Customer Reviews

Toe Fat 1 & 2

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

 

 

I had never heard Toe Fat but thought the album cover looked cool from seeing it on the old sleeves showing album covers.A few years later I came across Toe Fat and Toe Fat Two in the cut-out bin and bought both. When I played the records I couldn't believe nobody knew who they were! Toe Fat grabs you and rocks you from start to finish. While Toe Fat Two wasn't as strong a offering it also has some good points. When I seen these available on CD I couldn't pass up the chance to grab them. I hadn't listened to them for years as my albums don't get much use anymore, but their music still gets me going. I would highly recommend this album to anyone who is a fan of late 60's rock.

Another worthy title from the UK label Beat Goes On. I've seen old vinyl lp's of Toe Fat around in used record stores, but this was the first time I've listened to their material, on this 2-CD reissue. Here,you get both their lp's, the self-titled 'Toe Fat' ('70) and 'Toe Fat II' ('71). Had NO idea of their line-up, which was two pre-Uriah Heep members keyboardist/vocalist Ken Hensley and drummer Lee Kerslake. To round it out,their bassist was one-time Tull member John Glascock. Toe Fat,as it turns out is really good blues rock.Some of the tracks that I thought sort of stood out were "Bad Side Of The Moon","But I'm Wrong","Indian Summer" and the rocking "Three Time Loser"(perhaps a theme song for some?).Do check it out if you can.

Pre Uriah Heep outing for Ken Hensley and Lee Kearslake.The songs on the first album are tighter than on the second, which has a looser bluesy feel.Maybe the prescence of Peter Green on "there'll be some changes made" had something to do with it? The music is a typical loud blues rock based sound. You can hear the sound Uriah Heep would ride to fame and fortune in these records.

If you are into basic, bouncy late sixties rock and roll, this band encompasses it all. This 2-disc CD contains the only two LP's released by the group (1970 and 1971). For an idea of what the sound is like, veteran studio musician/singer Cliff Bennet (vocals, piano) writes and plays some great piano rock, Ken Hensley (guitars, vocals) and Lee Kersake (bass) later went to Uriah Heep and Alan Kendall (lead guitar) went on to play with the Bee Gees. This gives you an idea of the solid, polished rock sound that these artists produced. The group was also a popular opening band, including showcasing for Derek & The Dominoes. This is good stuff, formerly only available in the United Kingdom.

Toe Fat produce a sound around a solid, driving bass with good lead guitar work. The singer has a interesting voice - good for rock, but it can get a bit similar. Toe Fat 1 is, in my opinion a superior album to their follow up, where they try to experiment with some softer tracks. The second album's tracks are also longer songs - no idea why they decided to change the formula that worked well in their first album. Bad Side of the Moon - written by a little known performer at the time - Elton John, is one of the stand-outs. If you can also get a copy of EJ's version, then I think you'll agree that Toe Fat's is a very good cover.

Put it this way HORRIBLE..The start of URIAH HEEP...Love Uriah Heep,,but sadly dissappointed..