Bob Seger and the Last Heard - Heavy Music

I've been a big fan of Bob Seger's early work (up to and even including Night Moves) ever since the stompin' rocker "Ramblin' Gamblin' Man" shot up the charts back in 1968 and got everyone dancin' to the r'n'r beat. Seger is somewhat embarrassed by his pre-stardom repertoire, though, which is a shame, as it means that his best stuff has been slow to be reissued. I'm not sure whether this release has his seal of approval, but it's a fun romp with some great stuff and some silliness, as well. I think his best is still the album with "Ramblin' Gamblin Man" (which the record company made them use as the title), but this is pretty damn cool.

Opening with a local hit that missed going nationwide due to the demise of the record label, "Heavy Music" is a great soulful, hand-clappin' rocker that isn't that far removed from "RGM" in style and delivery. "East Side Story" is a fuzz rocker with cool vocals that was also a local hit, although it didn't reach the heights of "Heavy Music", possibly due to the serious subject matter, although it sounds terrific, with a rockin' beat, swingin' keys and excellent harmonies and backing vocals. Considerably more light hearted lyrically is "Chain Smokin", although it is backed by a groovy, funky beat, and "Persecution Smith" is an obvious Bob Dylan satire - totally rippin' off the sound of him during his Bring It All Back Home-era. Back to more serious r'n'r business with "Vagrant Winter", which sounds spookily like the Music Machine, down to Seger's Bonniwell-like delivery, followed by a light-weight, almost doo-wop inspired ballad, "Very Few", and then another goof, this time the Beach Boys "homage", "Florida Time". "Sock It To Me Santa" might be a Christmas novelty tune but it is also a wild rock'n'soul number, obviously inspired by James Brown but with plenty of Detroit r'n'r muscle behind it, sounding not unlike the Detroit Wheels. This collection finishes off with a couple of B-Sides, "Heavy Music (Part 2)" and "East Side Sound", the fuzzy instrumental backing track for "East Side Story".

The parodies kinda detract from the CD's greatness, but they're not bad - just a bit too goofy. Otherwise, this is some damn fine Detroit 60's rock'n'roll. Dig it!