False Prophet - "Moonchild" 1976

Not much info as of this writing on this band. From Texas, recorded in 1976, and only come to light in recent years. 200 promo copies known to exist on Shroom Records. I will continue research on these recordings. Check back. But for now...

The Storm - s/t 1970 & el Dia de la Tormenta 1974

The Storm, was one of the historical "Spaniards of Hard Rock" groups, originally from Savilla (Andausia) which was active from 1970 to 1981. The group was formed in 1969 under the name "The Torments" but was soon changed to The Storm by management. Due to popularity at circuit clubs of Madrid and Barcelona they sealed up a deal with BASF to record their self titled first L.P., mixing hard rock and psychedelia in Spanish, English, and instrumentals.

In 1975 they appeared with Queen. In 1976, the group disbanded due to it's members obligation to fulfill military service, but would reunite before the end of 1978 and commence touring. They did not record their second album, The Day of the Storm until 1980 with a new bass player, but disbanded for good in 1981.

Post Scriptum - "You're Making Me Down" b/w "Sleep Sleep" 1971

Big Wheel - "Curly Girl" b/w "Upside Down" 1970

Big Wheel, Dutch hard rock band was responsible for four singles between 1969 and 1070. "If I Satay Too Long" b/w "Little Women (Decca 1969), "Old Songs, New Songs" b/w "What A Day" (Decca, 1969), "Curly Girl" b/w "Upside Down" (Blossom 1970), and Big Wheel: "If I Stay Too Long" / Blue Planet:"I'm Going Man, I'm Going" (1970 Phillips).

Mountain - "Climbing" 1970

Listening to this album all day today told me I had to put it on this blog. It had such a profound effect on me in my obsession with early 70's hard rock, I felt I needed to give proper credit. This, along with albums by Cactus and Grand Funk, were the beginning of my life long obsession with all things heavy. Climbing!, also known as Mountain Climbing! was the debut release from Mountain, released on March 7, 1970, and featured the classic lineup of Mountain of Leslie West (vocals/guitar), Felix Pappalardi (bass/piano), and Corky Laing (drums/percussion).

The album followed the West solo album, Mountain which featured Pappalardi and drummer Norman Smart, released in 1969 and often credited to the band. Produced by Pappalardi, the album reached number 17 on the American Billboard 200 albums chart, and featured the bands best known song "Mississippi Queen." An early rendition of "For Yasgur's Farm" was actually performed at the Woodstock Festival in 1969 with a different title. It was subsequently recorded and re-titled for the album.