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Never Been Any Reason is indeed a strong contender for Rock ‘N Roll National Anthem. On the strength of this classic alone, Head East is overdue for a critical upgrade. And I’m not alone on this. In 2001, the 20th Century Masters Millennium Collection gave their rare stamp of approval to these guys.
Some folks I know haven’t dipped too far into the Head East catalog and that needs to end now!
If you aren’t familiar with their 1971 release, Gonna Get Some, then shame on you. Here’s Bullet In The Chamber.
They had the songs, Look and class of Bill Schlitt, seen out in front here:
Not to mention the other guys.
I’m sure we’re all familiar with the hits that are on The Millennium Collection, and I’m not one to preach to the choir. I’m betting that this is a great band in your collection that you’ve forgotten about. And I think it’s high time that these guys get their due.
To nail it home, here’s their 1974 LIVE version of The Logical Song:
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If you’re not all that familiar with The East, I suggest nabbing their 2008 boxset, Head East: Smells Like A Movement.
For those of you that are familiar, can I hear an Amen?
I only know the one song. Obviously I need to jump in further! Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
Amen.
What’s with the Foreigner video?
Ahh, I love April Fool’s Day….
I think the 20th Century Masters is what unsold it!
I remember the first time I ever heard Never Been Any Reason. I think it was the early nineties, and the classic rock station here got a new PD and he changed the playlist a little, bringing the regional hits from wherever he was with him. That damned Head East song was on all the time.
I think that’s right about the time regionalism in radio disappeared. It went to one big, national playlist and that’s when radio started it’s hard slide.
I never heard a lick of Head East growing up in Philadelphia. I knew they were from the midwest after going to college in the Chicago area and seeing their records in cutout and used bins all over that city. The rare times I saw their records in cutout and used bins in Philly I did get an early REO Speedwagon vibe from the graphics.
My friend bought that album with the hit on it. They looked like REO, but they sounded like The Cars. I think Cheech and Chong did a bit on that premise. It was called “Chebornek,” I think.
Yes then, I’ve been April-fooled!
One problem with irony on this list: it’s genuinely possible that there are Head East fans here.
Critical Upgrade: Kansas
You couldn’t be sure that someone didn’t mean it, until of course you got to the Foreigner video.
I remember a friend laughing about a rock radio jock (maybe Randy Kotz?) coming into his high school to talk during career day circa 1978. My friend was jazzed on Costello and all that early new wave and he asked the jock who the next important rock band was going to be.
Without hesitation the jock shot back, “Head East. Next question….”.
OK, well, I did list “Never Been Any Reason” as one of the all-time great snyhesizer songs in my recent Ugly thigs article, and I stand by that statement. But critical upgrade to a band whose best song includes these lyrics?
“Woman with the sweet loving better than a white line/Bring a good feeling ain’t had in such a long time.”
Please. Can anyone think of a lamer couplet than that?
I have heard all of the FLAT AS A PANCAKE album and it’s not bad, but not especially memorable either. It certainly didn’t inspire me to check out any of their subsequent albums.
I actually have no recollection of ever hearing Never Been Any Reason, but after seeing this clip I will definitely be checking out some of Head East’s other material. I just don’t know whether to buy a best-of or start with their first album and work my way through their discography album by album. I can’t fathom how I missed these guys, but judging from this clip they’ve got the Look, the chops, and, most importantly, the sound I’m looking for. The great lyrics are just icing on the cake.
You’re a genuine danger to other people, Steve. Just want you to know that.
Thank you.