1971 TOE FAT TWO Hard HEAVY PSYCH Uriah PETER GREEN

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        CLEAN 1971 ORIG HARD HEAVY UK PSYCH JAMS

                       TOE    FAT

                           TWO

\                                                 USA - Rare Earth Records - RS 525

Original 1971 first pressing vinyl of heavy British rock/psych dominated by strong vocals amid gushing organ & power guitar in tight melodic tunes (see below)... the band was fronted by singer Cliff Bennett formerly of the great British Invasion band, The Rebel Rousers...

Peter Green, legendary Fleetwood Mac guitarist guests...

The cleverly-titled "Toe Fat Two" hit the streets after a major shake-up in personnel decimated the original line-up.  Gone were lead guitarist Ken Hensley and drummer Lee Kerslake - Hensley reappeared as a founding member of Uriah Heep, while Kerslake detoured through The National Head Band before joining Uriah Heep.  The two were replaced by former The Glass Menagerie guitarist Alan Kendall and drummer Brian Glasscock (who was John's younger brother and had previously replaced Kerslake in "The Gods."  Inexplicably, John Glasscock was credited on the album under the name John Konas.

Produced by Jonathan Peel (not the DJ), the second TOE FAT album was released by Regal Zonophone in the UK and once again on Rare Earth Records in the States, though by the time it hit USA shelves the second line up had already called it quits and Bennett had already released a solo album.  The album cover also continued their tradition of  coming up with something hideous - hard to tell what the mess was this time around - animal parts and lard with small figures of the band superimposed in various places ?   

With creative mainstay Hensley gone, Bennett and new guitarist Kendall picked up the writing chores.  The results were surprisingly good and strong.  Not all that different from the debut, perhaps even a little tougher in places (the opener 'Stick Heat' was a classic rocker), but exemplified by tracks like 'Since You've Been Gone' much of the album featured a likeable mixture of hard rock with memorable tuneful structures.

'Stick Heat' starts out with a ukulele, but quickly explodes into what may have been their best rocker.  Bennett seldom sounded as good (or sleazy), while new guitarist Kendall (who co-wrote the song), proved every bit as good as Hensley.  Nice way to start the album.  

'Indian Summer' serves to showcased Kendall's fuzz guitar.  Quite pretty and tasteful.  Not exactly what you'd expect from these guys.   

'Idol' finds the band returning to blues-rock with some very nice fuzz guitar from Kendall, powering his way through the song, Bennett sounded a little uncomfortable in such a heavy metal environment.   
Side one closed out with the extended blues number 'There'll Be Changes'.  Bennett sounded surprisingly comfortable in the genre with Kendall and an un-credited Peter Green turned in a couple of great solos.  

Side two opened with the album's most interesting composition; not necessarily the best song, but the most adventuresome and entertaining track.  The opening instrumental segment served to showcase the differences between original guitarist Ken Hensley and his replacement Alan Kendal.  While Hensley was a master of power chords, this track showcased Kendall as a far more deft and tasteful player (though he could hit a power chord just as well).  From a soft acoustic number the song exploded into a blues-rocker which showed off Bennett's voice to great effect.   

Although, Three Dog Night scored a hit when they covered 'Since You've Been Gone' giving it a more pop-oriented sound, but to these ears this original version is actually far better.  One of the their finest rockers, Bennett was at his best on this one, as was Kendall who turned in an amazing performance.  The song also showcased the quartet's nice harmony vocals.   

'Three Time Loser' was another full-tilt rocker, John Glasscock turned in a nice driving bass line throughout the track.   -

Easily the best song on the album, 'Midnight Sun' is bolstered by fantastic wah-wah guitar from Kendall and a nice vocal from Bennett.. 

So which of the two TOE FAT albums are better?  Hard choice.  This one's actually more varied,  Look for both! 

  

CONDITION: The Cover: Solid with bright colors is VG++ having only a little light previous use. The back (group photo) cover is clean M- ... No seam splits, no writing, collectible keeper... 

The Vinyl: all glossy clean over both sides "EX" (excellent) harmless scuff line, plays TOP level...clean labels as well.  

      A cool addition to anyone's music library!

SEE: SELLERS OTher items for similar cool sounds for "head" people...

EFFICIENT/CAREFUL GRADING

All imperfections are noted both cover & record