Weekday Ramble #171: Forgotten Vinyl: Obscure '70s Rock

The Weekday Ramble is a daily dose of sports, music, culture, and more from Rambling On founder Erik Ritland. For more information check us out on Reddit, Twitter, Facebook, or at our website.

Tuesday September 1, 2015
Another round of Forgotten Vinyl with three obscure ‘70s bands.

Hocus Pocus – Focus
from the 1971 LP Moving Waves

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Perhaps the most bizarre classic rock song, mostly instrumental “Hocus Pocus” is endlessly entertaining. The musicianship is top drawer too. The riff is as infectious as the crazy “vocal” part. A journey worth going on.

Mirror Star – The Fabulous Poodles
from the 1978 LP Mirror Stars

Pre-New Wave British band the Fabulous Poodles had a refreshing old school sound. This anthem for nerds is melodic and has subtle verses that build to the big chorus. And who hasn’t dreamed of being a rock star while looking in the mirror?

Hold Out – Trillion
from the 1978 LP Trillion

Trillion is the progressive rock band that even progressive rock fans don’t know. Their songs were punchier than most prog rock bombast and they’re better off for it. “Hold Out” is drenched in swirling synths and organs, crunchy guitar, and majestic backing vocals. The resolution from the pre-chorus into the chorus is alone worth the price of admission. Especially if you’re listening to it for free on YouTube.

Erik Ritland is a writer and musician from St. Paul, Minnesota. His blog and podcast Rambling On features commentary on music, sports, culture, and more. He was also Lead Staff Writer for Minnesota culture blog Curious North. Support Erik's music via his Patreon account, reach him via email, or find him on Facebook and Twitter.