Thursday, December 18, 2008

Re Upped: Baby - Baby (1975)

Texas hard rockers, Baby, came together in late 1968 as a quintet playing mostly regional high schools. In 1969, the band began stretching out to clubs in the midwest and found themselves gaining quite a following in the process. Within the next year, the quintet underwent a lineup change, bringing hot shot axeslinger Johnny Lee Schell onboard to handle vocals and songwriting. This marked a new beginning for the band, who by this time had adopted a heavier sound. Over the next few years, Baby reigned supreme over the club circuits in the midwest. In 1974, the band financed their own recording and issued their self-titled debut on their own label, Lone Starr Records.

Radio success in the region continued and soon Mercury had licensed the album for national release. Though the material was strong, Baby were unable to break into other markets and soon the album sank without a trace. The following year, Mercury pushed the band back into the studio for another album, "Where Did All the Money Go?". Though the album had its share of decent material, it fared no better and the band were dropped. While in LA on a press junket for the album, the band called it a day and everyone went their separate ways.

Members went on to work with acts like Phantom Blues Band, Taj Mahal, Bonnie Raitt, John Fogerty, Buddy Guy and Melissa Etheridge. Schell also produces acts at his own recording studio and writes film soundtracks. Bassist, Stephen Crane issued a solo album on MCA in 1984.

The album is a pretty solid batch of crunchy Texas boogie, much like early ZZ Top, but with an emphasis on hard rock. Schell's guitar work and vocals are the centerpiece here and rightfully so. The clear standout is "Long Legged Woman", which should've been a huge single for the band. Raunchy, filled with swagger and brimming with energy, the track just rocks from start to finish. The rest of the album is a mix of hard rock and smooth jams, at times bordering on mediocrity but always retaining the band's consistent style and sound. I recommend digging into this one, as it's a mostly satisfying slab of Texas 70's hard rock. Check out this improved vinyl transfer, courtesy of me. Snap it up!

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi thanks for all the great music you've been posting here, RFR is now one of my 1st online ports of call, and i'm never disappointed.
I was wondering if you have Baby's 2nd album "Where Did All The Money Go?", i'd love to hear that one.
For additional info on the band, check this page out:
http://www.kansasmusicalartist.com/baby.html

micksguitar said...

hi great post. and kit i have that lp.thanx mick.

Anonymous said...

Any chance you could post it for me Mick, i'd love to hear it. Maybe you could pass me the link through the comments section at Live & Otherwise?
Thanks.

JKR said...

Mick, I second that motion. Please do post that album and Bigfootkit or I can post it for the masses to enjoy :)

Anonymous said...

Thanks Ronnie
I saw this group in the mid 70's opening for Savoy Brown. After seeing them I promptly went out and bought there LP which I have always liked. Also thought "The Babys" ripped off there name.


robomaster51

Anonymous said...

Just not my coup of tea.
Miguel

Anonymous said...

Simple rock but very efficient, reminds me Foghat,Zz top and stuff like this.
Great blog thanks for all.

Sweet Revenge said...

Been looking for this one for years too. I have a vinyl burn of their second release Where Did All The Money Go quality isn't bad let me know if you want it to post oreven listen too. Thanks ...Joel

JKR said...

Joel, I'd LOVE for you to post the Baby album! In fact, jet it to me at the "submissions & requests" link at the bottom right of my page & I'll post it right away. I appreciate your offer :)

Anonymous said...

CAN YOU REPOST "Baby - Baby (1975)" PLEASE?

Anonymous said...

could you please re-post the Baby (1975) album? Thank You

Anonymous said...

Many, many thanks for the Baby re-post. I saw this band a couple of times in the early seventies. They put on a great show. Thanks again!

70sGirl said...

I saw Baby in Amarillo in the 70's. They were opening for Foghat, and they kicked Foghat's butt. My Baby albums burned when a friend's house caught fire while I had them loaned out.

kayla.herndon said...

i seen baby in the 70's in oklahoma i would like to here the music again can u help?

jesse said...

thanks it was good to hear that i am not the only one that enjoys this music. i seen baby in1975 in altus ok. my lp was stolten from my apt. in ft.worth tx.in 1985. i would like to hear from someone how my have the lp. jesse

John Sposato said...

Not to be confused with The Babys!

Anonymous said...

All download links are dead!

Rich said...

Can someone PLEASE re-upload this album? Thanks, Rich

richnrich04@cox.net

Anonymous said...

I think I saw this band in summer of 1970 or 71 in Laredo at a mini festival.
the guitar player used a bow and they did a killer cover of Chicago's 'South California Purples', if I am thinking of the right band.