Treasure’s one and only album contains some of the finest late 70’s pomp/radio rock you’re ever likely to hear.
Written by: RichardB
ARTIST: Treasure
ALBUM: Treasure
LABEL: Epic
SERIAL: PE 34890
YEAR: 1977
CD REISSUE: Discogs Reissue List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
LINEUP: Felix Cavaliere – vocals, keyboards, arp synthesizer & oberheim * Vinnie Cusano – vocals, guitars * Jack Scarangella – drums * Rick Laird – bass
TRACK LISTING: 01 I Wanna Love You * 02 Innocent Eyes * 03 Love Me Tonight * 04 Jubilation * 05 When The Sun Shines * 06 My Lady Once Told Me * 07 Turn Yourself Around * 08 Think It’s Love * 09 Treasure
Background
If some sources are to be believed, Treasure stand accused of heinous musical crimes against humanity not heard of since the last Des O’Connor lp. It is therefore left to me to put forward my case for Treasure in the hope that you, the listening jury will absolve them of such spurious charges as ‘crap’ and ’70’s mush’, misguided criticisms better placed for the likes of Roadmaster‘s debut album.
Despite the tacky album cover (my 2 year old son could almost match it for artistic merit) and less than aesthetic appeal of the band themselves, Treasure’s one and only album contains some of the finest late 70’s pomp/radio rock you’re ever likely to hear. Considering the album was recorded over 25 years ago it has aged better than the debut albums of say Fairchild or Network, recorded in the same period.
The group had a solid if unremarkable rhythm section, and it’s the dynamic duo of Messrs Cavaliere and Cusano which takes centre stage here, showing off their not inconsiderable musical talents. Pity they don’t exhibit similar lyrical dexterity throughout the album with most of the songs being of the Pretty lady love me tonight variety – optimistic I’d say, judging by their photos. They look like America’s most wanted, however the only charge here is that of criminal neglect.
The Songs
Opener ‘I Wanna Love You’ with it’s less than inspiring title completely catches you off guard with it’s mellow introduction, then Mr Cusano delivers a guitar riff on the chorus more muscular than Arnie himself, and a lightning fast guitar solo in the midsection. It closes with a plethora of wailing guitar notes. ‘Innocent Eyes’ adopts a lighter touch though like all the songs throughout it is never wimpy thanks to the scything guitar work of Cusano. Highlight for me on side one is ‘Love Me Tonight’ – pomp embellished with wailing synths and rock hard guitar riffing.
Side two continues the theme with ‘When The Sun Shines’ – atmospheric keyboards by the bucketload and a bombastic chorus. ‘My Lady Once Told Me’ is in equally pompous mode. Side two favourite ‘Think It’s Love’ is decidedly upbeat and deserves to be played at maximum volume in an open top convertible (not always practical in England!). The album closes with the understated ballad ‘Treasure’ where for once Cusano exhibits (some) restraint.
In Summary
To conclude I request that once Treasure has been given a fair hearing, all charges against them be dropped. The fact that Cusano went on to join KISS and form the Vinnie Vincent Invasion belies his talent. With Treasure you hear him in a different context, the talent though, undeniable.
Treasure on Video
Full Album (Single File, no YYM)
