It’s been too long since we rolled out an album side here on The Midnight Tracker. So tonight, let’s cue up a classic side from the early ’70s.
As we listened to free-form FM radio in central Wisconsin at that time, we heard a lot of tunes from REO Speedwagon’s second album, “R.E.O. T.W.O.”
Last year, we posted a couple of those tunes over at our other blog — AM, Then FM — and they always sparked debate. REO has passionate defenders and passionate detractors.
REO is playing a gig at a nearby performing arts venue next month. The top ticket is an astonishing $77.50. This, for a band you usually can see for $20 at a fair or a festival almost every summer.
If I were assured REO would play only tunes from the ’70s, when it rocked, I might pop for that $77.50 ticket. But that ain’t happening. The faithful want to hear all those power ballads.
So this will have to do. Side 2 of “R.E.O. T.W.O.” It’s the first album on which Kevin Cronin was REO’s lead singer. Most of the tunes were written by guitarist Gary Richrath, including the last three on this side.
“Music Man,” “Like You Do,” “Flash Tan Queen” and “Golden Country,” REO Speedwagon, from “R.E.O. T.W.O.,” 1972. It runs 20:55.
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