LP SEALED SAILCAT MOTORCYCLE MAMA 1972 ELEKTRA EKS-75029 ORIG PRESSING
$
25
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Description
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Sailcat's 1972 album Motorcycle Mama (EKS-75029) is a fascinating piece of early 1970s rock music. While the album itself is often overshadowed by its hit single, it's a testament to the quirky, eclectic, and sometimes "fuzzy" sounds of the era.
The Album's Context and Sound
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A "One-Hit Wonder" and a Concept Album: The band Sailcat, primarily a duo of John Wyker and Court Pickett, is best known for the title track, "Motorcycle Mama," which hit #12 on the Billboard charts. However, the album is actually a concept album, a "rock opera" as Wyker called it, loosely telling the story of a motorcycle-riding vagrant. This theme is reinforced by the album's gatefold sleeve, which features comic strip illustrations by the legendary Jack Davis (of Mad magazine fame).
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Southern Rock with a Twist: Recorded in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, the album has a foundation in Southern rock and blues. However, as noted by AllMusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine, it's not a "gritty Southern band" in the typical sense. Instead, it incorporates elements of AM pop, hippie folk, sunshine harmonies, and even progressive rock. This eclecticism, with its "puffed-up progginess" and multi-part suites, gives the album a unique, if sometimes uncohesive, feel.
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High-Caliber Musicianship: Despite Sailcat being a duo, the album features a who's who of Muscle Shoals session musicians, including Pete Carr (who also produced the album) and a young Chuck Leavell (who would go on to join the Allman Brothers Band). This musical talent ensures that even when the songs are a bit scattered, the performances are solid and engaging.
Critical Reception and Legacy
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A Cult Favorite: While it wasn't a commercial smash beyond the single, Motorcycle Mama has become a cult favorite over the years. Its blend of genres, quirky concept, and the sheer talent of the musicians involved make it an interesting and worthwhile listen for fans of '70s rock.
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Fascinating "One-Shot Wonder": The album is often described as one of the "more fascinating one-shot wonders of the early '70s." The band broke up shortly after the album's release, making it a singular document of their creative output.
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Vinyl Pressings: The original Elektra EKS-75029 pressing is notable for its unique gatefold artwork. The "butterfly" label and the comic strip inside make it a fun collector's item. The sound quality is generally good, capturing the diverse sonic palette of the album.
In summary, Motorcycle Mama is more than just a home for a hit single. It's a charmingly ambitious, and sometimes disjointed, concept album that shows the more experimental side of Southern rock. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in the oddities of '70s music and the rich history of the Muscle Shoals sound.
LISTEN “Motorcycle Mama”
- 1972 LP Released on Elektra Records # EKS-75029 (Stereo). .
- This is a Sealed Album and will Provide you with Brilliant Sound Quality from your Player. Slight corner & edge wear. Cut corner by lower right.
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