Roadmaster - Roadmaster (1977)
Continuing with another entry from Roadmaster, this is their debut from 1977. This album represents an era of the band that preceded the arrival of premier vocalist, Stephen McNally. This album also sees the band in full-on midwestern basr band mode, complete with the rudimentary vocals of Asher Benrubi. It is also noteworthy to mention that this is the only Roadmaster release to feature drummer, Stephen Riley, who would later join The B'zz, WASP and LA Guns.
The album is a somewhat bland MOR effort, though it does feature some diversity with the presence of saxophones, congas and other percussion instruments. This mixture gives the album a certain latin feel, though it is very subtle. Most of the material here is subpar and beckons the Doobie Brothers in many places. A startling contrast to the quality writing that would be seen on subsequent albums, "Roadmaster" is best viewed as something to provide perspective and the evolution of a band that would go on to greater things later. Released on Village Records, this album has yet to see reissue. Enjoy it here and keep that Roadmaster collection growing!
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13 comments:
great share j..i had a lot of roadmaster lps. and thought i had them all. wrong!.i never had this one. thanx for the great post and keep them rarities comin'thanx mick.
Hola Gracias nuevamente !!...te invito ami blog !..
te agregue....
www.kissmar.blogspot.com
Hi Ronnie!
I like more than 90% of your posts, so I can say this is my favourite blog.
Now, a request...
Do you have any STRAIGHT LINES' albums (specially the 2nd, RUN FOR COVER)?
jam.canoe.ca/Music/Pop_Encyclopedia/S/Straight_Lines.html
Thanks!!!
Interesting historical footnote - Asher Benrubi ("the mighty Adam Smasher!") would become a well-known regional DJ and later go on to host a few episodes of MTV's Headbanger's Ball. His son Abraham would gain much greater fame as desk jockey Jerry on the TV show ER - he can currently be seen on the series Men in Trees.
You're unnecessarily harsh on this album. I think it's the best of the three Roadmaster albums you've posted. Thanks for them all!
I have the all of the Other Roadmaster albums on CD. I need this one could you please Re up it Thank You. I thing that Sweet Music is probably the best one.
The link to the album is dead. Can you re-upload it ? TIA !
The first Roadmaster album is a transition. The band had been playing clubs in Indy under the name Pure Funk. Todd Rundgren heard them and invited them to his Bearsville NY studio to record four of the songs that appear on this LP. The band returned to Indy and recorded the rest. They were already making the transition from a boogie blues band to a prog-pop sound. Steve McNally sang back-up vocals and also lead vocals on the last song - Looking For Today - that pointed to the future direction of the band's music. The LP is a mixed bag, but it's not bad. There are some great songs and great musicianship throughout the LP.
Please reup your Roadmaster albums!
Hi! I got here searching for Roadmaster memorabilia after I heard about the Roadmaster reunion show to benefit Rick Bennick's battle with lukemia.
I clicked your link, http://www.zshare.net/download/328562716b9837/, and it said the page no longer exists. Any chance you could repost it? Thanks!
Link has been updated. Enjoy!
Thank you, JKR.
Yes, thank you. The first Roadmaster LP has a special place in many of our hearts and I hope you keep this like alive.
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