MARCUS

"Marcus" (United Artists, 1976) - Possibly one of the most obscure, yet incredible metal releases ever was the 1976 debut and solitary LP by Detroit's MARCUS. The packaging of the LP is very deceptive and this, plus The fact that it received little promotion were probably the chief reasons is so sparsely known. With a cover featuring lead singer Marcus Malone decked out in a Rick James-type outfit, coupled with a release during the formation of the disco era, it was no wonder that this platter often ended up filed in record stores' "soul or r&b" sections! However, the careful metal conessieur, upon looking at the back of the jacket, can spy a couple things that make him/her take note. The first eye-opener is the band's line-up: it featured 3 lead guitarists, Gene Bloch, Randall David and Jack Weber. Not many disco or soul bands feature triple axeters, now do they!? Secondly, a sharp metaller would instantly recognize the bass player on most cuts, Tim Bogert (a veteran of countless heavy units like Cactus, Vanilla Fudge & others). MARCUS' drummer was Dandy "Star" Holmes, later to be involved in more dance-oriented material. With all of this, though, even the most astute hard rock fanatic would have no idea of how monumental the record is that awaits within this subtle cover!

Opening with a mellow keyboard intro, MARCUS erupts into Side One and "Black Magic." Using a riff similar to Purple's "Space Truckin'" but in no way a copy, it's immediate to the listener that they have a powerhouse on their hands! Bloch, David and Weber all stay close enough to the main rhythm to be tight, but each layer casual licks and fills over the other to become the ultimate 3-way attack team. Malone's vocals are some of the most unique ever, calling to mind a great combination of Steven Tyler and old Glen Hughes. What a song, but it's just the beginning.

Next up is "Salmon Ball," with it's heavy, funk-laden rhythm and blatantly sexual lyrics, uttered in a leering yet controlled tone by Marcus M. This 6 1/2 minute epic gradually builds until it turns into an all-out full-speed guitar assault, making any of the well-known guitar classics look like child's play! Side One continues briefly with the mellow "Kelly," highlighting Malone's emotional vocal prowess before concluding with the devastating 7 minute "Gypsy Fever." Again, funk influenced, but this time with a decided early Priest-ish feel as well, this chunk of metallic class sizzles with power. The main guitar solo is very reminiscent of Gary Moore.Moving to Side Two, the captivated listener can only wonder what will be next! The answer to their question is "Pillow Stars," yet another 6 minute epic filled with complicated rhythms, incredible 3-part guitar sections and dazzling vocals. Perhaps the strangest thing about this cut is that it's opening is quite similar to that of Boston's"Foreplay/Long Time," but far more complex and way better.

Continuing the side is "High School Babies," a straight-ahead, heavy funk scorcher calling to mind the best days of Aerosmith. Malone's gritty vocals are perfect and the guitar interplay between Bloch, David and Weber is masterful.

With "Dream Wheel," the band explores their mellower side, once again. An example of stellar songwriting ability, this cut could've garnered considerable airplay with proper promotion, yet it remains heavy enough to fit the album's flow. What in the hell was United Artists doing as a label??!?!! Sleeping at the switch on this one, that's for sure! You can talk about classic songs for hours, but very few you'll mention are in the league with the work of art that concludes this brilliant LP. Clocking in at just under 7 minutes, "Rise Unto Falcon" is simply one of the most beautiful and haunting, yet totally heavy metal songs ever committed to vinyl. Opening with a gentle acoustic section, it is a vehicle for Malone's vocals which are, at once, drainingly emotional and heroically powerful. The patterned guitar solos which drift in and out here are very reminiscent of Glenn Tipton on Priest's "Dreamer Deceiver." Then, the song begins to escalate and eventually reaches a climatic crescendo of such majestic scope that it is nearly classical in nature. The guitar work here is so intricate, heavy and perfectly done that it's guaranteed to give the most icy-veined cynic goose bumps. Incredible!!!!

I can't say enough about MARCUS' only LP, except if you don't have it, you must. This album is quite difficult to find, but it's one that EVERY metal and hard rock fan should go to the ends of the earth in search of.

Ray Dorsey