SMOKESTACK LIGHTNIN'
Off The Wall
Smokestack Lightnin' had THE sound... One of the truly unsung groups of
the '60's Sunset Strip era, Smokestack Lightnin' was something of a house
band at the Whiskey A-Go-Go, as well as at the Cheetah Club. They recorded
several strong singles, worked with Bones Howe, recorded this LP and made
a film appearance. However, they are rarely mentioned along with the Doors,
Seeds, Love, or Byrds when the top bands of the Strip are listed. Group
members are: Ric Eiserling (guitar); Kelly Green (bass); Ronnie Darling
(percussion, vocals); Art Guy (drums).
As Smokestack Lightnin' drummer Art Guy reflects: "The '60's in LA
and in particular on the Sunset Strip was pure and simply magic. We had
just moved from the traditional boy & girl thing with Saturday night
dates, school and sports being the most important things in the world. We
were at war in Vietnam and the younger generation began to question anything
and everything our parents and peers stood for and promoted. This movement
didn't happen overnight. It was a gradual trend, fueled in many places around
the country. Our neck of the woods with the tremendous musical talent started
to fuel the fires of change that spread coast to coast over the next few
years. The Sunset Strip drew kids from around the country and across the
globe like a magnet. The famed Whiskey-A-Go-Go, which just prior to 1966
was hosting people like Johnny Rivers and audiences in suits and ties, was
transformed into a forum for the new upcoming rock stars of tomorrow. The
Strip was alive with thousands of fans of this new generation. We had long
hair, wore outrageous clothes, promoted free love and lots of it, drank,
and smoked pot and created general mayhem wherever we went. Girls wore skirts
so short, if they even bent over slightly everything was exposed. Many chose
to go bra-less and panty-less. It was one wild party scene after another,
with daytime in between. One other point that should be made very clear
was the fact that all of the groups got along as if we were one big extended
family. It didn't matter if Sly & The Family Stone or The Doors was
in the audience. They loved every minute of the music and excitement and
appreciated each band for their uniqueness. We all supported each other.
We all loved the fans and communicated and partied with them."
This is an original 1969 vinyl first pressing of this hard edged garagey
blues-psych band, with lots of cool fuzz guitar and the underground-rock
styles & flair that collectors look for & enjoy. Selections are: "Watch
Your Step"; "Long Stemmed Eyes (John's Song)"; "Three
Hundred Pounds Of Heavenly Joy"; "Something's Got Ahold On Me";
"Light In My Window"; "I Idolize You"; "Who's Been
Talking?"; "Well Tuesday". Stereo on Bell records (6026)
Jacket & vinyl appear overall EXcellent!
