Start To Scream! Shout For Help!

Original released on LP B&C Records CAS-1026

(UK, December 1970)

It was this Atomic Rooster second album which posted warning that they were on the verge of creating something dazzling - simply because the record itself is a thing of almost freakish beauty. With only organist Vincent Crane surviving from the original lineup, and John Du Cann coming in to relieve him of some of the songwriting duties, "Death Walks Behind You" opens at a gallop and closes with a sprint. The title track is effectively spooky enough for any Hammer horror aficionado, all descending pianos and Psycho-screaming guitars, while "Gershatzer," a duet for organ and percussion, proves that new drummer Paul Hammond is more than a match for the departed Carl Palmer. It's in between these dramatic bookends, however, that Rooster truly peak, with the stately "VUG," the pensive "Nobody Else," and the truly amazing "Tomorrow Night" (one of the scariest love songs ever let loose on the U.K. chart) all impressing. Crane's liner notes, incidentally, remind us that the album packed a different version of the hit, with an extended ending that descends into unimagined chaos - a shocker for the pop kids, perhaps, but a fabulous bridge into the succeeding "7 Streets." Possibly the best evidence for this being Atomic Rooster's masterpiece, however, comes not simply from what's on the album, but for what has been left off. An excellent repackaging and remastering job restores the original artwork in all its gatefold glory. Also  featuring six bonus tracks including two versions of "The Devils Answer" [1970 demo and alternative version].

ATOMIC ROOSTER: "Made In England"

Original released on LP Elektra EKS-75039

(US, June 1972)

The third incarnation of English prog rockers, Atomic Rooster make their debut on "Made in England". The group began as a trio featuring former Crazy World of Arthur Brown member Vincent Crane (organ), Nick Graham (bass), and Carl Palmer (drums). After a few significant shuffles within the lineup, only Crane continued with the name, recruiting Mick Jagger protégé Chris Farlowe (vocals), Rick Parnell (percussion), and Steve Bolton (guitars) as the next generation. They have an edgy and somewhat brooding sound, recalling early Mott the Hoople discs such as the highly underrated Mad Shadows (1970). Much of the material reveals the quartet's slightly funky groove, such as the pulsating "Stand by Me," or the gospel-inflection on the spoken "Introduction," which prefaces the Crane instrumental "Breathless." Somewhat misplaced is the orchestration - especially on "Time Take My Life" - which tends to congest the otherwise driving arrangement. Parnell penned a pair of the finest contributions on "Made in England", the slinky "Little Bit of Inner Air," as well as the Southern rock-tinged "All in Satan's Name." The latter comes off like a blend of the Allman Brothers and Deep Purple. Bolton supplies the power ballad "Never to Lose," as well as "Space Cowboy," which develops into an electric hoedown following a somewhat off-balance and synth-heavy keyboard intro. Bolton would be the next casualty of the combo, leading to the formation of the criminally underrated Headstone. A successful North American tour resulted in "Made in England", which charted briefly in the U.S., and would be the final Atomic Rooster album to do so. The band would successfully continue under Crane's tutelage until the early '80s, when he joined up with a post-"Come on Eileen" Dexys Midnight Runners. (Lindsay Planer in AllMusic)

ATOMIC ROOSTER: Nice 'n' Greasy

Original released on LP Dawn DNLS 3049

(UK, September 1973)

Atomic Rooster experienced several lineup changes during their initial tenure in the early '70s, with "Nice 'n' Greasy" being the band's last before disbanding. By this time the band's musical direction had shifted from hard rock and progressive rock to a style more closely resembling blues/funk. The addition of Chris Farlowe gives the music an aggressive edge, while John Mandella's guitar work beckons images of John McLaughlin. The effort is genuine, and songs such as "Take One Toke" and "Can't Find a Reason" show the band's diversity, but there are too many inconsistent moments and nonsensical lyrics. It's too bad that Vincent Crane did not keep the band together for longer period of time, as they were obviously a talented group of musicians with a definitive sound, just lacking a firm direction. (Robert Taylor in AllMusic)

ATOMIC ROOSTER Third Album

Original released on LP Pegasus PEG 1

(UK, August 1971)

Atomic Rooster's preparation for their third album included the departure of two band members, so they did well to produce something as accomplished and dynamic as this. In came lead singer Pete French from Leafhound, guitarist Steve Bolton and drummer Ric Parnell. Previously, guitarist John Cann had handled vocals. 'Breakthrough' is a lively opener, but almost seems like a warm-up for the two outstanding tracks which follow, 'Break The Ice' and 'Decision/Indecision'. These and my favourite, 'Head In The Sky' suggest that this line-up are at their best as an uptempo unit in which Vince Crane's keyboards provide most of the colour without being over-dominant. 'Black Snake' is also superb, an insidious, twisting song which French struggles with at times. Nevertheless, 'In Hearing Of' is a near classic from a band worthy of greater recognition. (in Amazon)

Bought this album back in 71 and appeared to be in the minority who rated this highly at the time. 37 years later and my love of this album remains undiminished. Its one of a kind and in my opinion Rooster's best album, and can only assume it didn't receive greater recognition as it doesn't conveniently fall into any specific genre of music.

It's Heavy...but not the heaviest.

It's got Soul....but it ain't James Brown.

It Rocks....but it ain't Elvis.

You get my drift. But that doesn't mean it's not the best. It's the best heavy soul rock album by the best (and probably only) british heavy soul rock band, and who could ask for more than that? Whilst many rock albums of this era gave into excess and stereotypical lyrics (ELP and Deep Purple) Rooster played it relatively straight forward, with lyrics often relating directly to Crane's unfortunate tortured mental state, and for this reason is as relevant today as it was 37 years ago. The musicanship from all the band is superb, and Peter French is an overlooked treasure as a vocalist. If your looking for a classic 70's British rock album...then this is the place to start. (in Amazon)

ATOMIC ROOSTER DEBUT ALBUM

Original released on LP B&C CAS-1010

(UK, February 1970)

The incipient incarnation of Atomic Rooster - with Vincent Crane (organ / vocals), Nick Graham (vocals / bass), and Carl Palmer (drums) - was together just long enough to document its debut, "Atomic Roooster" (1970) - (note: the extra O is intentional). Prior to the last-minute addition of Graham - the only bassist Atomic Rooster ever had - the band emerged from the remnants of the then recently defunct Crazy World of Arthur Brown. The material was primarily courtesy of Crane and consisted of heavier sides. His versatility is evident throughout the impressive array of styles ranging from the folk-inspired pastoral "Winter" to the bluesy horn arrangement heard on "Broken Wings." This directly contrasts driving rockers such as the album's edgy opener, "Friday 13th," or the aggressive "S.L.Y." "Decline and Fall" is a jazz-infused number boasting some exceptional if not incendiary instrumental interaction, most notably from Crane and Palmer. Lyrically, Crane reveals his penchant for dark imagery, including the fatalistic "What is the Point of Going on?" chorus that runs through the aforementioned "Winter" or the sexually snide "And So to Bed." Support was bolstered by strong live appearances, positive word-of-mouth, and a few significant BBC Radio sessions - all of which resulted in Atomic Roooster making a respectable showing at number 49 on the U.K. LP charts. By the time the platter was picked up by Elektra Records in North America, the personnel had already changed with John Cann (guitar/vocals) replacing Graham. In an interesting move, they decided that Cann should also overdub guitar parts to "S.L.Y." and "Before Tomorrow," as well as provide a new vocal to "Friday 13th." (Lindsay Planer in AllMusic)