By: Wizard Of Roz
1.) BIRTHA -Birtha - Released 1972 on ABC/Dunhill Records. Members: Liver Favela - Lead vocals, drums; Rosemary Butler - Bass, lead vocals; Shele Pinozzoto - Guitar, lead vocals; Sherry Hagler - Keyboards.
If you’re even lucky enough to get your hands on this record, (luckily, some genius in London has put this on CD!) I guarantee you will never hear anything like this again, anything this good unfortunately. Hopefully that will change once this is finally heard and people realize there were real female bands before the runaways and the Go- Go’s.
This is probably the most exciting record ever made by a female band. It’s a shame this record was virtually ignored by everyone in the 70’s in this business of rock ‘n’ roll. This is the record that should have been and still should be played along the classic rock stations and books and files of all time. First of all, this band is lead by an incredible singing, drumming female. Liver (Olivia) Favela is, without a doubt, the wildest singing drummer of all time. The vocals are shared by a most vicious bassist/singer, who for the last 20 years, has been wasting her talent singing background vocals for these soft rock male singers.(Just picture Janis Joplin behind the drums and singing at the same time.)
Never again! This is not to be forgotten. This is out as an important CD, with the only 2 albums these tremendous women did. Please find it, listen and learn. This is what R’n’R is all about! This drumming is unlike you will hear from any other drummer unless we get with it. 2 stand- out tracks: “Judgment Day” (killer drum solo) and “Work On A Dream”.
2.) CHARITY BALL - FANNY - Released 1971 on Warner Bros. Records. Members: Alice DeBuhr - Drums, vocals; Nickey Barclay - Keyboards, vocals.
The most known late 60’s, early 70’s female band after Goldie & The Gingerbreads, lead the way to what would eventually become a slow start for females later on. Although not very well remembered among artists today (who cares?) Fanny was a band that was not to be messed with. Being the first female band to actually hit the charts early on, they will be valued for having the first two singles by a female band in the Top 40. (No not the Go-Go’s). Fanny made exactly 5 albums, the first to achieve a sense of longevity, which unfortunately isn’t practiced enough by today’s bands. (2 albums won’t make anyone a legend unless you’re really good or your Birtha!!)
This review is their second album and “Charity Ball” is one of the singles in mention. The album has a funky flavor to it which is different from what Birtha did, but nonetheless, just as good. “Special Care” is a favorite, for it’s strong vocals. Altogether, it’s a special mix of rock and classic R&B. Very Stylish, and very, very classic. A must find. Not on yet on CD. But should be as well.
3.) RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW - Precious Metal - Released 1985, on Mercury Records. Members: Carol M. Control - Drums; Leslie Knauer - Lead vocals; Janet Robin - Guitar, vocals; Mara Fox - Guitar; Alex Rylance - Bass.
Wild 80’s metal band with massive strength. Not a “hair” band at all. Just a fun, loud, rockin’ good metal band. All the songs on the album are quick, precise, and ingenious. My only complaint is that the songs are so short. They pass buy so fast, you forget they are just good, short songs. As for Miss Control’s drumming (c’mon, with a name like that?) is pure clean rock ‘n’ roll riffs. “Cheesecake” is especially fun. Not just for the fact that it’s making fun of the “beefcake” but of us as well. The 16th/snare switch off is great throughout the song. The very fast “Girls Night Out” is especially a great party song despite it’s little tiny jazz intro. “Bad Guys” of course, we all know what this is about, is a great tribute to the Go- Go’s drumming. A very loud party album, which should be heard and not forgotten. Miss Control’s drumming is very under ‘Control’!
4.) BREAKING NEW GROUND - Wild Rose - Released 1989 on Capital Records. Members: Nancy Given Prout - Drums; Pam Gadd - Lead vocals, banjo, guitar; Wanda Vick - Fiddle, guitar, steel guitar; Kathy Mac - Bass; Pam Perry - Mandolin, guitar, vocals.
Yes, this is a country record, do you have a problem with that? Too bad! No, country music isn’t just for outlaws, cowboys or wussys. One thing is for sure, country folks have a lot of class. You ladies should know that country isn’t as simple as it sounds or as you think. It’s very complex, semi-time-warped music. It’s not just 2/4 beats, shuffles and ballads about drinkin’ and these girls prove that all the way. Fun songs. Pretty song, pretty songs, exciting songs are what this band of 5 have put together.
There are plenty of female musicians in country, but unfortunately no female bands. Wild Rose was the last of their kind. Fortunately country men have a hell of a lot more respect for us as musicians than rock and jazz men do. This record is as diverse as it gets. With not only ‘rockers and ballads’ but a terrific instrumental as well. “Wild Rose” as the instrumental is called, showcase the ladies’ talents as well as Nancy’s flexible drumming skills. If you can find this record it will be a treat. It will not be boring or depressing.
OUR LUCKY GUY NUMBER 5:
5.) RUMOURS- Fleetwood Mac - Released 1977 on Warner Bros. Records. Members: Mick Fleetwood- Drums; John McVie - Bass; Stevie Nicks- Vocals; Christine McVie - Keyboards, Lead vocals; Lindsey Buckingham - Guitar.
I can’t really call this a guy record (because there are 2 chicks in it, ha-ha!) But, a guy is drumming so it counts. But, of course, he’s not just any guy, he’s Mic Fleetwood! What is there to say? Except this is the most perfect drumming record you will hear by any man. (drummer, sorry!) There’s everything here. The military drums, the shuffle, the 4/4, the complex drumming, the ballad, the country song, the crazy rock song and the scary spooky long songs. It’s brilliant, just brilliant. Not only that , but cow bells and chimes as demonstrated in “Gold Dust Woman” and the “Lets use every single drum on the set song” as heard in one of the coolest drum songs of all time “Go Your Own Way”. This album says one thing: IT’S OK TO PLAY ALL KINDS OF MUSIC ON ONE RECORD AND HAVE IT BE A CLASSIC! That’s why it is a classic! (But get “Mirage” too. It’s a drumming classic as well!) -Roz-
