Records -- The James Gang

The James Gang

The James Gang: Bang. Atco SD 7037.

Readers beware, the James Gang is on the loose again! But, don't be too alarmed, this is the rockin' and rollin' James Gang and not those notorious robbers of yesteryear. The only way the "new" James Gang might want some of your money would be via the purchase of their new album, Bang,

Back about five years ago the James Gang from Cleveland, Ohio, ventured into Detroit's Grande Ballroom playing tunes by Buffalo Springfield, Cream, and others. Much to the surprise of everyone, they sounded almost identical to these big name groups who were making at least five times the money the "Gang" was offered.

Of course, as time went on and the group played more and more around different parts of the United States they adopted their own style and soon had a national following. Then, just as they seemed destined for even bigger and better things, the band leader -- Joe Walsh, decided to quit the group. Walsh thus formed Barnstorm and is currently doing quite well for himself. Meanwhile, the "new" James Gang have put out a couple LP's including this one and with the quality of Bang I'm sure the James Gang are once again headed to the top of the rock 'n roll scene.

"Standing In The Rain," "Ride the Wind," "Must Be Love," and "From Another Time" will make you dance around your stereo system. Or, "The Devil is Singing Our Song, " "Alexix," "Got No Time For Trouble," and "Mystery" will ease your mind, and relax you as much as an hour in a sauna.

That includes almost every song on this LP and believe me it's harder than ever to find an album these days that you can listen to from the very beginning to the end.

-- Stanley T. Zillifro