Starbuck released three albums in their lifetime, but nothing they did would top that amazing single, this albums title track.
Written by: Eric
ARTIST: Starbuck
ALBUM: Moonlight Feels Right
LABEL: Private Stock
SERIAL: PS 2013
YEAR: 1976
CD REISSUE: Discogs Reissue List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
LINEUP:
Bruce Blackman – vocals, keyboards
Bo Wagner – marimba, vibes, percussion
Tommy Strain – lead guitar
Ron Norris – guitars, vocals
David Snavely – drums
Sloan Hayes – keyboards, vocals
Jimmy Cobb – bass, vocals
TRACK LISTING:
01 I Got To Know
02 Drop A Little Rock
03 Lash Larue
04 Slower You Go (The Longer It Lasts)
05 Moonlight Feels Right
06 I’m Crazy
07 So The Night Goes
08 Working My Heart To The Bone
09 Lucky Man
10 Bordello Bordeaux
WEBLINKS: Site Link
Background
A few years ago I was driving through the prairies of central Illinois on a starry Summer night at two o’clock in the morning (don’t ask!) and Starbuck’s ‘Moonlight Feels Right’ came on the radio.
I had always loved the song and still believe it’s one of the 70’s greatest pop singles, but on that particular night it all came together, the stars, the moon, warm breeze.. well, you get the picture.
Starbuck released three albums in their lifetime, but nothing they did would top that amazing single. Formed in Atlanta by Bruce Blackman and Bo Wagner whose previous claim to fame was with late 60’s sunshine pop masters Eternity’s Children.
From there they picked up Atlanta session men along the way, ‘Moonlight Feels Right’ was released as a single in 1975 and flopped. It wasn’t until 1976 and thanks to an Alabama disc jockey; the song began to take off.
A major tour followed supporting Kansas, Robin Trower, Boston and Electric Light Orchestra as well as headlining on their own, although line-up changes continually plagued the band.
Guitarist Tommy Strain left the group after the debut, forming obscure pomp rockers Magic Cat, releasing one highly sought after gem ‘Only Make Believe’ and later joined up with Mother’s Finest.
Starbuck split up in 1980 and other than Blackman who runs a music publishing company, the rest of the band disappeared into the Atlanta local scene, never to be heard from again.
The Songs
‘I Got To Know’ opens the album with a near disco beat, featuring one of the bands signature Marimba solos. The song was the albums second single and believe it or not, I remember hearing it on the radio back then, but it never charted very high.
‘Drop A Little Rock’, ‘Lash LaRue’, ‘The Slower You Go (The Longer It Lasts)’ and ‘Working My Heart To The Bone’ are nothing but dated funky southern rock with pompy keys, much like fellow Georgian’s Whiteface.
A weird mixture indeed although ‘Lucky Man’ as with the opening track, moves dangerously close to disco throwing yet another ill advised ingredient into one mess of a record. The title track of course, stands miles above anything on the album and as I alluded to earlier, is a masterpiece of pop music.
In Summary
This record was released on CD by the German label – Line Records several years ago, but is now long out of print and getting far too expensive.
A couple of Starbuck compilations are floating around out there if you really want to hear more, but I suggest picking up a good 70’s pop compilation with ‘Moonlight Feels Right’ and leave it at that.
Starbuck on Video
Click to go to YTM album page.
