Genre: rock
Rating: *** (3 stars)
Title: Deceptive Lines
Company: Capitol
Catalog: ST-692
Year: 1971
Country/State: New York
Grade (cover/record): VG/VG
Comments: minor ring wear on front; minor edge wear; green inner label
Available: 1
GEMM catalog ID: 4528
Price: $150.00
Cost: $66.00
Bassist Peter Harris, drummer Christopher Lloyd, singer/keyboardist Ric Prince, rhythm guitarist Steve Ross and lead guitarist John Earl Walker started out playing under the name "Creedmore State". The group subsequently got their first break when New York City-based club owners Arnie and Nicky Ungano took an interest in them. Giving them exposure via their nite club, the Unganos also suggested changing the band name to "Plum Nelly" and used their industry connections to help the band audition and sign with Capitol Records.
Over the years I'd read good things about 1971's Ken Cooper produced "Deceptive Lines". Ironically, while the set was released by Capitol Records, finding a copy (let alone one in decent condition) is a surprisingly tough challenge. Having finally stumbled across a copy, I have to admit that it took awhile for the album to reveal its charms to me. Featuring a series of extended tracks (only one out of six clocks in under four minutes), selections such as 'Deception' and 'Carry On' were rather conventional rock, sporting occasional progressive and jazzy touches (the latter courtesy of Jeremy Steig's flute - of Jeremy and the Satyrs fame). As lead singer Prince had a decent voice, though his performances were frequently a little on the shrill side for my tastes ('Carry On'). More to my liking were John Earl Walker's chunky lead guitar moves ('Lonely Man's Cry'). Personal favor; the intense 'Demon'. In terms of talent, these guys were clearly above most of their competition, but I still find the set lacking.
"Deceptive Lines" track listing:
(side 1)
1.) Deception - 9:00
2.) Carry On - 7:04
3.) Demon - 6:57
(side 2)
1.) Lonely Man's Cry - 7:02
2.) Sail Away - 10:00
3.) Never Done - 3:04
Over the next three years the band toured extensively, opening for a diverse group of name acts ranging from Joe Cocker to The Kinks. 1974 saw them relocate to LA where they underwent a series of personnel changes. Long time bassist Harris was replaced by Bob Feit, who was in turn quickly replaced by John Murphy. The band struggled on through 1976 at which point Walker called it quits, eventually turning up as front man for the cleverly titled John Earl Walker Band.