Classic background information
07/09/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
""Fat City", recorded in 1967, is a foreshadowing of the great things to come from the Sons of Champlin's 1968 "Loosen Up Naturally". Vocally, Bill Champlin is THE West-coast teen-age incarnation of Lou Rawls. It's kind of like the first time I heard Stevie Winwood, thinking he sounded like Ray Charles on helium, only way better. Tim Cain's vocals reminded me how cool were "Why Do People Run From the Rain" and "It's Time" from the Sons' Blue Album (out of print). The harmonies that we hear on Loosen Up Naturally's "Hello Sunlight" and "Get High" are a descendant from the cool voicings on Fat City's "Sing Me a Rainbow" and "She Said". Rhythmically, "Fat City" has some funky beats. Instrumentally, the Sons had yet to find their collective instrumental voices. Terry Haggerty's song, "Say You Know", is called derivative of Moby Grape in the liner notes. That is true, but is also a foreshadowing of the more recent version of "Follow Your Heart" from the Sons' "Circle Filled with Love". Lyrically, the Sons had not yet developed the spiritual message of the unity of our souls but that would come later after some state alterations. This CD's historical value is worth the purchase price. It shows the Sons' early musical influences and what was set aside in favor of the sound that developed and Sons' fans came to know and love. The liner notes are fun. They reference the Kinston Trio, We Five, Paul Simon, the Beau Brummels and the Monkees. It kind of puts things into perspective. The notes mention the Sons made numerous mistakes in their twelve-year career with the recording industry and their career. Before the Sons, they were called Hugh Jardin & the Masterbeats. No true Sons' fan will ever forget Yogi Phlegm."
An entertaining CD and some great music of the era!
10/30/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Fat City" was the first album recorded by The Sons Of Champlin for Trident Productions in 1966 and 1967. The singles "Sing Me A Rainbow" and "Fat City" were released in 1967. However, differences between management and the band ended in the termination of The Sons contract, and the album never saw light of day... until now. It's definitely different than what one would expect from The Sons, but this was recorded prior to their coming of age, so to speak. I really like this CD. It contains 15 previously unreleased songs, plus two of the audition versions of original Sons songs, the two previously mentioned singles, and more. The booklet accompanying the CD is worth the price, and the pictures are an added treat. The Sons sound on this CD is similar to some of the better known harmony heavy bands of this era, only better. Bill's vocals were just as wonderful then as they are now. When I first heard "To Me"... I had goosebumps! It's hard to imagine this voice was coming harmonies are great, and it is a fun album to listen too. It takes you back to another era."
Fat City Hints at Greatness of "Second Wave" Band
07/30/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"A must CD for fans of this Bay Area band as well as others who would appreciate the fusion of R&B, Soul, Rock, Psychedelia, and other '60's sounds by this talented and yet unheralded group. Check out their version of "Shades of Gray" (also performed by the Monkees) as well as "I'll be on my Way" and the title song."
Track Listings (20) - Disc #1
