The Unspoken Word

Let’s be honest: One of the main reasons I own every record you’d never buy is that many of these obscure rarities just aren’t that good. The “I-Own-Every-Record-You’d-Never-Buy” CD Consumer’s Guide has to wade through a lot of sludge to uncover the proverbial needle in a haystack. Every once in a while, however, out from nowhere pops a polished gem, a musical diamond in the rough. The Unspoken Word is a good example. First released in 1970 on Atco Records, this Long Island-based quintet’s self-titled sophomore effort is a splendid blend of pounding Hammond organ, fluid rock guitar and an unusual but effective mix of male and female lead vocals. “Pillow,” “I Don’t Need No Music,” “Healthy, Wealthy & Wise” and “Around and Around” (a Chuck Berry cover) all deliver the goods, an excellent ensemble of riff-based psychedelic hard rock. The band’s diversity emerges in the blues-influenced “Personal Manager” and the slower, folk-like “Sleepy Mountain Ecstasy,” both providing a nice change of pace from the heavier material. Those curious might be interested in the group’s first album, the strangely titled Tuesday, April 19th, but be forewarned: This 1968 effort’s more pop-oriented sound in no way resembles the gritty work found on The Unspoken Word. It’s an album like this that keeps me browsing through rock and roll’s various cut-out bins and delete racks. It’s a dirty job, but somebody’s got to do it.

Notes: Here is an audio-only YouTube clip of The Unspoken Word's "Personal Manager:" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ii_DD2HUpxE&feature=related.