line up 1 (1968-69)

- Luther Grosvernor -- lead guitar
- Mike Harrison -- vocals, keyboards 
- Michael Kellie -- drums, percussion
- Greg Ridley (RIP 2003) -- bass
- Gary Wright -- vocals, keyboards 

  line up 1 (1969-70)

- Luther Grosvernor - lead guitar
- Mike Harrison - vocals, keyboards 
- Michael Kellie - drums, percussion
- Gary Wright - vocals, keyboards 

  line up 3 (1970)
- Luther Grosvernor - lead guitar

- Mike Harrison - - vocals, keyboards

- Michael Kellie - drums, percussion
NEW - Henry McCulloch (aka Heny McCullogh) (RIP) 

  -- lead guitar (replaced Gary Wright)
NEW - Alan Spenner -- bass 
NEW - Chris Stainton - - guitar, bass, keyboards

  line up 4 (1970)
- Mike Harrison - - vocals, keyboards

NEW - John Hawkin -- keyboards (replaced Alan Spenner)

- Michael Kellie - drums, percussion
- Alan Spenner -- bass 
- Chris Stainton - - guitar, bass, keyboards

NEW - Steve Thompson -- bass (replaced Henry McCulloch)

  line up 5 (1973)
NEW - Bryson Graham - drums, percussion (replaced 

  Michael Kellie)

- Mike Harrison - vocals, keyboards 

NEW - Ian Herbert -- bass (replaced Steve Thompson)
NEW - Mick Jones - guitar, backing vocals (replaced 

  Chris Stainton)
NEW - Gary Wright - vocals, keyboards

  line up 5 (1973)
NEW - Mike Kellie -- drums (replaced Bryson Graham) 

- Mike Harrison - vocals, keyboards 
- Mick Jones - guitar, backing vocals 

NEW - Chris Stewart - bass (replaced Ian Hebert)
- Gary Wright - vocals, keyboards

  line up 6 (1973-74)
NEW - Keith Ellis -- bass (replaced Christ Stewart)

- Mick Jones - guitar, backing vocals

NEW - Mike Patto -- vocals (replaced Mike Harrison)

- Gary Wright - vocals, keyboards

  line up 7 (1974)
NEW - Bryson Graham - drums, percussion (replaced 

  Michael Kellie)

NEW - Val Moore -- bass

- Mike Patto -- vocals 

NEW - Chris Stewart - bass (replaced Ian Hebert)
- Gary Wright - vocals, keyboards

- Art
- Boxer (Mike Patto)
- Eire Apparent (Henry McCullough and Chris Stewart)
- Foreigner (Mick Jones)

- Frampton's Camel (Mike Kellie)
- The Grease Band (Chris Stainton, Henry McCullouch,

  Alan Spenner)
- Mike Harrison (solo efforts)
- Humble Pie (Greg Ridley)

- Illusion (John Hawkin)

- Junkyard Angels (Mike Harrison and Ian Hebert)

- The Alvin Lee Band (Bryson Graham)
- Henry McCullough (solo efforts)
- Mott the Hopple (Luther Grosvenor)
- The Only One (Mike Kellie)

- The People (Henry McCulloch and Chris Stewart)

- Stealers Wheel (Luther Grosvenor)

- Stone the Crow (Steve Thompson)

- Timebox (Pike Patto)
- The VIPs
- Wings (Henry McCulloch)

- Van Der Graff Generation (Keith Ellis)

- The Leslie West Band (Mick Jones)
- Gary Wright (solo efforts)
- Wonderwheel (Gary Wright, Bryson Graham, and 

  Mick Jones) 

Genre: rock

Rating: *** (3 stars)

Title:  It's All About Spooky Tooth

Company: Island

Catalog: ILPS 9080

Country/State: US/UK

Year: 1968

Grade (cover/record): VG/VG+

Comments: UK pressing; extra heavy vinyl

Available: 1

GEMM Catalog ID: not yet listed

Price: $40.00

Evolving out of the R&B oriented VIPs (who metamorphosed into the progressive leaning Art (see separate entries), Spooky Tooth was formed in late 1967 by expatriate American keyboard player Gary Wright (then studying medicine in England) and English guitarist Mike Harrison. With the addition of lead guitarist Luther Grosvernor, drummer Michael Kellie and bassist Greg Ridley, extensive touring tightened the band's chops, leading to a deal with Chris Blackwell's Island Records.

1968's "It's All About Spooky Tooth" found the band teamed with producer Jimmy Miller. Propelled by Wright's ear-shattering vocals and aggressive keyboards, the collection served to establish the band's patented heavy sound. Musically the set offered up a standard mix of popular covers (Janis Ian's "Society's Child" and Dylan's "Too Much of Nothing") and original efforts ("Love Really Changed Me" and "Here I Lived So Well"). What differed them from the competition was their distinctive over-the-top, heavy-metal-meets-blues feel. Tracks such as "Here I Lived So Well", "Sunshine Help Me" and a molten cover of J.D. Loudermilk's "Tobacco Road" simply oozed an aura of 'heavy' ... While they weren't exactly the year's most subtle offerings, "It's All About a Roundabout" and "It Hurts You So" at least demonstrated they could lighten up a bit. Elsewhere, while his appearances were far and few between, on the psych influenced "Bubbles" Harrison's gruff delivery offered up a nice counterpart to Wright's shrillness. 

With Island choosing not to release the collection in the States, Bell's Mala subsidiary acquired distribution rights, briefly releasing the collection in the States as "Spooky Tooth". Two years later A&M repackaged the set (including awful new cover art) as "Tobacco Road".

"It's All About Spooky Tooth" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) Society's Child (Janis Ian) - 4:30
2.) Love Really Changed Me (Luther Grosvenor - Jimmy Miller - Gary Wright) - 3:33
3.) Here I Lived So Well (Luther Grosvenor - Mike Harrison - Jimmy Miller - Gary Wright) - 5:06
4.) Too Much of Nothing (Bob Dylan) - 3:57
5.) Sunshine Help Me (Gary Wright) - 3:02

(side 2)

1.) It's All About a Roundabout (Jimmy Miller - Gary Wright) - 2:43
2.) Tobacco Road (Loudermilk) - 5:33
3.) It Hurts You So (Jimmy Miller - Gary Wright) - 3:03
4.) Forget It, I've Got It (Jimmy Miller - Gary Wright) - 3:26
5.) Bubbles (Luther Grosvenor - Gary Wright) - 2:49

Genre: rock

Rating: **** (4 stars)

Title:  Spooky Tooth Two

Company: A&M

Catalog: SP-4194

Country/State: US/UK

Year: 1969

Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+

Comments: minor ring, corner and edge wear

Available: 1

GEMM Catalog ID: not yet listed

Price: $15.00

Standing as the group's formal American debut, 1969's "Spooky Two" reinforced their reputation as a happening underground act. Refining their molten-metal attack, the collection benefited from growing studio confidence and improved production values. Showcasing an exceptional strong set of original material, "Evil Woman" and "That was Only Yesterday" aptly displayed the group's keyboard and guitar fury, quickly becoming FM staples. Elsewhere, Grosvenor's guitar added real rock punch to tracks such as "Better By You, Better By Me". Less appealing, "Bubbles" found the band taking an unsuccessful stab at Traffic styled psychedelia. A classic example of '60s rock, the album marked the band's artistic and commercial zenith. An impressive seller, the album peaked at #44. Shortly after it's release bassist Ridley left to join Humble Pie (see separate entry) and was replaced by Andy Leigh.

"Spooky Two" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) Waitin' For The Wind (Luther Grosvenor - Mike Harrison - Gary Wright) - 3:29
2.) Feelin' Bad (Mike Kellie - Gary Wright) - 3:17
3.) I've Got Enough Heartaches (Mike Kellie - Gary Wright) - 3:24
4.) Evil Woman (Weiss) - 9:00

(side 2)

1.) Lost In My Dream (Gary Wright) - 5:03
2.) That Was Only Yesterday (Gary Wright) - 3:51
3.) Better By You, Better Than Me (Gary Wright) - 3:36
4.) Hangman Hang My Shell On A Tree (Gary Wright) - 5:40

Genre: rock

Rating: ** (2 stars)

Title:  Ceremony

Company: A&M

Catalog: SP-4225

Country/State: US/UK

Year: 1970

Grade (cover/record): VG/VG

Comments: 

Available: 1

GEMM Catalog ID: not yet listed

Price: $15.00

1969's "Ceremony" found the band jumping into a full-scale collaboration with French electronic musician Pierre Henry. Showcasing the combination of Grovesnor's screaming guitar and Wright's growling voice and stabbing keyboards, dirge-like material such as "Offering", "Hosanna" and "Have Mercy" offered up a concept piece; the package built around a vaguely religious theme. Emphasizing electronic sounds and outright experimentation, tracks such as the percussion and guitar dominated "Confessions" and "Jubilation" (sporting an ongoing sob, the latter was easily one of rock's most irritating songs, we thought our record player had broken), left most fans confused and unhappy. While the band's credentials as serious musicians may have enjoyed a boost, the same couldn't be said for sales, the collection faltering at #92. (John Holmes cover painting stood as one of the year's uglier offerings.)

"Ceremony" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) Have Mercy (Pierre Henry - Gary Wright) - 7:52
2.) Jubilation (Pierre Henry - Gary Wright) - 8:27
3.) Confession (Pierre Henry - Gary Wright) - 6:53

(side 2)

1.) Prayer (Pierre Henry - Gary Wright) - 10:52
2.) Offering (Pierre Henry - Gary Wright) - 3:22
3.) Hosanna (Pierre Henry - Gary Wright) - 7:37

Genre: rock

Rating: *** (3 stars)

Title:  The Last Puff

Company: A&M

Catalog: SP-4266

Year: 1970

Country/State: US, UK

Grade (cover/record): VG / VG

Comments: includes original A&M stock inner sleeve

Available: 2

GEMM Catalog ID: 5819

Price: $15.00

As expected, following the release of 1969's "Ceremony" Spooky Tooth underwent yet another round of personnel changes.  This time around out the door went lead singer Gary Wright who quickly reappeared with the short-lived Wonderwheel.  With the band's A&M recording contract calling for the release of one more album, survivors Luther Grosvenor, Mike Harrison, and Mike Kellie found themselves left holding the corporate bag.  To their unending credit, the three were willing to complete the required obligation, promptly recruiting former Grease Band members Henry McCullough, Chris Stainton, and Alan Spenner for a late-inning Spooky Tooth.  The makeshift lineup quickly recorded 1970's aptly titled "The Last Puff" (the album was actually credited to Spooky Tooth featuring Mike Harrison).  Given the set's humble origins it proved a surprisingly tight and enjoyable endeavor.  Having lost their prime writer, Harrison and company still managed to cobble together an occasionally engaging mixture of earlier Spooky Tooth castoffs (Wright's 'Wrong Time'), new band originals (the Chris Stainton title track), and covers (a roaring take on The Beatles' 'I Am the Walrus' and an early Elton John cover 'Son of Your Father).  

- I remember being convinced I had the turntable set at the wrong speed the first time I played 'I Am the Walrus'.  Harrison and company actually kept pretty close to the Beatles original, but slowed it down to a crawl - you literally wanted to reach out and slap Harrison up the side of the head and say 'get on with it'.  Not sure if it was Grosenvor or McCullough, but one of them turned in a nice solo towards the end of this six plus minute epic.   rating: *** stars

- To my ears 'Wrong Time' was easily the standout track; in large measure due to the fact it harkened back to the original lineup's patented organ and keyboard sound.  The fact it was written Wright and sounded like his lead vocals certainly didn't hurt the results.  Nice mid-tempo rocker with a great lead guitar though once again I don't know if it was Grosvenor, or McCullough.   rating: **** stars

- In spite of an unsteady Harrison vocal that actually recalled Joe Cocker (who'd written the song), 'Something to Say ' was an okay ballad.  The backing female chorus threatened to drown Harrison out in a couple of places.   rating: ** stars

- 'Nobody There at All' was another mid-tempo ballad with kind of a country-rock edge.  The song benefited a nice chorus.  This one also sounded like a Wright carryover.   rating: *** stars

- Their cover of David Ackles 'Down River' was suitably subdued and forgettable.   rating: ** stars

- I was never a fan of the original version of Elton John's 'Son of Your Father' and this half-speed cover didn't do anything to improve on it.   rating: ** stars 

- Chris Stainton's only contribution to the album, 'Last Puff' was a bluesy instrumental.  Propelled by Stainton's keyboards, picture something the Young-Holt trio might have recorded and you'd be in the right neighborhood.  Nice bass line though.   rating: ** stars

Far from the band's best, but better than your standard contractual obligation release.  Although the band broke up shortly after the album's release, it proved a modest seller, reaching # 84 in the States.

- Grosvenor released a solo album, followed by stints with Stealers Wheel and Mott the Hoople.

- Harrison struck out in pursuit of a brief solo career.

- Kellie became a member of Frampton's Camel.

"The Last Puff" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) I Am the Walrus   (John Lennon - Paul McCartney) - 6:22
2.) Wrong Time   (H. McCracken - Gary Wright) - 5:07
3.) Something to Say   (Joe Cocker - Nicholls) - 5:49

(side 2)

1.) Nobody There at All   (Martin - Post) - 3:58
2.) Down River   (David Ackles) - 4:47
3.) Son of Your Father   (Elton John - Bernie Taupin) - 3:52
4.) Last Puff (instrumental)  (Chris Stainton) - 3:37

Genre: rock

Rating: *** (3 stars)

Title:  Tobacco Road

Company: A&M 

Catalog: SP-

Year: 1971

Country/State: US/UK

Grade (cover/record): VG/VG

Comments: 

Available: 1

GEMM Catalog ID: not yet listed

Price: $15.00

In the wake of the band's demise, A&M reissued the group's 1968 debut "It's All About Spooky Tooth" as "Tobacco Road". The album proved a poor seller, faltering at #152.

"Tobacco Road" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) Society's Child (Janis Ian) - 4:30
2.) Love Really Changed Me (Luther Grosvenor - Jimmy Miller - Gary Wright) - 3:33
3.) Here I Lived So Well (Luther Grosvenor - Mike Harrison - Jimmy Miller - Gary Wright) - 5:06
4.) Too Much of Nothing (Bob Dylan) - 3:57
5.) Sunshine Help Me (Gary Wright) - 3:02

(side 2)

1.) It's All About a Roundabout (Jimmy Miller - Gary Wright) - 2:43
2.) Tobacco Road (Loudermilk) - 5:33
3.) It Hurts You So (Jimmy Miller - Gary Wright) - 3:03
4.) Forget It, I've Got It (Jimmy Miller - Gary Wright) - 3:26
5.) Bubbles (Luther Grosvenor - Gary Wright) - 2:49

Genre: rock

Rating: **** (4 stars)

Title:  You Broke My Heart So I Busted Your Jaw

Company: Island

Catalog: ILPS-

Year: 1973

Country/State: US/UK

Grade (cover/record): VG/VG

Comments: 

Available: 1

GEMM Catalog ID: not yet listed

Price: $15.00

Following a three year break, Harrison and Wright reunited Spooky Tooth. Recruiting drummer Bryson Graham, guitarist Mick Jones and former Eire Apparent bassist Chris Stewart (see separate entry), the quintet released 1973's "You Broke My Heart So I Busted Your Jaw". Self-produced, the album proved surprisingly tight and listenable. Largely penned by Wright (drummer Graham contributing "This Time Around"), keyboard and guitar propelled material such as the lead off rocker "Cotton Growing Man", "Old As I was Born", "Holy Water" and "Wildfire" showcasing the band's now-patented up tempo bluesy style. While hardly earth shattering, the set was easily as good as anything being pumped out by the likes of Bad Company. The album hit #84. (The set was originally released with a gatefold sleeve.)

"You Broke My Heart So I Busted Your Jaw" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) Cotton Growing Man (Gary Wright) - 
2.) Old As I was Born (Gary Wright) - 
3.) This Time Around (Bryson Graham) - 
4.) Holy Water (Gary Wright) - 

(side 2)

1.) Wildfire (Gary Wright) - 
2.) Self Seeking Man (Gary Wright) - 
3.) Times Have Changed (Gary Wright - Mick Jones) - 
4.) Moriah (Gary Wright) - 

Genre: rock

Rating: *** (3 stars)

Title:  Witness

Company: Island

Catalog: ILPS-9255

Year: 1973

Country/State: US/UK

Grade (cover/record): VG/VG

Comments: 

Available: 1

GEMM Catalog ID: not yet listed

Price: $15.00

Dropped by A&M, 1973's "Witness" found the quintet relocating to New York and recording for Chris Blackwell's Island Records. Classic Spooky Tooth, material such as "Ocean of Power", "Things Change" and "As Long As the World Keeps Turning" aptly displayed Wright's wailing vocals and the group's instantly recognizable over-the-top mixture of keyboards and guitar. While the album did little to expand their musical horizons, all nine tracks were professional and enjoyable. Elsewhere, the seldom heard Harrison proved himself an excellent vocalist on the standout molten-guitar rocker "Don't Ever Stray". Continuing there gradual loss of audience, the album only reached # 99.

"Witness" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) Ocean of Power (Gary Wright)
2.) Wings on My Heart (Gary Wright)
3.) As Long as the World Keeps Turning (Gary Wright)
4.) Don't Ever Stray Away (Chris Stewart - Gary Wright)
5.) Things Change (Gary Wright)

(side 2)

1.) All Sewn Up (Jones - Gary Wright)
2.) Dream Me a Mountain (Gary Wright)
3.) Sunlight of My Mind (Gary Wright)
4.) Pyramids (Mike Kellie - Gary Wright)

Genre: rock

Rating: *** (3 stars)

Title:  The Mirror

Company: Island

Catalog: ILPS-9292

Year: 1974

Country/State: US/UK

Grade (cover/record): VG/VG

Comments: original die-cast cover with original insert; cut top right corner

Available: 1

GEMM Catalog ID: 4815

Price: $10.00

With original member Mike Harrison striking out in pursuit of a solo career, Spooky Tooth fans probably weren't expecting great things from the survivors.  Those fears were probably reinforced by the back cover photo that showed a band looking suspiciously like early Journey.  To their collective credit surviving members Bryson Graham, Mick Jones and Gary Wright were smart enough to dig up some talented replacements in the form of former Boxer singer/keyboardist Mike Patto and bassist Val Burke (wow, some 'fro there guy).  Co-produced by Wright, Jones and Eddie Kramer, 1974's "The Mirror" may not have been the year's most original offering or even the band's creative zenith, but it was far from a creative deathbed.  Creatively Harrison's defection appeared to have little impact on the band with Wright and Jones proving more than capable of handling the writing chores.  Patto also proved his worth wasted no time co-writing several tracks with the others.  His instantly recognizable voice (check out 'Kyle') also stood as a nice counterpoint to Wright's patented screech.  For all the changes material like the lead-off rocker 'Fantasy Satisfier', 'Two Time Love' and 'Woman and Gold' served to showcase the combination of Wright's patented screech and stabbing keyboards and Jones' molten guitar solos remained firmly in place.  To be honest, if the set had one or two more songs as good as 'I'm Alive' or 'Hell or High Water' (and you thought Peter Frampton discovered that irritating voicebox guitar effect) it would have gotten a fourth star.  Surprisingly consistent the album proved a modest success, peaking at # 130. (The set was originally released with a die cut cover.) 

"The Mirror" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) Fantasy Satisfier   (Gary Wright - Mick Jones) - 
2.) Two Time Love   (Gary Wright - Mick Jones - Mike Patto) - 
3.) Kyle   (Gary Wright - R. Purvis - W. Elliott) - 
4.) Woman and Gold   (Gary Wright) - 
5.) Higher Circles   (Gary Wright) - 

(side 2)

1.) Hell or High Water   (Gary Wright - Mike Patto) - 
2.) I'm Alive   (Gary Wright - T. Wright) - 
3.) The Mirror   (Gary Wright - Mick Jones - Mike Patto) - 
4.) The Hoofer   (Mike Patto) - 


The band's tortuous existence came to an end early the next year, Jones, Wright and the other members going on to a number of outside projects (see separate entries).