Rating: *** (3 stars)
Title: Conception
Company: Lizard
Catalog: A201038
Year: 1970
Grade (cover/record): VG/VG
Comments: minor ring wear; gatefold sleeve
Available: 1
Price: $30.00
How many bands can you name that got their start
in Billings, Montana ...
Formed in 1965 and originally known as The Frantics, this six piece bounced
all over the country. Leaving Montana, the mid-'60s found them alternately
calling Santa Fe, New Mexico, Colorado Springs, Colorado and Los Angeles,
California their home.
A mid-'60s single for the small Sunco label ("Route 66" b/w
"La Do Da Da") vanished without a trace.
1971 found the band signed to the short lived Ampex-affiliated Lizard label. Produced by
Stan Farber, "Conception"
offered up a rather conventional set of guitar rock. A standard mix of
originals and cover material, Byfuglin proved a competent, if under whelming
lead singer (his penchant for mush mouth deliveries was an acquired taste).
Similarly, the band's rock moves were professional, if seldom awe striking.
Among the highlights were their molasses speed cover of "Hey Joe",
"More of a Man" (reflecting a touch of psychedelic guitar) and the
guitar-propelled "Her and Her Mountain". Elsewhere the
dayglo gatefold sleeve was certainly cool.
"Conception" track listing:
(side 1)
1.) Baby (Westlake - Shuman) - 3:10
2.) Wicked Woman (Max Byfuglin - Kim Sherman) - 3:15
3.) Scitnarf (Max Byfuglin) - 1:57
4.) Hey Joe (Roberst - Dino Valenti) - 5:12
5.) More of a Man (Fergus) - 3:47
(side 2)
1.) Little Girl (Van Morrison) - 2:56
2.) Shady Sam (Max Byfuglin) - 3:45
3.) Her and Her Mountain (Kim Sherman - Dennis Devlin) - 2:34
4.) Morning Dew (Dobson) - 4:00
5.) Midnight To Six Man (D. Taylor - Phil May) - 4:03
The band subsequently metamorphosed into The Farm Band (see separate entry).