RIDE A HUSTLER'S DREAM

Released in 1969 and this was the 2nd album for the Band previously known as Elmer Gantry's Vevet Opera. The reason for the name change was Elmer Gantry had departed with Colin Forster just leaving the bass player John Ford and the drummer Richard Hudson. In came Paul Brett gutar-vocals and Jon Joyce on vocals as well.The album was recorded at Sothern Music Studios which was the same for the prevoius album with Elmer Gantry

It would be fair to describe this album as a Blues/Rock excursion with a tad of psychedelia being the in Track 6 Raga( or Indian if you prefer) The band sound now is less heavy and there is more rock than any progressive elements in this album and such as in track 8 Depression you have an old blues feel throughout.

They do 2 covers on the album Statesboro Blues being the best for me and the Lennon McCartney song Eleanor Rigby which is the last track on the album. There really is nothing different within this album that particulary stands out. There is some good guitar work, great drumming in Statesboro Blues and Don't You Realise the more up-tempo numbers on the album and there really is not a bad song on the album but neither is there a special one for me. Of course Paul Brett's guitar work is great. Eleanor Rigby is the most progressive track on the album and really does get going with mainly an electric lead guitar used throughout and is entirely instrumental. I prefer the Aussie band Zoot's myself for a cover.

Richard Hudson and John Ford later went on to The Strawbs.There are 4 bonus tracks on this edition from Airmail Japan that I have ( one being the single Volcano) and there is nothing to write home about just more blues/rock The first album with Elmer Gantry is the better but if you are a collector or someone who is just curious this not too bad.

3 Stars just