Exploring Uncovered Gems in Rock and Progressive Avenues

Uncovering Hidden Pearl: The Hellacopters

The Hellacopters are an intriguing Swedish garage rock band, hailing from a heavy metal background. They were formed by members from the death metal titans, Entombed. Contrary to their potentially ominous origin, their sound is vastly different. They craft a fast-paced, energetic style that draws influence from iconic bands like The Ramones, MC5, Kiss, and The Stooges. For fans of garage rock who seek fresh, exhilarating tunes, The Hellacopters are an excellent find that stands out brilliantly without the associations of the dark and heavy music from which they emerged.

Untold Glory: Girlschool

Girlschool, often dubbed the "all-female Motorhead," has a rich legacy in rock and roll. Originating in the 70s, their name echoes the era when women didn't always have a prominent place in rock music. They started as Painted Lady and later became pivotal figures in their own right, collaborating with legends like Lemmy and Motorhead. Girlschool's music is a powerhouse of raucous punk-infused rock, reminiscent of their contemporaries. Their resilience and raw talent are celebrated, making them stand out in their own right as an unstoppable force in rock.

Psychedelic Echoes: Monster Magnet

For dedicated rock fans, Monster Magnet might stir memories of the late 90s and early 2000s. They made a series of small yet impactful hits during that period, blending psychedelic and stoner elements into hard rock. Despite their mercurial success, the band continues to release high-quality albums. Their music offers a unique blend of psychedelic and stoner influences, setting them apart in the hard rock genre and making them worth exploring for fans of the genre.

Secret Superstars of the Mid-20th Century

While perusing the annals of rock history, you might come across bands that were once celebrated but are now obscure. Two such bands are The Blue Things and Floyd and Jerry and The Counterpoints. These revered acts in their respective regions, particularly the Midwest and Arizona, were immensely popular during the mid-1960s.

The Blue Things: Homegrown Midwestern Sensation

From 1964 to 1968, the The Blue Things emerged as the superstars of the Midwest. They toured relentlessly and received extensive airplay on KOMA in Oklahoma City. A fortunate chance allowed me to see them perform live in Plainview in 1965, a performance that left a lasting impression. Their unique appeal and raw energy make them a hidden gem, deserving of rediscovery.

Floyd and Jerry and The Counterpoints: Arizona's Own Rock Legends

Based in Phoenix from 1964 to 1967, Floyd and Jerry and The Counterpoints were a significant local act. They opened for major acts like The Dave Clark 5 and The Rolling Stones, showcasing their prowess and talent. They achieved local success with 1 hits on Phoenix rock stations KRIZ and KRUX. Their chart performances, coupled with airplay on major stations like KHJ in Los Angeles and KOMA in Oklahoma City, suggest a broader potential for success that was unfortunately cut short by the draft.

Forgotten Heroes: Crack the Sky

Bucking conventions of the time, Crack the Sky emerged from West Virginia and became a progressive rock sensation in 1975. Led by the talented frontman John Palumbo, this band created music that was both innovative and accessible. Rolling Stone hailed their debut album as the “Debut Album of the Year”, predicting that they would rival the success of Steely Dan. The album received plaudits for its “tight instrumentals, excelling vocals and well-written songs”.

However, the success bypassed them due to the inexperience and limitations of their record label, Lifesong Records. Promotional materials were promised but never delivered, and the band struggled to gain wider popularity. Despite these hurdles, Crack the Sky's subsequent album, “Animals”, garnered critical acclaim. Their journey is a profound tale of talent unfulfilled and a lesson in the challenges faced by artists in their early careers.

In conclusion, these hidden gems in rock and progressive music genres offer a wealth of unique and excellent music. Whether exploring the raw excitement of garage rock, the raw talent of early rock legends, or the innovative sounds of progressive rock, these acts provide an engaging and enlightening journey into lesser-known rock history.