line up 1  (1973-75)

- Colin Gibson - bass, percussion

- Bobby Harrison (RIP 2022)  -- vocals, percussion

- Mickey Moody -- guitar, mandolin, harmonica, backing vocals 

- Pete Solley -- keyboards, fiddle, backing vocals

- Terry Popple -- drums, percussion 

  backing musicians (1974)

- Bud Beadle -- alto and tenor sax

- Mel Collins - baritone sax

- Steve Gregory - tenor sax

  line up 2  (1975-76)

NEW - Brian Chatton -- keyboards (replaced Pete Solley)

- Colin Gibson - bass, percussion

- Bobby Harrison (RIP 2022) -- vocals, percussion

NEW - Tim Hinckley -- keyboards (replaced Pete Solley)

- Mickey Moody -- guitar, mandolin, harmonica, backing vocals

- Terry Popple -- drums, percussion 

  backing musicians (1975)

- Liza Strike -- backing vocals

- Viola Wills -- backing vocals 

  line up 3  (1976)

NEW - Clem Clempson -- guitar (replaced Mickey Moody)

- Brian Chatton -- keyboards 

- Colin Gibson - bass, percussion

- Bobby Harrison (RIP 2022) -- vocals, percussion

- Tim Hinckley -- keyboards

- Terry Popple -- drums, percussion 

- 21st Century Schizoid Band (Mel Collins)

- The Assembly (Clem Clemson)

- Bakerloo (Clem Clemson)

- Ginger Baker's Airforce (Colin Gibson)

- Bo Street Runners (Tim Hinckley)

- Borderline (Mickey Moody)

- Boys Don't Cry (Brian Chatton)

- Arthur Brown

- Byron Band

- Camel (Mel Collins)

- Champion (Clem Clemson)

- Brian Chatton (solo efforts)

- Chicago Line (Tim Hinckley)

- Circus (Mel Collins)

- Clem Clemson (solo efforts)

- Mel Collins (solo efforts)

- Colosseum (Clem Clemson)

- The Company of Snakes (Mickey Moody)

- Mike Cotton Sound (Mickey Moody)

- Fission Trip (Mel Collins)

- Flaming Youth (Brian Chatton)

- Fox

- Freedom (Bobby Harrison)

- Ginger Baker's Airforce (Colin Gibson)

- The Golden Apples of the Sun (Bobby Harrison)

- Greenslade (Clem Clemson)

- Hamburg Blues Band (Clem Clemson)

- Bobby Harrison (solo efforts)

- Hickory (Brian Chatton)

- Tim Hinkley (solo efforts)

- Hinkley's Heroes (Tim Hinckley)

- Humble Pie (Clem Clemson)

- Jackson Heigths (Brian Chatton)

- Jody Grind (Tim Hinckley)

- Juicy Lucy (Mickey Moody)

- King Crimson (Mel Collins)

- Kokomo (Mel Collins)

- Alex Korner & Snape (Mel Collins)

- Alvin Lee

- Lindisfarne

- Little House Band (Mickey Moody)

- Los Bravos

- M3 (Mickey Moody)

- Magesticaires (Mickey Moody)

- Steve Marriott and the Allstars (Clem Clemson)

- Mezzoforte (Bobby Harrison)

- Denny Mitchell Soundstation (Tim Hinkley)

- Mickey Moody (solo efforts)

- The Moody Marsden Band (Mickey Moody)

- Nobody's Business (Bobby Harrison)

- Paladin (Pete Solley)

- Patto's People (Tim Hinckley)

- The Powerpack (Bobby Harrison)

- Procol Harum (Bobby Harrison)

- The Rockefellas (Bobby Harrison)

- Rough Diamond (Clem Clemson)

- Tramline (Mickey Moody and Terry Popple)

- Snakecharmer (Mickey Moody)

- The Snakes (Mickey Moody)

- Strange Brew (Clem Clemson)

- The Streetwalkers (Tim Hinckley)

- Vinegar Joe (Tim Hinckley)

- The Warriors (Brian Chatton)

- Whitesnake (Mickey Moody)

- Young and Moody (Pete Solley)

Genre: rock

Rating: 3 stars ***

Title:  Snafu

Company: Capitol

Catalog: ST-11292
Year: 1973

Country/State: UK

Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+

Comments: still in shrink wrap; opened

Available: 1

Catalog ID: --

Price: $40.00

Snafu evolved out of 1973 recording sessions for what was planned to be former Procol Harum and Freedom singer/drummer Bobby Harrison's debut album.  One of the musicians playing on the recording sessions was Juicy Lucy guitarist Mickey Moody.  Harrison and Moody clicked and the planned solo album was dropped in favor of a full collaboration under the Snafu moniker.  Backing the pair were former Ginger Baker's Airforce bassist Colin Gibson, ex-Paladin keyboardist Pete Solley, and former Tramline drummer Terry Popple.

Signed by Vertigo (Capital acquiring US distribution rights), the band's self-titled debut was recorded in Oxford's Manor Studios with the band and Vic Smith co-producing.  With Harrison and Moody responsible for collaborating on the majority of the eight songs, the album wasn't particularly focused.  Harrison was clearly enamored with American country, funk, and soul and the album found the band bouncing across all of those idioms.  With the spotlight on Harrison's vocals, he exhibited a nice, rustic voice, but few of the songs really stood out.  The performances were never less than professional, but country-flavored tracks like 'Monday Morning' and 'Funky Friend' were totally wasted on my ears.  In contrast Harrison and company were at their best on the more conventional rock numbers like the opener 'Long Gone' and the Gospel-tinged 'That's the Song.'  Perhaps because it was so strange, their cover of Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff's 'Drowning In the Sea of Love' was the album's most entertaining performance.  Anyone family with Joe Simon's cover is going to be surprised by their rocked-up cover.   Their re-arrangement really shouldn't have worked, but somehow it did.  Still, it wasn't enough to salvage what was a pretty forgettable debut.

In support of the album the band undertook a European tour opening for The Doobie Brothers.  That was  followed by an American tour opening for The Eagles.  Neither did much to help sales.

"Snafu" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) Long Gone   (Bobby Harrison - Mickey Moody) - 5:15  rating: **** stars

'Long Gone' was originally written and recorded for Harrison's "Funkist" solo LP.  Rerecorded for Snafu,  imagine Bad Company with a Southern rock edge and you'll get a feel for the tune.  Yes, powered by Bobby Harrison's gritty voice this was blues-rock, but with an enjoyable funky edge.  And the secret sauce to that funky edge came in the form of Colin Gibson's awesome bass line.  Would have made a dandy FM single.

2.) Said He the Judge   (Bobby Harrison - Mickey Moody - Pete Solley) - 4:31   rating: *** stars

The country-blues 'Said He the the Judge' showcased some crisp Mickey Moody slide guitar, but otherwise didn;t have a great deal to offer up.

3.) Monday Morning  (Bobby Harrison - Mickey Moody) - 3:16   rating: ** stars

Starting as a straight ahead country hoedown showcasing Moody on mandolin, 'Monday Morning' added in some traditional folk elements.  Still, it left me wondering what I'd stumbled into.  The performance was fine, but I would have bought a country album if I wanted to hear the genre.

4. Drowning In the Sea of Love  (Kenny Gamble - Leon Huff) - 5:49  rating: **** stars

And just when you were wondering what else they could throw into the mix, along came their cover of of the soul classic 'Drowning In the Sea of Love.'  Of course they didn't play it straight, rather gave it a twist that sounded like a cross between something Norman Whitfield would have produced for The Temptations and classic Robin Trower.  I love the Joe Simon version, so it took a couple of spins for this rocking version to catch my attention.  It made for an interesting choice of singles:

- 1973's 'Drowning In a Sea of Love' b/w 'Monday Morning' (Capitol catalog number 3903)

(side 2)

1.) Country Nest  (Bobby Harrison - Pete Solley) - 5:19   rating: ** stars

'Country Nest' was a bland land hippy country-rock tune ...  I guess the lyrics were funny, to the extent these guys could identify with American country-rockers.  The melody was pretty enough and the harmony vocals were sweet, but you couldn't help thinking you'd heard it all before.

2.) Funky Friend  (Bobby Harrison - Mickey Moody) - 4:05   rating: ** stars

Any song that starts out with a Pete Solley fiddle solo is facing an uphill battle with my ears.   Pass.

3.) Goodbye U.S.A.  (Bobby Harrison - Mickey Moody) - 4:22   rating: *** stars

Thankfully the autobiographical 'Goodbye U.S.A' opened up with some nice Moody lead guitar.  Also showcasing Solley's cheesy '70s synthesizers, the result was a smooth, adult contemporary rock tune boasting a sweet melody and nice harmonies.  Perfect for shopping at your local supermarket.  For some reason the track was tapped as a Dutch single:

- 1973's 'Goodbye U.S.A.' b/w 'Dixie Queen' (Vertigo catalog number 6165 011)

4.) That's the Song  (Bobby Harrison - J. Marcellinio) - 6:03   rating: *** stars

On the Gospel-rock tinged 'That's the Song' Harrison's performance has always reminded me of something Bonnie and Delaney might have recorded.  Certainly not for everyone, but it was a good showcase for Harrison's voice and Moody's chops.

Genre: rock

Rating: 3 stars ***

Title:  Situation Normal

Company: WWA

Catalog: WWA 013
Year: 1974

Country/State: UK

Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+

Comments: UK pressing

Available: 1

Catalog ID: 20374

Price: $30.00

"Situation Normal" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) No More (Bobby Harrison - Mickey Moody - Peter Solley) - 6:33 rating: **** stars

It's funky and I've always been a Bobby Harrison fan, but 'No More' may be a touch too adult contemporary for some folk's tastes. Still I like the tune and think much of that has to do with Colin Gibson' ribcage rattling bass lines and Mickey Moody's stellar guitar solo.

2.) No Bitter Taste (Bobby Harrison - Mickey Moody - Peter Solley) - 3:30  rating: **** stars

Showcasing Moody's slide guitar moves, 'No Bitter Taste' offered up a pretty, country-tinged ballad.  Featuring group vocals, the refrain was quite pretty.  Tight and economical, Moody's slide solos were awesome.  Extra star for the solos.

3.) Brown Eyed Beauty & The Blue Assed Fly (Bobby Harrison - Mickey Moody - Peter Solley) - 3:26  rating: ** stars

Mandolin and fiddle powered bluegrass ... I guess it was meant to be cute, but it didn't do much for me.  Every time I hear it the song makes me think of George Clooney singing 'Man of Constant Sorrow ' in the film "O Brother, Where Art Thou".  I'd actually rather hear that song.   LOL

4.) Lock And Key (Bobby Harrison - Mickey Moody - Peter Solley) - 2:52 rating: *** stars

Powered by Moody's blazing slide guitar, hearing the bluesy 'Lock and Key' always reminds me of early Foghat. Come to think of it Harrison's vocals even reminded me a touch of Lonesome David Peverett.  YouTube has a clip of the song from the English Old Grey Whistle Test program, though the performance was recorded at London's Marquee's Club: Snafu Live and Studio OGWT 1974 - YouTube Odd choice as a British and Dutch single.  

- 1974's 'Lock and Key' b/w 'Bar Room Tan' (Capitol catalog number CL 15383)

5.) Big Dog Lusty (Bobby Harrison - Mickey Moody - Peter Solley) - 3:41 rating: *** stars

With 'Big Dog Lusty' Snafu returned to a funkier niche.  With a bouncy melody, nice harmony vocals and bluesy lyrics, it was one of the album highlights. Moody provides the harmonica solo.  It starts around the 3:40 mark, but YouTube has a performance of the song recorded at London's Marquee's Club: Snafu Live and Studio OGWT 1974 - YouTube

(side 2)

1.) Playboy Blues (Bobby Harrison - Mickey Moody - Peter Solley) - 8:20 rating: **** stars

Opening up with some bubbly Pete Solley clavinet, the funky 'Playboy Blues' was the album's most commercial offering. Solley also got the spotlight with an extended synthesizer solo.  Probably Harrison's standout moment, it showcased  his effortless, growling vocal style at its best.

2.) Jessie Lee (Bobby Harrison - Mickey Moody - Peter Solley) - 4:42  rating: **** stars

The country-rocker 'Jessie Lee' offered  up one of the prettiest melodies they ever wrote.It was also interesting for showcasing some group vocals.

3.) Ragtime Roll (Bobby Harrison - Mickey Moody - Peter Solley) - 5:14 rating: *** stars

A song with 'ragtime' in the title normally isn't going to do much for me.  Opening up with some Solley keyboards, that certainly seemed to be the case with 'Ragtime Roll'.  The song improved when it moved into an upbeat, '50s-flavored melody and while most folks seem to enjoy the sax segment (featuring Bud Beadle, Mel Collins and Steve Gregory), it was a pass for me.

Genre: rock

Rating: 3 stars ***

Title:  All Funked Up

Company: Capitol

Catalog: ST-11473
Year: 1975

Country/State: UK

Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+

Comments: punch hole top right corner

Available: 1

Catalog ID: 20374

Price: $40.00

Best time to play:  while doing your income taxes

Snafu's third studio release was issued after the band underwent a personnel shake-up that saw original keyboardist Peter Solley replaced by Brian Chatton and Tim Hinckley.  Co-produced by Bob Potter and the band, 1975's "All Funked Up" found the band stepping towards a more open and commercial sound.  Like most things in life, the album offered up a mixed bag of material.  First the positives:

- Bobby Harrison's gravelly voice remained a pleasure to hear.  Harrison was one of those guys who could seemingly sing the hell out of anything.  That talent wasn't enough to salvage a crappy song, but was a nice characteristic for any band to sport.

- Guitarist Moody was one of rock's lost treasurers, adding value to virtually any song he played on.

- Exemplified by material such as their cover of The Allman Brothers' 'Please Don't Keep Me Wondering' and the original 'Deep Water', the band remained capable of turning in exceptional performances.

Now for the negatives.

- Harrison had a powerful voice, but like many of his contemporaries, frequent thought more was better.  Wrong. Wrong. Wrong.  Exemplified by 'Keep On Running', shrill, over-singing is never a good thing.

- The band had good tastes when it came to outside material, but in picking songs like Otis Redding's 'Hard To Handle', Brenda Holloway's 'Every Little Bit Hurts' and Stevie Wonder's 'Keep On Running' they picked classics tunes that they simply weren't going to be able to match.

- Original material like 'Lock and Key' and 'Bar Room Tan' found them falling victim to the dreaded British blues band disease.

- Shrill backing singers typically don't add much to a performance.

The result was a deeply inconsistent collection that resembled a bell curve.  To pull a page from Tymeshifter's rating book, the album would get 2 A's, 1 B, 4 C's, and 3 D's.

Given the album's meager sales and resulting scarcity, it seems that most of the band's two dozen fans were less than thrilled by the band's new musical direction.  Within a short period, SNAFU was history.

"All Funked Up" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) Please Don't Keep Me Wondering   (Gregg Allman) - 5:29  rating: *** stars

So you had to admire the band for be willing to take on an Allman Brothers classic.  And while this cover wasn't going to make you forget the original, it wasn't without some pleasant moments.  The percussion heavy introduction gave you a hint this album was going in a direction that differed substantial from the first two sets. Admittedly the funky sound took a little getting acclimated tom but things shifted into a higher gear when Bobby Harrison's gritty voice kicked in.  Still, kicked along by Mickey Moody's nifty little guitar riff, the song got better with repeated spins.  On the other hand, every  time I listen to the song I get the sneaky feeling I'm listening to a bar band trying to do a Traffic cover.

2.) Bloodhound   (Mickey Moody - A. Fuller ) - 5:24  rating: *** stars

Coupled with the nifty title track refrain, Moody's slinky slide guitar got 'Bloodhound' off to a tasty start and kept it going for the full five plus minutes.

3.) Lock and Key   (Bobby Harrison - Mickey Moody - Pete Solley) - 3:10   rating: ** stars

The song's bluesy feel coupled with Moody's slide guitar gave 'Lock and Key' a Humble Pie, or Ten Years After vibe.  Some folks will love it.  Others not so much ...   YouTube has a clip of the band lip synching the tune on the British Supersonic television program.  Funny to see drummer Terry Popple placed upfront: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwcX-fZvnu4 

4.) Hard To Handle   (Otis Redding - Isbell - Booker T. Jones) - 3:05  rating: *** stars

Obviously no cover is ever going to beat Otis Redding's classic performance, but give Harrison and company credit for turning in a credible cover.  Always loved Moody's slashing guitar in this one.

5.) Every Little Bit Hurts   (Ed Cobb) - 4:25   rating: ** stars

The song's bluesy feel coupled with Moody's slide guitar gave 'Lock and Key' a Ten Years After vibe.  Some folks will love it.  Others not so much ...   YouTube has a clip of the band lip syn

What's the old saying?  Something along the lines that If you fly to close to the sun, your wings melt ...  In this case they may have recorded one too many classic soul tracks.  Brenda Holloway will always own this one.  The wailing backing singers (Viola Wills and Liza Strike) didn't help.

(side 2)

1.) Turn Around   (Brian Chatton) - 4:50  rating: *** stars

Perhaps the album's most mainstream song, 'Turn Around' was built on the combination of nice melody, some bubbling Moog and a fantastic Colin Gibson bass line.  This one had some commercial potential, though nobody was listening.

2.) Deep Water   (Mickey Moody - Fuller) - 5:32  rating: ***** stars

'Deep Water' found the band rolling it back, opting for a jazzier sound.  The song sported the album's best melody and was notable for Harrison's relatively restrained vocals.  I even enjoyed the Mel Collins sax solo.  The song would have made a nice single.

3.) Keep On Running   (Stevie Wonder) - 3:26   rating: ** stars

Subjecting Stevie Wonder's 'Keep On Running' to a full out rock treatment may have looked like a good idea on paper, but in execution it made for a plodding bar band rocker.  Not even Moody's scratchy guitar could save this one.

4.) Bar Room Tan   (Mickey Moody - Fuller) - 3:52  rating: *** stars

Even on pedestrian material like the bluesy 'Bar Room Tan', the combination of Harrison growl of a voice and Moody's guitar could generate considerable energy.

5.) Dancing Feet   (Bobby Harrison - Brian Chatton) - 5:20  rating: ***** stars

By all measures, I should have hated 'Dancing Feet', but the band's energetic performance; particularly Moody's performance, turned it into one of the album highlights.