Genre: folk-rock
Rating: *** (3 stars)
Title: Ted Lucas
Company: OM
Catalog: OM-5374
Year: 1975
Country/State: Detroit, Michigan
Grade (cover/record): VG+ / VG+
Comments: no insert or Stanley Mouse postcard
Available: 1
GEMM catalog ID: 4907
Price: $170.00
Hard to believe singer/guitarist Ted Lucas was the same guy who recorded with The Spikedrivers ... As such let me just mention that if you're expecting to hear something similar to 'High Times' or 'Strange Mysterious Sounds' you might want to check around for a couple of free sound bites before investing relatively big money in a copy of Lucas' solo album. On the other hand, if you're one of those folks who enjoy largely acoustic singer/songwriter faire have I got a treat for you.
Written and produced by Lucas who also handled vocals and guitar, 1975's "Ted Lucas" is actually kind of schizophrenic. The first side featured a collection of six largely acoustic singer/songwriter numbers. Propelled by Lucas' likable voice tracks such as 'Plain & Sane & Simple Melody' and 'It's So Easy (When You Know What Your Doing)' were surprisingly tuneful and attractive. With a little bit of production work and promotional support something like 'I'll Find a Way (To Carry It All)'' would have sounded great on top-40 radio. To be honest, to my ears some of side one actually sounded a little bit like Clapton Unplugged. Okay, maybe not the moody 'It Is So Nice To Get Stoned'. Elsewhere, the dulcimer-propelled 'Now That I Know' and 'Baby Where You Are' sported a nifty country-ish flavor. Apparently recorded live, side two shifted the focus to Lucas the instrumentalist, in the process reminding me of something that John Fahey or Leo Kotke might have recorded. Side two opened with a pair of bluesy acoustic numbers that showcased Lucas' chops, but weren't particularly memorable. Clocking in at eight minutes, 'Love & Peace Raga' featured an entertaining mixture of folk, psych and raga influences. Certainly not something that will change your outlook on life, though it did sport a cool Stanley Mouse cover ...
"Ted Lucas" track listing:
(side 1)
1.) Plain & Sane & Simple Melody (Ted Lucas) - 3:26
2.) It's So Easy (When You Know What Your Doing) (Ted Lucas) - 2:59
3.) Now That I Know (Ted Lucas) - 2:25
4.) I'll Find a Way (To Carry It All) (Ted Lucas) - 3:22
5.) Baby Where You Are (Ted Lucas) - 2:27
6.) It Is So Nice To Get Stoned (Ted Lucas) - 4:27
(side
2)
1.) Robins Ride (instrumental) (Ted Lucas) - 3:15
2.) Sonny Boy Blues (instrumental) (Ted Lucas) - 7:00
3.) Love & Peace Raga (Ted Lucas) - 8:00
There's a nice Lucas tribute website located at:
Anyone heard Lucas' non-LP 45 ''California Head' b/w 'My Dog' (Zonk catalog number )?