Terry Reid (self-titled)

It’s amazing how such a perfect stroke of rock n-roll can hide in the shadows. Terry Reid’s albums are an instantly likable mix of blues, rock, and blue-eyed soul. Excellent juke box fodder, you could drop a quarter on a random song from his catalog and feel confident in any bar around. Maybe classic rock radio would give the boy a spin if he hadn’t turned down that lead-singer gig for Led Zeppelin.

I guess it’s lucky for us that Terry recommended Robert Plant for the job (he was busy opening for the Stones). Needless to say, the kid can belt. One of the great unsung voices of rock, in fact. The leadoff track on this record is an aptly titled Donovan cover, Superlungs My Supergirl. Most of the rest are fine originals, shining on the toned down folk numbers, May Fly case in point.

Another case of classic management problems, Terry would remain under the radar, unhelped by Mickie Most’s contractual obligations. Reid’s music gathered some renewed interest thanks to Rob Zombie, particularly via his ultra-horrifying film, The Devil’s Rejects, soundtracked with a bunch of classic Terry Reid joints. I can firmly agree you won’t be disappointed with any Terry Reid purchase ventured, even the confusing mix of his early albums on Astralwerks, Superlungs.

“Superlungs My Supergirl”

I’m posting Terry’s 2nd, self-titled album above for its lovely 1969 grit, but his other albums, notably River and Seed of Memory, are every bit as essential. They take a more manicured 1970s approach, adding bass groovers and horns, with Seed of Memory approaching superfunk on side two, but damn if they won’t get ya. Here’s two from a personal favorite, River:

“Dean”

:D CD Reissue / Download | 2005 | Astralwerks | buy from amazon ]
:) Original Vinyl | 1969 | Epic | search ebay ]


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6 Comments.

  • WhasYrDadLike

    finally!
    i’ve been reading The Rising Storm ever since it inaugurated itself and have been waitin for a post on Terry Reid. Your work on this BLOG is done!

  • Chris

    Wow, you’re incredible! Best blog out there… obsessed with 60’s music..somehown never checked his stuff out. What a great!

  • IWannaMeetThatDad

    I agree with “Chris” — you are a great!

  • dk

    One of the great overlooked voices in rock. It’s worth repeating that ‘River’ and ‘Seed Of Memory’ are EXCELLENT albums as well. His 2004 compilation ‘Super Lungs: The Complete Studio Recordings 1966-1969’ is a great place to start if you’re not familiar with his music.

    On the other side of the coin, ‘The Driver’ – from 1991 – is a disappointing mess.

    Thanks for the excellent post!

  • zach

    yep, great blog. Totally my kinda thing. Cheers!

  • Gegenschein

    Terry is one of the best vocalists of the late 60s, criminally underappreciated despite his huge talent. Thanks for this!

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