Thursday, January 26, 2017

Re-Upped: Diamond Reo - Diamond Reo (1975)


Continuing on from my prior Diamond Reo post, this is the band's debut issued by Big Tree Records in 1975. While their sophomore album was on the verge of being proto-metal, this release is considerably more subdued and fluid. Contrary to popular opinion, the album is NOT even remotely close to sounding glam. In fact, there's more of a Clempson-era Humble Pie or Bandit [US] vibe happening here. Though the album is universally panned by classic rock aficionados, I actually prefer this to "Dirty Diamonds" simply because the hooks are more evident throughout. Though it's quite easy to find a clean copy of the album at just about any online merchant, it has been virtually ignored by bloggers...until now. Sink your teeth into this fine contrubtion from Brian and hear Pittsburgh's legendary hard rockers at their earliest stage.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Repeat from previous post:

I discovered this blog looking for a copy of "Acme Thunder - Let's All Get Naked," since I can't find my vinyl copy anywhere (might've left it in my parent's basement back home?). I was in a band with a relative of Mitch Aliotta, which is where I first heard of them. Now that you're back, would you mind a re-post? Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Yeah !!!
Great to see the hooks are back at your fantastic blog !

KISSMAR said...

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Anonymous said...

HI Ronnie

Do you have Triumph "ROCK N' ROLL MACHINE"?

Best

Rob

Anonymous said...

Diamond Reo is super post , but non dedit could oneself this send with good bitrate ? / but 224 / You`re fact super blog - excuse my English Hallo / thanks / /

John Sposato said...

Not to be confused with country outfit Diamond Rio. I think this band changed their spelling just in case (yet REO Speedwagon would start out around the same time!).

Anonymous said...

I have Diamond Reo Dirty Diamonds if you need it.

kingpossum said...

Hey Ronnie,
Your reference to Humble Pie reminded me of another lost act I think deserves an airing--Contraband.

Their debut self-titled album had a somewhat Humble Pie like vibe as I recall. The cover art featured some sort of box or shipping crate motif (naturally). That's all I recall about it.

Well, that and the fact that it was on the racks in School Kids records the day I bought Legs Diamond's debut!

Rock on,

Anonymous said...

Both "Diamond REO" and "Dirty Diamonds" are now available on CD in nice digipacks through Lion Records. It may be bootlegs, but they look and sound great!
All three albums by DR are well worth checking out!

John Sposato said...

Actually, REO Speedwagon came first!

freQazoidiac said...

yes, many un-appreciated music(s) out there. I found this 10 years ago and it's been a good 10 cents invested.
The cover looks glam, but in a rough manner, but yes you are correct, not a glam sound. Big Tree records is great.

Anonymous said...

Diamond Reo very awesome check it.

Anonymous said...

Hello, I was looking for a copy of the album "ruff cuts" of Diamond reo when I found your blog. Thanks for your great blog ! Sorry for my English, I 'm french;

Anonymous said...

Thanx a lot!

xopher.tm said...

Hiya Ronnie, love the blog.

The other two D. Reo links still work, but this one is dead. Any hope for a re-up? I'd love to hear this. Norm played my wedding reception. Now I have to find the Norman Nardini and the Tygers (Tigres?) lp......

Cheers!

Brucie said...

Can you PLEASE repost a link to this album and Diamond Reo's second album Dirty Diamonds? I've been looking for these FOREVER and never been able to find them. Thanks!!