UK release. 2008 release of classic recordings from this '60s outfit who transformed into the mighty Steppenwolf! Reminds us of early Who(The High Numbers) in spots and, of course, early Steppenwold. Dennis Edmonton, drummer Jerry Edmonton and bass player Nick St Nicholas had all played together in Toronto 'British Invasion' band, Jack London & The Sparrows in 1965. When the group split from singer Jack London, they added new members, going through a succession of future Canadian music stars before settling on permanent members John Kay and Goldy McJohn. In June 1967, however, Dennis Edmonton announced his decision to go solo, changing his name to Mars Bonfire. This effectively fragmented the group, with St. Nicholas and new guitarist Michael Monarch joining members of the Hard Times as T.I.M.E...though Monarch soon left to join the other Sparrows in their new project Steppenwolf...who broke through with songs written by Mars Bonfire like "Born To Be Wild"....and were soon rejoined by St. Nicholas... and so it was that all the members of The Sparrow were involved in the phenomenal success of Steppenwolf! A twisty turny story, but, oh my, is the music worth it! “They only released one official 45, although many of the tapes they cut for Columbia have appeared on various albums. Their material mixed Kay originals and blues covers of stalwarts like John Lee Hooker and Jimmy Reed. Considerably rootsier in orientation than Steppenwolf, the Sparrow played pedestrian blues-rock for the most part. Oddly enough, Kay was barely involved in their best -- and least typical -- tracks: the lovely psychedelic tune "Tomorrow's Ship" and the massively echoed freakout "Isn't It Strange." Written and sung by other bandmembers, these songs (which formed both sides of their lone single) reflect a trippy Californian ambience that was distinctly at odds with Kay's heavy rock leanings.”-
1. Twisted 2. Goin' to California 3. Baby, Please Don't Go 4. Down Goes Your Love Life 5. Bright Lights, Big City 6. Can't Make Love by Yourself 7. Good Morning Little Schoolgirl 8. King Pin 9. Square Headed People 10. Chasin' Shadows 11. Green Bottle Lover 12. Isn't It Strange 13. Tomorrow's Ship 14. Twisted 15. Goin' to California 16. (I'm Your) Hoochie Coochie Man 17. Pusher 18. Goin' Upstairs 19. Tighten Up Your Wig 20. Too Late
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