Wayne brings us the Motor City Madman — Ted Nugent’s Amboy Dukes “Tooth, Fang and Claw” from October of 1974 (Sasha / The Great White Buffalo / No Holds Barred / Living in the Woods). ENTERTAINMENT TRACK: “The Liberty Bell March” by John Philip Sousa. STAFF PICKS: “Can't Get Enough” by Bad Company — Brian. “Overnight Sensation (Hit Record)” by The Raspberries — Bruce. “Billy, Don't Be a Hero” by Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods — Rob. “Rock me Gently” by Andy Kim — Wayne. INSTRUMENTAL: “Pick Up the Pieces” by Average White Band.
With Tooth, Fang, and Claw, the Motor City Madman released this seventh and final album as Ted Nugent's Amboy Dukes. When they started in the 60's the Amboy Dukes were more popular, but over time Ted Nugent's star would overshadow the group until finally Nugent would go out on his own. Over time, Ted Nugent's personality and politics have become so prominent that it can overshadow his musicianship, and it is good to remember how incredible he is as a guitarist.
Join us as we explore this hard rocking album.
“Sasha”
This track is more mellow than what we've come to expect from Nugent. The song is about Ted Nugent's daughter and how her presence affects his outlook.
“The Great White Buffalo”
The lyrics on this track reflect Nugent's passion for both hunting and Native Americans, and reflect the wasteful approach taken by American hunters in the late 19th century towards the buffalo.
“No Holds Barred”
This deeper cut really showcases Nugent's guitar chops. He plays a 1962 Gibson Byrdland, and his style is clear in this straightforward rock song.
“Living in the Woods”
Another deep cut has "classic Ted" lyrics about hunting, outdoor living, and "feeling good, I got my face in the wind." When he was younger, Ted's military father would only buy him a guitar if he promised to practice daily. Clearly the practice paid off!
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
“The Liberty Bell March” by John Philip Sousa
Any fans of the British comedy show "Monty Python's Flying Circus" will recognize this theme song immediately. The Flying Circus ended its run in the UK in this year, but started a run in the US on PBS in syndication at the same time.
STAFF PICKS:
“Can't Get Enough” by Bad Company
Paul Rodgers' distinctive work as lead man of BadCo made the group one of the signature groups of the 70's. This hit single was off their first studio release, and still one of their best.
“Overnight Sensation (Hit Record)” by The Raspberries
This is the hit off the fourth and last studio release from Eric Carmen and The Raspberries. This Cleveland-based group has great harmonies and piano riffs.
“Billy, Don't Be a Hero” by Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods
Rob's pick is a storytelling song that reflects the anti-war sense that was prominent in the mid-70's. It was also ranked by Rolling Stone as number 8 of the "10-worst songs of the 1970's"
Rock Me Gently” by Andy Kim
Wayne makes a rare decision of a #1 hit song as his staff pick with this soulful, funky effort by Canadian Andy Kim.
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
“Pick Up the Pieces” by Average White Band
Another funky hit takes us out this week on an instrumental note.