VARIOUS ARTISTS - We’re An American Band - A Journey Through The USA Hard Rock Scene 1967-1973 (3CD) - UK Grapefruit Remastered Edition - LISTEN

A three-disc set presenting the birth and early development of American hard rock. From the publisher: "In the late 60s, with the arrival of psychedelia and the blues-based power trio format, bands in America became heavier, rawer and louder, against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, drugs and ever more powerful amplifiers. Commercially successful bands such as Vanilla Fudge, Steppenwolf, Blue Cheer and Iron Butterfly initiated a new wave of bands whose sound later evolved into heavy metal. Across three CDs and four hours of music, 'We're An American Band' shows the evolution of hard rock at the turn of the 60s and 70s, culminating in the breakthrough single by Grand Funk (which gives this compilation its title), which in late 1973 reached the top of the charts. In addition to the bands mentioned above, artists such as Alice Cooper, The Stooges, ZZ Top, MC5, Love, Todd Rundgren, Kim Fowley and even Muddy Waters appear here, as well as such pioneers as the satanic rockers Coven and the proto-metallers Sir Lord Baltimore. Also included are tracks from the most valuable vinyl records in the world (Bolder Damn, Brigade), extremely rare local singles (The Mass Confusion Rock Band, Wildwood) and music that was not released at the time (B.F. Trike or Cold Sun)." Everything in a rigid box, with a 48-page, attractive booklet inside. Highly recommended! (MU)