Southern Fried Fiddlin' Man Fox Productions 1980

Southern Fried Fiddlin' Man Fox Productions 1980 CAT #FP-369

It appears Southern Fried is a Joplin, Missouri band, although, parts of their only album were recorded in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Either way, they look like kick-ass cowboy types from Missouri.

Their album is surprisingly good, a little bar band, but the recording sounds good, the majority of tracks are originals, and it doesn't fall into the obvious. In 1980, a Joplin, Missouri band could have gone a lot of ways, the obvious Ozark Mountain Daredevils, or perhaps the more pomp rock approach of successful acts like Kansas and Missouri. But, Southern Fried didn't let popularity concern them, they just put out an album of country rock that in parts, kicks around the shit and never concerns itself with a Nashville sound. Their tunes definitely stay in the country realm, but you can tell, these guys weren't afraid of letting the good stuff like the Allman Brothers and Skynard influence their brand of country.

Appears most of the guys in the band still get together and perform. They appear to have slowed down and become Jimmy Buffet fans, but for the most part, still look like a rowdy bunch of dudes that would tear apart a bar.

Kansas Point of Know Return Half-Speed Mastered CBS 1977/1980

Kansas Point of Know Return Half-Speed Mastered CBS 1977/1980 CAT #HZ 44929

I've discussed this LP before, it's Kansas' masterpiece, there most well thought out LP and it's got the hits.

This version differs in that it's a CBS Half-Speed Remaster that came out in 1980. In the 70's, Mobil Fidelity Sound Lab began to remaster titles at half speed and make limited runs on high quality vinyl. Better known as MoFi, the records sound great and are considered audiophile releases, sold at a premium and still command a significant amount today. They started a trend and the majors attempted to latch onto audiophile trend. Obvisouly, someone thought enough of Kansas to press up some audiophile copies.

Problem is that while an album like 'Point of Know Return' deserves an audiophile pressing, CBS' process wasn't anywhere as good as the MoFi releases. There are some Half-Speed CBS records that aren't any better, possibly worst than the original pressing. This pressing isn't terrible, but it's not great either. It's really bright and thin, which brings out a lot of keyboards well, but other areas suffer. It's generally panned as a terrible audiophile press, but I would still argue it's listenable (there's a CBS Self-Titled Boston LP that is absolute garbage and this isn't on that level of suckitude).

Surprisingly, despite that most experts will say stay away from this and most other CBS Half-Speed pressings, a copy still demands a premium over a clean original. Apparently the thought of having something marked audiophile outweighs the quality to some people.

Orphann Dan't Say No Omi Records 1980

Orphann Dan't Say No Omi Records 1980 CAT# OMI M 00032

Orphann was a Kansas City area hard rock group in the late-70's into the early 80's. Their first LP, Up For Adoption, is a bit more desirable, as it's bit heavier and possibly a bit more obscure than this.

Don't Say No is a potpourri of late-70's rock posturing. Easy categorization for the band is AOR. They're heavy on big guitars and solos, so big on the pomp rock. They do try to get creative from time to time, keyboards show up here and they try to sound a little less good time rock n' roll and more robotic, so there is also a slight prog influence, especially evident on the last two tracks of the LP, "Late Night Neighbors" and "In A Dream". Looking at this LP, it's looks like it should be an attempt at capturing the Tom Scholz's Boston sound and be an awful in the process. (Up For Adoption just looks like it should be amazing prog, tho). To an extent, Orphann was trying to capture some of that big time arena rock feel, but it doesn't turn out bad. Outside of dopey lyrical content, it's a pretty solid LP in terms of early 80's hard rock.

What is confusing is that the band recorded and played in KC. Yet, for this release, Omi is located in Los Angeles. The first LP shows Omi Records as a Kansas City based operation. Assuming then that this was Orphann's private label they must have packed up for California at some point after going as far as they could in KC.

Don't Say No

Count Basie and Orchestra On the Road Pablo 1980

Count Basie and Orchestra On the Road Pablo 1980 CAT #D2312112


This is a late-era Basie LP, recorded live apparently throughout a 1979 European tour. Features a host of brass players, Mickey Roker on drums, Keter Betts on bass and Freddie Green on guitar.


It's a good sounding recording as most Pablo releases are. It doesn't sound dated or dull. It's Basie bashing out classic tunes with a solid group of players.


In A Mellow Tone

Marguerite Thompson & Cindy Schroer Self-Titled Private 1980

Marguerite Thompson & Cindy Schroer Self-Titled Private 1980 CAT #D-1059 008080X

This is a relgious folk album from a female folk duo that appear to be out of Leavenworth, Kansas. At least the LP thanks the student and faculty at Saint Mary College in Leavenworth, KS. The duo recorded the LP in Chapman Studios in Kansas City.

Initially when I saw it, I had my hopes for femme-folk, but reviewing the songs, it's far too religious for that, this is Jesus music on the Catholic spectrum with harmonies influenced by services in the Church. Outside of the religious tracks, they do some traditional folk songs and a few originals. It's well done and Marguerite and Cindy's voices work together well. However, it's no long lost treasure, just pleasant for what it is.

What drew me in was the artwork on the front cover. There is the hands drawn all over hand written font. Looking at the words, it's just a random collection of names, thank yous, phrases, and more names. I can't seem to make sense of where the message starts if there is one, The names all over the place from Darth Vader to Bob Dylan, so it's interesting. Once I looked at the backside to review the tracks, I wasn't as interested. Bit too religious for $3 the store was asking. I almost put it back until I happened to peak in the sleeve to find two signed cards.

Initially I thought they were two hand-written cards one from each performer, turns out it's one hand-written card and a photo-copy of the same card. The card reads:

Don Raymond:
I think God made a really beautiful person in you. Thanks for the the gift of yourself! Have a very Merry Christmas and I hipe you enjoy this amateur endeavor my friend Cindy and I put together.
Yours,
Marguerite
P.S. You're a great teacher!

So, despite not being that interested in the LP based on the tracks listed, I can't resist stuff like this. It's so personal. It feels like it should never be discarded or forgotten about. I feel like I need to keep it safe until someone comes calling for it.

I researched Don Raymond, what I came across is a blurb  in the Leavenworth newspaper that he may have been a music instructor at Saint Mary College. He obviously helped influence the sounds here so I'll keep this LP safe, just in case his family ever needs to know his legacy. Also, there's an instrumental on on the second side that's pretty good.

Kerry Livgren Seeds of Change Kirshner 1980

Kerry Livgren Seeds of Change Kirshner 1980 CAT# NJZ 36567

Kerry Livgren was a founder of Topeka's finest, Kansas. He was a fundamental part of the band and behind their biggest successes. So, apparently, that meant make a solo-album, in 1980, when people stopped caring about Kansas. Coincidentally, in 1980, Livgren was still an active member of the band, this LP even features the likes of Steve Walsh and Phil Ehart just to prove things were still on the up and up.

It's ambitious, but that doesn't make it good. There's all sorts of synth and prog-rock moves, but honestly, the best parts of Kansas weren't about the prog-rock. It's also got some 80's pomp-rock metal moves, but who has time for that.

It features a pretty impressive cast of fill-ins as well, Ronnie James Dio sings a couple tracks (they sound super metal, bro), there's a member of Jethro Tull, and some dudes from Ambrosia as well. So not your A-Team by any means, but for Topeka, that's pretty solid.

Apparently, there's also a book Livgren wrote surrounding the concepts found within the album. If it's about the cover, which shows a fetus being extracted from a diamond with a razor blade... it's probably the best book in the history of the world, who doesn't want to read about that, right?

Kerry Livgren with Ronnie James Dio

The Gaslight Gaslite Gang 1980 Private 1980

Some pretty hip outfits and sweet facial hair.

The Gaslight Gaslite Gang 1980 Private 1980 NO CAT#

Paul Gray was a KU undergrad from 1965 to 1969. He started this group and opened his own Jazz House in 1972, later which was renamed the Jazzhaus. Paul Gray fronted his own house band and led a small Lawrence Jazz scene during the time. The band actually did get some pub, appearing on an early reality TV show titled 'Your All-American College Show' plus were featured on an Andy Griffith TV Special, but, never made any major label recordings.

The group is pretty standard, swing and bop, nothing groundbreaking. Sometimes they get a bit New Orleans and Dixie, but I find the band more rooted in the KC Swing sound. What's funny about the release is the multiple errors that adorn the jacket and label. For one, according to the cover, the LP is by the Gaslight Gang and titled, Paul Gray's Jazz Place Proudly Present the Gaslight Gang. The backside, shows an over-the-top bio and would have you believe the title of the album is Gassing With Gray. Yet, the title I'm going to use here is the the record label, which simply states Gaslite Gang 1980 (notice, the change in the spelling of Gaslight).
 It's a pleasant, easy to listen to live recording.

Manilla Road Invasion Cult Metal Classics 2005 (Reissue)

Manilla Road Invasion Cult Metal Classics 2005 (Reissue) CAT# CultMetal019

If you mention the name Manilla Road to a random person in Kansas and probably this band's home city of Wichita, it's probably fair to assume less than 1% you talk to will have any idea who Manilla Road is. Mention the band's name in Power Metal circles and you're sure to get a number of opinions. Many of which would cite the band as one the finest examples in the genre.

However, before this gets all metal, this was Manilla Road's first release. It was originally released in 1980 on the band's own label, Roadster. This vinyl reissue was put out in Europe in 2005 on Cult Classics, but apparently there is an additional version that was released in 2004 on the label Iron Glory. Perhaps a situation in which Iron Glory has the CD reissue and didn't have interest in vinyl so passed it along to Cult Metal...either way, Cult Metal is a label in Greece and indicative of the band's primary fan base, power metal is apparently big in the European countries...that's the rumor, anyway.

But again, don't want to get too attached to metal. This release, Invasion, is heavy, but much more in line with proto-metal and progressive rock. The band came into their Power Metal years on the release Crystal Logic, which is few years later. While that era gets the most recognition, this is pretty great too. In Wichita, these guys were secluded, had no intention of fame or fortune, just clearly wanted to play LOUD music. It's dark, menacing and filled with guitars. The sound, at least on this version, the sound quality is pretty poor and comes across like it was recorded in a damp basement. Maybe it was or maybe it was just the limitations of the bands equipment.

One thing is clear, the group's primary Mark Shelton is brilliant. Nothing about this album carries any pretense...sure, maybe a band like Iron Maiden was knocking around all this fantasy lyric stuff at the same time, but c'mon, those guys still wanted to be "cool." Nothing about Manilla Road is trying to be cool. In fact, it seems as if they wanted the opposite. They'll play loud, fast, and sing about swords and death and if someone buys it, great, if not, they're still going to kick around their ideas.

Manilla Road The Dream Goes On

Just Another Pop Album The Titan Sampler Titan 1980

Just Another Pop Album The Titan Sampler Titan 1980 CAT# 8001

Years ago, when I was heavily into power pop, I had this LP and cherished it.  I had never came across any of the 45s put out by Titan and was turned onto the label by a good friend from the Love Garden.  At that time, this was pretty easy to come by as rumor had it the Titan guys had boxes of them still untouched.

Then, in a moment of complete un-clarity, I dumped a bunch of my power pop collection. This was included in that sell off. A Canadian bought it for $10, hope they enjoyed the crap out of it. At the time, I figured I could get another if needed or locate the 45s. Of course, when I wanted it back I couldn't find it as the Titan label became somewhat of a 'thing'. I still haven't ever seen one of the 45s...

A month or so ago, a friend sent me a photo of this with a .99 cent price tag. He hooked it up and I'm glad to have it back. Apparently, the Titan guys still have some, but I haven't seen them around (stores and shows ain't my bag anymore) and once I got the box set from the Numero Group, this is almost unnecessary.

All the songs are featured on the amazing package put together by Numero Group.  But, when you have this it feels like you're archiving a piece of history. This failed Kansas City label and it's roster put a lot of hard work into this comp. Great cover, great songs, just something that is fun to have.

J.P. McClain & the Intruders Just Another Pop Song

KY102 Presents Homegrown Midwest's Best Music Taft Broadcasting 1980

KY102 Presents Homegrown Midwest's Best Music Taft Broadcasting 1980 NO CAT#

KY 102 FM was a long standing AOR station in Kansas City.  When I first moved to the KC area as a teenager, they were still functioning as a local station on the dial at 102.  However, they fell victim to the hostile radio takeover, but did continue on under different call letters and new ownership.  I think, after a few years, that station finally folded and ended up going top 40 or Country.  Don't quote me on that, though, I don't pay a lot of attention to AOR radio.

When I moved to Kansas in the 90's the station was an odd mix of classic rock and newer music.  They weren't close minded to newer stuff, but if it was new it was going to sit in well next to all the Boston and Rush.  Piecing things together, it appears that back in the 80's the station may have been half-way cool.  I've picked up on local album sleeves.  The station is thanked on the first Rainmakers LP (Balls by Steve, Bob, & Rich), there's this LP, and a few other things I've seen referencing KY 102.  So, it would seem back in the day, KY 102 supported the local rock scene.  Can't imagine they were showing support for the Lawrence scene in those days, but I'm guessing the bar bands got a few spins at the station... and I bet they fucking LOVED Kansas.

Honestly, even with a nod from the Rainmakers, I've seen this album around town and never gave it much thought.  However, a a good friend offered this up and all I had to do was find a copy of Johnny Cash's Folsom Prison, easily done and he sent a sealed copy of this.  In retrospect, I shouldn't have been so pretentious about the comp.  Looking it over, it's got the Secrets* who were featured on the hyper-obscure Kansas City power pop label, Titan!.  Further, "Homegrown" comps were put out nationally, a few have some real gems (especially some of the ones from Hawaii).  KC's version can't be much different.  Below is a run down of everything the good and mostly bad.

Pedestrian - Ain't Got the Time - Some hard rockin' KC guys that use laser production effects in the recording.  Sure the lasers are really synths, but pretty cheesy all the same.

The Secrets* - Uniform - This is the reason I got excited about this release, this a solid Titan! power pop band out of KC.  Song isn't fast paced, they sent their wussy material to KY, obviously.  It is a great little power pop tune with piano and bubbly AM sounds.

The Clocks - She Looks Lot Like You - Kansas City band full of confusion.  Man, these guys don't know what they're shooting for.  All sorts of crazy prog keyboard breaks with an 80's skinny-tie chorus and power pop aspects.  It's kind of amusing, but just a bit too scatterbrained to be considered a gem.

The Moffet-Beers Band - It Could Be Raining - What a bunch of sappy crap.  It'd be tolerable if it had some some twang, but this is just teenage roller-rink, sad-bastard music.  The name of the song and the band say everything you need to know about this Lenexa band.

David Hale - Opus X - This Kansas City dude's song title sounds pretty sci-fi and he's credited for all instruments.  It's got a killer drum intro, for sure.  It tops it off with some prog guitar work over the top.  From there, it doesn't go much further, TONS of guitar are added.  It's instrumental with a break that takes a turn from the hard rocking prog feel to a jazz and blues feel.  It really just ends up being a guy showing off and stalls there.

Rudy Passonno - Dead Boys - Outside of the Secrets* I had my hopes up for this...Not for any other of the reason but the name of the track.  This Kansas City dude starts off all creepy, like a Halloween novelty song.  Then it becomes kind of clear, the best case scenario for the song would actually be a novelty Halloween song.  It's just gets goofy and the subject matter is an awful attempt at telling a story about child death and murder.  It's friggin' weird.

Chaser - Anyone Will Do - This band is from Raytown, MO.  They nail the bar band thing, just a rolling rhythm and hard driving guitars, a little twang for good measure.  Nothing outstanding and the production is a little too slick for the sound the band is attempting.

US Steal - Crazy Things - Kansas City band and from looking at the band name and track, I just expected more standard MOR bar band stuff.  A little harder edged than I expected.  Bordering on metal.  I imagine they toned things down for their KY 102 demo submission, but pretty similar to first wave pop-metal.

Fields - I'll Be Gone - This Parkville, MO band is trying to be blues-based rock band.  Except, their keyboards go all prog and sound out of place, I think they're set them to the fiddle setting, too.  Takes away from a song that's already pretty middle of the road.

Alchemy - Sparks - If your name is Alchemy and you're from Topeka, KS you better sound like the band Kansas' little cousin.  The band certainly tries, they have two keyboardist and make an attempt at progressive rock.  The theatrics are there, the singer is a little weak, but of all the tracks I've shit on throughout this review, this band showed the most promise even though it's nowhere near the level of Kansas, just had a sound that could have been explored further.