TCCDM Pulls One Out..."Coven" - Coven (1971)

"Coven" - Coven (1971)

Not as interesting as the band's satanic-minded debut.  On their sophomore album, Coven leaves behind their evil ways and brings a more West Coast bar band vibe to the wax.  Mostly female lead vocals, but I found the male vocal-fronted songs more interesting.  And it's not bad, just pedestrian.  And but for a stinker throwaway cover of "Jailhouse Rock," the album didn't hurt my feelings none.  It just is what it is.  

The album is probably best known for its soundtrack hit "One Tin Soldier" from the popular "Billy Jack" movie.  The whited-out faces of the band with a black cat posing on the front cover hint at darker things within.  Two of the band members even throw devil horns into the mix, but it's all charade.  The only evil oozing from this album is the aforementioned Elvis cover.

"Coven" (back)

Favorites include the Top-40 track "One Tin Soldier" which closes the album.  I always liked the song but it really feels out of place on this square.  The slightly ominous "What Can I Get Out Of You" and the hippie-chill grower "I Guess It's A Beautiful Day" are both lightly dusted.

This was sitting in the new arrival bin with an $8 or $9 price hanging on it.  It is an original California pressing on the blue & yellow MGM label with a Sunshine Snake Records logo on it, as well.  I'm glad I've had the chance to spin it a few times, but I'm on the fence whether I'll hold on to it.  It just doesn't hit that sweet spot for me. That's just me.  At the very least, I believe Coven's self-titled album, should you find an inexpensive copy, is worth checking out.

MGM Records label

Cat #
SE 4801
SIDE A  DEADWAX
SE 4801  MGS 2712  Rev 2  Ɛ  11  
SIDE B  DEADWAX
SE 4801  MGS 2712  Rev 2  Ɛ

"What Can I Get Out Of You" - Coven / "Coven" (1971) 

TRACKS:
A1  "Nightingale" 2:57
A2  "Shooting Star" 2:54
A3  "Natural Love" 4:00
A4  "What Can I Get Out Of You" 3:45
A5  "Dark Day In Chitown" 3:51
A6  "Jailhouse Rock" 2:06
B1  "Lonely Lover" 3:32
B2  "I Guess It's A Beautiful Day" 3:19
B3  "Washroom Wonder" 3:50
B4  "Nobody's Leaving Here Tonight" 3:42
B5  "One Tin Soldier (The Legend Of Billy Jack)" 3:18

PERSONNEL:
Jinx Dawson - vocals
Mike "Oz" Osborne - bass
Jim Nyeholt - organ, piano
Christopher Neilsen - guitar, vocals
Steve Ross - drums

Good stuff.

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