Genre: rock
Rating: 3 stars ***
Title: Nutz Too ...
Company: A&M
Catalog: AMLS
68306
Year: 1975
Country/State: Liverpool, UK
Grade (cover/record): VG / VG+
Comments: UK import
Available: 1
GEMM catalog ID: 5823
Price: $40.00
So here's a fairly talented mid-1970s outfit that never really made it outside of the UK (not that they were a gigantic success in England). Formed in Liverpool, Nutz came together in 1973 featuring the talents of lead guitarist Mick Davenport, singer/rhythm guitarist Dave Lloyd, bass player Keith Mulholland, and drummer John Mylett.
A&M publicity shot: left to right:
Mylett - Mulhollamd - Davenport - Lloyd
Released in 1975, the band's cleverly-titled sophomore album "Nutz Too" teamed the band with producer John Anthony. Musically the set wasn't a major change from the debut; maybe a little heavier this time around. With the majority of material penned by lead guitarist Davenport (Lloyd contributing three tracks), songs like 'I Want Never Gets', 'Change's Coming' and 'The Love You Lost' really didn't make much of an impression on me the first couple of times I listened to them. As a result it was easy to see why these guys had been relegated to 'also ran' status. As I normally do, before getting rid of it, I set the LP aside for a couple of months (well in this case it was more like a couple of years) in order to give it one last chance before saying adios. Glad I gave it another shot. True, there wasn't anything particularly original here, but the band's efforts to merge conventional hard rock licks with an occasional progressive move made for more than it's share of interesting moments. Lloyd may not have had the most distinctive voice, but he used his talents well, generating considerable energy on tracks like 'Cool Me Down' and the ballad 'The Love You Lost'. That said, the big surprise was Davenport. A surprisingly versatile player, his playing added the highlights to most of the album.
- Starting out with a brief section of meltdown guitar, 'Nature Intended' quickly shifted into boogie mode. Hardly the band's most inventive composition, the track seemed designed to give Davenport a change to showcase his hyper speed guitar licks. Okay, the lyrics were actually kind of funny. rating: *** stars
- 'I Want Never Gets' showcased the band's mix of hard rock and progressive moves, this time out with a far stronger melody and some nice Davenport lead guitar. Imagine an English version of Styx that could really rock and you'd be in the right aural neighborhood though the cheesy, burping synthesizer at the end wasn't really necessary. rating: *** stars
- Going with a more conventional attack, 'Take It From Me' had a nice hook and was one of the album's most commercial effort. By not trying to sound as 'tough' Lloyd's vocals were actually far better than normal. The song also benefited from some nice drums from Mylett. Imagine a less bubble-gummy Sweet and you'd get a feel for this one. rating: *** stars
- Tapped as the UK single (there wasn't an American 45), 'Change's Coming' was the only non-original (the song was written and originally recorded by the band Gypsy). Great melody, fantastic group harmonies, and a killer Davenport lead guitar made this one irresistible and the album's standout performance. Could've been a massive hit in the US had someone been paying attention. rating: ***** stars
- Another unexpected surprise, 'Dear Diary' was a largely acoustic ballad. Lloyd's performance was the big surprise here, turning in one of his prettiest vocals. For his part Davenport responded with his prettiest lead guitar. rating: *** stars
- The first real disappointment, 'Is It All for Real' was a forgettable slice of numbing boogie-rock. Again, imagine a bad Sweet song and you'll know what to expect on this one. rating: ** stars
- 'Cool Me Down' was a conventional mid-tempo rocker, but boasted one of the band's best melodies (thanks to Danvenport's multi-tracked lead guitar) and incorporated some of the band's surprisingly impressive group harmonies. Always liked Mulholland's mega-fuzz bass on this one. rating: *** stars
- 'R.S.D.' started out as a laidback acoustic blues number with Lloyd's vocals sounding like they were recorded over a long distance phone line. About a minute in the song exploded into a full fledge electric arrangement showcasing some first-rate Davenport slide guitar. Nice slinky rocker that actually deserved the comparison to something out of the Zeppelin catalog and it would have sounded great on American FM radio. Easily one of the album highlights. rating: **** stars
-'The Love You Lost' was a pretty and relatively laidback keyboard-propelled ballad (Paul Carrack provided the keyboards). Once again Lloyd was at his best when he stopped trying to push it so hard. The album featured another memorable Davenport solo. rating: *** stars
- Another full tilt rocker, 'Sinner' had a catchy chorus and lots of hyper-speed Davenport lead guitar, but not much more going for it. rating: ** stars
- The album ended with the rocker 'Knife Edge'. Funny, but originally this was one of the few tracks that I liked. This time out it was the exact opposite - I found it kind of plodding and predictable. Guess tastes change. rating: ** stars
A&M also tapped the album for a UK single:
- 1975's 'Change's Coming' b/w 'Long Ships' (A&M catalog number AMS 7160)
Not perfect, but all-in-all an album that I've grown to like more and more every time I spin it. The ultimate irony - the band actually toured the States, but A&M hadn't bothered to release the set domestically. Shame since they could have done something here.
"Nutz Too
..." track listing:
(side 1)
1.) Nature Intended (Mick Davenport)
2.) I Want Never Gets (Mick Davenport)
3.) Take It From Me (Mick Davenport)
4.) Change's Coming (Robin Piazer)
5.) Dear Diary (Mick Davenport)
6.) Is It All for Real (Mick Davenport)
(side
2)
1.) Cool Me Down (Dave Lloyd)
2.) R.S.D. (Dave Lloyd)
3.) The Love You Lost (Dave Lloyd)
4.) Sinner (Mick Davenport)
5.) Knife Edge (Mick Davenport)
The album also played a role in one of rock and roll's more interesting and bizarre episodes. Rather than go into the details, you can read the story yourself at:
Sadly while vacationing in Greece, drummer John Mylett died in a 1984 traffic accident.
SRB 11/2009