Genre: rock
Rating: *** (3 stars)
Title: Lazarus
Company: Amazon
Catalog: 1001
Year: 1970
Country/State: US
Grade (cover/record): VG/VG
Comments: gatefold sleeve
Available: 1
GEMM Catalog ID: not yet listed
Price: $40.00
Having previously recorded with The Oxfords and
The Rugbys (see separate entries), in 1971 singer/guitarist Steve McNicol
formed Lazarus. Signed by Shelby Singleton's Amazon label, the band's
self-titled debut "Lazarus"
made for an interesting, if frustrating effort. Abandoning his earlier
blue-eyed soul attack, material such as 'You've Got To Get Ahead', 'Faces of Tomorrow' and
'Back In the City' offered up an
odd blend of conventional MOR pop, lite psych and BS&T-styled horns
('Desire'). On paper the combination probably doesn't sound all that appealing,
but to be honest the results aren't half bad (imagine 'Crystal Blue
Persuasion' era Tommy James mixed with early BS&T). McNicol's voice
was attractive and the majority of the Raymond Cichon-penned material was
catchy enough to warrant at least a quick spin. That didn't do anything
for sales, the set quickly vanishing into cutout bins.
"Lazarus" track listing:
(side 1)
1.) You've Got To Get Ahead (Raymond Cichon - Tony Bertollotti) - 3:00
2.) Faces of Tomorrow (Raymond Cichon) - 3:15
3.) Desire (Raymond Cichon) - 2:20
4.) Once Again (Thomas Bombaci - Ronald Stablini) - 3:15
5.) Stay with Me (Steve McNicol) - 2:50
(side 2)
1.) Back In the City (Raymond Cichon) - 2:05
2.) Shades of Winter (Raymond Cichon) - 2:35
3.) I'll Get To You (Raymond Cichon) -
4.) In the Beginning (Raymond Cichon) - 2:55
5.) Message To the People (Raymond Cichon) - 3:50
6.) Molly (Raymond Cichon) - 2:55