line-up 1 (1969)

- Paul Glanz (aka Paul Gene) -- vocals, keyboards

- Jeoffrey Richardson -- 

- Leo Vrahatis -- 

- The Critters (Paul Glanz)

- Paul Gene (solo efforts)

Genre: rock

Rating: 4 stars ****

Title:  Fire

Company: ABC

Catalog: ABCS-661

Year: 1969

Country/State: New York, New York

Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+

Comments: gatefold gimmick cover; small bullet hole bottom left corner

Available: 1

Catalog ID: 20403

Price: $40.00

Given this album came out on a major label, it's surprisingly hard to find; particularly in decent condition.  The couple of copies I've stumbled across have been thoroughly trashed.  I've also seen copies pop up on dealer lists from time, usually accompanied by the usual hype that sets off my BS alarm.  It's almost like the members purposely sought to cover up their tracks - a possibility given their history.

In terms of bibliographical info I can't tell you much about the band.  Most of my comments are based on the limited liner notes found on their 1969 self-titled album.  Judging by those liner notes singer/keyboardist Paul Glanz was apparently the quartet's mainstay.   Unfortunately, I can't even tell you who the other members of the band were though along with Glanz, Jeoffrey Richardson and Leo Vrahatis were both credited as songwriters.   

Well, if I can't give you a detailed band history, at least I can tell you a little bit about what their album sounds like.  Ignoring dealer hyperbole, 1969's Tom Wilson produced "Fire" offered up a surprisingly enjoyable set of blue-eyed soul and pop.  Largely penned by Glanz, tracks such as 'Sunny Day', 'If It's Not Time' (with a great bass pattern) and 'Come & Get These Memories' were highly melodic, hyper-commercial and radio-friendly.  Propelled by Glanz's bouncy keyboards and likeable voice (to my ears his vocal delivery occasionally recalled early Todd Rundrgen trying to be a blue-eyed soul band), virtually any one of these ten tracks would have sounded great on top-40 radio.  Stylistically the band reminded me of a lot of other outfits, though if you could picture Todd Rundgren hanging out with Felix Cavaliere and the Rascals ('I Need Your Love To Get Myself Together') you'd be in the right musical neighborhood.  Sure, it may not have been the year's most original album, but the performances were all enthusiastic and these guys sounded like the were actually having fun.

"Fire" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) Need Your Love To Get Myself Together   (Paul Glanz) - 3:58   rating: **** stars

Admittedly the mysognynic lyrics are more than a bit dated, but if you were able to overlook that flaw, musically 'Need Your Love To Get Myself Together' offered up a prime slice of mid-'60s blue-eyed soul that would have made Felix Cavaliere and the Young rascal proud.

2.) I Thought You Were A Lover   (Paul Glanz) - 3:45   rating: **** stars

With a jazzy, keyboard dominated sound, 'I Thought You Were a Lover' was one of those tracks with a real Tod Rundgren vibe.  Well, Rrundgren when he still new how to write a top-40 melody.  I didn;t even mind the unexpected horn arrangement that closed out the song.  Awesome tune.

3.) Sunny Day   (Paul Glanz) - 2:43

4.) If It's Not Time   (Paul Glanz) - 4:13

5.) Come & Get These Memories   (Paul Glanz) - 5:30

(side 2)
1.) One More Heartache   (Paul Glanz) - 3:30   rating: *** stars

'One More Heartache' resembled a musical that blended a cup of Rascals with a cup of Vanilla Fudge.  Nah, the ingredients didn't blend too well.  Nice guitar solo, but Glanz's vocals came off as a bit on the raw side.

2.) Sunday   (Paul Glanz) - 4:38

3.) Burn This Want   (Jeoffrey Richardson) - 3:30

4.) Pretty Girl, Pretty Day   (Paul Glanz) - 4:22   rating: **** stars

Opening up with a nifty bass line, 'Pretty Girl, Pretty Day' was another track with a pristine blue-eyed soul vibe that could have given The Rascals a run for their money had it seen the light of day in 1967, rather 1969.

5.) Everyday   (Paul Glanz) - 3:59

Glanz went on to become an in-demand sessions player and touring musician working with dozens of acts ranging from Roy Buchanan, to Ringo Starr and a long time member of Carly Simon's recording and touring band.

While I don't know the details, having lost both his wife and young son, in the early 1980s Glanz apparently  walked away from his life as a professional musician.  He ended up n East Hampton, New York, shedding his old identity to become Paul Gene (Gene was his middle name).  In 2001 he returned to the recording studio, releasing "Carpenter's Helper" a set of inspirational material with Anthony Colletti.  He's subsequently continued to record inspirational material as a solo artist and has a small website (which I hope he doesn't mind me sharing), located at: http://www.paulgene.com/default.html