Redeye - Redeye '1970 [2013]

Tracks list

Prior to forming Redeye, singer/guitarist Douglas Marks obtained a bit of glory
with the Sunshine Company and the Grains Of Sand. Active from 1967-68, this Los
Angeles band parented a moderate amount of airplay with radiant Mamas and
Papas-styled songs such as “Happy” and “Back on the Street
Again.” The Sunshine Company released a trio of enjoyable albums, as well.

In 1970, Redeye – which also included rhythm guitarist/vocalist Dave
Hodgkins, bassist/vocalist Bill Kirkham and drummer Bob Bereman – secured
a contract with the Pentagram label. By the end of the year, the band notched a
No. 27 nationwide hit single with “Games” that also appeared on
Redeye’s self-titled debut album.

Listeners are guaranteed to experience a dose of deja vu (pun intended) when
hearing “Games,” as the high-pitched harmony blend coating the
bright and buoyant track are hijacked straight from the Crosby Stills Nash and
Young songbook. A repetitively catchy chorus of “Yeah, you know”
calls for a sing-a-long fest, while a clanging cowbell and an energetic jam rock
with strength and substance.

Although “Games” sounds too close to comfort to CSNY to give Redeye
a unique identity, there is no denying it is nattily crafted and sports plenty
of appeal.

Riding the success of “Games,” Redeye toured and shared bills with
the likes of the Byrds and Cactus. Things certainly looked good for the band,
but their next single – the funky blues-oriented “Red Eye
Blues” – failed to make much of an impact. Breaking up in 1972,
Redeye’s short-lived popularity is rather a pity because they definitely
had what was required to juggle commercial characteristics with edgier aspects.
by Beverly Paterson


Tracks:

1. Games - 3:05
2. Empty White Houses - 2:44
3. Mississippi Stateline - 4:00
4. Green Grass - 3:10
5. Down Home Run - 2:18
6. Dadaeleus` Unfinished Dream (Bill Kirkham, Dave Hodgkins) - 2:46
7. Oregon Bound - 3:15
8. Your Train Is Leaving - 2:46
9. 199 Thoughts Too Late - 2:30
10.Collections Of Yesterday And Now (Dave Hodgkins, Douglas Mark) - 4:31

Personnel:

Douglas Red Mark - Vocals, Guitar 
Dave Hodgkins - Guitar, Vocals
Bill Kirkham - Bass, Vocals
Bob Bereman - Drums, Percussion

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