Fuzzy Duck

Fact: Fuzzy Duck is the name of a drinking game (say “fuzzy duck” and “ducky fuzz” a few times fast and you'll figure it out). First released in 1971 on the MAM label, a subsidiary of Decca, Fuzzy Duck is an intense, smoldering collection of early ‘70s British progressive hard rock. Bolstered by a core group of veteran rockers (members had previously played with the Five Day a Week Straw People, Andromeda and Tucky Buzzard), this eight-song lp is centered around the fiery, riff-laden guitar work of Grahame White and a healthy dose of heavy, mind-numbing organ play courtesy of Roy Sharland. Highlights include “Time Will Be Your Doctor” (also covered by the aforementioned Tucky Buzzard), the almost jazz-like “Mrs. Prout,” and a funky instrumental track called “A Word from Big D” (complete with duck sounds). Everything else lumbers along as it should within the confines of 1971 psychedelia—nifty guitar and keyboard solos, a thumping rhythm section, quality vocal work and just a pinch of extended jamming. Forget the odd name and wacky cover art—Fuzzy Duck is a true classic.

Notes: The 2007 Repertoire Records cd reissue features four bonus tracks, including a strange, completely out of place song called “Big Brass Band” (the other three cuts are B-grade hard rock).