Customer Reviews

Earth Omen

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This work was recorded at Eastern Sound in Toronto under the worst of creative conditions,produced by Vinnie Testa who's only claim to fame was supposedly being aquainted with Shadow Morton who produced the Fudge.The album was released on MGM Lion and followed the release of the single Lost Son which was a London Parrot single. Now the facts:Earth Omen,New Horizon and Lost Son were in truth composed as a trilogy by Jon Wearing who had been working with another Michigan artist and associate Dick Wagner after the demise of the Frost.Wagner went on to form Ursa Major and Wearing who had been working in the Detroit music scene since 1966 with the Tidalwaves and had a hit Farmer John signed with Pink with the agreement for the first work 20% of his writing would be distributed equally among the other members of the band who were totally lost and down and out. Testa and Wearing could never see eye to eye, the management had no idea what they were doing, IRS and legal issues and the entire project was a wash and Wearing left to form a very good R&B influenced rock band called Deluxe. Deluxe toured with Joe Walsh, James Cotton, Atlanta Rhythm Section,opened for Seger and many others.Dallas Hodge,Ray Craig,KimballLee,Greg Caulder and Wearing comprised the band that had been targeted by Epic to sign. Leo Fenn part of the Alice Cooper business organization and Wearing pal was the manager until heads got out of control in part do to Johnny Winter's medling and then John Sinclair became the manager and demise of this fine act. Hodge continues to work with Canned Heat overseas and Wearing still provides moments with the Detroit based Ghostband.Wearing attempted to provide some quality to Pink however was stiffled by the mis-management of Clyde Stevers and Marv Wilson. Enough for now, The Truth.

Originally released in 1973, this was the band's third lp and nearly as good as their previous two, their self-titled debut and 'Defrosted' (see my reviews of both). I've heard a few others say this record number three is boring, but I disagree with that. Still good psychedelia. Most notable tracks are the full-speed-ahead rocker "Sailor",title cut "Earth Omen","Lazy Day"(good guitar work)and "Rainbow Rider". Comes with two added bonus tracks. Alright!

Not horrible, but nothing like there first album. Almost completely different lineup. If you like a band such as sugarloaf you may like this one. Very similiar.

I am a big fan of this group and this is my favorite recording of theirs. Actually 2 original members were on this recording, Rick Stevers and Tom Harris, who was never credited on the first two albums. The title song "Earth Omen" was a timely song about pollution concerns and respect for the planet. "Lazy Day" is a wonderful song about being home with the folks you love. "Sailor" is also a great tune. It is a shame this album wasn't more commercially successful at the time it was released. The musicans on this CD were obviously very talented. It may be a bit of a departure for those we are big fans of the "Frijid Pink" and "Defrosted" albums, but it is surely a worthwhile effort.

Although not recorded by the original line up (only drummer Stevers remained on this one) it's a typical 70's record, with all there has to be. I especially like "Lazy Day" and "Mr. Blood" although the latter has a rather sudden end. I assume the lyrics are quite pretentious, but who cares as long as the music rocks! Cool stuff worth checking out!