Classic Rock Album of the Day- Steppenwolf , Self Titled (1968) *** 1/2
As a mere lad, this was one of my favorite bands. They were one of the few bands at the time on this side of the Atlantic that were finding that hard rocking sound and footing that was separating itself from the hard core hippy fluff that was dominating the air waves. Steppenwolf made two good albums and then lingered like an obnoxious drunk at a party for 11 more ('69-'90). This is another one of those bands that again is one of those that you are better off getting a compilation album, and especially the one "Gold" that was released in 1971. Pretty much everything released after 1971 was shit.
Steppenwolf is centered around the growling and menacing presence of John Kay. His original lineup was solid, though none else ever became the household name he became. I am not sure what were the dynamics of the band, but Kay must have been hell to work with considering the lineup shifts. An incredible 26 different people have been a members of the band Steppenwolf.
This album is by far the best effort by the group, and the second one is pretty decent. 3-13 are only good for frisbees. In the '70's I was duped twice buying an LP based on one decent single. This 1st album is a good listen, and worth the time. So don't be swayed in that respect.
Fun Fact: Sookie Sookie was released as an "A" side of the 1st album, and "B" on Magic Carpet Ride off the Second LP. Shows how shallow their material became after their debut. And an event that I can't remember happening elsewhere.
Side 1-
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Sookie Sookie- Along with Born to Be Wild the single that introduced Steppenwolf. I really enjoy the '60's tunes that incorporate the Hammond in a way that augments guitar in 3rds. Great bass line too that makes this one of the stronger ones on the album.- 3
Everybody's Next One- Another strong one that incorporates some nice '60's typical hooks. Gives impressions of "Go Go Girls", but with some nice searing guitar solo runs. More good bass at conclusion for good measure. Surprising the guy didn't find employment after firing. - 5
Berry Rides Again- John Kay gives a rousing tribute to Chuck Berry, not only in name, but the style. Extra points for gumption and balls. Berry even in the '70's could grind an ax with the best of 'em.. 6
Hootchie Kootchie Man- Taking a cue from Zeppelin, Steppenwolf does an excellent Willie Dixon remake. Of course not as good as Page, but who did? A fine take on it, And again, infusing the Hammond just adds to the sweet eccletric flavor. 4
Born to Be Wild- Steppenwolf's signature song, and a cinematic staple when trying to the bad boy or for motorcycle imagery. This song was one bad ass add for the movie Easy Rider at the time. Anyone preparing a representative song list on their device in the late 1960's tunes has to have this and Magic Carpet Ride in its content. Great great rock song. 1
Your Wall's Too High- IMO, Kay was trying to mimic Morrison style on this one, but with much less success than The Doors. 9
Side 2-
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Desperation- I often like to highlight what I consider an obscure sleeper on albums. This is the one on this LP. It's a sleepy bluezy balladry kind of song that nicely resonates. The added distort is an innovative curve that surprisingly works while all other band mates contribute nicely. Ending solo has a tad of the feel you might have sense in Gilmour's stuff during the same era. 2
The Pusher- This was a strange oddity... An anti- drug song in the middle of the psychedelic era. And bizarrely from the same songwriter who wrote about Jeremiah the Bullfrog (Joy to the World) too.(Hoyt Axton/Three Dog Night) Psychedelic angling of the song, made it more of a novelty song. "Cause I seriously doubt this song influenced many drug users or junkies at the time in 1968. 11
A Girl I Knew- Harpsichord opening doesn't save what I feel is a Byrd's rip off. Docked accordingly. 8
Take What You Need- Didn't need filler.... that's all. 10
The Ostrich- The "Who Do You Love" Throughgood/Destroyers sound was more prevalent then than i remember. 7
As a mere lad, this was one of my favorite bands. They were one of the few bands at the time on this side of the Atlantic that were finding that hard rocking sound and footing that was separating itself from the hard core hippy fluff that was dominating the air waves. Steppenwolf made two good albums and then lingered like an obnoxious drunk at a party for 11 more ('69-'90). This is another one of those bands that again is one of those that you are better off getting a compilation album, and especially the one "Gold" that was released in 1971. Pretty much everything released after 1971 was shit.
Steppenwolf is centered around the growling and menacing presence of John Kay. His original lineup was solid, though none else ever became the household name he became. I am not sure what were the dynamics of the band, but Kay must have been hell to work with considering the lineup shifts. An incredible 26 different people have been a members of the band Steppenwolf.
This album is by far the best effort by the group, and the second one is pretty decent. 3-13 are only good for frisbees. In the '70's I was duped twice buying an LP based on one decent single. This 1st album is a good listen, and worth the time. So don't be swayed in that respect.
Fun Fact: Sookie Sookie was released as an "A" side of the 1st album, and "B" on Magic Carpet Ride off the Second LP. Shows how shallow their material became after their debut. And an event that I can't remember happening elsewhere.
Side 1-
------------
Sookie Sookie- Along with Born to Be Wild the single that introduced Steppenwolf. I really enjoy the '60's tunes that incorporate the Hammond in a way that augments guitar in 3rds. Great bass line too that makes this one of the stronger ones on the album.- 3
Everybody's Next One- Another strong one that incorporates some nice '60's typical hooks. Gives impressions of "Go Go Girls", but with some nice searing guitar solo runs. More good bass at conclusion for good measure. Surprising the guy didn't find employment after firing. - 5
Berry Rides Again- John Kay gives a rousing tribute to Chuck Berry, not only in name, but the style. Extra points for gumption and balls. Berry even in the '70's could grind an ax with the best of 'em.. 6
Hootchie Kootchie Man- Taking a cue from Zeppelin, Steppenwolf does an excellent Willie Dixon remake. Of course not as good as Page, but who did? A fine take on it, And again, infusing the Hammond just adds to the sweet eccletric flavor. 4
Born to Be Wild- Steppenwolf's signature song, and a cinematic staple when trying to the bad boy or for motorcycle imagery. This song was one bad ass add for the movie Easy Rider at the time. Anyone preparing a representative song list on their device in the late 1960's tunes has to have this and Magic Carpet Ride in its content. Great great rock song. 1
Your Wall's Too High- IMO, Kay was trying to mimic Morrison style on this one, but with much less success than The Doors. 9
Side 2-
-------------
Desperation- I often like to highlight what I consider an obscure sleeper on albums. This is the one on this LP. It's a sleepy bluezy balladry kind of song that nicely resonates. The added distort is an innovative curve that surprisingly works while all other band mates contribute nicely. Ending solo has a tad of the feel you might have sense in Gilmour's stuff during the same era. 2
The Pusher- This was a strange oddity... An anti- drug song in the middle of the psychedelic era. And bizarrely from the same songwriter who wrote about Jeremiah the Bullfrog (Joy to the World) too.(Hoyt Axton/Three Dog Night) Psychedelic angling of the song, made it more of a novelty song. "Cause I seriously doubt this song influenced many drug users or junkies at the time in 1968. 11
A Girl I Knew- Harpsichord opening doesn't save what I feel is a Byrd's rip off. Docked accordingly. 8
Take What You Need- Didn't need filler.... that's all. 10
The Ostrich- The "Who Do You Love" Throughgood/Destroyers sound was more prevalent then than i remember. 7
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