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J. Geils Band |
The J. Geils Band was one of those groups people generally came across on their way to see somebody else. As an opening act, the J. Geils Band had a way of sneaking up on an audience with a combination of bar band Rock, Soul and Blues. The three most memorable band members were guitarist Geils, singer Peter Wolf, known for wild energetic performances, (and his marriage to actress Faye Dunaway, which lasted five years) and Magic Dick, who displayed an awesome harmonica mastery, plus a quirky stage presence. Also on board were Seth Justman (keyboards), Danny Klein (bass) and Stephen Jo Bladd (drums). Their R&B based debut album failed to have much impact. But it did get an excellent review from Rolling Stone magazine (back when it was focused on music) calling J. Geils Band the "Most Promising New Band" of the year. But it wasn't until '73, two years later, that J. Geils found success. The "Bloodshot" album with "Give It To Me" and "Make Up Your Mind" went gold. They followed that success with a song written by Justman and Wolf, "Must Of Got Lost." After that, it was slim pickings for the remainder of the decade. While J. Geils Band continued to record and tour they just couldn't get across. Their record company even put out a "Best Of" package to wrap things up. Having streamlined their R&B tendencies and adding a touch of wry humor the J. Geils Band found a larger audience in '80. "Love Stinks," featured a title track with an idea so basic, simple and true, it was amazing nobody though of it earlier. Rather than bemoaning love's cruel ways "Love Stinks" had a fun, having-a-party feeling. "Freeze Frame," appearing two years later, did even better. Again, mining the pseudo-novelty vein, Justman composed "Centerfold," a sweet song about having your heart torn out by seeing your high school flame (along with the rest of the world) as a centerfold. Justman and Wolf composed the title track which, as you might expect, had a rollicking organ part. Justman also produced the album. Wolf eventually left to work a moderately successful solo career. The band carried on briefly without him before calling it quits. 
The J. Geils Band was around for a long, long time before they clicked with the mass market. Their early '70s albums are OK but nothing to get real excited about. The group hit stride with "Monkey Island," "Love Stinks" and "Freeze Frame." Released between '77 and '81 these recordings display the group's loose, goofy nature and are the most entertaining. Of the compilations "Flashback: The Best of the J. Geils Band" and "Houseparty: The J. Geils Band Anthology" nails it. |