8 February : What is the Point?

Four tracks into Atomic Rooster’s debut album, singer Nick Graham pleads please take me out of this place; it would take a heart of stone not to sympathise. I stuck with this dross until half way through the final track then turned it off.

Atomic Rooster emerged from the ashes of The Crazy World of Arthur Brown. Songwriter and keyboard player Vincent Crane had mental health issues, and it’s out of respect for those that I’m going to pull my punches somewhat. The lyric what is the point of going on? gives an idea of both his state of mind and that of the unfortunate listener.

The material is mostly undistinguished. S.L.Y. must be one of the worst chat-up songs I’ve ever heard. It’s refrain I want you baby by my side, sounds like it’s sung by a stalker, oblivious to the fact that the object of his affections has fled to a (soundproofed) safehouse. Just dreadful.

Some of the instrumental sections on this are well played and rock out quite well, but it’s no surprise Nick Graham left for pastures new, as did Carl Palmer to form Emerson Lake and Palmer, after this album was released.

Nothing about this album appeals to me, and I have no desire ever to hear it again for any reason.