• From: Norddeutschland
  • Registered: 2008-12-03
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Topic: Lost Gems

I've given up really trying to post things on here that someone hasn't done already, but I'm so inept at finding old threads I'll try again. Could be worse of course. Imagine being Scott in the Antartic and finding a Swedish flag there! IKEA, the've got branches everywhere..............

Still lost gems. You've all got them and I'm waiting to hear about them. For my part I'm going to put forward a band called 'The Mother Station'. They released an album in the early 90's, an unbelieveable CD called 'Brand New Bag'. TMS featured the amazing vocals of one Susan Marshall, who is Janet Joplin x100, and always in tune. Breathtaking.

Lost Gems #2 and I'm listening to it right now. Anyone remember John Miles. Long after 'Music' and in between stints with Tina Turner he released 'Upfront'. Yeah, there is some MOR on there but some blinding rock and blues songs, showcasing what a great guitarist and vocalist he is/was.

Lost Gems #3
Ritchie Sambora earns his corn with BJ of course, but he has released 2 great solo albums. The second of these 'Undiscovered Soul' remains, pretty much - undiscovered. Shame - great songs, great production, great vocals and, oh yeah - he can play a bit too

Lost Gems#4
Gamma 4. Only Ronnie Montrose, even after Gary Moore nicked his guitar (joke Tripod, just a joke) puts back together band after 20 years and its like they had never been away. My own band perform lead track 'Darkness to Light' live. Nobody knows it but after a gig they all ask about it. It's that kind of song

Lost Gems #5+
Any album by The Outlaws who sadly I only ever saw once with The Who at Charlton. Magic

What lost gems have you got..........? I know there is a million out there and Christmas is coming:)

No Hits, No Hype.......................Classic Rock Jan 2012
  • From: Washington State
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Re: Lost Gems

I don't know if these qualify as lost gems or not, but here's some that have stood the test of time w/ me and still receive regular play.

Chicago Transit Authority, Self-Titled Debut Album
Remember when Chicago rocked?

Doobie Bros, Captain and Me
A classic for sure

The Doors, American Prayer
It's something I can't explain - but it remains a favorite

Great White, Once Bitten
Ok, so everyone's got their guilty pleasures!

JJ Cale, Trubadour
Sometimes, nothing else works

King's X, Gretchen Goes To Nebraska
Another classic, IMO

Neil Young, Harvest/Goldrush/Everybody Knows
Neil's definitive trilogy

Queensryche, Empire
Everyone needs a little Seattle rock sometimes

Supertramp, Crime of the Century
Ok, so I have more than one guilty pleasure!

Willie Nelson, Stardust
Still a favorite

  • mikeb
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Re: Lost Gems

Captain Beyond

Streets, with Mike Slamer on geetar and Steve Walsh on vocals, awesome..

Abraxas Pool, Schon and Rolie back together

Storyville with Malford on vox and David Grissom on guitar.

Andy Timmons Pawn Kings

Cry of Love, first two albums with Audley Freed, ever heard a better phrased solo than "Peace Pipe"?? Simple but damned effective.

all of the above underrated lost gems IMHO....

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  • BBJ
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Re: Lost Gems

To name but a few (and IMHO):

West, Bruce & Laing - Why Dontcha
BBM - Around The Next Dream
Gun - Taking On The World
Doobie Brothers- Captain & Me, Toulouse Street
Cry Of Love - Brother
John Martyn - Solid Air, One World
Storyville - Bluest Eyes
Diamond Head - Borrowed Time
Amanda Marshall - Amanda Marshall
Bert Jansch - Bert Jansch

'Try as you might to keep a lid on a good time, you can't do it. When people want to have a good time....' - Billy Gibbons
  • Curby
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Re: Lost Gems

I predict this 'll be a popular thread.

In no particular order:

Be Bop Deluxe - Modern Music.  I loved other Prog groups like Yes, Alan Parsons Project, Emerson, Lake & Palmer etc, but Modern Music is such an infectious album that demands to be played all through.

Marshall Crenshaw - Field Day.  Most played album I've ever owned - wore out one vinyl and three cassettes.  Has anyone here gone retro and gone back to a turntable and vinyl?  Could start a thread about that.

The Replacements - Don't Tell a Soul.  I always thought these guys should've been bigger.

Wishbone Ash - Argus.  Are you kidding?  The definition of a hidden gem.

Todd Rundgren - Something/Anything?  I never met a woman who didn't love this record - great makeout album.

  • From: Norddeutschland
  • Registered: 2008-12-03
  • Posts: 1,458

Re: Lost Gems

Yeah some good stuff here already, but just to define a little, even for myself I suppose, lets narrow it down.

The Lost Gem needs to be a CD that slipped through the net I guess and enjoyed minimal, if any , success. So my 'The Outlaws' would probably have to go.

Doobies, not really 'Lost Gems' as they enjoyed so much success (and 'Captain and me' was massive). Same with Wishbone's Argus, Amanda Marshall, Bert Jansch, Queensryche, BeBopDeluxe, etc etc.

Kings X, I'm inclined to accept as they have never got the success they truly deserve and have made some simply stunning music

Mikeb's got the right idea though. Mike Slamer was a giant on guitar, and Abraxas Pool - excellent.

A couple I forgot, was the band UK - progrock masterpiece with John Wetton, Bill Bruford and Allan Holdsworth on guitar. One album 'UK' (I think) and then poof - no more. Shame.

And what about Widowmaker - Steve Ellis on vocals, Bob Daisley on Bass, Luther Grosvenor. Another one album waste.

Look in your CD racks and find us something you know that we don't. Mine that seam and find us those Lost Gems!

MikeH

No Hits, No Hype.......................Classic Rock Jan 2012

7 Reply by Curby (edited by Curby 2009-09-11 15:47:04)

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Re: Lost Gems

I suppose hidden gems could be interpreted differently, but I catch your drift.  This is now going to be a little more difficult. 

Okay...how about C.C. Adcock's Lafayette Marquis?  CCA has only released two albums and outside Louisiana I wonder how "big" he's ever been.  Oddly this album was recommended to me by a friend in England and it's definitely a true gem (diamond).  Great album for a long Sunday drive.

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Re: Lost Gems

Yes Hansa, that is how I read your initial post and like King's X, Cry of Love and to some extent Captain Beyond from my list did enjoy a modicum of success BUT far less than they deserved.

Other gems from my collection:

Bull Angus, self titled and Gaye Delorme, a great player from western Canada who sounds like a cross between JJ Cale and Mark Knopfler....

For those who like fusion guitar, Gamalon from Buffalo New York, unknown and simply awesome.....

Southern Rock? The very first Blackfoot album "No Reservations" that hardly anyone even knows about. Point Blank, some of the raunchiest southern sounds ever pressed on vinyl and for you Hansa, the first Henry Paul Band album "Grey Ghost" with Crain and Fish on guitar, great stuff.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTtRb2XapTU

Cheers

You Can Do Anything You Want To Do

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  • From: Washington State
  • Registered: 2006-03-30
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Re: Lost Gems

Ok, I picked some titles that were a bit too mainstream.

One favorite that would certainly qualify as a lost gem (at least here stateside) would be The Sensational Alex Harvey Band's Live Album.

  • From: Waukesha, WI U.S.A.
  • Registered: 2007-09-18
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Re: Lost Gems

hansamike wrote:

Yeah some good stuff here already, but just to define a little, even for myself I suppose, lets narrow it down.

The Lost Gem needs to be a CD that slipped through the net I guess and enjoyed minimal, if any , success. So my 'The Outlaws' would probably have to go.

Doobies, not really 'Lost Gems' as they enjoyed so much success (and 'Captain and me' was massive). Same with Wishbone's Argus, Amanda Marshall, Bert Jansch, Queensryche, BeBopDeluxe, etc etc.

Kings X, I'm inclined to accept as they have never got the success they truly deserve and have made some simply stunning music

Mikeb's got the right idea though. Mike Slamer was a giant on guitar, and Abraxas Pool - excellent.

A couple I forgot, was the band UK - progrock masterpiece with John Wetton, Bill Bruford and Allan Holdsworth on guitar. One album 'UK' (I think) and then poof - no more. Shame.

And what about Widowmaker - Steve Ellis on vocals, Bob Daisley on Bass, Luther Grosvenor. Another one album waste.

Look in your CD racks and find us something you know that we don't. Mine that seam and find us those Lost Gems!

MikeH

There were actually 3 UK albums, 2 studio and one live. Holdsworth and Bruford left after the first. They continued with no guitarist and Terry Bozzio on drums. I actually had the 2 studio albums on vinyl back in the day.

Widowmaker had 2 albums. They had a different singer on the second album. I had both of these on vinyl back in the day and also saw Widowmaker open for Starz and Ted Nugent at the Milwaukee Arena in 1977 (?).

When I was a child I spoke as a child, But all I heard was how I should get ahead,
Now growing up it ain't anything but all This indecision with these debts and doubts
And worries hanging over my head. When I was a child I spoke as a child,
I wish I could remember what I said.

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Re: Lost Gems

ReverendPaul wrote:

Widowmaker had 2 albums. They had a different singer on the second album. I had both of these on vinyl back in the day and also saw Widowmaker open for Starz and Ted Nugent at the Milwaukee Arena in 1977 (?).

I saw that tour as well but with John Lawton era Uriah Heep not Starz as second band on the bill to Ted.. Aerial Bender LOL...

You Can Do Anything You Want To Do

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  • From: Waukesha, WI U.S.A.
  • Registered: 2007-09-18
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Re: Lost Gems

mikeb wrote:
ReverendPaul wrote:

Widowmaker had 2 albums. They had a different singer on the second album. I had both of these on vinyl back in the day and also saw Widowmaker open for Starz and Ted Nugent at the Milwaukee Arena in 1977 (?).

I saw that tour as well but with John Lawton era Uriah Heep not Starz as second band on the bill to Ted.. Aerial Bender LOL...

I beleive I saw the John Lawton Uriah Heep that same year. They were the middle band in a 3 band bill at Alpine Valley between Sweet and Rush.

When I was a child I spoke as a child, But all I heard was how I should get ahead,
Now growing up it ain't anything but all This indecision with these debts and doubts
And worries hanging over my head. When I was a child I spoke as a child,
I wish I could remember what I said.

ReverendPaul's Website

  • Brack
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Re: Lost Gems

hansamike wrote:

I've given up really trying to post things on here that someone hasn't done already, but I'm so inept at finding old threads I'll try again. Could be worse of course. Imagine being Scott in the Antartic and finding a Swedish flag there! IKEA, the've got branches everywhere..............

Still lost gems. You've all got them and I'm waiting to hear about them. For my part I'm going to put forward a band called 'The Mother Station'. They released an album in the early 90's, an unbelieveable CD called 'Brand New Bag'. TMS featured the amazing vocals of one Susan Marshall, who is Janet Joplin x100, and always in tune. Breathtaking.

Lost Gems #2 and I'm listening to it right now. Anyone remember John Miles. Long after 'Music' and in between stints with Tina Turner he released 'Upfront'. Yeah, there is some MOR on there but some blinding rock and blues songs, showcasing what a great guitarist and vocalist he is/was.

Lost Gems #3
Ritchie Sambora earns his corn with BJ of course, but he has released 2 great solo albums. The second of these 'Undiscovered Soul' remains, pretty much - undiscovered. Shame - great songs, great production, great vocals and, oh yeah - he can play a bit too

Lost Gems#4
Gamma 4. Only Ronnie Montrose, even after Gary Moore nicked his guitar (joke Tripod, just a joke) puts back together band after 20 years and its like they had never been away. My own band perform lead track 'Darkness to Light' live. Nobody knows it but after a gig they all ask about it. It's that kind of song

Lost Gems #5+
Any album by The Outlaws who sadly I only ever saw once with The Who at Charlton. Magic

Oh Ah! I was at that Who gig @ Charlton FC, and loved the Outlaws from then, and since.
~ Brack ~

What lost gems have you got..........? I know there is a million out there and Christmas is coming:)

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Adele: RAH http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Oio8V3e3WU&ob=av2e -
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Re: Lost Gems

I have a few Lost Gems, i just have to go through my Vinyl again!
I will be back, at some point.....

~ Brack ~

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Avatar Credit: D.Hirst,Olympic Union Flag
Adele: RAH http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Oio8V3e3WU&ob=av2e -
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  • mbcl
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Re: Lost Gems

Diamond Head.... There's a blast from the past, could tell some stories about them..



BBJ wrote:

To name but a few (and IMHO):

West, Bruce & Laing - Why Dontcha
BBM - Around The Next Dream
Gun - Taking On The World
Doobie Brothers- Captain & Me, Toulouse Street
Cry Of Love - Brother
John Martyn - Solid Air, One World
Storyville - Bluest Eyes
Diamond Head - Borrowed Time
Amanda Marshall - Amanda Marshall
Bert Jansch - Bert Jansch

Martin
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Re: Lost Gems

Nice one, Mike! wink

I know I had some real  lost gems amongst my vinyl, but most of that is still in the possession of my first wife. sad

Two obscure things I vaguely remember are a British band called Sharks, who I believe only ever made one lp but I thought it was great. There was also a one off that John Cippolina made after Quicksilver but I'm buggered if I can remember . sad

In the 'slightly well known but not well known enough' category I offer -

Safe as Milk - Capt. Beefheart

The first Velvets lp - a killer eons before its time!

and..........small drum roll if you please...............

Everything Little Feat recorded before Lowell's untimely death, most particularly 'Dixie Chicken'. cool

RIP Iron Man

Rock On and keep the Faith
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Re: Lost Gems

I would agree On The Abraxis Pool  And Brother Cry of love that i would put on my list.
  would the first 2 Journey albums qualify? Before they got popular it was more rock and progressive than the pop they became.
  Kings X anything by them
The Eric Gales Band self titled first cd 16 yrs old guitar wiz makes doubt cd
The Cult Ceremony hard rockin lost gem
ZZ Top Mescelaro old timers kick **** without anybody looking
Joe Bonamasssa So Its Like That  coulda wouda shouda made it big could appeal to a wider audience outside of the blues
Mother Love Bone   Come Bite The Apple Known only by die hard fans of the Pearl jam seattle scene

I know I am missing more but these came to mind

Your rock candy baby
Your hard sweet and sticky

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  • jim m
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Re: Lost Gems

Ahh Laine solo album circa 73 while employed by McCartney. One song that rocked in particular On that Early Morning.

Buckingham Nicks Album The whole thing is great. It was the reason they got the Fleetwood Mac gig.

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