How

One of the coolest things that's happened to me is hearing from some of the very people responsible for this music. Not all of them have been thrilled with my comments, but I appreciate the fact they took the time to actually write to me. God only knows how they've stumbled on to my small website, but here are some of the folks I've recently heard from:

I played lead guitar on Ulysses The Greek suite in 78. I was viewing the information on your site pertaining to the album. It is very cool to see my name on your site, I didn't think anyone would remember our record."

I had to laugh, someone finally liked my music! I thought the album was dead and buried. Nice to know that it is being kept alive. Is there anyway that I can get copies of past critiques, articles, etc. about the band that were mentioned in the review. Thanks again

Hi, I saw your Bartel posting and thought I'd contact you. My name is Larry O'Brien. I was the guitarist and lead singer on all the recordings. John was a fantastic organist and the originator of the group. He was a strong leader and kept us on the right track. In '74 I left the group, retired from music, moved to Oregon, married and raised a family.Glad to say all the members of the band survived those years and are living very middle class domestic lives. Sadly, after becoming very successful in the document shredding industry, John was diagnosed with lung cancer and died in '06. We were able to reunite for the funeral and talk about old days.

Thanks for the Bit'a Sweet album post. My husband, Mitch London, is the bass player and lead singer in the group. Hopefully he will have time to get back to you soon and give you his comments and thanks. Just so you know, you have the names under the pictures of the band members wrong. Mitch London is the 2nd one and Dennis DeRespino is the 3rd one.

Scott, you are pretty accurate with your assessment of the LP. I find that you have enough knowledge of the music genre to critique it ...

I was happily surprised to read your review off my long ago album "The Wheel". You know more about my past than I even remember - How did u get all the details I wonder. Thanks again for the kind words.

I have to email you to say what a charge I got out of your review of the Far Cry album. Being that it was recorded so long ago, and someone actually listens to it (or at least you said that you did), I am flattered.

As far as the end of our recording career, [your review is] mostly correct. All original members did re-record these same tunes in a 90's style a few years ago but never released it.

Greetings, I just came across your review of an album I was a part of more than 35 years ago. I'm glad you enjoyed the music, it was great fun creating it. I would be more than happy to answer any questions you might have about the band and just how we came about recording our one and only LP. Look forward to hearing from you,

Very nice website you have. I will have to spend more time looking it over. I was wondering where you were able to get all your information together. It amazes me how much you can find once you start looking

What a surprise! I didn't think anybody would have - much less remember - that first album.

In reference to you review on The Koala album, I am one of the original members. If you would like more information on the band you can contact me.

My name is Robb Kunkel and I recorded Abyss for tumbleweed records in 1972 - nice review you did - there are others under my name - if you would like more info feel free to write me - Robb"

I was browsing your excellent page about Lake the other day and noticed a comment about Red Lake “with some pseudo-Beach Boy vocals” . Check the credits and you’ll see Carl Wilson help us on the backing vocals for Red Lake. Thanks and keep up the good work."

I really appreciate the great review on my first album but the review on The Return Album seemed a little harsh...lol . Hey to each his own after all you are entitled to your opinion. In hindsight I myself thought it needed some remixing. Maybe you will like my new one better.

My husband is David Marks from The Moon. He and David Jackson also recorded with The Colours when not in the studio with the Moon. David played on a lot of Danny Moore's productions. I don't know where Jack is these days but David is still friends with Gary Montgomery & Danny and Matt Moore and a few others from those days. Some great music came out of that era."

Like you said in your article ... "These guys were just as good as their Anglo competition." You were certainly right and 40 years later it makes me feel good to see comments like that. We didn't care about the money, we didn't care what other jealous bastards thought about us, we only had one thing in mind: play that rock and roll music like it should be played and enjoy seeing people dancing and having a good time and trying to keep us there for the night."

Thanks for your kind words re: Ruff Mix (the comparison to Geddy Lee is hilarious and fairly accurate). We have recently released a new CD with more of the same, albeit with a new singer (well, from the 80's at least), and recently played at the South Texas Festival. The website is being managed by a fellow musician from San Antonio, and has recently been updated with audio tracks. We are certainly not a band looking for fame and fortune, just a band that wants to put out our own music on our own terms, and we plan on doing at least one more disc before we can't remember where all the notes are.

I don't know where you get your information but your take on Peace & Quiet is a little distorted. I have yet to explore your site but it looks like a lot of fun. (he set me straight)

I have just finished looking through your information on the 70's group "Pickettywitch". There are a number of discrepancies in your text, not least in the correct spelling of the band members names and length of service.

Thanks for your kind words and largely accurate review. You've rekindled a pretty cool flame in this almost 35-years-a-priest 61-year-old former Roman Seminarian/composer. God bless.

Thanks for your comments about our only album and your comments about my playing. It's nice to here such encouraging words after all these years. I am puzzled though--how did you get a copy and I'm amazed that you think it is good enough to give it such a high dollar value. I always thought that the writing was good and Ron's singing was always very good, but I never imagined it would get such a glowing review on the internet--what a hoot! I do have several albums in my possession, a few of which are the very rare silver covered ones-ha ha. I'm still doing music and have produced and co-wrote a couple of records.

SMUBBS ( George Utter) Scott, Yes I ordered the Smubbs album. I was in the group and don't have a playable copy.

I formed the band in Las Vegas, Nevada in the late 1960s. We cut two albums of which I haze zero copies. Before SOD I had a group called Loadstone that cut one album on Barnaby. I don't have a copy of that one either. I'll keep a close eye on your site. Who knows you may find them as well. Thanks for being there.

Thank you first for the extremely nice things you said about my bands' album. I was in the band, 'Stark Naked' and my name is Paul Venier. Thanks again for the nice things you wrote about the music, it is truly appreciated immensely. We were all only in our teens back then and it was a terrific time of our young lives.

My stage name was Jonathan Caine (not to be confused with the keyboard player from Journey) and my real name is Larry Cohen (also not to be confused with the film writer and director). I'm just dropping you a line to clear up some misconceptions and set the record straight about Stone Circus. Thanks for the interest in the band. It's good to know that our music is still out there.

That history [you wrote] on us ... it's all right. I'm flattered that someone took the time to check us out.

My Dad is the bass player on that album and was shocked to see that someone still has a copy. If you don't mind me asking how do you know so much about the band? Were you a fan or follower of the band? Where do you come by your information. It's not that far off ...so my dad says. I'm sure they all have there own version of what happened. It's funny for me to see my dads nickname as wrangler ... the guys still call each other by there nicknames.

I happened to read your review for my old group Wild Butter. You mentioned my ties to the "irritating" record Pac Man Fever. Apparently it didn't irritate some 1 1/2 million people since they took the time to walk into a store and purchased it. I am curious to know how many hits you have supplied the music industry with.

Okay, enough back patting. On with the reviews. Simply click on the artist name to see the applicable review. If you're interested, the far right column tells you if we have a copy for sale and the asking price.

How's that old saying go? "Opinions are like asholes. Everyone has one." Record reviews are clearly similar, with the added caveat that most reviewers can't play a musical note to save their lives (I'll readily admit that's my situation). That said, take all of my reviews with a grain of salt. That hasn't stopped a number of band members from dumping all over me for poor reviews of their work. The reviews are done for fun and out of love for this music. They represent my opinions at a particular point in time and are liable to change with time and differ from what other folks think. The one thing I can say with a straight face is that I've tried to be honest with my comments. Most of these records are for sale and unlike a lot of dealers, I've made no effort to hype stuff just to sell it. Accordingly you'll find some high priced items with crappy reviews and some low cost albums with glowing reviews. Honesty is clearly the best policy and just because I don't like a particular album doesn't mean it won't strike a chord with someone else. Above all remember that rarity doesn't mean it's necessarily good. It may be rare for the simple fact that it sucks! So after three years it dawned on me that I'd never bothered to explain my rating scale (one to five stars). 1 star = candidate for being donated to my local Salvation Army 2 stars = see if I can sell it at a yard sale 3 stars * = file it in the garage and give it another chance in a couple of years 4 stars ** = a keeper for the collection 5 stars *** = good enough that I made a CDR for personal use Nothing on my website is copyrighted, so you're free to borrow material. If you want to use something feel free to do so, but please have the courtesy to let me know, or at least provide a credit back to my website. Sadly I've come across repeated instances where folks have lifted material without bothering to let me know, or providing a credit. There's one blog that's repeatedly grabbed reviews without credit leaving the impression they were written by others and I'm aware of at least one set of liner notes for a recent CD reissue that were cribbed verbatim from one of my reviews without any attempt to contact me. Poor internet manners at the very least ...
One of the coolest things that's happened to me is hearing from some of the very people responsible for this music. Not all of them have been thrilled with my comments, but I appreciate the fact they took the time to actually write to me. God only knows how they've stumbled on to my small website, but here are some of the folks I've recently heard from: A-440 (Carlos Luevano) I played lead guitar on Ulysses The Greek suite in 78. I was viewing the information on your site pertaining to the album. It is very cool to see my name on your site, I didn't think anyone would remember our record." Art of Lovin' (Paul Applebaum) I had to laugh, someone finally liked my music! I thought the album was dead and buried. Nice to know that it is being kept alive. Is there anyway that I can get copies of past critiques, articles, etc. about the band that were mentioned in the review. Thanks again Banchee (Victor Digilio) Jon Bartle Thing (Larry O'Brien) Hi, I saw your Bartel posting and thought I'd contact you. My name is Larry O'Brien. I was the guitarist and lead singer on all the recordings. John was a fantastic organist and the originator of the group. He was a strong leader and kept us on the right track. In '74 I left the group, retired from music, moved to Oregon, married and raised a family.Glad to say all the members of the band survived those years and are living very middle class domestic lives. Sadly, after becoming very successful in the document shredding industry, John was diagnosed with lung cancer and died in '06. We were able to reunite for the funeral and talk about old days. Bit a Sweet (Phyllis Heald London wife of Mitch London) Thanks for the Bit'a Sweet album post. My husband, Mitch London, is the bass player and lead singer in the group. Hopefully he will have time to get back to you soon and give you his comments and thanks. Just so you know, you have the names under the pictures of the band members wrong. Mitch London is the 2nd one and Dennis DeRespino is the 3rd one. Cashman Vaquero Band (Dave Cashman) - Scott, you are pretty accurate with your assessment of the LP. I find that you have enough knowledge of the music genre to critique it ... Comfortable Chair (Bernie Schwartz) I was happily surprised to read your review off my long ago album "The Wheel". You know more about my past than I even remember - How did u get all the details I wonder. Thanks again for the kind words. Day Blindness ( Gary Pihl) Far Cry ( Paul Lenart) I have to email you to say what a charge I got out of your review of the Far Cry album. Being that it was recorded so long ago, and someone actually listens to it (or at least you said that you did), I am flattered. Farm (Mike Young) As far as the end of our recording career, [your review is] mostly correct. All original members did re-record these same tunes in a 90's style a few years ago but never released it. Felt (Tommy Gilstrap) Greetings, I just came across your review of an album I was a part of more than 35 years ago. I'm glad you enjoyed the music, it was great fun creating it. I would be more than happy to answer any questions you might have about the band and just how we came about recording our one and only LP. Look forward to hearing from you, Filet of Soul (Mike Peace) Very nice website you have. I will have to spend more time looking it over. I was wondering where you were able to get all your information together. It amazes me how much you can find once you start looking Flaming Ember ( Julie Marinko Plunk wife of drummer/singer Jerry Plunk) Game ( Chuck Kirkpatrick) What a surprise! I didn't think anybody would have - much less remember - that first album. GNP Crescendo Records (owner Neil Norman) Cool Site you have! Rainbow...$80?? .....Wow .....I was there ! Hot Poop (Larry Praissman) I'd be honored to be on your web site. Koala (Joey Guido) In reference to you review on The Koala album, I am one of the original members. If you would like more information on the band you can contact me. Robb Kunkel My name is Robb Kunkel and I recorded Abyss for tumbleweed records in 1972 - nice review you did - there are others under my name - if you would like more info feel free to write me - Robb" Lake (Geoff Peacey) I was browsing your excellent page about Lake the other day and noticed a comment about Red Lake “with some pseudo-Beach Boy vocals” . Check the credits and you’ll see Carl Wilson help us on the backing vocals for Red Lake. Thanks and keep up the good work." Lily and Maria Magic Carpet (Alisha Sufit) Terry Manning I love your site. Marcus McDonald (Marcus) I really appreciate the great review on my first album but the review on The Return Album seemed a little harsh...lol . Hey to each his own after all you are entitled to your opinion. In hindsight I myself thought it needed some remixing. Maybe you will like my new one better. Mason (Morgan Hampton) The Moon ( Carrie Marks wife of David Marks) My husband is David Marks from The Moon. He and David Jackson also recorded with The Colours when not in the studio with the Moon. David played on a lot of Danny Moore's productions. I don't know where Jack is these days but David is still friends with Gary Montgomery & Danny and Matt Moore and a few others from those days. Some great music came out of that era." Moonstone (Joe Cicero) The Napoleons (Renald De Levo) Like you said in your article ... "These guys were just as good as their Anglo competition." You were certainly right and 40 years later it makes me feel good to see comments like that. We didn't care about the money, we didn't care what other jealous bastards thought about us, we only had one thing in mind: play that rock and roll music like it should be played and enjoy seeing people dancing and having a good time and trying to keep us there for the night." Oz Knozz (Dave Massey) Thanks for your kind words re: Ruff Mix (the comparison to Geddy Lee is hilarious and fairly accurate). We have recently released a new CD with more of the same, albeit with a new singer (well, from the 80's at least), and recently played at the South Texas Festival. The website is being managed by a fellow musician from San Antonio, and has recently been updated with audio tracks. We are certainly not a band looking for fame and fortune, just a band that wants to put out our own music on our own terms, and we plan on doing at least one more disc before we can't remember where all the notes are. Peace & Quiet (Chuck Witherow) I don't know where you get your information but your take on Peace & Quiet is a little distorted. I have yet to explore your site but it looks like a lot of fun. (he set me straight) Peon Records (owner/producer Bob Fletcher) Pickettywitch (Keith Hall) I have just finished looking through your information on the 70's group "Pickettywitch". There are a number of discrepancies in your text, not least in the correct spelling of the band members names and length of service. Quatrain ( Jim Lekas) The Roamin' Brothers (Ron Meyer) Thanks for your kind words and largely accurate review. You've rekindled a pretty cool flame in this almost 35-years-a-priest 61-year-old former Roman Seminarian/composer. God bless. Ron and Shirley ( Tom Boyer) Thanks for your comments about our only album and your comments about my playing. It's nice to here such encouraging words after all these years. I am puzzled though--how did you get a copy and I'm amazed that you think it is good enough to give it such a high dollar value. I always thought that the writing was good and Ron's singing was always very good, but I never imagined it would get such a glowing review on the internet--what a hoot! I do have several albums in my possession, a few of which are the very rare silver covered ones-ha ha. I'm still doing music and have produced and co-wrote a couple of records. The Screams ( David Adams) SMUBBS ( George Utter) Scott, Yes I ordered the Smubbs album. I was in the group and don't have a playable copy. Last time I looked online [about 1-2 years ago] there was nothing. SOD and Loadstone ( Larry Devers) I formed the band in Las Vegas, Nevada in the late 1960s. We cut two albums of which I haze zero copies. Before SOD I had a group called Loadstone that cut one album on Barnaby. I don't have a copy of that one either. I'll keep a close eye on your site. Who knows you may find them as well. Thanks for being there. Peter Stark (Mushroom Country) Stark Naked (Paul Venier) `Thank you first for the extremely nice things you said about my bands' album. I was in the band, 'Stark Naked' and my name is Paul Venier. Thanks again for the nice things you wrote about the music, it is truly appreciated immensely. We were all only in our teens back then and it was a terrific time of our young lives.` Stone Circus (Larry Cohen (aka Jonathan Caine) My stage name was Jonathan Caine (not to be confused with the keyboard player from Journey) and my real name is Larry Cohen (also not to be confused with the film writer and director). I'm just dropping you a line to clear up some misconceptions and set the record straight about Stone Circus. Thanks for the interest in the band. It's good to know that our music is still out there. Sweet Toothe ( Pierce D. Bratton) That history [you wrote] on us ... it's all right. I'm flattered that someone took the time to check us out. Swift Rain ( David West son of Paul "Wrangler" West) My Dad is the bass player on that album and was shocked to see that someone still has a copy. If you don't mind me asking how do you know so much about the band? Were you a fan or follower of the band? Where do you come by your information. It's not that far off ...so my dad says. I'm sure they all have there own version of what happened. It's funny for me to see my dads nickname as wrangler ... the guys still call each other by there nicknames. The Toy Factory (Joe La Costa) Thundertree (Bill Hallquist) Wild Butter (Jerry Buckner) I happened to read your review for my old group Wild Butter. You mentioned my ties to the "irritating" record Pac Man Fever. Apparently it didn't irritate some 1 1/2 million people since they took the time to walk into a store and purchased it. I am curious to know how many hits you have supplied the music industry with. The Winstons (Richard Spencer) Okay, enough back patting. On with the reviews. Simply click on the artist name to see the applicable review. If you're interested, the far right column tells you if we have a copy for sale and the asking price.
Albums and accompanying reviews added within the last 30 days are now annotated as NEW
BADCAT REVIEWS

Artist	Album Title	Genre	For sale

Numeric Band Names
4th Cekcion RARE	4th Cekcion	rock	$150.00
5th Dimension, The	The Magic Garden	pop	$10.00
5th Dimension, The	Reflections	pop	$3.00
801	801 Live	progressive	$10.00
9th Creation, The	Falling In Love	soul	sold $40.00
10cc	10cc	rock	$20.00
10cc	Sheet Music	rock	$15.00
10cc	100cc	rock	$10.00
10cc	How Dare You!	rock	$5.00
10cc	Deceptive Bends	rock	$5.00
10cc	Bloody Tourists	rock	$8.00
10cc	Look Hear?	rock	$8.00
10cc	Ten Out of 10	rock	$8.00
10cc	Windows In the Jungle	rock	$20.00
13thFloor Elevators	Live (picture disc)	psych	$70.00
13thFloor Elevators	Bull of the Woods	psych	$70.00
20th Century Zoo RARE	Thunder On a Clear Day	psych	$150.00
25ieme Regiment, Le	Le 25ieme Regiment	pop	sold $100.00
$27 Snap On Face RARE	$27 Snap On Face In Heterodyne State Hospital	bizarre	sold $100.00
31st of February RARE	The 31st of February	psych	sold $150.00
49th Parallel, The RARE	49th Parallel	rock	sold $250.00
100 Proof Aged In Soul	Somebody's Been Sleeping In My Bed	soul	$35.00
100 Proof Aged In Soul	100 Proof Aged In Soul	soul	$40.00

A artists
A-440 (double LP)	Ulysses - The Greek Suite	progressive	$35.00
A's, The	Woman's Got the Power	pop	sold $10.00
A Band Call O (ex-Parlour Band)	Oasis	rock	$25.00
A Passing Fancy RARE	A Passing Fancy	psych	sold $275.00
Aalon	Cream City	soul	sold $20.00
Aaron RARE	Music By Aaron	rock	sold $180.00
ABBA	ABBA Live	pop	sold $5.00