Ranking the Albums: Atlanta Rhythm Section-The Top 5 (w/Simon Bray)

[@richardpeiser4359]

Hey, Pete.... Thanx for putting the spotlight on this truly remarkable band...Talk about compliments, no less than Ronnie Van Zant once said that Ronnie Hammond was the best singer he had ever heard..... Angel is the greatest song they ever wrote, an incredible piece of music... Ultimately, it was a shame that they couldn't capitalize on the quality comeback that was "Quinella" from 1981as it appeared they were ready to take it to the next level.... Thanx for all the great content!.... Take Care, Ghostrider Rick

[@tomsimmons7192]

The fact that a person from the U.K. loves, and is so knowledgeable of "Southern" rock, makes me smile.

[@jeffreywebb7932]

Me too🙂

[@richardbooth6063]

Thanks guys for talking about the Atlanta Rhythm Section. My concert days started in Atlanta in 1973. It’s is hard to say how many times I saw ARS, because they were such a big part of the local rock scene. Across from the Fox theatre in 1974 & 75 there was a small concert venue called Alex Cooleys Electric Ballroom. (Alex Cooley was a big time local promoter who got his start putting on the Atlanta Pop Festival in 1970) . There was a stage and lots of tables and booths in a horse shoe shape around the stage. There was a balcony in back where Rock celebrities came to check out the scene. I once saw Gregg Allman up there. Johnny Winter was there and I got to shake his hand. He got on the stage and joined the band that night for a couple songs. ARS was practically the house band for a while. And if you went to any concert anywhere in town, you could take your ticket stub to the ballroom and get in for free. We would get there past midnight and there was always a band playing. ARS came out of the Classics lV… they had a hit in 1968 with Spooky. JR Cobb and Dean Doughtry left that band to form ARS I later saw one of the Champagne Jams that ARS put on in 1979. That may have been the only time I saw them in a regular concert. Those were some fun times !!! Thanks for reminding me !!! Yea !!! Rock On !!!

[@martykott450]

ARS was once dubbed the Steely Dan of southern rock. Their music was thoughtful and melodic with lots of pop hooks. They also featured the amazing Paul Goddard on bass, and his live sole on Another Mans Woman is an epic piece of virtuosity.

[@venturamichael50]

I give you props for mentioning Paul Goddard on "Another Mans Woman"

[@johnw706]

Thank you for this one , gentlemen . ARS has always been on the edge of my radar as one of those bands that I want to explore further . I have always liked the songs that I’ve heard , but for some reason , I never got around to investigating their music in more detail . I appreciate your comments on the albums that you prefer . I now have somewhere to start . Cheers !

[@srashworth]

ARS had an unreleased album from 1982 that led to their demise. If it had been released, it would have gone platinum. The songs were that good. Apparently the record company wanted them to change out a couple of songs. Buddy Buie, producer and manager, refused. The record company put the album on the shelf and it was never released. After that, it wasn't long until the band called it a day. However, you can now find the tracks here on KZbin. Songs like "Stone Cold Hit," "Sleep With One Eye Open," "Longing For A Feeling," "Long Distance Love," and "Bad Situation" were radio ready songs. Some of their best work.

[@ronbartkowiak3459]

Red tape is number one for me. Love this band. Saw them a couple of times when Ronnie Hammond was alive. Great voice, and great live band. Thanks for this.

[@markhaus2830]

Thank you Pete and Simon for doing this. One of my favorite bands. Seen them live several times.

[@ramonace4770]

Huge ARS fan, awesome underrated southern rock band. "Boogie Smoogie", "Sky High", "Large Time", "Champagne Jam", "Homesick" are smokin' southern classics Top 5 1. A Rock and Roll Alternative 2. Champagne Jam 3. Quinella 4. Red Tape 5. Dog Days

[@mdlatham]

I literally just bought these the other day and now Pete does a show on them. Wild. I remember the champagne jam poster being in every record store

[@jeffaudrain2753]

5. Back up against the wall (mulligan), 4. Dog Days, 3. Champagne Jam, 2. Rock and Roll Alternative, 1. Red Tape All kinds of talent. Variety of styles. Fav tune: Georgia Rhythm

[@matthewclark9652]

ARS "Doraville" went to # 35 in December 1974 which was their first Top 40 song. Their last swan song hit "Alien" went to # 28 in December 1981.

[@SwanShadow]

I'm very much *not* a Southern Rock guy, but I've always enjoyed ARS. Brilliant musicianship, great songs, outstanding vocals.

[@jamesshelton2179]

My Top 5 . . . 5. Atlanta Rhythm Section (Favorite tracks: Love Me Just A Little, Baby No Lie, All In Your Mind) 4. Eufaula (Favorite Tracks: Dreamy Alabama, When, Who You Gonna Run To?) 3. Quinella (Favorite Tracks: Quinella, Alien, You're So Strong) 2. Dog Days (Favorite Tracks: Crazy, All Night Rain, Dog Days) 1. A Rock and Roll Alternative (Favorite Tracks: Hitch Hiker's Hero, Outside Woman Blues, Don't Miss The Message) Honorable mentions go to Champagne Jam. A great record but not one I return to often. (Favorite tracks: I'm Not Gonna Let It Bother Me Tonight, Ballad of Lois Malone, Evileen) and Underdog (Favorite tracks: Do It Or Die, While Time Is Left, Spooky, and the beautiful My Song).

[@Scandolo]

Thanks for the recommendations! I only own two of them "Red Tape" and "Third Annual Pipe Dream" and they're also the only ones I've heard. I find them very good albums so now it's time to get into the rest of you recommendations! Thanks again!

[@wolf1977]

It's been said a couple of times here but if you can go for that Polydor Years box set

[@randyhimburg7915]

Loved the Bass solo in the middle of Another man's woman, Paul Goddard was an awesome Bass player.

[@michellerosebrown]

I listened to the Atlanta Rhythm Section while I was visiting Atlanta, GA. Classic southern band with swagger. 🍑

[@venturamichael50]

You're really kicking it up a notch,Pete,thanks 👍 I've really fallen in love with ARS over the years.They were to me like the Steely Dan of southern rock.They had a smooth, sophisticated sound.They had roots as studio musicians,not a bar band like Skynyrd.Paul Goddard,Barry Bailey,and Ronnie Hammond were thier secret weapons. They also recorded at Studio One in Doraville,Georgia.Wild Eyed Southern Boys by .38 Special was recorded there,among other classics.

[@richardbond144]

J.R. Cobb, too. He had a unique way of playing rhythm guitar. He plucked the strings, instead of strumming them.

[@michaelbenz8092]

Heard them on the radio all the time. Sounds like they have a lot of deep cuts worth exploring.

[@pyramidsandprehistory8391]

I was hoping you give some love to ARS! Criminally underrated Southern band

[@rock_tscharlz]

Thank you guys for bringing this Band to my ears. After seeing this video I was streaming a little bit. I ended ordering their Box "The Polydor Years".

[@richardbond144]

Can't go wrong with the box set. Quinella is well worth exploring, too!

[@dangerdolls]

Angel WAS a big hit as far as radio play here locally in the north Georgia area. Great song!

[@saltofano337]

Finally got to listen to this show. Great review. One of the influences was the sixties pop rock band the classics four founded by Cobb w who had big hits Stormy, Spooky, Traces . Agree very underrated

[@jamesshelton2179]

Pete, I love ARS. Been listening since the '70's. Their "live" album, Are You Ready, was actually recorded at Studio One in Doraville. I agree though, it does serve as an excellent jumping in point.

[@wolf1977]

If you really wanna jump into ARS with both feet then get the Polydor Years best-of compilation box set

[@jamesshelton2179]

@@wolf1977 got it and love it.

[@charlescrow601]

i found a previously unreleased album by a.r.s called sleep with one eye open . i consider it to be a fantastic album. i ordered it on ebay . the record company they were with wanted them to go in a different direction and the band refused so the album was never released until a few years back. proud to say i own all of their albums.

[@wolf1977]

Interesting, hadn't heard that one yet. The title track is posted to YT, says the album's from 1982. That's a good tune. Actually also just found it posted to my mp3 download site so I'll have to give the other 7 tracks a listen too. Thx for the tip!

[@flcartfan]

Can't believe I missed this one. JR Cobb and Robert Nix went to Paxon High School here in Jacksonville. My uncle was buddies wIth Robert Nix. My city's contribution to the world is a pretty good stream of Southern Rock musicians

[@magnuswettermark8293]

Great band. Have all their albums,most all of them on vinyl. If i must go with a favorite it is "red tape". But ALL of them is awesome. Ronnie Hammond was a killer singer and their bassplayer Paul Goddard was one of the best. RIP Ronnie and Paul

[@bengalgangster]

great underated band 5 back against the wall 4 champagne jam 3 a rock and roll alternative 2 red tape [love the song mixed emotion] 1 dog days [ the title track my fav song of theirs just over mixed emotion]

[@bengalgangster]

back when the radio was cool , my 1sr ars song on radio was mixed emotions and i was like thats different. so i ran out and got red tape. good stuff

[@pokerface8242]

Not the biggest fan of southern rock but when I heard Mixed Emotions on the radio I wanted to hear more. Bought Red Tape and was glad I did. Another Man's Woman rocks to this day.

[@dmskon]

ARS was a sleeper for me. Grew up on their singles but never dove deeper until the late 80s. Understated but solid which is not a sleight. They are a great listen in the right circumstance; i.e., chilling. Great tunes and when the guitar wails kick in, they become more noticeable and bring smiles.

[@anthonydixon452]

To attempt to categorize ARS seems a waste of time. Their catalog is loaded with so many different styles. It is easy to say this though. ARS was a band of true quality musicians allied with the sweet, soulful voice of Ronnie Hammond. Besides, there is nothing finer than the tone of Barry Bailey's '69 Gold Top Deluxe Les Paul! Bailey is such a wicked guitar player. I could listen to him all day long.

[@jeffcollins5188]

Thank yall for your Yankee insight that, I, as a Southerner from NC, totally agree with, for the most part. I must say, I appreciate the fact that you make me feel that we are all on the same page.

[@peterm4486]

So happy you gave ARS their due…any chance you’ll do Survivor, Jackson Browne and Warren Zevon?

[@marhill77]

Paul Goddard was one of the best bassists around, you never hear his name mentioned

[@randyhimburg7915]

Sadly no, And he should be.

[@coolmj85]

i like the eagles but did not know much other sothern rock not heard any atlanta rhythm section songs after this video i gave them a try and i love this band and your both right they have a nice style to there music blues abit of country thrown in the mix and they have quite alot of catchy songs i like watching this channel love reccomends of different sub generes of rock i will listen to them if there past or modern new bands thanks pete and simon..

[@nancydavis3809]

Saw them live several times...amazing group!

[@kylestillie9653]

Love this band. My top 5 1. Red Tape 2. Dog Days 3. Champagne Jam 4. Quinella 5. Rock and Roll Alternative

[@richeaton5752]

Saw them a dozen or more times in the 70s. I love all their stuff, but Back Up Against The Wall will always be my fav. The title tune, Cold Turkey TN, and Ronnie's voice on "Conversation" is sublime. The eponymous 1st record is great too, with all the acoustic guitars. Love the acoustic original version of "Another Man's Woman". Great record.

[@johnhermes4112]

I really like the early/classic eras of ARS a lot. Everything from the debut to “Champaign Jam” hits that sweet spot for me.

[@teamdata]

Good show! Really only knew about five songs. Sounds like an investigation is needed on my part.

[@wolf1977]

This band goes pretty deep, they feature some really fiery guitar playing. You can hear it on some of their hits but it gets even better. There may even be some (best of the) Outlaws parallels, if you know/like that band. They really could/should have been that bridge post-Allmans (if you only like their early stuff) to later Southern bands. Maybe their sound was too diverse... Somewhat ironic & TOTALLY unrelated: Gregg Allman recorded a solo tune called "Floating Bridge". That was in 2011 though, too late to be a bridge to anywhere

[@teamdata]

@@wolf1977 thanks for the informative observations

[@donaldellis8952]

One of my favs my lists goes from least fav to most fav Eufaula Quinella Underdog Atlanta Rhythm Section Back Up Against The Wall Third Annual Pipedream Champagne Jam A Rock N Roll Alternative Red Tape Dog Days.

[@gregsullivan7365]

ARS was always overlooked and yet they had some of the premier musicians of that genre. Hammond was a remarkable singer, Goddard was a monster on the bass and Barry Bailey was a very underrated guitarist. Their catalog was inconsistent but each album did have tracks that stood out and were memorable. They could definitely rock when they wanted to but often pulled back the reins to reveal a softer and melodic side.

[@alanthorne3921]

Own several of the classic era 70s albums and always liked their melodic laid back rock which I generally don’t go for.But if I want something breezy while i mucking around or kicking back ARS is usually a top pick.And that Live album is great.Paul Goddard’s(R.I.P) bass solo is a belter.Underdog and Champagne Jam are my faves

[@matthewclark9652]

The songs from their 1972 debut "The Days Of Our Lives" & "All In Your Mind" were also done by the late Dennis Yost & The Classics IV (from 1973 "What Am I Crying For" on MGM South) BUT NOT on Apple iTunes.

[@independenceltd.]

I must've had a premonition about this show, cuz I just purchased "Live at the Savoy New York October 27 1981" yesterday. But it was probably cuz I just saw ABB/Blackberry Smoke, and one of BS's seven-song, covers-only encore was "Champagne Jam". Either or...

[@markc5771]

Phenomenal band! I got Quinella when it came out and then worked backward. I always kinda lumped them in with the Michael McDonald era Doobie Brothers. Excellent players for sure

[@christianman73]

Atlanta Rhythm Section and Wet Willie go together in my mind. They both hail from the Southern U.S., and both bands rock, but *also* often *don't* sound like other Southern rock bands. I think of ARS as being like a Southern Steely Dan, with smooth, jazzy musicianship, whereas Wet Willie is a Southern funk/blues/soul/gospel band with a rock edge. The ARS "Polydor Years" CD box set is a must!

[@wolf1977]

Wow Wet Willie's a band I haven't thought about in a long time...I just searched my music database & only came up with "Keep On Smilin'" (their big hit right?). They were on the same record label (Capricorn) as ARS. I don't know a whole lot about them but seems like they (same as ARS) were labeled as "Southern Rock" when there was more to their music, as you pointed out

[@christianman73]

@@wolf1977 "Keep on Smilin'" was definitely Wet Willie's biggest national hit, but in the South, and specifically, in Alabama, their home state, their later song, "Weekend," was also quite popular. I remember hearing it often on the radio in the late '70s and the '80s. Overall, they were more of an album band than a singles band though. They were also a popular live band in the South. They were seriously good in concert.

[@JIF882]

Ordered that box set from Amazon because of this video. It came today.

[@richardbond144]

Love Wet Willie! They sort of remind me of a southern J.Geils Band.

[@tubetea]

One of my favorite bands ever, the only complaint I have, and it's pretty big, twice in Birmingham, twice in Houston, I got to the door to see ARS and they were no shows. The first time I had a chance to see them, the grocery store where I worked back in 1974 told me that I would lose my job if I didn't show up that night, should have just quit the stupid grocery store job, everybody came back telling me what a dynamite show it was , all they could talk about were the bass player, Paul Goddard and the vocalist, Ronnie Hammond, tried to see them those four times later and they didn't show up.

[@markandersen793]

I haven't listened to them for a while, but I remember there was always lots of great guitar on their albums.

[@ronweber2303]

5. Underdog 4. Quinella 3. Red Tape 2. A Rock and roll Alternative 1. Champagne Jam ( Thank you ma'am)

[@matthewclark9652]

The late Dennis Yost & The Classics IV (1967 - 1973) members (Buie & Cobb) also wrote songs for ARS!!

[@humphreygruntwhistle3946]

I’d put Champagne Jam at #1. Large Time is a blistering opener and my favorite ARS song of all time.

[@martykott450]

That album has been in my rotation all of my adult life...and I am 62

[@wolf1977]

Me too!

[@jtoms3]

I won a pair of tickets on a local radio station to see ARS back in 97. They were amazing. Sadly, everyone from the classic period has passed away since then.

[@ericwalker6068]

A woefully underrated band. Love Underdog, Quinella, Red Tape, Champagne Jam. Barry Bailey could be one of the best guitarists that nobody has ever heard about.

[@mikedavis9028]

1. Quinella; 2. Red Tape; 3. Back Up Against the Wall; 4. Self-titled debut; 5. Third Annual Pipe Dream

[@jeffreywebb7932]

Completely agree with you on that Quinella album.Side 1,could be their best work.Good list.👍BGO did an excellent job with their catalog.

[@richardbond144]

Yeah, side 2 on Quinella was a little bit of a letdown.

[@kevindockrell4969]

My Top 5: 1) Dog Days 2) Quinella 3) Eufaula 4) Underdog 5) Red Tape

[@timbates6309]

"Angel (What In The World Has Come Over Us)" was released as a single, but it only made it to #79. Great song.

[@jonathancilley9450]

Welcome back Simon!

[@teresamcmeans566]

Great band. Very talented. Ronnie Hammond’s voice was incredible.

[@massimobattaglioli6651]

Are you ready is a kick ass of a live album👍

[@wolf1977]

I have "Tara's Theme-Intro/ Sky High" from that album, really good. I don't think that first part ("Tara's Theme") is live though, I think it's from a movie soundtrack

[@steveseim]

Great points re: "concise" albums. When you put out a longer album, you're asking more of the listener, and at the same time you're almost always including material that wouldn't have been good enough to include on a single LP.

[@mainzergirl9610]

Agreed, few great albums but many excellent songs. Spooky is one of the great rock remakes.

[@jeffcollins5188]

You guys have it nailed.

[@ethansbeervinylreviews9723]

My 5 favorites would be: 5. Third Annual Pipe Dream 4. Self-Titled First Album 3. A rock & Roll Alternative 2. Champagne Jam 1. Red Tape

[@thegood9]

One of my fave bands of all time. Have you done Firefall yet?

[@rubicon-oh9km]

Always put ARS outside the "Southern Rock" label. Very jazzy band with two really strong guitar players: Bailey and Cobb.

[@wolf1977]

Yeah really tough to pigeon hole this band to one style, as someone else here said earlier. But probably that's also why they never became that next great Southern Rock band like they were "supposed" to - and Skynyrd did (both bands' first records came out within a year of each other, with ARS' a little bit earlier). Personally I'm happy they didn't, I'll take a great Skynyrd Southern band plus a great ARS band

[@jeffcollins5188]

The ballad of Loris Malone and Evileen makes the best statement for the appreciation of the best women in the world.

[@dangerdolls]

Spooky on Underdog is an old Classics Four tune. Buie and one of the other guys were involved with Classics Four if I'm not mistaken.

[@matthewclark9652]

They signed with Decca which became MCA in early 1973. Then in 1974 they signed to Polydor till 1980. Signed to Columbia in 1981 & 1989. Then to CMC in 1999.

[@scottmcgregor562]

I guess L.A. had Toto and Georgia had A.R.S. Session musicians forming a band with the people their favorite musicians to play and write the music that they want.

[@markhughes5444]

There's a great boxset available polydor years 74-80 8 albums on cd for £20 which is about 25-30 USA dollars which I have still available on eBay etc great!

[@dangerdolls]

Back in the day I think a lot of bands might record twenty or so songs and then pick the best ten or twelve of the bunch to fit the forty or so minute format. Being forced to make decisions, just as it does in fiction writing, makes things better. Also I wonder if there's just a sweet spot for most listeners that they can only listen for so long. The same reason a lot of classes/lectures are capped at 50 minutes.

[@minsterhill]

+1 for underdog great record once again another SOT treasure!

[@matthewclark9652]

The 1989 ARS album "Truth In A Structed Form" is missing from Apple iTunes.

[@nobleeffort2.4]

Rock and roll alternative and champaign jam are true classics IMO. Otherwise I agree with not being many bona-fide classics. I really like that they arent so obviously southern, they're refined and very fine musicians playing rock and pop rock with a southern tinge. Quinella is my personal favorite!

[@thegood9]

They remind me of Ambrosia quite a bit..."Champagne Jam" has to be THE classic album from them.

[@wolf1977]

Agreed on Champagne Jam being their best..."Holdin' On To Yesterday" is a great single, very haunting/atmospheric IMO (kinda like 10cc's "I'm Not In Love" but better). I'm not quite getting the comparison of ARS to Ambrosia though (other than that one song). To me they don't really sound like Southern Rock or too much like the other styles that ARS played. They're more SoCal than Southern to me. One of their other big hits "Biggest Part Of Me" sounds straight-up yacht rock to me. In "Holdin' On" I can definitely hear hints of ARS' guitars though

[@nelsonmaud1]

My favorite southerny rock group think they were better than skynard in my opinion on my fave is Champaign jam too great 70s poppy album nothing wrong with a poppy song here and there

[@jonathangilbert2456]

No mention of “The Boys from Doraville.” Another great ARS album.

[@tatedavis2016]

Couldn’t agree more with both your top 5. Hope to see you two do a ranking of Doc Holliday’s output as well!

[@sotdude7]

Coming soon!

[@wolf1977]

Not a band I'm familiar with (Southern Rock?), looking forward to that review! I'm reading that they toured with such diverse acts as Black Sabbath, April Wine, SRV & Molly Hatchet. So sounds like they might cover a lot of musical territory (unless this is another case of mismatched live acts)

[@JIF882]

@@wolf1977 Interesting thing about Doc Holiday is that they worked with 'Colonel' Tom Allom

[@gabrielheftye973]

My favorite is their first one. Then I would pick Dog Days and that Champagne Jam Live

[@Tadaia]

The guitarists Barry Bailey and JR Cobb are criminally underrated guitarists, especially Bailey. I'd run their musicians and singer up against any of the day. I think the main reason they can sound different is because so much of their career was as studio musicians playing for a number of different artists.

[@davidvaness5081]

My fav tune from rock and roll alternative is don't miss the message check it out my friends

[@jeffcollins5188]

#1 Album is Dog Days, 3 2 is Champaign Jam, # 3 is Truth in Structured Form.

[@richardanderson8627]

Have you ever heard of White Witch ? I'm from Macon Georgia , This was one of the bands around town and got radio play in the 70s .

[@seaoftranquilityprog]

Yep, I have. Signed to Capricorn Records. Good band, they wound up on the wrong label, as they weren't Southern Rock.

[@RichardBond-dn2fi]

I beg to differ. I thought most of their albums to be awesome! Well written and played.

[@purpletemple1]

I'll have to check them out again. I remember owning "Quinella", but didn't like it back then...

[@wolf1977]

More than just another Southern Rock band. These guys were slated to take over from the Allmans, or at least to fight it out with Skynyrd for the title (Skynyrd won). Also known as ARS they branched out into another 3-letter acronym: AOR. A really talented group that could play many different styles & did (maybe like Little Feat in their own way, another band that should've been bigger). The music: They have all-time classics "So Into You", "Imaginary Lover", and how about "Spooky" for really cool vibes? Other radio-friendly hits "Champagne Jam" & "I'm Not Gonna Let It Bother Me Tonight". Great lesser-known songs like "Hitch-Hikers' Hero" & "The Ballad Of Lois Malone" (shades of Skynyrd's "Curtis Loewe"?), instrumental workouts "Bless My Soul" & "Blues In Maude's Flat" (dang these boys could play). Quieter heartfelt ballads such as "Pretty Girl", "Evileen" & "My Song" (just beautiful). "I Ain't Much" reminds of The Doobies or maybe 38 Special (the vocals are a dead ringer). There's a lot of great music here. The Albums: A two-way tie for second. I'd have to say that to me this isn't really an "album" band (except for Champagne Jam), it's more about the individual songs. This is a band that would make for a great double album best-of set, like 10 songs per side. The Polydor Years is a really nice ARS box set 1) Champagne Jam: The Ballad Of Lois Malone, Evileen, I'm Not Gonna Let It Bother Me Tonight, Imaginary Lover, Champagne Jam - best album by far 2) Red Tape: Oh What A Feeling, Another Man's Woman, Free Spirit - tied with... 2) Third Annual Pipe Dream: Close The Door, Blues In Maude's Flat, Join The Race 3) Underdog: It's Only Music, Spooky, My Song 4) Quinella: Higher, Pretty Girl, You're So Strong

[@martykott450]

I saw them live in 1979. They were a very tight and polished band that flirted just a little bit with jamming. In many ways, a lot like Kansas in that they were structured and melodic, featured excellent musicianship, and with outstanding vocals.

[@wolf1977]

@@martykott450 I'm not big on Kansas but I do like ARS a lot. As far as similar bands I think I'd stick with Little Feat in terms of the sheer range of music & the talent (of course they don't sound like them at all), and for sheer sound maybe 38 Special (but much better). Orleans? Little River Band? Maybe if you put those last 3 groups in a blender and added some Pure Prairie League/Doobies/Marshall Tucker/Skynyrd

[@venturamichael50]

The Ballad of Lois Malone was my favorite song from Champagne Jam.

[@matthewclark9652]

Rock critic John Swenson hated "Are You Ready" (live) No stars out of 5 stars on the Rolling Stone Album Guide book.

[@scottbivins4051]

Back Against The Wall is their best album.

[@BrianBowser]

This is the first "ARS" KZbin video where I have been able to find comments open. All other ARS songs show comments closed. Same with Black Oak Arkansas. What's up with that?

[@kc0lif]

Imaginary Lover I think best song

[@tylerpatterson4787]

Barry Bailey passed away today RIP now only one guy left from classic lineup alive

[@RealJeffTidwell]

35-50 minutes is a good range, but I’m going to be more exact and say 37-42. I’ll add that these shorter and shorter LPs from certain modern artists (like 25-35 minutes) can really be great. Yeah, “EP length” but sometimes they’re so dense that it doesn’t matter. Better for them to be easy relistens.

[@brada1136]

A band that comes to mind with ARS is Climax Blues Band. Not southern or even American but similar in style in mid 70's.

[@wolf1977]

I think that CBB was more blues-based with more horns. "Couldn't Get It Right" is a fantastic single, easily their best (IMO)...ARS comparisons to Ozark Mountain Daredevils (although not nearly as good) might be closer, I think those two toured together some as well...FYI there's a cd available called Jam Session from 2000 that features both Atlanta Rhythm Section & Ozark Mountain Daredevils (haven't heard it myself), you could decide for yourself

[@bengalgangster]

@@wolf1977 cbb good band you dont hear much about. i saw them on the gold plated tour backing up skynyrd [about a month or so before the plane crash] and interesting they played with a southern rock band. i always thought it was strange mix but was great anyway

[@wolf1977]

@@bengalgangster That brings to mind another idea for a new show: Most Mismatched Acts In A Show - kinda a companion piece to the earlier "Dream Show" episode (maybe call it the "Who's On The Bill?" show). I can start it off: Hendrix opening for The Monkees in '67 (which lasted all of 7 shows). On a more personal level I saw The Dregs playing with Dave Mason and Toots & The Maytalls (early 80's)

[@sotdude7]

We did that on the HVS a few months ago. Weird concert bills or something like that.

[@bengalgangster]

@@wolf1977 its a good idea . you see on those old theater signs in the late 60s and 70s some interesting combinations back then but they didnt label music like they do now. I saw dave mason[not huge fan] opening for someone and it was a weird combo but i just cant remember who it was. i do like the song we just disagree alot

[@brada1136]

Great band. Smooth but they rock harder than given credit. Many of the members came from the Classis IV who had hits in the 60's.

[@wolf1977]

Yeah The Classics IV..."Spooky", "Stormy", "Sunny" (all posted to YT). I see a pattern but not totally sure what it is..."Sunny" actually uses a main guitar line that's VERY similar to their (and ARS') "Spooky". "Stormy" is a pop/R&B classic, great vocals (Dennis Yost). Notably James Cobb (guitar) ended up in ARS. I always group them with the Mamas & Papas in my head

[@rikd5452]

Who is this Simon Bray, and why can I not find anything about him online? I'd guess that he's an engineer, producer, or a musician, but info seems hard to find. Seems like an odd choice to make comparisons with, on Southern Rock bands, imho.

[@wolf1977]

Then you must also think that everyone from the US rating/discussing British artists is odd too...Unless I misunderstood your point (in which case I apologize!) - seemed like you found it weird that someone from Britain could weigh in on Southern rock

[@rikd5452]

@@wolf1977 trying to figure out how you inferred all of that from my comments, but you do you, and continue to see things in whatever light suits you. Perhaps, you'd also like to label me as a xenophobe, or Jingoist, while you are at it? Clearly, you have no answer, as to who this guy is, which was the actual crux of my comment. I'm sure he's great, at whatever it is that he does. While it is not uncommon for Brits to discuss American music, and vice-versa, or any foreigner for that matter, it is rather uncommon (odd?) to see it done in a niche area of American Classic Rock, that the majority of modern music fans see as antiquated and passé. He did, however, know a bit about this group, which made for an interesting listen. However, I don't think that there's anything inherently wrong with my point of view, but scold and berate me, further, for daring to voice an opinion that differs from yours, if you wish.

[@rikd5452]

"Then, you must also think..." Please, tell me more about myself!

[@wolf1977]

@@rikd5452 I'd rather not! Maybe you should explain what you meant by your comments rather than try going after me. When you say "Seems like an odd choice to make comparisons with, on Southern Rock bands, imho" one cannot help but to infer that you meant he was an odd choice because he's British. If that's not what you meant then explain that, don't just say "While it is not uncommon for Brits to discuss American music, and vice-versa, or any foreigner for that matter, it is rather uncommon (odd?) to see it done in a niche area of American Classic Rock" - that doesn't explain what you actually meant by your original comment. WHY was Simon an "odd" choice to comment on Southern rock? Because you're guessing that he's an engineer, producer, or a musician? That doesn't make any sense. And if you read my post carefully you'll see that I allowed for a misinterpretation of your point (and apologized for it if true) but we'll never know since you didn't explain what you meant.... And who's really labelling who here? You've got me labelling you as a xenophobe or Jingoist which I never did...Of course you can express your point of view (BTW that's what I did as well), that's what this show is all about. To assume anything else would be pretty dumb...And I wasn't trying to guess at who Simon is, it's enough for me to know that he's a member of this panel who seems to know what he's talking about

[@JIF882]

Rik, he(like some of the people you see on Pete's channel) is a writer for Sea Of Tranquility. Got to their website. Stephen Reid(from Scotland) is another SOT staffer.

[@jeffcollins5188]

OBTW, the Gold top hanging behind you, "57?

[@scottbivins4051]

They came out before Skynyrd so I would argue that Skynyrd sounded and was influenced by ARS. Also, Ronnie Hammond and Ronnie Van Zant were great friends.