timschochet
Footballguy
100. Bachman-Turner Overdrive Bachman-Turner Overdrive II (1973)
Classic rock radio staples: “Takin’ Care of Business”, “Let It Ride”
Randy Bachman, in his second band since leaving The Guess Who, with his brothers and Fred Turner, made some great rock and roll in the early 70s. Like The Rolling Stones and The Allman Brothers Band during the same era they featured two lead guitars (one was often acoustic) and thus gave them a richer, fuller sound that is still great to listen to. Their second album was their breakthrough, with the two songs listed above being played ever since to new generations of listeners. So far as I know the band is still performing.
Side One
“Blown”
You immediately hear the two distinctive guitars and you know you’re in a good place. This is a nice catchy tune to start the album. Randy’s vocals sound a little like Mick Jagger here.
“Welcome Home”
The best of the deep tracks here. The verses remind me of Harry Styles. The chorus is nothing special but all of this is setup for a marvelous and lengthy guitar solo where Randy really shows off his chops. The song then ends with an incongruent but splendid Django Reinhardt style jazz riff.
“Stonegates”
Pretty standard rock song of this era. Would be filler but it’s saved by yet another intriguing solo.
“Let It Ride”
For my money, the best thing that BTO ever did. The guitar riff, the singing, the overall performance, it all kicks ***.
Side Two
“Give It Time”
Another terrific guitar riff. The melody and lyrics, like so much of this record, are nothing special, but who cares? It’s great rock and roll because of that guitar.
“Tramp”
Nearly as catchy as some of their hits. I wonder why this wasn’t released as a single.
“I Don’t Have To Hide”
IMO the only really regrettable choice on the album. I mean it’s not terrible but it doesn’t go anywhere. And the vocals are awful.
“Takin’ Care of Business”
Never my favorite BTO song but you can’t deny how anthemic it is. Its lasting power has been gigantic and there is probably nobody reading this who hasn’t heard it a zillion times. Yet it doesn’t sound dated.
Classic rock radio staples: “Takin’ Care of Business”, “Let It Ride”
Randy Bachman, in his second band since leaving The Guess Who, with his brothers and Fred Turner, made some great rock and roll in the early 70s. Like The Rolling Stones and The Allman Brothers Band during the same era they featured two lead guitars (one was often acoustic) and thus gave them a richer, fuller sound that is still great to listen to. Their second album was their breakthrough, with the two songs listed above being played ever since to new generations of listeners. So far as I know the band is still performing.
Side One
“Blown”
You immediately hear the two distinctive guitars and you know you’re in a good place. This is a nice catchy tune to start the album. Randy’s vocals sound a little like Mick Jagger here.
“Welcome Home”
The best of the deep tracks here. The verses remind me of Harry Styles. The chorus is nothing special but all of this is setup for a marvelous and lengthy guitar solo where Randy really shows off his chops. The song then ends with an incongruent but splendid Django Reinhardt style jazz riff.
“Stonegates”
Pretty standard rock song of this era. Would be filler but it’s saved by yet another intriguing solo.
“Let It Ride”
For my money, the best thing that BTO ever did. The guitar riff, the singing, the overall performance, it all kicks ***.
Side Two
“Give It Time”
Another terrific guitar riff. The melody and lyrics, like so much of this record, are nothing special, but who cares? It’s great rock and roll because of that guitar.
“Tramp”
Nearly as catchy as some of their hits. I wonder why this wasn’t released as a single.
“I Don’t Have To Hide”
IMO the only really regrettable choice on the album. I mean it’s not terrible but it doesn’t go anywhere. And the vocals are awful.
“Takin’ Care of Business”
Never my favorite BTO song but you can’t deny how anthemic it is. Its lasting power has been gigantic and there is probably nobody reading this who hasn’t heard it a zillion times. Yet it doesn’t sound dated.
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