Customer Reviews

Bloodrock 2

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(21)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Bloodrock took some below the belt hits during their career, mostly because of misplaced comparisons to Grand Funk Railroad, with whom they shared a record label and producer Terry Knight. Terry may have had influence over their recordings, but this was definitely a band with their own vision and direction. Bloodrock 2 is the album that brought them out of obscurity and included their only major hit, DOA. Most fans will agree that DOA isn't a fair representation of what they aspired to be and certainly not of what they eventually became. What Bloodrock 2 offers is a view of a work in progress.
With the addition of Rick Cobb, taking over percussion duties from lead vocalist Jim Rutledge, the band made a strong leap forward from their first album, setting aside experimentation and indulgence in favor of more serious song writing and tighter arrangements. Cobb's considerable skill lends itself admirably, and the payoff is evident in a cohesive album with much to like amidst one or two arguable flaws. Stronger cuts such as Lucky In The Morning, Cheater, and Dier Not A Lover, showcase the talents of each member. Delivered with conviction, the individual styles blend together into a singular vision of Texas-fried hard rock that carries Bloodrock to new musical heights.
As for the flaws, I can point out only one that seems obvious. Sable And Pearl is likable enough, but doesn't work very well as the ballad it tries to be when it's slammed with a bone crunching chorus. DOA, despite its hit status, might also be considered a misstep. It's reminiscent of their first album's meandering, and doesn't seem to fit as comfortably with the rest of 2. As I said, arguable flaws, none of which hamper the album's overall effectiveness. After 30 plus years of listening to this album, I have yet to tire of it.

This album is, of course, remembered for its momentous cut "D.O.A.", toe-tag included with the LP. Like the proverbial car crash, the song was so horrible you couldn't take your ears off it. But this was 1970--actually, its popularity peaked nationwide in 1971--and if ever humanity threatened to kill itself off suddenly and with shocking violence, this was the time. Or at least we were convinced it was. Vietnam, race riots, and the possibility of an all-out thermonuclear war were as real as air and sunshine; the old clashed with the new. You remember exactly where you were and what you were doing when you heard "D.O.A." the first time. Sure, it's a bit on the dark side, but it's so powerful you can smell it. Sadly, it's the lone song this great band is remembered for. Give the other cuts a fair chance and you'll understand why VanGough removed an ear: NOBODY APPRECIATED THE GOOD STUFF! This is early cerebral rock performed by able and talented musicians/songwriters/lyricists. May I also suggest "Passages" as a wonderful adjunct to your new yet tasty Bloodrock collection. Darken a quiet room and listen.

As the other reviews say, the album is best remembered (at least by some)for the song D.O.A. It was a classic. But D.O.A. isn't the best song on this album. For me, Cheater and Fallin' are both better cuts. There was once a review of this album in the Rolling Stone Record Guide that chided Bloodrock for being a "stable mate" of Grand Funk. Regardless of how you feel about Grand Funk, the comparison was unfair. Bloodrock was not Grand Funk. They shared a producer, Terry Knight, and a label, Capitol. All the cuts on this album deserve a listen. Trust me.

Bloodrock 2 was a killer album for it's time. The most famous cut on this album is "DOA," sung from the point of view for someone who has just gotten in and accident and knows he is about to die. Why one of today's bands hasn't covered this song, I don't know, because it would sell today. Because this band had a jazz influence, the term Metal doesn't quite apply to them. But they were a good, solid, pump the amps up type of band that lovers of metal would like. Beside "DOA," my favorite cuts are "Lucky in the Morning," "Fallin'," "Children's Heritage," and "Dier Not a Lover." The stand out musicians are Jim Rutledge with his rich vibrato vocals, Lee Pickens with his fast (for it's time) and origional lead guitar licks, and the incredible drumming of Rick Cobb. This was an honestly recorded album that contains little overdub and an occasional studio effect, which did a good job of reflecting their live performance (I saw them in 1971). If you like any kind of hard hitting rock and roll, get it.

I have Always been a fan of this Ft.Worth Band. "Lucky in the Morning" is a hard driving song and one of my favorites along with " Dier not a Lover". And on the all time great hit "D.O.A." I remember alot of radio stations across the US would not play it do to the nature of the song descripting a plane crash and the aftermath. Seeing them in concert doing that song was intense. This album is one of there best. I recomended this with a 10 star rating

If you relish the energy from straightforward micing of drums, guitars and boards without the presence of today's "high-gloss studio makeovers" then you'll find this album refreshing. The tracks are really tight. The song, "Lucky in the Morning" is a classic. I had long forgotton about this album until running into an old friend that I played in a band with in the early 70's. As far as the material of the album goes, it's on par for what was happening for the period, and these guys play strong and clean. Great music to listen to and realistic to play.

Very good album by this Fort worth band. Lots of experience from lead vocalist Jim Rutledge and it shows. Lee Pickens guitar work is very tight although it could have been recorded alittle louder on his guitar parts. "DOA" is the known stand out but "Cheater" is the one that rocks your socks off. "Lucky In The Morning" is a tune that has the whole band at its best and was their opener for live shows. Childrens heritage is a great song and is a song on "Teslas" song list. At least one band see's that Blood Rock's song are great still. Stevie Hill's keyboard work is very unique in that he can play various styles even pulling off a cathedral like sound. My favorite of all the Blood Rock albums..

... I thought I'll get this one just to see if it as good as I use to think it was. DOA was a big hit when I was in 7th grade, but will it pass the test of time. All I can say is excellent! The harmony vocals are a bit irritating at times, and Terry Knight never could record a cymbol clash correctly, but the songs are great. Each song is a rock composition of a calibre you don't even come close to these days. The entire CD rocks out, and there is no holding back. But above all, this is one of those rare albums that while each individual musician gives it everything they've got, the band as a whole is far above the individual talents. There aren't that many albums performed on such a level.

THIS BAND LIKE MANY OTHER GREAT BANDS DURING THEIR PERIOD WERE NOT CREDITED AS THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN.THEIR SEDUCTIVE STYLE OF MUSIC AS WELL AS LYRICS LEFT THE LISTENER IN DEEP THOUGHT AFTER EACH MASTERFULL CUT. AS ONE LISTENS TO THIS PARTICULAR CD, THE MUSIC BECOMES ONLY A SMALL PART OF THE LISTENERS ATTENTION. AFTER HEARING D.O.A. IF YOU ARE NOT MOVED BY THE INCREDIBLE NON WATERED DOWN DESCRIPTION OF A TRUE LIFE EXPERIANCE, THEN YOU HAVE NOT LISTENED CLOSE ENOUGH. AS FOR THE REST OF THE CUTS, YOU WILL FIND YOURSELF DRIFTING IN AND OUT OF SEDUCTIVE CRAVINGS FOR MORE. THE ONLY THING YOU WILL NOT LIKE ABOUT THIS RECORDING IS YOUR GOING TO WANT TO HEAR MORE. IF YOU WERE FLIPPING HAMBURGERS OR DELIVERING PAPERS ON YOUR PAPER ROUTE WHEN THIS BAND BROKE ON THE SCENE, THEN YOU'LL KNOW THIS BAND HAS BROUGHT YOU BACK HOME TO CAPTURE WHAT YOU ONCE THOUGHT WAS LOST......

I remember when "D.O.A." came out. I had just graduated from High School and was working at a Fabric mill in Saint Stephen, S.C. I had a 1967 Mustang that my Cousin and I had "Hopped Up". the 289 engine roared and loped along chewing up the the dark tree lined country roads from Saint Stephen to my home in Macedonia area. My Dad passed away in 1969 and I was working to pay all the bills for my Mom and me. I had an AM radio in the car and an 8 track player that I installed myself. My 8 track tapes were mostly Elvis Presley, Hank Williams Jr. and rock bands of that era. As I was driving home one night around 1:00 am, I had the window down and was picking up the AM station out of Charleston, S.C. Usually I couldn't receive a signal out where I lived. "D.O.A." came across the eight speakers I had installed and had spliced to the 8 Track and my radio. I turned the radio up and as I listened to the song about the Airplane hitting something and crashing, then heard about the (What I interpreted to being) an Ambulance Attendant pulling the sheet over the singer who was dying, I got such a creepy feeling. I was 18 years old and there were no lights, just trees and the moonlight. The roar of that 289 engine, the darkness, the long lonesome highway and visualizing this scene from the song really spooked me.

I remember hearing that people kept calling into the radio station complaining about the song so it was taken off the air about a month after it started getting air time. For some reason, after watching "Grindhouse, Planet Terror and Death-Proof" this song came to mind. I'm retired from Law Enforcement now and have seen many horrible things. I have investigated and seen things that make horror movies like "Saw", look like children's movies. Still thinking of those nights driving through the darkness with "D.O.A." ripping in my head, brings a little shiver. Thanks, LT. RTJ