Ranking the Studio Albums: Groundhogs
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- Опубликовано: 8 сен 2024
- Join host Pete Pardo as he ranks the studio albums of British blues rock veterans Groundhogs, featuring the stellar guitar talents of Tony McPhee! #groundhogs #tonymcphee
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Just to let you know I shared your video with Pete Cruickshank. Very dear friend of mine. He is still going strong. Great video.
Totally agree with your choice of Split as the best album. RIP Tony McPhee
Wow I am amazed that an American had heard of the Groundhogs they are one of my favourite bands.
David Lynch my sister worked for united artists years ago and brought home a demo of thank Christ.so I’ve been listening for close to 50 years. Great great band and much regret for not seeing them in concert
I'm another one... been digging them since '71ish
David Lynch Why didn't a major label sign them and push them hard globally? Anything from Thank Christ for the Bomb on through Cross Cut Saw were perfect for the time. Tony McFee is one of the greatest guitarists that no-one has ever heard of. He deserved far better fortune, instead he's a British legend who was mostly relegated to packing pubs around the UK.
One of the best gigs I ever went to was Tony McPhee playing solo about 30 years ago. It was in a small room of a local pub and we all sat around and chatted with him in between songs (about 20 people !). He did a brilliant performance and was a really nice guy.
Split will forever be one of my favorite blues rock albums it's quite different from a lot of the other blues rock of that era
Can't thank you enough for plugging one of my all-time favorite bands! Been a huge fan since the early 70s. Hogwash is my favorite and Earth Shanty is my favorite Hogs song. I always thought T.S. had one of the purest blues voices (no doubt due to his association with John Lee Hooker). If you aren't familiar with it, I can't recommend highly enough Tony's 1973 solo album: "The Two Sides of Tony T.S. McPhee." One side is all acoustic blues. The other side is the most amazing piece of electronic music I have ever heard: "The Hunt" which was all done using two ARP 2600s. It is amazing! If you like his use of synths, you absolutely must check it out.
Hogwash is my fave, too. I was always curious about the Two Sides record.... These guys should have been big!
About the two Sides of T.S. McPhee: The A side as great but familiar acoustic blues like the early albums. The B-side, with very early electronic music, was a bit tough to handle but frickin' original.
the hunt - superb
The Live at Leeds album was recorded when the Groundhogs were supporting the Rolling Stones.
The same gig that produced the Get Yer Leeds Lungs Out, the classic live stones recording.
The story goes it was taped as a gift from Mick Jagger to the band. Clearly something in the water that night!
The Groundhogs became my favorite band back in 1970 when I heard ‘Soldier’ on a Columbus, Ohio FM station. Since then I’ve always been on the lookout for any recognition this band gets in any media form. Thanks Sea of Tranquility for a truly enjoyable episode and hopefully enlightening some new fans.
Again, something you wouldn't get anywhere else, Pete you are a prince! Thanks mate, Groundhogs were due a mention somewhere!
I bought Who will save the world because of the cover.. It was a homerun I’ve been a fan ever since.. Actually I love the vocals of Tony McPhee, they’re English and very popular over there.. Anyway I have a lot of their albums but that Who will save the world album will always be my favorite.. Very political…, Love The Ground Hogs
I was in my early 50's before I ever heard of these guys. Damn shame they were never popular here in the states. I think Thank Christ for the Bomb and Split are two of my favorite album now.
Never got to see The Groundhogs live but some 16 years ago in Brighton, I saw Tony McPhee play a short but very sweet acoustic set. He opened as part of a blues triple header which featured Edgar Winter and his band and also the much missed Alvin Lee. It was a good night.
The Groundhogs have always been a favourite of mine. I saw them in Toronto at Maple Leafs Gardens ( I believe it was 1971 as my memory is a little foggy ). I was there to see Humble Pie and Edgar Winter's White Trash. The Groundhogs were first to play and started with Cherry Red. I was blown away by Tony McPhee. It started a quest to find more about them and buy every album I could find. I still listen to Split and Who Will Save the World? to this day.
Wouldn't argue with rankings but I have a soft spot for Crosscut Saw, I always think it's overlooked or underrated.
Love the whole album , especially the title track.
Good to see The Groundhogs get some recognition! Have only been familiar with about ten selected songs but now I see i've got to delve deeper into these albums. "Earth Shanty" has always been my favorite!
The Groundhogs are my favourite band alongside Wishbone Ash and you've reviewed them both. Fantastic, thank you. I love Tony TS's lyrics as much as his guitar playing and bluesy voice, all outstanding. I have all the Hogs albums except Live at Leeds and putting that right right now. One slight surprise in your review is that you didn't mention "Soldier " and "Garden " from the Thank Christ album, two magnificent tracks that deserve a whole SoT review alone. Keep the reviews coming, I'm getting more into Zappa after a recent post of yours.
I was also confused at that I thought these two deserved talking about the most out of all the tracks
Pete, this alone is worth the subscription! It does sound promising. Power trios? Opening for the stones? Leeds? Martin Birch, a succession of 1970s albums to chronicle how the band evolved ( devolved?) I'm all in for this kind of thing.
Black Diamond is a great track especially the jam at the end. I think both that album and Crosscut Saw are way underrated. Three Way Spilt is wild. Tony McPhee's sound is so dirty.
The Groundhogs slap!! Love Tony McPhee’s playing!!
Hello Mr Sea of tranquility ! I am a french fan of the Groundhogs. It's always a pleasure to hear or talk about this band. I agree with the three first albums of your ranking. I also love the gloomy "Solid" album. I think that it's great from "Blues Obituary" to "Crosscut Saw" included.
An underestimated blues-rock (but not only !) band, unfortunately.
Congratulations for your channel, I at last decided to subscribe. Good continuation !
Great review Pete!! Tony McFee is the white British Hendrix. I love Split, Thank Christ for the Bomb, Save the World, and the one with Miss Ogyny.
Hogwash.
saw the groundhogs at the brighton dome november 1973, got to shake tonys hand as they were going offstage, he's retired now after several strokes,
I've been a huge Groundhogs fan from the 70's forward and have LOVED this band for many, many years. Tony McPhee released a solo album in the mid 70's called "The two sides of Tony McPhee" which has one blues side and one very progressive keyboard side. The song "The Hunt" is an absolute all time classic and I recommend it very highly. The song checks in at close to 20 minutes and showcases the immense talent of the highly underrated McPhee.
You got it Pete , spot on !! Like Cream & other bands with only a 3 man line up it was amazing the sound they produced !!
The Groundhogs were a musically intense band driven by Tony McPhee witness their performance on the Old Grey Whistle Test back in the 1970s but they did some great blues with John Lee Hooker and Billy Boy Arnold available on Cd .Tony also played great bottleneck guitar on Dust my broom with Eddie Boyd he of Five Long Years fame.The album this appeared on was Decca lk 4872 this also featured the one and only PETER GREEN.
Your right. Tony is much more that a Excellent Rock Guitarist! His Blues and Slide Guitar work is Excellent as well. The 2 Sides of Tony McPhee!
Once again Pete, turning me onto a band I never listened to...heard of them but never checked them out. I just love this channel! So glad I discovered it earlier this year.
A new band to check out. Thanks Pete. Cheers
Posted this playlist many months back. Perhaps something of interest here? :D
Split pt. 2 (‘Split’ 1971) ruclips.net/video/c5BN7bU10Gs/видео.html
Split pt 3 (‘Split’ 1971) ruclips.net/video/fgwC9LhtsW4/видео.html
Status People (‘Thank Christ For The Bomb’ 1970)
ruclips.net/video/YLyWzBTg1k4/видео.html
I Want You To Love Me (‘Razor’s Edge 1985) ruclips.net/video/cIpCCVZYkSU/видео.html
Soldier (‘Thank Christ For The Bomb’ 1970) ruclips.net/video/x0ihfcMFluw/видео.html
Bog Roll Blues (‘Who Will Save The World’ 1972)
ruclips.net/video/HQUmnT-jVOo/видео.html
Rich Man, Poor Man (‘Thank Christ For The Bomb’ 1970)
ruclips.net/video/1wqgFJIw6t0/видео.html
Music Is The Food Of Thought (‘Who Will Save The World’ 1972)
ruclips.net/video/qXPIXev76qQ/видео.html
Garden (‘Thank Christ For The Bomb’ 1970) ruclips.net/video/D5PhEO6nbTY/видео.html
A Year In The Life (‘Split’ 1971) ruclips.net/video/vtGzSqXCQaQ/видео.html
Country Blues (‘Black Diamond’ 1976) ruclips.net/video/lcc1uSBU0zg/видео.html
S’One Song (‘Hogwash’ 1972) ruclips.net/video/uBtTzmVOvgc/видео.html
Friendzy (‘Black Diamond’ 1976) ruclips.net/video/MgjjtYeOuFg/видео.html
Strange Town (‘Thank Christ For The Bomb’ 1970)
ruclips.net/video/C_ZqDa-YvpU/видео.html
Split pt. 4 (‘Split’ 1971) ruclips.net/video/aZwK8Nhr_Jw/видео.html
Boogie With Us (‘Crosscut Saw’ 1976) ruclips.net/video/Mb5zRjPStxo/видео.html
Ain’t No Slaver (‘Back Against The Wall’ 1987)
ruclips.net/video/zDj70qyDQ3w/видео.html
Eleventh Hour (‘Crosscut Saw’ 1976) ruclips.net/video/0YVrqZ7_7ek/видео.html
Cherry Red (‘Split’ 1971) ruclips.net/video/fpDAYpG600A/видео.html
I Love You Miss Ogyny (‘Hogwash’ 1972) ruclips.net/video/Qo8eL5hm7D4/видео.html
B.D.D. (‘Blues Obituary’ 1969) ruclips.net/video/dtxqvUkDW2I/видео.html
Waiting In The Shadows (‘Back Against The Wall’ 1987 & ‘No To Submission’ 2013)
ruclips.net/video/bRw47QBGSuQ/видео.html
I Confess (‘Razor’s Edge 1985) ruclips.net/video/bP17uDpWIAw/видео.html
You Don’t Love Me Baby (‘Scratching The Surface’ 1968)
ruclips.net/video/ZDwEOaj5sbc/видео.html
Light My Light (‘Solid’ 1974) ruclips.net/video/cIp8NBkwypY/видео.html
Ain’t Superstitious (‘Hogs In Wolf’s Clothing’ 1998)
ruclips.net/video/SP00SkSDtp0/видео.html
Sittin’ On Top Of The World (‘Hogs In Wolf’s Clothing’ 1998)
ruclips.net/video/7fr-7wNuU0I/видео.html
Sad Is The Hunter (‘Hogwash’ 1972) ruclips.net/video/sGpc6vSEvSU/видео.html
Baby, How Long (‘Hogs In Wolf’s Clothing’ 1998)
ruclips.net/video/E_2fUxpr0X0/видео.html
Earth Shanty (‘Hogwash’ 1972) ruclips.net/video/Pvo2aUWom4Y/видео.html
Smokestack Lightning (‘Hogs In Wolf’s Clothing’ 1998)
ruclips.net/video/siqTMWcOdRA/видео.html
Black Diamond (‘Black Diamond’ 1976) ruclips.net/video/tsm05QtxszI/видео.html
Live Right (‘Black Diamond’ 1976) ruclips.net/video/WXdM9yjEFYo/видео.html
Evil (‘Hogs In Wolf’s Clothing’ 1998) ruclips.net/video/FX9z2dp_Ab8/видео.html
Earth Is Not Enough Room (‘Who Will Save The World’ 1972)
ruclips.net/video/j_w9vRqcbKE/видео.html
Thankyou for ranking these Groundhog albums I owned most of these back in the day and your ranking is spot on, I seen the classic line-up on their ‘72 UK tour. They were supported by a London band call Stray, of which I had their first 3 albums, “Stray”, “Suicide” and “Saturday Morning Pictures”.
Hopefully sometime to get around to ranking the studio albums of the Pink Fairies, “Never Never Land”, "What A Bunch Of Sweeties” and “Pigs Of Oblivion”, they were heavy but I always described the Pink Fairies and a fun version version of Black Sabbath. Thankyou once again.
The Groundhogs were pretty obscure in North America even back in the 70's. I used to play Thank Christ and Who Will Save The World all the time when I was Disc Jockey on University radio and I could play whatever I wanted. A couple other 60s/70s blues rock bands that people should check out are Chicken Shack and Juicy Lucy. Thanks for your channel, it makes me appreciate how good I had it growing up in the late 60s and early 70s. One day it would be great to hear your thoughts on my personal favourite guitar hero Johnny Winter.
Saw them live back in the day many times. Great memories. 🎸 3744 James Rd a great underrated song. Thank you for showcasing this band. The heavy years of 1970 onwards we called that style Underground. Bands like the Pink Fairies Edgar Broughton Band Atomic Rooster Arthur Browns Kingdom Come etc. A mostly forgotten era it seems.
At the end of the year John Peel (BBC DJ) said 'Soldier' was his track of the year for 1970. Has a great chord sequence. I saw TSM at a Hogs gig about 12 years ago and he mentioned remembering Peel namechecking that track. So has to be 'Thank Christ for the Bomb' for me. And Eccentric Man has the most aggressive slide sound I've heard. They kind of made it big when they played 'Cherry Red', from Split, live on Top of the Pops in 1971.
Tony McPhee .....The Hunt......amazing
Great solo album.
Thanks for this video, they were a great band. I loved listening to their albums in the early 70's, the guitar solo in Split pt 2 really blew me away. Sadly Tony Mc Phee passed away in 2023.
God dammit Pete. Another band I've never heard of and now my Amazon basket has 5 albums from them in it.
Sorry James!!! I think though you will enjoy those!
Definitely some great records... HOGWASH is my fave... but SPLIT has some awesomeness on it!!
I bought Who Will Save The World and Thank Christ For The Bomb when they first cam out 50 years ago. I'll have to pick up some of the others mentioned here. Really dug their sound when I was first introduced to them (FM radio in Spokane, Washington if you can believe that) My musical journey continues with both old and new. Very enjoyable review!
Pete, thanks for getting around to these guys. Long time big fan.
Thanks for the Groundhogs review. They were my first rock band heroes when I found them in the summer of 1971, not long after "Split" came out.
My favourite album has been "Thank Christ..." from the time I first heard it after "Split"
Ken Pustelnick is still gigging in the Swindon, Bristol area in England, Pete is apparently still playing. Tony has has health problems recently including a stroke which affected his vocal ability but I think is still playing guitar.
Tony's work with Jo Anne Kelly is definitely worth a listen. Honest English version of Blues.
McPhee's an acknowledged influence on many modern guitarists just as the album's of Groundhogs were the inspiration for plenty of other individuals and bands that may be ended up better known then Groundhogs
At the time, the Groundhogs were equal with any of the underground bands in the early 1970s . All the bands (Zep, Cream, Genesis, ELP etc) at that stage were pretty much underground with no mainstream presence. Split is an unbelievable work of art in my opinion. Absolutely number one. In fact I agree with your top four and I know this band inside out so I congratulate you on your work. You clearly know your stuff!
Garden is one of those tracks that we held in awe and reverence as kids. I was lucky enough to meet Tony McPhee who basically wrote all the music did all the lead vocals and played lead guitar. Total hero of mine. He was playing an acoustic blues set to a cabaret type audience of some 30 odd people who were talking over his work. I got pretty wound up by their attitude to someone I held in such high regard. The last I heard I know he had health issues so the Groundhogs that is touring now is not at all the same band.
Good video Man, Thanks for posting !!
Love your videos Pete, keep em' coming.
I'm very fond of the Groundhogs, though never had a chance to see them live. Many of my friends in the UK first became aware of them with 'Thank Christ for the Bomb'. My memory is that this was re-released in the mid 70's on a cheapo label (mfp, hallmark, something like that), but I can't find any evidence of this now. Can anyone back me up on this?
Love the early stuff but Razor's Edge is my favorite. A buddy got me into them in the mid 80s. We played that one constantly.
Thanks for 'doing' The 'mighty' Groundhogs on your interesting & informative channel Pete (I like to think you did it in response to my suggestion a while back). I hope you don't mind me mentioning my YT (IOW70) uploads of the Groundhogs. I have loved their music in all their slight variations (since Scratchin'> ) saw the original band many times & now regularly attend their gigs ( Ken Pustelnik's Groundhogs) TCFTB was played by the band in its entirety at Whitby Rocks October 2019 (Whitby North Yorkshire, England). I have uploaded some videos (to YT) from the great night (I'm not a professional video maker & the recorder does not have stabilisation, so not super quality steady images but the sound is reasonable through headphones or speakers not so good on feeble laptop speakers). There are also examples of them playing in other venues, quality varies. Thanks to Ken, Chris, Sol & Latch for the great times & memories.
The 1976 JEM Import catalog called them "heavy sinister synthesizer blues". I've been listening to these guys since 1974. I have most of their albums on vinyl and waited till I found Groundhogs on CD to buy a CD player. My very favorite band!
Love you Tony, i met you and you were a gentleman and an inspiration for me to pick up guitar! RIP
Pete wow most folks don't know the Groundhogs. I've been listening to these guys since '72 Who Will Save the World. I actually picked it up because of the Adams cover and was pleasantly surprised with the music. I love this album my favorite of the bunch. I always thought Tony McPhee’s guitar tone was unlike anything else I had heard up to that point. If I end up with a funeral at my passing the only song I want played is their cover of Amazing Grace, it starts off light and gets really heavy. Keep digging up more bands like this. Have a great day.
I was at the Leeds University gig in 1971 where the "Live at Leeds" album was recorded. I had not heard of the Groundhogs but I was a huge Stones fan. The Groundhogs just blew me away and i have been a fan ever since.
I've been a Groundhogs fan since 1972. And I've seen them play live many times. Tony McPhee is a massively underrated Guitarist. And he ranks right up there with all the greats from that period in the 1970's. In addition to his Guitar playing McPhee was innovative and used many effects such as the Synthi Hi Fli extensively and brilliantly on albums such as "Solid" "Crosscut Saw" and "Black Diamond". McPhee also used conventional FX such as Wah Wah and Octave Splitter on albums such as "Hogwash" and "Split". His slide and overdriven guitar playing are also well represented on "Thank Christ For The Bomb" and "Who Will Save The World?" In addition to his brilliant and innovative Guitar playing McPhee also used Mellotron extensively and ARP 2600 Keyboard Synthesizers. In fact, his solo album from 1973 entitled "The Two Sides Of Tony (T.S.) McPhee" is a masterpiece and comprises of one side of the album containing acoustic fingerstyle Blues and side two which is a Synthesizer Suite called "The Hunt", which is an anti fox hunting symphony. Utterly brilliant. I have had the very good fortune to have met Tony on several occasions and he's a really great guy. The only reason the Groundhogs never became really big has nothing to do with talent. It was just poor management and bad decisions by their record company. For example, Split achieved number 5 in the UK charts of 1971 following a number 8 for Thank Christ For The Bomb in 1970. That was followed up by a number 9 for Who Will Save The World? in 1972. But United Artists failed to promote Hogwash in late 1972 so it failed to chart even though it is one of their best albums. Split was not supported well enough either and the record company didn't press enough copies to meet the demand for it. So Split should probably have made the top of the UK album charts back in 1971. Back in 1974 the Groundhogs had their last UK chart entry with Solid which got to number 31. As I said, this band and Tony McPhee are massively underrated. My personal order would be:
1. Hogwash
2. Split
3. Thank Christ For The Bomb
4. Who Will Save The World?
5. Solid
6. Black Diamond
7. Blues Obituary
8. Crosscut Saw
9. Razor's Edge
10. Scratching The Surface
11. Back Against The Wall.
Yes they we’re criminally underrated and yes they didn’t press enough copies of Split.I really like Hogwash and Solid but for some reason I can’t fully get into Who Will Save.It just doesn’t flow and hold together to me.As I believe Ken Pustelnik didn’t like the direction either and left.I had the original comic cover lp.
First off, I'm glad somebody besides me likes BLACK DIAMOND, the only Groundhogs album with that unique guitar sound (I was told it's due to Tony recording the album on an 8-track home studio). I generally found earlier GH albums not to my taste, though who didn't immediately notice that Neal Adams record sleeve?
Sorry to hear about Tony's stroke, but I remember back in 2012, when Jon Lord passed away, being struck by the thought that - for those of us who grew up loving, and even obsessed with, the great music of the 60s and 70s - every passing day from here on out would bring more and more bad news. Because none of us live forever .....as I'm reminded of every time I notice how old that old man in the mirror is becoming.
I was at the Live at Leeds gig (as well as the Who Live at Leeds). Great time to be a student at Leeds University. 13 of us still in touch.
I'm not too familiar with the groundhogs band...but I gotta say I was watching your top jazz fusion albums of the 70's show....again...and I really wish you would do a long overdue part 2 of this most interesting show...and this time Pete...please include some albums by Brian Auger w/Trinity and with the Oblivion Express...like "Closer To It" and "Straight Ahead" are two really good albums to talk about...thanks Pete💿🎶
Nicely done Pete. No question on your #1 pick! And thanks for reintroducing me to "Solid"....I had somehow overlooked that album.
Only remember seeing the album Who Will Save The World in my long ago youth because the comic book geek in me thought that was a great album cover. But with my limited budget at the time, I had other albums I wanted and I never thought about revisiting them until your show today. Thanks for the show, Pete, and always helping us find ‘new but old’ music deserving attention.
well done pete ,one of my favs saw them 71.
hogwash cover vinyl is a three part gate sleeve.pics of all 3 guys.
mention mcphees solo lp!" 3 sides of ts mcphee" some of his best.
met tony a humble underrated guitarist.
how about "MAN" next. keep up the good work ,all the best from the UK.
Hi Pete. Enjoyed your review of the Groundhogs.
I started listening to them from their second album onwards and have always been a big fan of Tonys Music and Playing! The Original Trio play the Blues and Blues Rock differently than other British Bands IMO.
Did you listen to Tony's solo album? The 2 Sides. It's blues on side 1 and Electronic on side 2. Very unique for it's time!!
wow Pete youre covering all my faves! Groundhogs a legend in the UK and Tony a very amiable Gent to meet.
In my personal opinion, the Groundhogs didn't have a bad album. Some slightly more cohesive than others, but all well written and preformed, including their mid-late 80's 'Razor's Edge' and 'Back Against the Wall' albums, which are, unfortunately, often forgotten. Live, the band was easily as formidable, perhaps even more so, 'Live at Leeds' is testament to that, as is "Groundhogs Night: Live' (At the Marquee, 1994) as well (in my opinion), the latter of which was the album that got into the band in the first place. Few bands' live recordings give me goosebumps as much as the Hogs do. I regret the fact that I was never able to see them live personally.
Thanks for this review of one of the great 70's blues rock bands. I fully agree with Split at number 1, a classic hard rock / blues album. In the 70's I seemed to be at a Groundhogs gig virtually every couple of weeks. They were relentless giggers. They were also incredibly loud! You may also want to check out the 1969 album "I asked for water, She gave me gasoline" which was a Tony McPhee produced album featuring him and a number of contemporary blues acts such as members of Brett Marvin and the Thunderbolts. This included John Lewis, later Jona, Lewie, who had hits in the 80's with Stop the Cavalry and In the kitchen at parties.
Pete, gotta say for someone who has not been into them long that was a good ranking and more or less the same I would give. So no need for me to list mine. I bought Split second hand back in 1973 and first saw them in 1974 on the Solid Tour. Tony McPhee was one of the true greats !
I followed the Groundhogs from their very beginnings in the 60's and agree with your ranking. Great band. I also have the solo album by Tony McPhee which is a killer.
Great to hear Groundhogs getting such a rave review. Haunting mellotron, mixtures of bright acoustic and heavy fuzz guitars and virtuoso bass playing blends to give a unique sound. Ranking I would go with today! ...probably change tomorrow given the band’s range is:
1 Who will save the world (amazing grace excepted)
2 Split
3 Hogwash - agree gets better as years go by
4 Thank Christ for the bomb - controversial title for some . Soldier is stand out.
5 Solid
6 Blues Obituary
7 Scratching the Surface.
Live at Leeds could drop in between 1 and 5. 👍
Thanks Pete for the Groundhogs. One of my favorite bands--been a huge fan since the very early '70s but followed them all the way. Hogwash is my No. 1 followed by Thank Christ for the Bomb.
Rest In Peace Tony TS McPhee.
Managed to see the classic line up play 'Split' live many years ago. Great choice for your number one slot Pete.
At last a Groundhogs album review , I knew I could rely on you Pete , seen the Hogs ,3 times , twice with T.S Mcphee and once before the lockdown with Ken Pustenik!
Great video l saw the Groundhogs many times first time in the Early 80s The Tony McPhee Blue's band Moonlight club London then late 80s on their Back against the wall period Sir George Robey North London always awesome Tony was a great hard Rock Blue's player RIP Tony and thanks for the music.
One of my favourite bands. Probably the best band I ever saw live. I would have also included Tony's amazing solo album, The Two Sides of Tony TS McPhee, and the outstanding BBC Radio One Live In Concert recording on Windsong.
Thank you for ranking the studio albums of the Groundhogs.🎤🎸🎵🥁
Must have made your day pal, it’s making mine through you, love Tony! I was 14 in 1970.. Sometime back then in NY I found my first GroundHog album’ it was in with the cheapie lp’s., Do you believe it? “Who will save the world” my ultimate favorite album by them it turned out to be, I bought it because of that great cover… I’ll never forget playing it and “Earth is not room enough” came on, then the rest ending with the the “GreyMaze” needless to say I didn’t know one other person that heard of them, what a shame… That unique voice and extreme guitar playing.. Also the bass and drums were fantastic.. That albums still rules supreme!!!!
Cherry red is awesome.
Excellent to see the Groundhogs being exposed again! For me the top 3 hogs albums are: [3] Solid, [2] Split & [1] Hogwash. They definitely deserve a bit more attention. Most people seem to know them from the "Thank Christ for the bomb" album. For me it was Split with Cherry Red which was damn hard psych blues for that time.
I was extremely lucky in that I saw the band several times when they tended to play tracks from Thank Christ for the Bomb and Split. I found at that time no other band had a similar sound. Certainly agree that these were their best albums. Great band and many happy memories. My favourite Hogs track is Garden from TCFTB.
Been groundhogs fan from the early 1970 ts got most of there albums on vinyl split and thank christ are my favourite, seen them a few times ,anyone not herd of them before try downloading a track called cherry red,,its off split, great band great album
I have always concidered Groundhogs, as a top rockin' blues band, full of experimentation in their albums with a lot of prog and jazz elements, even some "punkish" attitude on some songs. Incredible band and quite unappreciated wordwide...
I saw Ken Pustlenik's Groundhog's live in Bristol before Covid lockdown. Tony had a stroke in 2009 and not been well enough to play much since. It is great that Ken is carrying on playing the great music from that classic era. Support that night was Stray, another superb British rock band. Their first self titled album from 1970 is a true classic in my book.....Do you know of them Pete?
you made my day!
They never made it big because they were in the same area that already had too many other competitors, Savoy Brown, Ten Years After, Foghat, Chicken Shack, all of them overshadowed by Rory Gallagher (whom McPhee of course could not really compete with, although he was a strong singer and inventive guitarist).
Many live albums capture them better than some of their studio albums. They started their career in the mid 60s as backing band for John Lee Hooker when he toured Europe.
Tony McPhee's solo album Foolish Pride (1993) is the strongest of the later efforts, really recommended. It is a solo album just because Tony had no band at that time and thus overdubbed all instruments in his home studio, otherwise it sound like Groundhogs all the way.
13. Muddy Waters Songbook
12. Back Against the Wall
11. Hogs in Wolf's Clothes
10. Scratching the Surface
9. Blues Obituary
8. Who Will Save the World
7. Solid
6. Split
5. Thank Christ for the Bomb
4. Razors Edge
3. Crosscut Saw
2. Black Diamond
1. Hogwash
One of the other British 'competitors' (from the 1960s to present) who still have a strong following but never had huge influence - London band Stray.
My previously posted playlist - perhaps something of interest there? :D
All In Your Mind (‘Stray’ album 1970) ruclips.net/video/5jMin-M9yLE/видео.html
Suicide (‘Suicide’ album 1971) ruclips.net/video/T1SRGEuq99g/видео.html
Time Machine (‘Stray’ album 1970) ruclips.net/video/EWB2IbXUhy8/видео.html
Around The World In Eighty Days (‘Stray’ album 1970)
ruclips.net/video/Hc_7a_D0TUU/видео.html
One Night In Texas (‘Hearts Of Fire’ album 1976)
ruclips.net/video/RzqbJhA9kS0/видео.html
Yesterday’s Promises (‘Stray’ album 1970) ruclips.net/video/djAWXexnf6k/видео.html
Take It Easy (‘Houdini’ album 1976) ruclips.net/video/FE-QhcENcMA/видео.html
Georgia (‘Saturday Morning Pictures’ 1972) ruclips.net/video/O81vp9ZIX5M/видео.html
Our Song (‘Saturday Morning Pictures’ 1972)
ruclips.net/video/TGI4VbcP6NE/видео.html
Only What You Make It (‘Stray’ album 1970) ruclips.net/video/rkwsLSUv5Po/видео.html
After The Storm (‘Saturday Morning Pictures’ 1972)
ruclips.net/video/ltKcemeUoHg/видео.html
Taken All The Good Things (‘Stray’ album 1970)
ruclips.net/video/Lw2ItWQud5Y/видео.html
Move That Wigwam (‘Saturday Morning Pictures’ 1972)
ruclips.net/video/KxX2Dfmgbv4/видео.html
Son Of The Father (‘Suicide’ album 1971) ruclips.net/video/RiMFhGaTbZc/видео.html
Mamas Coming Home (‘Saturday Morning Pictures’ 1972)
ruclips.net/video/3Vin-9naXLY/видео.html
Come On Over (‘Mudanzas’ album 1973) ruclips.net/video/PWu4w6uqCU0/видео.html
Take A Life (‘Hearts Of Fire’ album 1976)
ruclips.net/video/YE5POmKsX80/видео.html
No Future (‘New Dawn’ album 1997) ruclips.net/video/1YH47MWqEGI/видео.html
Cross Country (‘10’ album 2001) ruclips.net/video/53ZxX74StU0/видео.html
Sleepy Time Blues (‘10’ album 2001) ruclips.net/video/blWaXL0o2bQ/видео.html
I Believe It (‘Mudanzas’ album 1973) ruclips.net/video/oPVCIgsYo0M/видео.html
Lucky Man (‘10’ album 2001) ruclips.net/video/o0s2XyKIO34/видео.html
In Reverse-Some Say (‘Stray’ album 1970) ruclips.net/video/1n705IMBbVg/видео.html
Mister Wind (‘Hearts Of Fire’ album 1976)
ruclips.net/video/rsIqWUfPx-Y/видео.html
Sing (The Song) (‘Valhalla’ album 2008) ruclips.net/video/dYj_AhnWV-I/видео.html
Jimijam (‘New Dawn’ album 1997) ruclips.net/video/oyR-VIFZG98/видео.html
Earth (‘10’ album 2001) ruclips.net/video/9OiIsjEbEV8/видео.html
Precious Love (‘Stand Up And Be Counted’ album 1975)
ruclips.net/video/j3RYcQZ_u20/видео.html
Natures Way (‘Suicide’ album 1971) ruclips.net/video/ZqF5VGGhOsY/видео.html
Outcast ruclips.net/video/V8SzqsvcL9Q/видео.html
Do You Miss Me (‘Suicide’ album 1971) ruclips.net/video/AOL-3qs653k/видео.html
Soon As You’re Grown ruclips.net/video/m7WFKkL3MAw/видео.html
Double Six (‘Valhalla’ album 2008) ruclips.net/video/CFIMnjT5-sw/видео.html
Woolie (‘Stand Up And Be Counted’ album 1975)
ruclips.net/video/FEhVnk-7pnQ/видео.html
Years? (‘10’ album 2001) ruclips.net/video/hvl-S4mEMVE/видео.html
Dirt Finger (‘Valhalla’ album 2008) ruclips.net/video/Sd-8U2sVHZM/видео.html
Where Do Our Children Belong? (‘Suicide’ album 1971)
ruclips.net/video/Q7sE5rnFu0g/видео.html
Hallelujah (‘Mudanzas’ album 1973) ruclips.net/video/BApJOI7LpGw/видео.html
Live Wire (‘Hearts Of Fire’ album 1976) ruclips.net/video/lsIX-rQzcb4/видео.html
On Top Of The World (‘10’ album 2001) ruclips.net/video/GtEIbdys7Eo/видео.html
Dangerous Games (‘New Dawn’ album 1997)
ruclips.net/video/mdWoHxNKFbM/видео.html
Percy The Pimp (‘Houdini’ album 1976)
ruclips.net/video/W1pLRWG3mPU/видео.html
Your right about them live,they made they records pale something fierce
Good band. I tend to play several of their live albums rather than their early studio albums. It's the same with Welsh band Man. Your top 2 are the only two studio albums of theirs I have loaded on my phone.
Split is such an excellent album. I'm spoiled now as it's the only Groundhogs I own. Now gotta get the "Thank Christ" album. Informative ranking, also watched your Bloodrock ranking.
Saw The Groundhogs a few times in the 70's, always reliable, used to do a great version of Amazing Grace a la Hendrix. Pretty much agree with your ranking Pete. His"Two Sides of Tony McPhee is interesting, side 1 solo blues, side 2 electronic stuff. Also saw Tony a few times doing solo gigs at blues festivals, some great acoustic and slide guitar.
I always hated "Amazing Grace" and end the album at that point 😆
It's btge song itself. It also bugger "The Search for Spock" for a few minutes 🙃
I too saw Groundhogs multiple times in the 70s in England and agree they were good value for the money. They also tended to your with quality support: Gentle Giant, The Fabulous Poodles were just two excellent supports that took me down other paths
RIP Tony TS McPhee 🙏🏻
Great work. Tony McPhee and the Groundhogs albums Thank Christ For The Bomb! and Split are stonewall classics.
The Groundhogs have never been one of my favorite bands, but i've always liked the band's "Solid" album. It's just awesome.
Only heard one album back in 1976 and that was Split. Good album.
Saw Tonie at Greens Playhouse Glasgow around 1974 did a lot of Acoustic Blues,great Guitarist.
Great band. Totally agree with your top 5 Pete although Hogwash has a special place for me as it was the first album of theirs that I heard back in 1972
Fine band! Nice countdown Pete.
Just started getting into them this week, am liking most of what I am checking out. First two are a little too basic for my tastes but the 70's stuff is money!
Awesome band
Great Tony McPhee......
Thanks Christ For The Bomb
Blues Obituary
Split
Scratchin'The Surface
Hogwash
The Best of Groundhogs 1969-72
As a teenager in the 70s I bought a box of mostly British hard rock/blues albums (about 50 lps).Stuff like Wishbone Ash,Savoy Brown,Chicken Shack,etc which this skinny pimply Aussie kid had no idea who these guys were but ,hey,they had long hair and guitars.The first lp that I played was Split because of the cover and I was hooked.And I actually saw the Top of the Pops? performance of Cherry Red on tv at the same time which I believe is lost.Like a lot of heavy bands in the early 70s I felt the Groundhogs were losing there way by the mid 70s and I agree with generic 80s albums.Live at Leeds was recorded when they supported the Stones.I would have ranked the debut higher as I really like that British blues boom sound(despite the harmonica,lol)
Only have one by them, Who will save the world? The Mighty Groundhogs...yeah I dig it
Nice surprise to see you review this band.I have not listened to them for years about to rectify that.Cheers.
saw them in 70 or 71 they had just released Split and where playing at our youth club in Hartlepool,me and my friend where walking their and this Transit Van pulled up and asked us if we knew the way to the Owton Manor youth Club we said that's where we are going so the roadies gave us a lift and we helped them Cary the gear in but still had to Que up outside after, my mate kept telling every one that he carried Tony McPhee's Guitar in lol
Seen the 'Hogs live more times than I care to mention over the years, and drummer Ken Pustunik is a mate of mine. Sadly Tony McPhee is now retired as he is too old and ill to perform, but ken is carrying the band on with the other guys blessing. Saw em live just a few days before lockdown closed all the venues, belting set as always. (Stray were on the same bill, another band worth checking out)
Saw them on the same tour, in Southampton. Great set from both bands.
Jon Wisbey - Well done! Nice to finally hear a mention for Stray! I’ve posted the following five times on this site - with no interest shown - which is a real shame. Hope that you don’t mind it being added to your post. Perhaps it will have more luck this time around!
‘One group have so far been conspicuous by their absence on SoT. Stray are a veteran British band who have been active since the 1960s and are still touring today. Regrettably, despite releasing 15 albums (11 studio and 4 live), they failed to reach the big time but still have a loyal fan base and enduring cult status.
I first discovered them in 1971 through BBC ‘in concert’ and their self titled first album, which was a ‘go to’ vinyl for budding teen guitarists. Sometimes described as a ‘proto metal’ band, combining the ‘heavy riffs’ of Black Sabbath, Budgie, Deep Purple and Sir Lord Baltimore with the steely blues of The Groundhogs, Stray were also capable of quieter melodic moments more akin to Wishbone Ash and Hawkwind. Above all, Stray were adept at composing catchy, memorable tunes.
As a live act, Stray were outstanding and a regular support band to others who would go on to become more well known or even ‘greats’ - Groundhogs (1969 tour), Rory Gallagher (1971 Reading Festival), Ten Years After (1971), Status Quo (1971), Black Sabbath (1973 Alexandra Palace), Spirit and Canned Heat (1975 U.S. tour), Kiss (1976 British tour), Rush (1976 British tour) and Iron Maiden (2003). Their four live albums ‘Live At The Marquee’ (1984), ‘Alive And Giggin’ (1997), Live: In Yer Face’ (2002) and Live In Japan (2014) are all well worth a listen, as are the BBC ‘in concert’ performances.
For those wishing to find out more about Stray’s music, the first three albums are a good place to start - ‘Stray’ (1970), ‘Suicide’ (1971) and ‘Saturday Morning Pictures’ (1972). As the 1970s progressed, their albums became more ‘mainstream’ before a return to ‘heaviness’ with ’10’ (2001) and ‘Valhalla’ (2010).
Those who prefer to sample a wider selection may wish to use the list and links below as a taster.’
All In Your Mind (‘Stray’ album 1970) ruclips.net/video/5jMin-M9yLE/видео.html
Suicide (‘Suicide’ album 1971) ruclips.net/video/T1SRGEuq99g/видео.html
Time Machine (‘Stray’ album 1970) ruclips.net/video/EWB2IbXUhy8/видео.html
Around The World In Eighty Days (‘Stray’ album 1970)
ruclips.net/video/Hc_7a_D0TUU/видео.html
One Night In Texas (‘Hearts Of Fire’ album 1976)
ruclips.net/video/RzqbJhA9kS0/видео.html
Yesterday’s Promises (‘Stray’ album 1970) ruclips.net/video/djAWXexnf6k/видео.html
Take It Easy (‘Houdini’ album 1976) ruclips.net/video/FE-QhcENcMA/видео.html
Georgia (‘Saturday Morning Pictures’ 1972) ruclips.net/video/O81vp9ZIX5M/видео.html
Our Song (‘Saturday Morning Pictures’ 1972)
ruclips.net/video/TGI4VbcP6NE/видео.html
Only What You Make It (‘Stray’ album 1970) ruclips.net/video/rkwsLSUv5Po/видео.html
After The Storm (‘Saturday Morning Pictures’ 1972)
ruclips.net/video/ltKcemeUoHg/видео.html
Taken All The Good Things (‘Stray’ album 1970)
ruclips.net/video/Lw2ItWQud5Y/видео.html
Move That Wigwam (‘Saturday Morning Pictures’ 1972)
ruclips.net/video/KxX2Dfmgbv4/видео.html
Son Of The Father (‘Suicide’ album 1971) ruclips.net/video/RiMFhGaTbZc/видео.html
Mamas Coming Home (‘Saturday Morning Pictures’ 1972)
ruclips.net/video/3Vin-9naXLY/видео.html
Come On Over (‘Mudanzas’ album 1973) ruclips.net/video/PWu4w6uqCU0/видео.html
Take A Life (‘Hearts Of Fire’ album 1976)
ruclips.net/video/YE5POmKsX80/видео.html
No Future (‘New Dawn’ album 1997) ruclips.net/video/1YH47MWqEGI/видео.html
Cross Country (‘10’ album 2001) ruclips.net/video/53ZxX74StU0/видео.html
Sleepy Time Blues (‘10’ album 2001) ruclips.net/video/blWaXL0o2bQ/видео.html
I Believe It (‘Mudanzas’ album 1973) ruclips.net/video/oPVCIgsYo0M/видео.html
Lucky Man (‘10’ album 2001) ruclips.net/video/o0s2XyKIO34/видео.html
In Reverse-Some Say (‘Stray’ album 1970) ruclips.net/video/1n705IMBbVg/видео.html
Mister Wind (‘Hearts Of Fire’ album 1976)
ruclips.net/video/rsIqWUfPx-Y/видео.html
Sing (The Song) (‘Valhalla’ album 2008) ruclips.net/video/dYj_AhnWV-I/видео.html
Jimijam (‘New Dawn’ album 1997) ruclips.net/video/oyR-VIFZG98/видео.html
Earth (‘10’ album 2001) ruclips.net/video/9OiIsjEbEV8/видео.html
Precious Love (‘Stand Up And Be Counted’ album 1975)
ruclips.net/video/j3RYcQZ_u20/видео.html
Natures Way (‘Suicide’ album 1971) ruclips.net/video/ZqF5VGGhOsY/видео.html
Outcast ruclips.net/video/V8SzqsvcL9Q/видео.html
Do You Miss Me (‘Suicide’ album 1971) ruclips.net/video/AOL-3qs653k/видео.html
Soon As You’re Grown ruclips.net/video/m7WFKkL3MAw/видео.html
Double Six (‘Valhalla’ album 2008) ruclips.net/video/CFIMnjT5-sw/видео.html
Woolie (‘Stand Up And Be Counted’ album 1975)
ruclips.net/video/FEhVnk-7pnQ/видео.html
Years? (‘10’ album 2001) ruclips.net/video/hvl-S4mEMVE/видео.html
Dirt Finger (‘Valhalla’ album 2008) ruclips.net/video/Sd-8U2sVHZM/видео.html
Where Do Our Children Belong? (‘Suicide’ album 1971)
ruclips.net/video/Q7sE5rnFu0g/видео.html
Hallelujah (‘Mudanzas’ album 1973) ruclips.net/video/BApJOI7LpGw/видео.html
Live Wire (‘Hearts Of Fire’ album 1976) ruclips.net/video/lsIX-rQzcb4/видео.html
On Top Of The World (‘10’ album 2001) ruclips.net/video/GtEIbdys7Eo/видео.html
Dangerous Games (‘New Dawn’ album 1997)
ruclips.net/video/mdWoHxNKFbM/видео.html
Percy The Pimp (‘Houdini’ album 1976)
ruclips.net/video/W1pLRWG3mPU/видео.html
@@arthurprice603 I do a quick review of Mudanzas on one of my review vlogs, but cant remember which one ruclips.net/p/PLexW15FKrWoFxtNk4-XgIDo29pKyZUI1G (also do the Hogs who will save the world)
Nice feature on the Hogs....they were originally the backing band for John Lee Hooker.... known as John Lee’s Groundhogs.... and took their name from Groundhog Blues . Tony TS McPhee did a solo album called The two sides of Tony McPhee which is excellent!! One side is electronic heavy rock and is an attack on fox hunting.... the other side is acoustic... check
it out!!!
Hey Pete will there ever be a complete CD collection showcase video. Your collection looks pretty sweet and would be cool for us to see all of it
I've briefly done that last year on one of our Q&A shows...honestly though, there are way too many and you won't be able to see everything, so I'm not sure what the point would be. Plus, you've got over 1000 videos here where I am slowly showing them all anyway.
Big fan, RIP Tony McPhee
I love this! A friend lent me Thank Christ For The Bomb when it first came out and I was about 14. I remember first hearing Strange Town. I bought a bunch of there albums in used record stores around Harvard Sq in 70s. Hogwash,Who Will Save The World,I think I had the Diamond album too. They were kind of my cult band. Never heard Split
You discovered them 5 or 6 years ago. I discovered them 5 or 6 minutes ago.
Hi Pete, great channel. Groundhogs were one of my favourite bands from the early 70's but my absolute favourite band was/is STRAY. They came onto the scene around the same time and oftened toured with Groundhogs (and if fact, still do to this day). Would love to see you do a top ten albums of STRAY and believe Del Bromham is one of those greatly underrated guitarist/composers (check out his solo collection ~ his latest "White Feather" contains some awesome tracks.
Just saw Stray and Ken Pustelnik's Groundhogs (Ken the only original member) on the same bill yesterday in a small pub venue in Northamptonshire