Fuse - Fuse

Year of Release: 2001
Label: Song Haus Music
Catalog Number: 55018-2
Format: CD
Total Time: 45:02:00

I find it astonishing how much history a musician can have that remains unknown to a large portion of his or her respective audience. When I hear the name Rick Nielsen and Tom Peterson something clicks inside my head and the name Cheap Trick pops up instantaneously. When the name Fuse was mentioned I drew a complete blank. This is the group that these two musicians honed their chops in prior to putting Cheap Trick on the map. A pleasant surprise and an exciting listen are on tap for a rock audience that can keep an open mind and remember when this self-titled album was recorded [released in 1969].

This reissued classic depiction of pre-progressive rock was a real eye-opener for me. It reminded me of early Santana and Procol Harum. The vocal style of Joe Sundberg, considered by some critics as overwrought or slightly over the top, in my opinion was a good vehicle for the music that this tight band churned out. Nielsen was a phenomenal guitar player back then as well; in fact, he and the group seemed a step ahead of their contemporaries and I think Nielsen actually took a few paces back and simplified his approach and sound for the band that gave him notoriety.

There are some great tracks on this album, actually all of them except for the bizarre bonus track "Hound Dog," which should have been left in the can where it belongs. I was taken aback, elated, and astonished with Nielsen's great guitar playing on this recording. Remember that this was before he put that goofy hat on, colored his hair like a July 4th fireworks display, and created a band of hit makers. I think you will find this a pleasing listen and a reminder of a forgotten group that should be held in higher esteem than ever before for this long lost gem.

Tracklisting:
Across The Skies (4:35) / Permanent Resident (4:24 ) / Show Me (4:17) / To Your Health (6:02) / In A Window (5:54) / 4/4 3/4 (4:02) / Mystery Ship (3:23) / Sad Day (5:49) / Hound Dog [*] (2:55) / Crusin' For Burgers [*] (5:01)

Musicians:
Chip Greenman - drums
Craig Myers - guitar
Rick Nielsen - rhythm guitar, Keyboards
Joe Sundberg - vocals
Tom Petersson - bass

Discography:
Fuse (1969/2001)

Genre: Rock

Origin US

Added: February 1st 2003
Reviewer: Keith "Muzikman" Hannaleck
Score:
Artist website:
Hits: 2531
Language: english