LP IAN LLOYD & STORIES TRAVELING UNDERGROUND 1973 KAMA SUTRA SEALED HYPE STICKER
$
30
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Description
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"Traveling Underground" is an LP released in 1973 by Ian Lloyd & Stories, on the Kama Sutra label. This album is the third studio effort by the band Stories, and is particularly notable because it's the album made after their unexpected massive hit, "Brother Louie," and also marks a significant shift in the band's lineup and sound.
Here's a brief summary of the LP:
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Post-"Brother Louie" Context: Stories had a huge #1 hit in 1973 with "Brother Louie," a soulful, somewhat glam-rock single that became a major pop success. However, that song wasn't entirely representative of the band's initial progressive rock leanings, and its success led to internal tensions. Crucially, keyboardist and main songwriter Michael Brown (formerly of The Left Banke) left the band before "Traveling Underground" was recorded.
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Leadership Shift and Sound: With Michael Brown's departure, frontman Ian Lloyd and guitarist Steve Love took on the primary songwriting duties. This shift resulted in an album that is generally seen as moving away from the more Baroque pop and complex arrangements of Brown's material, towards a more straightforward hard rock, glam rock, and pop-rock sound. There are also notable progressive rock influences, particularly in the longer track "Earthbound / Freefall."
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Key Tracks:
- "Mammy Blue": A cover song that was likely an attempt to follow up on the success of "Brother Louie" with a similar pop-rock/glam feel.
- "Bridges": An energetic and powerful track that opens the album, showcasing the band's renewed rock edge.
- "Earthbound / Freefall": This extended track (over 8 minutes) demonstrates the band's continued progressive rock ambitions, featuring dynamic shifts and keyboard textures.
- "Soft Rain" and "Hard When You're So Far Away": Examples of the more direct rock songwriting from Lloyd and Love.
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Production and Instrumentation: The album was produced by Kenny Kerner and Richie Wise (known for their work with Kiss's early albums), which likely contributed to the harder edge. The inclusion of Kenneth Bichel on keyboards (synthesizers, Mellotron) brought in more early-70s synth stylings, giving the album a slightly more progressive and even "glam" feel at points.
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Commercial Performance and Legacy: "Traveling Underground" did not replicate the massive success of "Brother Louie." While it showcased Ian Lloyd's strong vocals and the band's competent rock musicianship, critical reception was mixed, with some noting the absence of Michael Brown's unique melodic touch. It's often viewed as a transitional album for Stories, marking their shift in sound before the band eventually dissolved and Ian Lloyd pursued a solo career. For fans of 70s rock, glam, and power pop, it offers an interesting glimpse into a band navigating post-hit pressures and lineup changes.
LISTEN "Bridges"
- 1973 LP Released on Kama Sutra Records # KSBS-
2078 (Stereo).
- This is a Sealed Album and will Perform with the
Ultimate Sound Possible from this Recording.
Jacket has some corner and edge wear due to
peeling shrink. Hype sticker on front. No cut out
marks.
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