The Groundhogs (Official Thread)

DaKillerWolf

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Re: The "MIGHTY" Groundhogs

^^^:lmao:

Excellent point Wolf. I think in some cases some bands did go to that "mainstream" sound because of other trendy genres as well as some bands weren't having the success up to thier or thier record companies expectations thus changing thier formula hoping to to capture more fans, or both in combination. Unfortunately, many bands from that early 70's period failed miserably trying to garner "stardom" and did alienate thier fans, though there was a few that did reach the stars.

Many of my fav bands took this route, not only in the '70's but in the '80's as well. Some did try to come back around but it was all but too late as they had disappointed not only thier first fans, but then the new fans as well and crashed. There is a very few examples of bands having success taking this route IMO.

There is no sense in playing some watered down version of your true musical vision to try to take it to a bigger audience ...for one think most of the bands heart is really no longer in to the music they are making and it shows.
Second you MIGHT hit it big with a happy boy radio tune but the fickle pop crowd soon jumps to whatever the next "in" thing is leaving the band behind but now without their core group of fans who resent their crossing over into enemy camps.

Most bands are better off sticking to their guns and playing to their own strengths and people.

Sure there are a few bands that have jumped ship and have remained big for an extended period but they are very rare AND .....they SUCK :heheh:
 

joe

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Re: The "MIGHTY" Groundhogs

You put in better words than I did Wolf.:grinthumb

For me, it's frustrating and sad at the same time to hear those bands take that route. For others, who are mainstreamers, probably not.:D
 

DaKillerWolf

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Re: The "MIGHTY" Groundhogs

You put in better words than I did Wolf.:grinthumb

For me, it's frustrating and sad at the same time to hear those bands take that route. For others, who are mainstreamers, probably not.:D

Yeah, I guess that goes w/o saying my brother but it still sucks for us :D
 

joe

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Re: The "MIGHTY" Groundhogs

Yeah, I guess that goes w/o saying my brother but it still sucks for us :D

There was other examples of this "treason" in all decades Wolf. You would think that some of these bands would see the trend in history and stay THIER course.
 

DaKillerWolf

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Re: The "MIGHTY" Groundhogs

There was other examples of this "treason" in all decades Wolf. You would think that some of these bands would see the trend in history and stay THIER course.

I don't mind a band trying new things but when it's just obviously watered down and shiny to be ( wannabe ) happy radio fair for consumerism ($$$$$$$)
leave me out .

Once again ,just so there is no misunderstanding. While The Groundhogs did move more in the direction of mainstream music at the time they did not abandon their sense of musical adventure so I can't fault them as being (fully) part of that trend.

IMO of course ....
 
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joe

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Re: The "MIGHTY" Groundhogs

After almost a 10 year absence, T.S. McPhee reforms the Groundhogs in the familiar power trio with new members Alan Fish on bass and drummer Mick Mirton. Heavy blues rock/hard rock that was typical of the 'Hogs sound in the early '70's but without the inspiration, sound quality, and the eccentric and eclectic guitar onslaught and lyrical madness of the 'Hog. Really, it doesn't compare to thier '70's recordings though it is damn heavy.

groundhogs-the-razors-edge.jpg



 

joe

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Re: The "MIGHTY" Groundhogs

I don't mind a band trying new things but when it's just obviously watered down and shiny to be ( wannabe ) happy radio fair for consumerism ($$$$$$$)
leave me out .

Once again ,just so there is no misunderstanding. While The Groundhogs did move more in the direction of mainstream music at the time they did not abandon their sense of musical adventure so I can't fault them as being (fully) part of that trend.

IMO of course ....

I agree Wolf. One of my other fav bands did, that being Stray but they did come to thier senses.
 

joe

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Re: The "MIGHTY" Groundhogs

Tony McPhee brings back drummer Ken Pustelnik and adds new bassist Dave Thompson for this 1987 recording, Back Against The Wall. Similar to thier previous release but back to the roots somewhat of the earlier recordings from the '70's. The last original material the 'Hogs would release and is an ample style and sound for fans of the band.

cover_554311922009.jpg



 

joe

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Re: The "MIGHTY" Groundhogs

Glad you like them Wolf. Might be tough to find Back Against The Wall on CD or vinyl. I happened to be fortunate enough to find it on vinyl way back. I only saw it that one time. I'm not sure if it has been ever issued on CD.
 

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