! I'll wait on scoring one on the original Capitol label unless you have a suggestion. Cheers. JT
Hey! I've got an 80s UK pressing of Hearts And Flowers' first album, which is good to my ears, but I have the 4 Men With Beards pressing of the second. As far as I remember, that sounds okay. I'll have another listen.
Good to know ! I might go ahead and try the 2nd Hearts And Flowers on 4 Men With Beards ! I also received Carp in the mail today as well.. Nice shape with a cut out corner ! Spinning it now.. Thanks, Hedley !@@hedleybrown6594
Haven't heard of Heartwood? Call yourself a proud North Carolinian? 😉 Is Tar Heel still used for a North Carolinian, and is it still thought of as derogatory?
I can't really get my head round the US phenomenon of local bands and artists who record and release albums, but fail to make any headway nationally. It wasn't something you'd see in the UK. It's probably down to the size of the US and the prevalence of local radio stations. Whereas in the UK bands and artists could quite easily get in a crappy van and drive to any venue in the country and if a radio station gave them airplay it would be broadcast across the nation.
North Carolina seems to have been a musically fertile place. Is the local scene still like that? Obviously there's the mighty Amigo.
Hed
♡
Clean Living, (The Return of) Carp, and Redwing caught my interest. Carp wins best album cover of the video. I don't understand why so many of these record labels were so committed to bad cover art when a simple (sepia tone) photo would presumably do so much more to sell a record. Clean Living's cover looks like it belongs on a children's record. To quote a recent chart-topping country hit, "It's a damn shame."
I am a bit curious as to how these records make their way into the UK. These were all US pressings, correct? Would Epic have shipped Carp records alongside Tammy Wynette? Deeper into the rabbit hole, was Tammy Wynette big enough in the late '60s/early '70s to justify having her records pressed in England?
I occasionally come by EMI and Stetson pressings of US country albums over here. My guess is that they were purchased by Americans who worked abroad. Possibly stationed in Germany during the Cold War? I enjoy the mystery.
Cheers,
Jacob
Hey, Jacob! Good to hear from you.
A lot of these rarer country rock records I've had to buy online from European sellers. While they've mostly been in Germany, you'll find some albums seem to be available in large numbers in the Netherlands, or Greece, or Italy. It's rather odd how all these albums make their way to Europe.
Like you mentioned, US troops being stationed in Europe, and especially Germany post-war, helped to drive the interest in Country music. This continued into the 70s with Country Rock. The Flying Burrito Brothers would probably have sputtered out after Chris Hillman left, were it not for their popularity in the Netherlands and other European countries.
Some of these records you'll find had German pressings, or maybe Dutch or Italian, but in the most part they are US pressings which must've been imported in sizable numbers.
You still find today that there are a number of European labels who are putting out modern country and Americana, often when the US bands can't get US labels to sign them.
I'd not have half of the collection I have without being able to buy online from around the world. I've bought some from the US, Canada and I remember buying a Don Nix record from Australia.
If you think the first Clean Living album cover is bad, you should see their second, Mellowmuffin. That's dreadful. You might not have been able to see, but the first cover is a photo of a textile artwork, which considering the rural nature of their music actually fits quite well.
Cheers - Hedley
Satisfying information to absorb. It would be a thrill to have the opportunity to properly study the migratory patterns of LP records.
Clean Living's debut cover looks like it belongs on a rural children's album.
Mellowmuffin's color scheme and lettering remind me of Barry McGuire's 1978 children's gospel record, Bullfrogs & Butterflies.
How are bullfrogs and butterflies like Christians? They've both been born again. Corny, but still much better than the competition: Psalty the Singing Songbook.
Cheers,
Jacob
@@anotherfatbeardedmantalkin5893
Hey Headley..... l didn't catch your country rock video 9 months ago. Just can't keep up with watching with all the different video's out there. I noticed you showed "Redwing". I'll bet that's the first time anybody has shown one of there
covers on You Tube... although there are a few live tracks on YT. I bought that album in '71 and couldn't take it off my turntable for many months. When a well known writer from San Francisco Cronicle writes your liner notes... you know your band is doing something right. I couldn't find a track on the album that l didn't like. While this far down the road they sound defineally '70s style.... the songs haven't lost their energy and still sound like they could have been alt.
country at times and as you mentioned there's a funky country groove happening. Dark Thursday sounds great too.
Noticed your copy was on UA. label while over the pond, it was on Fantasy. My second Fav. vi nyl by them is album #4 "Wanted Dead or Alive" lf you should come across that..... one stand out song "Give me a Song" is well worth a listen.
Like so many album aren't recognized for what ever reason it should have caught more attention in it's day. Thanks.
Cheers!
Hi, thanks for watching. The thing I like about Redwing is how they developed their sound between each of their albums.
Yes, my copy of their debut album is a UK pressing. One of only two of their albums released over here, the other being their third album, Take Me Home.
Dead or Alive is the only one of their five albums I don't have. I do have a digital copy, but is one of my most sought after records. Always on the outlook.
Cheers - Hedley