Treasure

Treasure, first released in 1977 on Epic Records, sought its fortunes on the backs of ex-Rascals lead singer/keyboardist Felix Cavaliere, an up-and-coming guitarist by the name of Vinnie Cusano and a special appearance from bassist Rick Laird of the Mahavishnu Orchestra. Attempting to capitalize on the era’s penchant for supergroups and all-star casts—even those of the B-grade variety—Treasure perfected a slick, highly polished blend of guitar-heavy hard rock (“Love Me Tonight,” “My Lady Once Told Me”) and mid-tempo melodic pop (“Jubilation,” “Treasure”). The end result is an entertaining if not entirely original affair. “I Wanna Love You” was the album’s lone single, although songs like “Innocent Eyes” and “Think It’s Love” are similarly hook-laden numbers, both aided by Cavaliere’s soulful vocals and Cusano’s fluid guitar leads. Somewhat surprisingly, the project was a commercial disappointment and Treasure soon washed ashore. Cavaliere re-established a solo career—he had a Top 40 hit in 1980 with a song called “Only a Lonely Heart Sees”—while Cusano changed his surname to Vincent, joined Kiss for two albums (Creatures of the Night and Lick it Up) and then formed the Vinnie Vincent Invasion.

Notes: Here is an audio-only YouTube clip of Treasure’s “I Wanna Love You:” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8c82w6Yb5BM&feature=related.