Line up 1: (1970-71)

- Felix Flaco Falcon -- percussion
- Michael Fennelly -- vocals, guitar
- Casey Foutz -- keyboards 
- Hank Harvey -- bass 
- Phil Jones -- drums, percussion 

- Michael Fennelly (solo efforts)

- Game (Phil Jones)

- Sagittarius (Mike Fennelly)

Genre: rock

Rating: *** (3 stars)

Title:  Crabby Appleton

Company: Elektra

Catalog: EKS 74067

Year: 1969

Country/State: US

Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+

Comments: minor ring, edge and corner wear; piece of tape on bottom left corner

Available: 1

Catalog ID: 4581

Price: $15.00

Cost: $66.00

Having moved to Los Angeles in the late-1960s, percussionist Felix Flaco Falcon, keyboard player Casey Foutz, bassist Hank Harvey and drummer Phil Jones initially came together in the band Stonehenge. Working with a succession of lead singers, local club dates led to an aborted recording deal. Finally, in late 1968 the quartet hooked up with former Millennium and Sagittarius singer/guitarist Michael Fennelly. Following a name change - "Crabby Appleton" lifted from the television cartoon "Tom Terrific", the quintet began rehearsing, working on new material and playing the L.A. club circuit. By late 1969 they'd been signed by Jac Holzman's Elektra.

Universally praised by critics and the music press, the band's self-titled 1970 debut teamed them with producer Don Gallucci. With Fennelly penning all ten tracks, "Crabby Appleton" showcased the band lifting a page out of Stephen Stills' Manassas-era creative catalog. Exemplified by highly commercial tracks such as "Peace By Peace", "To All My Friends Side" and "Try", the quintet capably mixed conventional rock with a distinctive Latin edge (courtesy of Falcon's percussion). Admittedly it wasn't the year's most original offering, but compared to much of the competition it came off as entertaining and enjoyable. Elsewhere, released as a single "Go Back" b/w "Try" provided the band with a top-40 hit. In spite of the hit, rave reviews and an exhausting touring schedule, the album only managed to hit #175. (Hey, is it just us, or were these guys one ugly as* lookin' outfit ..." Come on, black leather pants, a pink and yellow shirt ... even in the 70s' this had to look bad !!!)

The picture quality isn't very good, but Youtube has a cheesy video performance of 'Go Back': http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HnJ06aHPb8

"Crabby Appleton" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) Go Back (Michael Fennelly) - 3:08
2.) The Other Side (Michael Fennelly) - 3:11
3.) Catherine (Michael Fennelly) - 2:40
4.) Peace By Peace (Michael Fennelly) - 5:32
5.) To All My Friends Side (Michael Fennelly) - 3:06

(side 1)

1.) Try (Michael Fennelly) - 3:43
2.) Can't Live My Life (Michael Fennelly) - 2:56
3.) Some Madness (Michael Fennelly) - 2:59
4.) Hunger For Love (Michael Fennelly) - 7:21
5.) How Long Will It Take (Michael Fennelly) - 3:20

Genre: rock

Rating: ** (2 stars)

Title:  Rotten To the Core

Company: Elektra

Catalog: EKS-74106

Year: 1971

Country/State: US

Grade (cover/record): VG/VG

Comments: --

Available: 1

Catalog ID: 4582

Price: $10.00

Cost: $66.00

Given the debut's low keyed charm, the aptly titled "Rotten To the Core" sucked thoroughly (guess we shouldn't actually say that since we're trying to sell you this record ...). With Fennelly again responsible for all the material, the collection came off as flat, unimaginative and unenthusiastic. To be honest, it was hard to believe this was the same band. Unlike the debut, their sophomore effort failed to chart. (At least the rotting apple core cover was kinda cool.)  Elektra tapped the album for a pair of singles in the form of :

- 'Lucy' b/w 'Some Madness' (Elektra catalog number E-45702)

- 'Love Can Change Everything' b/w 'Smokin' In the Morning' (Elektra catalog number 45781)

"Rotten To the Core" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) Smokin' In the Morning   (Michael Fennelly) - 2:52
2.) Tomorrow's a New Day   (Michael Fennelly) - 2:40
3.) It's So Hard   (Michael Fennelly) - 2:22
4.) It Makes No Difference   (Michael Fennelly) - 3:41
5.) You Make Me Hot   (Michael Fennelly) - 2:44
6.) One More Time   (Michael Fennelly) - 3:01

(side 2)

1.) Lucy   (Michael Fennelly) - 2:21
2.) Paper To Write On   (Michael Fennelly) - 2:21
3.) Looking for Love   (Michael Fennelly) - 2:41
4.) Love Can Change Everything   (Michael Fennelly) - 2:42
5.) I'm Gonna Save You From That   (Michael Fennelly) - 6:03