Reissues of Spooky Tooth’s “It’s All About” and “Spooky Two”
Proper Records, in collaboration with Universal Music Recordings, are reissuing “It’s All About” and “Spooky Two,” the first two albums by the much-loved and greatly missed Spooky Tooth.
The band’s line-up (guitarist Luther Grosvenor, vocalist Mike Harrison, drummer Mike Kellie and bassist Greg Ridley) joined forces with American keyboardist/vocalist Gary Wright in October 1967 and formed Spooky Tooth. Wright was introduced to the members by Chris Blackwell, the founder of Island Records renowned for promoting Progressive Rock,
In the 21st century, Spooky Tooth remains somewhat under the radar. Despite being signed to Island Records and offering a heady brew of heavy blues and soul, their music, beloved by the underground in the late ’60s, is still ripe for rediscovery. Formed from the group Art, featuring vocalist Mike Harrison, guitarist Luther Grosvenor, bassist Greg Ridley, and drummer Mike Kellie, Spooky Tooth came into being with the addition of American-in-London keyboard player Gary Wright, suggested by Chris Blackwell.
“It’s All About” (1968)
Recorded at Olympic Studios and produced by Jimmy Miller, who was also behind the boards for Spencer Davis Group, Motörhead, Traffic, the Rolling Stones and Blind Faith. their debut album, “It’s All About,” is a powerful blend of soul-tinged rock, suffused with sweetness on both originals and carefully chosen covers. Released in June 1968, it includes a version of Bob Dylan’s “Too Much of Nothing,” a blistering take on the Nashville Teens’ “Tobacco Road,” and the Jimmy Miller-Gary Wright co-write “It’s About A Roundabout,” On this dreamy cut, vocalist/keyboardist Gary Wright demonstrates some sharp melodic and compositional instincts. which has a driving beat reminiscent of Northern Soul. “It’s All About” is a lovely, often surprising album that offers a unique listening experience.
This full-length debut from British blues-rockers Spooky Tooth has a tone similar to Traffic with its psychedelic take on the influential pop and soul music of the ’60s. The few cover tunes including Janis Ian’s “Society’s Child” but original songs like the soulful ballad “It Hurts You So” and “Bubbles” (with its Beach Boys sensibility) are the real standouts.
Although Spooky Tooth eventually became better-known for their straightforward blues-rock, the trippy pop of It’s All About counts as a career highlight for the group. Fans of late-’60s British rock are definitely advised to check out this impressive release.
“Spooky Two” (1969)
Released in March 1969, “Spooky Two” is heavier and less quirky than the debut. It includes a remarkable version of Larry Weiss’ “Evil Woman,” a heavy nine-minute blues track that established Luther Grosvenor as one of the great British guitarists of his era. Gary Wright’s originals shine on this album, with tracks like the Cream-inspired “Lost In My Dream” and the storming “Better By You, Better Than Me,” later covered by Judas Priest. Mike Harrison’s voice is in fine form throughout, making “Spooky Two” one of the great British rock records of the late ’60s.
“I’ve Got Enough Heartache” whines and grieves with some sharp bass playing from Greg Ridley, while “Better by You, Better Than Me” is the catchiest of the songs, with its clinging hooks and desperate-sounding chorus. The last song, “Hangman Hang My Shell on a Tree,” is a splendid example of the bandmembers’ ability to play off of one another, mixing soulful lyrics with downtrodden instrumentation to conjure up the perfect melancholia. Although Spooky Tooth lasted about seven years, their other albums never really contained the same passion or talented collaborating by each individual musician as Spooky Two.
Both “It’s All About” and “Spooky Two” are presented with meticulous attention to the detail of the original UK first pressings and are available on audiophile 180gm vinyl. Whether you’re replacing much-loved originals or adding to your collection afresh, this is a great way to enjoy such enduring and influential music.
The band members, Grosvenor later joined Mott the Hoople in the 1970s (replacing Mick Ralphs who left to form Bad Company), adopting the name Ariel Bender. Kellie later joined the Only Ones in the late 1970s also performing with them in 1980s. Ridley became a member of Humble Pie.
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