- Wilgar Campbell - drums, percussion (1971-72)
- Rod De'Ath - drums, percussion (replaced Wilgar

  Campbell) (1972-76)
- Rory Gallagher (RIP 1995) - vocals, guitar, mandolin,

  harmonic (1971-95)
- Lou Martin - keyboards, guitar (1972-76)
- Gerry McAvoy - bass (1971-)
- Ted McKenna - drums, percussion (replaced Rod De'Ath)

  (1976-80)
- Brendan O'Neill - drums, percussion
 

- Killing Floor (Rod De'Ath and Lou Martin)
- The Sensational Alex Harvey Band (Ted McKenna)
- Taste (Rory Gallagher)
- Tear Gas (Ted McKenna) 

Genre: blues-rock

Rating: *** (3 stars)

Title:  Blueprint

Company: Polydor

Catalog: PD-5522

Year: 1972

Country/State: Ireland

Grade (cover/record): VG/VG

Comments: minor ring wear

Available: 1

GEMM catalog ID: 4302

Price: $15.00

Cost: $66.00

To be honest, it took a bit of effort to warm up to 1972's "Blueprint".  That's kinda' curious since musically the set's not a major departure from Gallagher's earlier releases.  Starting out with the blazing 'Walk On Hot Coals' (one of his toughest rockers), the collection finds Gallagher and company opting for a slightly more rock-oriented sound than found on some of the earlier efforts, but the changes are modest.  In case longtime fans are concerned, there's still plenty of blues including 'Banker's Blues' (which is  erroneously credited as a Gallagher-penned effort), 'Unmilitary Two-Step' and the breath taking 'The Seventh Son of a Seventh Son'.  By the way, until I heard 'Hands Off' I didn't know Gallagher played the sax.  To my ears it's a solid, if slightly under whelming release, though tracks such as the ballad 'Daughters of the Everglades' (which sports a killer Gallagher solo) and the surprisingly mainstream 'Race the Breeze' have grown on me after I've given them a couple of spins.

"Blueprint" track listing"

(side 1)

1.) Walk On Hot Coals (Rory Gallagher) - 

2.) Daughters of the Everglades (Rory Gallagher) - 

3.) Banker's Blues (Rory Gallagher - Broonzy) - 

4.) Hands Off (Rory Gallagher) - 

(side 2)

1.) Race the Breeze (Rory Gallagher) - 

2.) The Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (Rory Gallagher) - 

3.) Unmilitary Two-Step (instrumental) (Rory Gallagher) - 

4.) If I Had a Reason (Rory Gallagher) - 

Genre: blues-rock

Rating: *** (3 stars)

Title:  Top Priority

Company: Chrysalis

Catalog: CHR 1235

Year: 1979

Country/State: Ireland

Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+

Comments: original inner sleeve

Available: 1

GEMM catalog ID: 4305

Price: $10.00

Cost: $66.00

With Gallagher continuing his extensive touring schedule, he began to garner significant press attention, particularly in the States.  More than willing to cash in on the publicity, Chrysalis rushed Gallagher back into the studio.  Continuing his relationship with producer Alan O'Duffy, 1979's "Top Priority" (reportedly named after Chrysalis' promise to support the album), stood as Gallagher's most mainstream rock effort.  That wasn't to say Gallagher sold out the blues.  Virtually every one of the nine tracks was underscored by a blues base, but tracks such as 'Wayward Child', 'Keychain' and 'Bad Penny' were among the most mainstream and commercial things he'd ever penned.  Perhaps because of its interesting lyric and strong melody, to our ears the standout track was 'Philby' (apparently a reflection of Gallagher's interest in spies - how often do you hear a song about the infamous British spy?).  A close second, the scorching 'Just Hit Town'.  Probably one of the best places for casual fans, or those who aren't into the blues to start with.  Naturally the title proved ironic given Chrysalis' promotional efforts were marginal and the set again failed to prove a major seller.  It also marked Gallagher's final studio set for the label.

"Top Priority" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) Follow Me   (Rory Gallagher) - 

2.) Philby   (Rory Gallagher) - 

3. Wayward Child   (Rory Gallagher) - 

4.) Keychain   (Rory Gallagher) - 

5.) At the Depot   (Rory Gallagher) - 

(side 1)

1.) Bad Penny   (Rory Gallagher) - 

2.) Just Hit  Town   (Rory Gallagher) - 

3.) Off the Handle   (Rory Gallagher) - 

4.) Public Enemy No. 1   (Rory Gallagher) -