- Chet McCracken -- vocals, drums, percussion (1970-71)

- Jack Merrill -- vocals, guitar (1970-71)

- Rob Rochan -- vocals, bass, percussion (1970-71)

- The Doobie Brothers (Chet McCracken)

- Evergreen Blueshoes (Chet McCracken)

- Chet McCracken (solo efforts)

Genre: rock

Rating: 3 stars ***

Title:  Second Coming

Company: Decca

Catalog: DL-75304
Year: 1971

Country/State: California, US

Grade (cover/record): VG / VG

Comments: small cut out hole top left corner

Available: 1

GEMM catalog ID: 5643

Price: $75.00

A California-based trio featuring the talents of former Evergreen Blueshoes drummer Chet McCracken, guitarist/keyboard player Jack Merrill, and bassist Rob Rochan, in 1970 the group scored a contract with Decca Records leading to the release of 1970's cleverly-titled "Help". 

Produced by Val Garay, their sophomore release 1971's "Second Coming" found the trio of drummer Chet McCracken, guitarist Jack Merrill, and bassist Rob Rochan pursuing a much heavier rock groove.  With all three members again contributing material, the all-original set managed to meld some blazing hard rock moves with an occasional dash of psych, and some surprisingly commercial touches.  For a trio these guys generated quite a bit of energy (to say nothing of volume - try cranking this one up on a good stereo).  McCracken underscored his credentials as one kick-as* drummer, ensuring that his contributions were always more than a steady backbeat (check out the way he kicked the rocker All Day' along').  Merrill showed himself to be a multifaceted guitarist (hard to believe he didn't make the big time with another band), while Rochan proved an innovative bassist - check out his bass line on 'Hold On Child'.  The funny thing is that I've listened to this one dozens of times over the years and never been able to  come up with a better known group that would serve as a benchmark for comparison.  About the best I've been able to come up with is describing them as a more talented and commercial version of Sir Lord Baltimore (which happens to be a band that I like quite a bit).  Exemplified by songs like '' and '' this was clearly hard rock, but these songs were full of memorable melodies and some great harmony vocals.  Elsewhere 'Hold On Child' deserved notice as one of the few songs that managed to include solo slots for all three members without becoming plodding and overindulgent - the whole thing clocked in under 4 minutes.  Merrill's screaming solo on the track is almost worth the entire price of admission.  Elsewhere opening up with Merrill's double tracked leads the extended, bluesy 'Dear Lord' was my pick for standout track.  As with the debut release, Decca tapped the album for an instantly obscure single:

- 1971's 'Good Time Music' b/w 'Hold On Child' (Decca catalog number 32879)

"Second Coming" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) Do You Understand the Words   (Chet McCracken - Jack Merrill - Rob Rochan) - 3:35

2.) All Day   (Chet McCracken - Jack Merrill - Rob Rochan) - 3:00

3.) Good Time Music   (Chet McCracken - Jack Merrill - Rob Rochan) - 3:30

4.) Hold On Child   (Chet McCracken - Jack Merrill - Rob Rochan) - 3:58

5.) T.C.A   (Chet McCracken - Jack Merrill - Rob Rochan). - 7:10

(side 2)
1.) Dear Lord   (Chet McCracken - Jack Merrill - Rob Rochan) - 9:55

2.) Oh My   (Chet McCracken - Jack Merrill - Rob Rochan) - 4:25

3.) Power   (Chet McCracken - Jack Merrill - Rob Rochan) - 5:10

And that was it for the band.  McCracken went on to join The Doobie Brothers.  Even though there's no mention of Help, he has a nice website at:  

http://www.chetmccracken.com/

No idea what happed to the two other members ...