Nutz (Bonus Tracks) (Coll)

Special Deluxe Collector's Edition / Fully Remastered Audio / 9 Bonus Tracks / 12 page full colour booklet - 4,000 word essay, enhanced artwork, new photos and new Interviews WITH THE RISE of British rock as a major, worldwide, force during the early seventies (think Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Uriah Heep etc.) a slew of up and coming home grown acts also appeared. Groups such as Strider, Stray, Bedlam and Stretch were all popular on the gig circuit and were joined by impressive contenders Nutz, a group that had been building a reputation for some time since the late sixties. Formed in their home city of Liverpool, initially trading under the name of Harpoon, this four man unit fitted right into the scene and not surprisingly secured major management (linked to Peter Grant, Led Zeppelin's svengali) and an enviable deal with the influential A&M label. Initial recordings with blues producer Neil Slaven were aborted but quickly reconvened with John Anthony (Queen, Roxy Music) at Rockfield studios located in rural Monmouthshire. These sessions proved far more fruitful, paving the way for a record that made Nutz one of the country's most talked about acts. Issued in 1974, and housed in a highly controversial sleeve, the album attracted strong reviews from the music press and saw the band instigate an intense gigging schedule (including opening for Queen on their 1974 tour). The album itself is an impressive mixture of powerful hard rock, and more ambitious compositions such as the hard hitting 'Ain't No Thanks To You' (featuring superb slide guitar), 'As Far As The Eye Can See' and 'Poor Man'. It also showcases some exceptional individual performances, particularly from vocalist Dave Lloyd and guitarist Mick Devonport.