Angel Air\/Border<\/p>\n
HARD STUFF was first known as BULLET, but changed to avoid confusion with an American band. Behind the words stood three experienced musicians with careers both behind an in the future; John DuCann, guitars\/vocals, (ex ATTACK, ex. ANDROMEDA, ex. ATOMIC ROOSTER), Paul Hammond, drums (ex. ATOMIC ROOSTER), and JOHN GUSTAFSON, bass (ex THE MERSEYBEATS, ex. QUATERMASS). A heavily touring band, often as support to DEEP PURPLE or URIAH HEEP, they almost ended up dead on the road in a car crash in Germany. The band\u00b4s story was seriously hampered when DuCann and Hammond were seriously injured, and bedridden for long rendering them far too late with the follow-up to this 70\u00b4s success. Sadly a reunion is not in the cards since Paul succumbed to alcohol abuse in 1993 and DuCann prematurely passed away in September this year, R.I.P. Has the material stood the test of time?<\/p>\n
Opener \u201cJay Time\u201d was the second single of the album. Cut in 1971 it represents the age and mind set well. A lot of \u201clala\u201d compared to today and a sense of freedom is transferred. The remaster is extremely good for material that was recorded so long ago, quite simple but very convincing. The next track is \u201cSinister Minister\u201d, a title that should win an award or two. DuCann actually used JIMI HENDRIX\u00b4s old Marshal and it kind of shines through. It may not be as unique as ATOMIC ROOSTER but the voice is instantly recognizableand the refrain rules. \u201cNo Witch at All\u201d starts with a simple drum beat. There is a slight resemblance to the early DEEP PURPLE and the questioning tone in the lyrics seems familiar from many a seventies hit. I enjoy the arrangement and the slight crescendo towards the end. I may not be as thrilled about \u201cTaken Alive\u201d. A boogie a la STATUS QUO deep down it is not up to par with the three first tracks. The album is not as even as I would have liked. It contains a joint effort with Gillan\/Glover, \u201cMonster in Paradise\u201d that doesn\u00b4t work any wondersand the rather forgettable \u201cMr Longevity \u2013 RIP\u201d. But also the first single, \u201cHobo\u201d, complete with a Coverdale like \u201cwhoohoo\u201d and the archetypal flow of typical Brit rock called \u201cMillionaire\u201d. The jam character is of often present, especially in the far too short \u201cThe Provider Part One\u201d. The bonus tracks are a completely mixed bag. The rare 7\u201d version of \u201cJay Time\u201d is shortened and more focused on being a hit, while the b-side \u201cThe Orchestrator\u201d was left out from the album for an obvious reason. It\u00b4s odd and simply put a waste of time. Well, by the time I finished listening by jeans had widened by four inches at my feet and it is easy to get carried away by the happy-go-lucky 70\u00b4s feeling. I bet they saved my day somehow. John DuCann will no doubt be a great loss for British rock.<\/p>\n
Track List
\nJay Time
\nSinister Minister
\nNo Witch at All
\nTaken Alive
\nTime Gambler
\nMillionaire
\nMonster in Paradise
\nHobo
\nMr Longevity – RIP
\nThe Provider – Part One<\/p>\n
Bonus Tracks
\nJay Time (Single Version)
\nThe Orchestrator<\/p>\n