Mouzakis Magic Tube

Delaware-based power trio Mouzakis conjured an intriguing sound
somewhere between traditional rhythm and blues and garage rock, with
psychedelic and hard rock leanings. The band occupied something of a
unique space during their short reign during the early 1970s, and it was
partly their non-standard outlook that kept the group a trio, since
other potential musical recruits simply could not find a way through
their multidirectional sound. Drummer/lead singer Eddie Stevenson and
bassist/keyboardist Fred Dawson had been playing together in the
mid-1960s in The Fabulous Pharaohs, which issued sparse singles on
short-lived labels such as Three Star and Reprise, issuing a mix of
originals and non-standard cover tunes, before splitting off to form
Mouzakis, with a number of guitarists failing to last long, before Sam
Stipo stepped up to the plate. Soon Mouzakis were carving out a solid
reputation as an enthralling live act on the Delaware and Maryland live
circuits, opening for all manner of acts, including soul group The
Stylistics and smooth pop/rock act, Chicago. Following the release of
debut single “Don’t Want You No More” for Philadelphia’s British Main
Records in May 1970, debut album /Magic Tube /was issued by British Main
the following year. The album certainly veers all over the map: “Party
Ball” is straightforward rock ‘n’ roll, while “Lady” and romance bust-up
saga “Both Do Fine” skate the fine line between garage rock and
psychedelia. In contrast, lengthy opener “Magic Tube” reminds of a
less-polished Doors and the live cut of “Rock Around The Clock” has the
benefit of unexpected organ. Definitely a one-away release by a
difficult to classify band.