Rock · a · Rama

Rock · a · Rama

JOBRIATH — Creatures of the Street (Elektra):: Jerry Brandt, the world's greatest promoter, now brings you ... (fanfare) ... Jobriath, a wizard, and a true fairy, not to mention the first 70's rocker that isn't a repackage of the 60's (no, just a repackage of Ziggy Stardust). The first album bombed and the rock press didn't pick up on it. The second, a "romantic comedy," according to the liner, is only comic in its ineptness. Jobriath is reptilian enough for the day, and does an interesting Bowie takeoff with the elements of Tommy clearly evident. And he is backed by no less than the Jobriath Symphony Orchestra, Peter Frampton, and John Paul Jones. But you know what? Take away the strings and exit two British rock stars, and there stands a lonely street-walking lizard who knows he can't get it up. File Jobriath next to David Werner.

C.B.

DUKE WILLIAMS AND THE EXTREMES -Fantastic Fedora (Capricorn):: As good as J. Geils are live, Duke Williams makes better blue-eyed soul albums This, their second, i$less music, more professional than their debut, and it should be on the top of shopping lists for all the genre's lovers. A.M.

JIMMY CLIFF - Struggling Man (Island):: Sure wish Jim would stop trying to be Soul Bro Number One "cause he's messin" up possibly good albums. First side here is solid reggae - not Cliffs best, but pretty neat, nonetheless. Second side mostly overly melodramatic, "We Shall Overcome"-type, gospelized R&B. Bring it back home, Jim. A.M.

RAY STEVENS — Boogity Boogity (Barnaby):: Novelty songs (featuring, of course, ^The Streak") from the same man who's trying to shaft you with a schlock TV record offer, and if you think he's a lousy tube hustler, just wait till you hear this job. It's a long, long way down for the "Ahab the Arab" man. A.M.

THE STYLISTICS - Let's Put It All Together (Avco):: Got those old MOR-R&B blues again. ZZZzzz... Only saving grace: repeat of "You Make Me Feel Brand New" from Rockin Roll Baby LP. Y'know, this group hasn't made a really decent album since their first. A.M.

ETTA JAMES — Come A Little Closer (Chess):: Second post-addiction offering from the ol" "Dance With Me Henry" gospel-funk wailer is a looser affair than first, but just as good. A few of the songs don't merit Ms. James" wrenching, leather-lunged efforts, yet the songstress wins out with sheer ballsiness. Turn it up loud and give yer neighbors singing/dancing lessons. A.M.

KRIS KRISTOFFERSON - Spooky Lady's Sideshow (Monument):: WILLIE NELSON — Phases and Stages (Atlantic):: WAYLON JENNINGS - This Time (RCA):: DAVID ALLAN COE — The Mysteriou$ Rhinestone Cowboy (Columbia):: Kristofferson, because he (damn it) cares enough to put out the effort required to make a textured wellproduced album that, at least, makes a hard grasp for meaning. Willie, because he's the grand old man, sotted and potted/ humpin" out a concept album about life as she/he is actually lived. Waylon, because that deep bass pillow of a voice cohisummates this time. David Allan Coe, because his is maybe the best "folk" album from the C&W side ever, mature even. The stilted silly drama of this writing smells, L know, like the cheese in the liner notes you see on these sidewinders" albums these days, but, shucks, dear hearts, it's true. B.S.

QUEEN-II (Elektra):: Even better than their first album. This is the metal group for 1974. Step aside plowboys and sissies. B.S.

QUEEN-II (Elektra):: This is some of the most godawful garbage (sans redeeming unintentional humor) around. L.B.

ROCK'N"SOUL (ABC):: Hey, whatever happened to the purported shortage of the big V? This is a nine-volume series of albums pegged to the years 1953 through 1963, laying claim to being "The History of Rock In the Pre-Beatle Decade of Rock." Well, that's a bit much, but it's still a well executed, generally worthwhile set, except for the 1956 album which features three nonoriginal Little Richard classics along with one nonoriginal by Shirley & Lee. But even with that, and with the sporadic other instances of the same phenom, you get an upfront "A Re-recording of the Original Hit." The cover of each album provides headlines and tidbits, cultural, mu-' sical and otherwise for each particular year, like this spiff reprint from the mid-50's: "For those who drink to fight depression, it is hoped a substitute for alcohol can be found in Dexamyl and other of the amphetamine compounds which lift the spirits." Even if you're already into the hotcha poison from ?53-"63, along with the standard collection goodies, you're going to find here, from album-to-album, a bunch of barely encrusted jewels. And if you are one of those who got hot for the first time listening to the fine American Graffiti soundtrack, it's 1959's set for you, then 1962's, then 1961's, and then you're on your own. Genuine enjoyment promised for lovers of rock and roll songs.

B.S.

This month's rockaramas were written by Cary Baker, Andy McKaie, Buck Sanders, Lester Bangs and Ed Ward.