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Classic Rock History: Tools Of The Trade: 

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The Mellotron is an electronic musical instrument that was invented in England in the 1960s. It is an early example of a sampler, which means that it is capable of playing back pre-recorded sounds, or "samples", at different pitches and speeds to create musical melodies.

The Mellotron works by using a set of tape loops for each note on its keyboard. When a key is pressed, the tape loop for that note is played back, producing a sound that corresponds to the instrument or sound effect that was recorded on the tape. The tape loops are designed to be interchangeable, so the Mellotron can be used to emulate a wide variety of instruments, such as strings, flutes, brass, and choir voices.

The typical model Mellotron has a small keyboard spanning three octaves. A control pad at the left of the keyboard allows adjustment of volume, tone, and pitch as well as selection of available instrument sounds. More advanced models may have additional controls and/or a second keyboard.

The Mellotron was popularized in the late 1960s and early 1970s by progressive rock bands such as King Crimson, The Moody Blues, and Genesis, among others. Its distinctive sound, which is characterized by a slightly grainy and lo-fi quality, has been used in countless recordings over the years, and it continues to be used by musicians and producers today.

While the Mellotron was eventually surpassed by more advanced sampling technology, it remains a beloved instrument among musicians and collectors, and vintage Mellotrons are highly sought-after by enthusiasts.

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The Illusion was an American rock band active during the late 1960s and early 1970s. The band was formed in Long Island, New York in 1967 (originally as The Five Illusions in 1964 by then high school senior John Vinci). The band's lineup consisted of Vinci (vocals), Ritchie Cerniglia (guitar), Chuck Alder (bass), Mike Maniscalco (keyboards), and Mike Ricciardella (drums).

The Illusion gained popularity in the late 1960s with their self-titled debut album, produced by Jeff Barry, which was released in 1969 on the Steed record label. The album featured a mix of psychedelic and hard rock influences, and included the hit single "Did You See Her Eyes". The band's second album, "Together (As a Way of Life)", was released in 1970 and featured a more progressive rock sound.

Despite their initial success, The Illusion disbanded in 1971 due to creative differences and financial issues. However, their music has continued to be influential to later generations of rock musicians. The band's members went on to have varying degrees of success in other musical projects, with guitarist Ritchie Cerniglia and drummer Mike Ricciardella going on to form the band Wiggy Bits.

Trivia: I addition to writing their hit single "Did You See Her Eyes", producer Jeff Barry also co-wrote hits for other groups such as "Do Wah Diddy Diddy", "Da Doo Ron Ron", "Then He Kissed Me", "Be My Baby", "Chapel of Love", and "River Deep - Mountain High" (all with his then-wife Ellie Greenwich and Phil Spector); "Leader of the Pack" (written with Greenwich and Shadow Morton); "Hanky Panky" (with Greenwich); "Sugar, Sugar" (written with Andy Kim); and "Without Us" (written with Tom Scott).

The Illusion genealogy and discography
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The self-titled debut album by Crack the Sky was released in 1975. The band, hailing from West Virginia, had been playing together for a few years before signing to Lifesong Records and releasing this record. The album features a blend of progressive rock and hard rock with intricate arrangements, catchy melodies, and quirky lyrics.

The opening track, "Hold On," sets the tone for the album with its driving rhythm, soaring vocal harmonies, and intricate guitar work. Other standout tracks include "Surf City," "Hold On," and "Ice," a haunting ballad with a melancholic melody and lyrics about lost love. Quirkier selections include "I Don't Have a Tie," "Robots For Ronnie," and "Sea Epic".

One of the album's most well-known tracks is "She's a Dancer," a catchy and upbeat song with a memorable chorus and a funky guitar riff. The lyrics tell the story of a dancer who captures the attention of everyone around her.

Track by track (vinyl):

  1. Hold On:
    • Overview: The album opens with "Hold On," a dynamic track that showcases Crack the Sky's ability to blend progressive rock elements with catchy melodies. The song features intricate guitar work, rhythmic complexity, and strong vocal harmonies.
    • Musical Highlights: Pay attention to the shifting time signatures, the energetic guitar riffs, and the way the vocals interact with the instrumentation.
  2. Surf City:
    • Overview: "Surf City" takes a departure from the progressive rock sound and introduces a surf rock vibe. It's a piece that demonstrates the band's instrumental versatility and willingness to explore different genres.
    • Musical Highlights: Listen for the surf-inspired guitar melodies, the tight rhythm section, and the overall playfulness of the composition.
  3. A Sea Epic:
    • Overview: "A Sea Epic" is a longer, more ambitious track that allows the band to delve into extended musical explorations. It's characterized by shifts in mood, tempo, and musical themes, showcasing their progressive tendencies.
    • Musical Highlights: Explore the various sections of the song, including the quieter, more introspective moments and the more intense, guitar-driven passages.
  4. She's a Dancer:
    • Overview: "She's a Dancer" is one of the more accessible and radio-friendly tracks on the album. It's a catchy, upbeat song with a memorable chorus and a driving rhythm.
    • Musical Highlights: Pay attention to the infectious melody, the funky guitar riff, and the way the song combines elements of rock with more pop-oriented sensibilities.
  5. Robots for Ronnie:
    • Overview: "Robots for Ronnie" is a quirky and experimental track that showcases the band's dark sense of humor. It features unconventional lyrics and musical elements, adding a unique flavor to the album.
    • Musical Highlights: Listen for the offbeat lyrics, unconventional song structure, usage of strings and the band's willingness to inject humor and creativity into their music.
  6. Ice:
    • Overview: "Ice" is a more somber and reflective ballad. It showcases a different side of Crack the Sky, with emotive vocals and a melancholic atmosphere.
    • Musical Highlights: Explore the emotional depth of the song, including the evocative lyrics, the expressive vocal delivery, and the overall mood created by the instrumentation.
  7. Mind Baby:
    • Overview: "Mind Baby" is another track on the album, and it's known for its complex structure and progressive rock elements. It often features intricate instrumental passages and demonstrates the band's technical prowess.
    • Musical Highlights: Pay attention to the interplay between different instruments, the shifting dynamics, and the overall progressive nature of the composition.
  8. I Don't Have A Tie:
    • Overview: "I Don't Have A Tie" is known as one the more energetic tracks on the album.
    • Musical Highlights: Has a funky, almost Steely Dan groove to it, with good vocal harmonies and the type of quirky theme the band is known for. The track wakes up a mostly low-key side two.
  9. Sleep:
    • Overview: "Sleep" is the final track on the album and is known for its dreamy and atmospheric qualities. It might serve as a contrast to the more energetic tracks earlier in the album, providing a thoughtful conclusion.
    • Musical Highlights: Explore the ambient and atmospheric elements in the song, including the use of keyboards or other textural instruments that contribute to the dreamlike quality.

In summary, Crack the Sky's self-titled debut album is a diverse and accomplished work that combines progressive rock intricacies with accessible melodies. The band's willingness to experiment with different styles and moods contributes to the album's lasting appeal.

Despite the record company's lackluster promotion, and nearly non-existent airplay, Rolling Stone named "Crack The Sky" the “debut album of the year.” The magazine ranks it in the top fifty prog rock albums of all time. The album showcases the band's impressive musicianship and songwriting skills, and remains a beloved classic of the progressive rock genre.

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Classic Rock History: Landmark Albums: 

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Bachman-Turner Overdrive, also known as BTO, is the self-titled debut album by the Canadian rock band Bachman-Turner Overdrive, released May 17, 1973. The album did not produce a true hit single ("Blue Collar" reached #68 on the U.S. Billboard charts and #21 in Canada), but it was certified "Gold" by the RIAA in 1974.

The album was produced by Randy Bachman, who was previously a member of the Canadian rock group The Guess Who. Bachman left The Guess Who in 1970 and formed Bachman-Turner Overdrive with his brother Robbie Bachman, bassist C.F. Turner, and guitarist Tim Bachman (who later left the band and was replaced by Blair Thornton).

The album's sound is characterized by its hard-driving, guitar-heavy rock and roll, with catchy hooks and choruses that made it a hit with fans of the genre. The lyrics often focus on blue-collar themes, such as working-class struggles and the daily grind of the 9-to-5.

"Bachman-Turner Overdrive II" followed in December, and featured the hits "Let It Ride" and "Takin' Care of Business". The album was a commercial success, reaching #5 on the US Billboard 200 chart and earning a gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). It has since been regarded as one of the most important albums of the 1970s rock era and a definitive example of Canadian rock and roll.

Trivia: It's an urban legend that the distinctive piano part on "Takin' Care of Business" was played by a pizza delivery man who, while making a delivery to the recording studio, heard the song being rehearsed and suggested it could use some piano. The myth endured for years, with band members even recounting it. The piano player himself would later reveal that he was in fact a musician who happened to be recording commercials in a studio across the hall, and was asked to play the piano part, an invitation which he reluctantly accepted.

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Tools Of The Trade: 

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The Hammond B-3 is an electronic organ first introduced by the Hammond Organ Company in 1954. It used mechanical rotating tonewheels coupled with electro-magnetic pickups to create its signature sound. It quickly became popular in jazz, blues, and gospel music, and was eventually adopted by many classic rock musicians in the 1960s and 1970s.

Its unique sound has contributed to some of the most iconic songs in rock history. Many notable rock musicians, including Jimmy Smith, Keith Emerson (Emerson, Lake & Palmer), Gregg Allman (The Allman Brothers Band), and Jon Lord (Deep Purple), have used the Hammond B-3 organ.

One of the most famous uses of the Hammond B-3 in classic rock is on the song "Whiter Shade of Pale" by Procol Harum. The song features a prominent organ riff that is instantly recognizable and has become one of the defining sounds of the era. The distinctive organ riff played by Al Kooper on Bob Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone" is another memorable example.

One of the reasons why the B-3 organ is so popular in classic rock is its ability to produce a wide range of sounds. The organ has two keyboards, or manuals, and a set of pedals that are played with the feet. The B-3 has two sets of nine drawbars that allow the player to adjust the sound of the organ by controlling the levels of the different harmonics. This gives the player a lot of flexibility to create different sounds and textures.

In addition to its versatility, the B-3 organ is also known for its warm, full-bodied sound. The organ's rotating tonewheels produce a distinctive vibrato and chorus effect that gives the instrument a rich, lush sound that is perfect for rock music. When paired with a Leslie speaker cabinet, with its rotating speakers providing a variable tremolo effect, the B-3 produces the signature sound familiar to fans of classic rock.

In the 1970s, the Hammond Organ Company abandoned the use of tonewheels in favor of integrated circuits. These organs were less popular, and the company went out of business in 1985. The Hammond name was acquired in 1989 by the Suzuki Musical Instrument Corporation, which then manufactured digital simulations of the most popular tonewheel organs. This culminated in the "New B-3" in 2002, a recreation of the original B-3 sound using digital technology. Other companies such as Korg, Roland, and Clavia have been successful in producing more lightweight and portable emulations of the original tonewheel organs.

Classic Rock History: Landmark Albums: 

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"Machine Head" is the sixth studio album by British rock band Deep Purple, released March 25, 1972. The album was recorded at the Grand Hotel in Montreux, Switzerland, in December 1971, using the Rolling Stones Mobile Studio. The band intended to record the album at the Montreux Casino, but a fire broke out during a Frank Zappa concert, destroying the theatre and forcing Deep Purple to find another location. The experience inspired the song "Smoke on the Water," which recounts the events of the fire and the band's attempts to record the album.

"Machine Head" is widely regarded as one of Deep Purple's best albums and a classic of the hard rock genre. The album features some of the band's most well-known songs, including "Highway Star," "Smoke on the Water," and "Space Truckin'." "Highway Star" is an energetic track that features a blistering guitar solo by Ritchie Blackmore, while "Smoke on the Water" is known for its iconic riff and memorable lyrics about a real-life event.

In addition to its popular songs, "Machine Head" also showcases Deep Purple's instrumental prowess, with extended solos and jams throughout the album. The album's heavy sound and virtuosic performances helped define the hard rock and heavy metal genres in the 1970s.

Track by track (vinyl):

  1. "Highway Star":
    • Overview: "Highway Star" kicks off the album with a bang, featuring one of the most iconic guitar riffs in rock history. The song is a fast-paced hard rock anthem, showcasing Ritchie Blackmore's exceptional guitar skills and Jon Lord's powerful organ playing.
    • Highlights: The energetic guitar and keyboard solos are standout moments, and Ian Gillan's high-pitched vocals add to the song's intensity. The driving rhythm and dynamic shifts contribute to its enduring appeal.
  2. "Maybe I'm a Leo":
    • Overview: This track takes a somewhat different approach, slowing down the tempo compared to the opening track. It features a bluesy feel with soulful vocals from Ian Gillan and a prominent bass line from Roger Glover.
    • Highlights: The song's groove and Gillan's emotive singing are key highlights. It showcases Deep Purple's ability to seamlessly transition between hard rock and blues influences.
  3. "Pictures of Home":
    • Overview: "Pictures of Home" brings back the hard rock energy, with a distinctive riff and powerful vocals. The song's lyrics reflect on life on the road, capturing the band's experiences during their tours.
    • Highlights: The interplay between Blackmore's guitar and Lord's organ is exceptional. The instrumental section in the middle of the song allows each member to shine, showcasing their technical prowess.
  4. "Never Before":
    • Overview: This is one of the more radio-friendly tracks on the album, featuring a catchy chorus and a melodic guitar riff. It showcases a more straightforward rock sound compared to some of the other songs.
    • Highlights: The memorable chorus and the tight instrumentation make "Never Before" a standout track. It demonstrates the band's ability to craft accessible yet powerful rock songs.
  5. "Smoke on the Water":
    • Overview: Perhaps the most famous track from the album, "Smoke on the Water" tells the story of the band's experience with the Montreux fire. The instantly recognizable guitar riff has made it a classic in rock music.
    • Highlights: The simplicity and effectiveness of the riff, coupled with Gillan's storytelling vocals, are the song's highlights. It's one of those rare tracks that even non-rock fans can identify.
  6. "Lazy":
    • Overview: "Lazy" is a showcase for Jon Lord's incredible organ skills. The song starts with a bluesy, laid-back feel and gradually builds into a powerful, Hammond-driven instrumental section.
    • Highlights: Lord's extended keyboard solo is a central highlight, demonstrating his mastery of the instrument. The interplay between the band members creates a rich and dynamic listening experience.
  7. "Space Truckin'":
    • Overview: The album concludes with the epic "Space Truckin'," a space-themed hard rock track with a driving rhythm and futuristic lyrics. It's a fitting end to an album that has showcased Deep Purple's versatility.
    • Highlights: The song's energetic pace, the interwoven guitar and organ parts, and the cosmic atmosphere created by the lyrics make it a memorable closing track.

"Machine Head" as a whole is a masterclass in hard rock, showcasing the individual talents of each band member while also highlighting their exceptional chemistry as a group. The album's impact on the rock genre and its enduring popularity attest to its status as a classic.

The album was a commercial and critical success, reaching No. 1 in the UK and No. 7 in the US, and it has sold over 6 million copies worldwide. It has been praised for its innovative use of the Hammond organ, Ritchie Blackmore's guitar work, and Ian Gillan's powerful vocals. "Machine Head" has been cited as an influence by generations of rock musicians, and its songs are still played on radio stations and in concert venues around the world.

Trivia: "Machine Head" refers to the gear-driven tuning mechanism for a guitar string.

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Tools Of The Trade: 

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The Gibson Modernist Series is a group of electric guitars that were designed and released by Gibson in the late 1950s. Gibson president Ted McCarty led a team of designers to come up with guitars with futuristic appeal. The series consisted of three models: the Futura, the Flying V, and the Moderne.

Futura

The Gibson Futura, designed in 1958, had a a unique angular body shape with long, sharp horns. It was originally intended to be a futuristic-looking guitar that would appeal to young players. Only a handful of prototypes were allegedly made, and it was eventually rebranded, with some modification to the body proportions, and released as the Gibson Explorer. However, the Explorer was not well received at the time and only a small number were produced.

The Flying V, which was also introduced in 1958, has a distinct V-shaped body. The guitar was said to be inspired by the tailfins of 1950s automobiles. Like the Explorer, the Flying V did not sell well initially and fewer than 100 were made. Dealers who stocked them were seen using them as pointing arrow store window display props. It was reissued in the 1960s in a slightly different configuration, and has since become an iconic instrument, known for its distinctive look and powerful sound.

The Moderne was intended to be the third model in the series. However, the Moderne was never actually produced at the time and remained a mystery for many years. Perhaps the oddest shape of the three, the upper body was like half of a Flying V, with the lower half having a small horn and an atrophied tail. In the 1980s, Gibson finally released a limited run of Moderne guitars, but these were not true replicas of the original design. The original patent application shows the Moderne with the "Gumby" headstock seen here.

Explorer

The Explorer and Flying V have become iconic instruments in the world of rock music. They are often associated with heavy metal and hard rock, and have been used by many famous guitarists over the years, including Jimi Hendrix, The Edge of U2, and Kirk Hammett of Metallica. Both guitars are highly sought after by collectors and players alike, and original examples can command high prices on the vintage market.

In recent years, Gibson has released various reissues and custom shop versions of the Modernist Series guitars. Despite their initial lack of popularity, they have become an important part of Gibson's history and have influenced guitar design for decades.

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Classic Rock History: 

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Grunge is a genre of rock music that emerged in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, primarily in Seattle, in the mid-1980s. Grunge music is characterized by its heavy, distorted guitar sound, often with a focus on rhythm rather than melody. The lyrics often deal with themes of social alienation, angst, and apathy.

The term "grunge" originally referred to the unkempt appearance of musicians associated with the genre, who often wore flannel shirts, ripped jeans, and combat boots. Grunge fuses elements of punk rock (specifically American hardcore punk such as Black Flag) and heavy metal (especially traditional, earlier heavy metal groups such as Black Sabbath).

Key bands associated with the grunge movement include:

  1. Nirvana: Nirvana is perhaps the most iconic grunge band, led by singer and guitarist Kurt Cobain. Their breakthrough album, "Nevermind" (1991), featuring hits like "Smells Like Teen Spirit," played a pivotal role in bringing grunge into the mainstream and is considered one of the greatest albums of all time.
  2. Pearl Jam: Formed in Seattle in 1990, Pearl Jam rose to fame with their debut album, "Ten" (1991). Led by Eddie Vedder, their music blended grunge with a more classic rock sound. Pearl Jam became one of the most enduring and commercially successful bands of the era.
  3. Soundgarden: Known for their heavy and intricate sound, Soundgarden was a key player in the early grunge scene. Their album "Superunknown" (1994) is often regarded as one of the defining works of the genre. Chris Cornell, the band's vocalist, had a significant impact on the grunge movement.
  4. Alice in Chains: Combining grunge with elements of metal, Alice in Chains achieved success with albums like "Facelift" (1990) and "Dirt" (1992). Their harmonized vocals between Layne Staley and Jerry Cantrell set them apart, contributing to the distinctive grunge sound.
  5. Stone Temple Pilots: Though sometimes associated more with the broader alternative rock scene, Stone Temple Pilots had a significant impact on the grunge movement with their debut album "Core" (1992). Hits like "Plush" and "Creep" helped establish them as major players in the early '90s rock scene.
  6. Mudhoney: As one of the earliest grunge bands, Mudhoney's raw and energetic sound influenced many of the later bands. Their debut album, "Superfuzz Bigmuff" (1988), is considered a classic of the genre.
  7. Temple of the Dog: A unique project, Temple of the Dog was a collaboration featuring members of Soundgarden and Pearl Jam. They released a self-titled album in 1991 as a tribute to Andrew Wood, the late lead singer of Mother Love Bone.

Grunge music gained national and international attention in the early 1990s, with the success of Nirvana's album "Nevermind" (1991) and its hit single "Smells Like Teen Spirit." The commercial success of these bands led to a wider interest in grunge music and the Pacific Northwest music scene in general.

The popularity of grunge music had a significant impact on popular culture, with many people adopting the grunge aesthetic and style of dress. However, as the genre gained more mainstream success, it also faced criticism and backlash for its perceived nihilistic and apathetic themes.

The popularity of grunge also had a significant impact on the recording industry and the hugely popular 1980s bands the industry all but abandoned in order to embrace the emerging new genre.

Despite its relatively short-lived mainstream popularity, grunge music continues to be influential in modern rock music, with many contemporary bands citing grunge as a major influence on their sound and style.

Classic Rock History: 

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The British Invasion was a musical phenomenon that occurred in the mid-1960s, when a wave of British rock bands achieved massive popularity in the United States and other countries around the world. The British Invasion marked a significant shift in popular music, as it introduced new styles and sounds that would have a lasting impact on the music industry.

The roots of the British Invasion can be traced back to the late 1950s and early 1960s, when a number of British skiffle and rock-and-roll bands emerged on the scene. These bands were heavily influenced by American blues and rock-and-roll music, and they often covered songs by American artists.

However, it wasn't until the early 1960s that British bands began to achieve significant success in the United States. The Beatles were at the forefront of this movement, with their appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show in February 1964 marking the beginning of the British Invasion. Other British bands, such as The Rolling Stones, The Who, and The Kinks, quickly followed suit, and soon a wave of British acts were dominating the American music charts.

The British Invasion was characterized by its emphasis on guitar-driven rock music, catchy melodies, and a rebellious attitude. Many of the songs featured lyrics about love, relationships, and social issues, and they often had a distinctive sound that was influenced by American rock and roll, as well as British folk and blues music.

The British Invasion had a significant impact on popular music, as it helped to usher in a new era of rock and roll. The influence of British bands can be heard in many different genres of music, from pop to punk, and their legacy continues to be felt to this day.

Classic Rock History: Tools Of The Trade: 

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The Fender Telecaster, also known as the "Tele", is a classic electric guitar that was first introduced by Fender in 1950. It is known for its simple yet versatile design, as well as its bright, twangy tone.

The Telecaster's design is characterized by its single-cutaway solid body, which is made of ash or alder wood, and its bolt-on maple neck with a maple or rosewood fretboard. The Telecaster has two single-coil pickups, known for their clear, bright sound, which is particularly well-suited to country and rock music.

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