Morly Grey ● The Only Truth

The Only Truth is a true rock and roll rarity. First released in 1972, Morly Grey’s lone recorded output represents the first and only album ever released on Starshine Records, a small, Ohio-based label founded by Floyd Phillips. The company—also responsible for a handful of singles from the likes of Biggy Rat, Freeman Sound, and Stars and Stripes—was ill-equipped to support a local act looking to break nationally, and The Only Truth’s collectable status was almost immediate. Formed by Mark and Tim Roller (a rock and roll surname of the highest order), Morly Grey delivers an electrifying brand of psychedelic hard rock. The group, which also includes two different drummers, powers its way through eight heavy rockers, all built around the guitar work of brother Tim. “Peace Officer,” “Our Time” and “After Me Again” are the record’s highlights, the latter showcasing effective vocal harmonies amidst the instrumental chaos, while “Who Can I Say You Are” and “A Feeling for You” reveal a softer, more melodic approach (at least temporarily). The album closes with the nearly 17-minute title track, which includes a snippet of “When Johnny Comes Marching Home,” a fairly obvious reference to the war in Vietnam. The album’s artwork is lame (“It is what it is,” says brother Mark), but the musical contents contained within reveal a group that probably deserved better.

Notes: Here is an audio-only YouTube clip of “After Me Again” by Morly Grey: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHjLFR5VtJA&list=MLGxdCwVVULXcle5h1VkJc4tguM-w_J1UG&playnext=4.