1970's & early '80's Marshall Tucker Band - guilty pleasure or good country/blues rock?

During high school in the mid-late 70's, aside from the Allmans and Little Feat, was never much into southern rock of that era. Thought the Outlaws sounded generic, like the southern equivalent of late period Eagles. Didn't care for Skynyrd. .38 Special wasn't. Wildly successful bands, just not my thing. But I loved the Marshall Tucker Band of that era; their blend of country, blues and occasional jazz like touches just struck me right. Loved the vocals. Great guitar work. The drummer was distinctive. I would think their older music would have fit into the general ballpark of music discussed on this site, but seldom see their name mentioned, which got me to wondering if they have become more of a guilty pleasure, mostly forgotten, or were they never that big a deal aside from their hits. Thoughts?

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Permalink Reply by Karl Blevins on May 30, 2011 at 12:56pm

Anyone who may not know yet Ms Abs set a new site up for Toy. However she has been ill and has slowed down for a spell, but she has plans to ad much more in a few months when she feels better. But there is some great pictures and stuff on there. Just remember its a work in progress.

www.officialtoycaldwell.com 

Permalink Reply by Abbie Caldwell on May 30, 2011 at 1:21pm

Thanks Karl!   I've sent more pics, but noticed that have not been posted..  Slowly but surely I will add more.  Also noticed there are comments that have not been posted.  But  we will get it done. I still have 4 more weeks of therapy for my foot, then do not know what, if anything will be done. I really shattered it.  I''m going into my 10th week---still not driving, kind of getting cabin fever crazy. 

 

I  appreciate you posting this. Bc I have not forgotten, just have a shattered foot. But it could have been worse.    Ab

Permalink Reply by Karl Blevins on May 30, 2011 at 1:40pm
Great to see you Ms Abbs. I go to the site everyday just to see whats new. I saw things had slowed a little, but new you were not feeling to well. So great cant wait to see the new stuff. And hope you are getting around better and glad to see you feeling better as well. Have a great day... Karl...
Permalink Reply by Jack Williams on August 5, 2010 at 8:35am
It surprises me, too. When I think about what first drew me to American roots music, the great Southern Rock bands (my list: ABB, Skynyrd, MTB, Outlaws, CDB) come immediately to mind. I think the Allmans and George Thorogood's Rounder records are the biggest reason for me getting into the blues. I think the MTB, CDB and the Outlaws w/Henry Paul did a lot to make me realize that country music had a lot of soul. It wasn't too cool to like country music where I was from (Metro NY). Then, I got into other roots rock and rock bands such as CCR, Little Feat and The Band and eventually some of the blues/country/bluegrass masters.
Permalink Reply by Jack Williams on August 5, 2010 at 10:10am
This discussion inspired me to put on the first disc of the MTB anthology as I did an elliptical workout. Once again, Can't You See took my breath away. Literally, this time. Hard to attempt a Toy Caldwell vocal and do a cardio workout at the same time. No problem with the air flute, though. Also, extended the workout so that I could hear I'll Be Loving You all the way through. Great stuff.
Permalink Reply by Abbie Caldwell on October 21, 2010 at 8:09pm
Thanks for all these comments. I am overwhelmed. Toy loved playing, and he loved and respected the fans. This means so much to me. He is not forgotten..and really did touch many.

Heartfelt thanks.
Permalink Reply by Vincent T. Buccieri on October 22, 2010 at 6:28am
Abbie, don't know if you remember me or if you ever knew my full name. It's good to see your comments here. I still communicate with Moon and a few others in Spartanburg. Hope you are well. Tommy
Permalink Reply by Abbie Caldwell on October 23, 2010 at 12:31pm
If you went to Spartan High, then yes I do remember you. Great to hear from you.
Abbie
Permalink Reply by Adam Sheets on August 5, 2010 at 10:20am
I had the same experience in a way. It began with CCR for me, then people like Mellencamp and Petty, Skynyrd was always a favorite of course, but eventually I dived in to some of the masters that inspired those acts.
Permalink Reply by Jack Williams on August 5, 2010 at 12:35pm
CCR seems like just about the ideal place to start, as I don't think any rock and roll band covered the roots music bases as thoroughly as they did. Some honorable mentions: Little Feat, The Band, Los Lobos (with Mexican roots music thrown in as a bonus ), John Hiatt. Heard a lot about Doug Sahm, but not as familiar with him.
Permalink Reply by Jack on August 5, 2010 at 1:37pm
Interesting how some bands just propel you in a different direction. Gateway drugs, eh, eh. During my high school years, Marshall Tucker and Gordon Lightfoot got me going in different directions. CCR came later (for a band largely playing 3 minute songs, was not Ramble Tamble just a dynamite jam? Listening to that tune as an adult and Fogerty's concise litany of annoyances and burdens with just the right touch of frustration/annoyance in his delivery all seems more personal). Los Lobos is a long time favorite, right up there on my short list, if I had one. But the band that sent me flying in multiple directions was the Blasters...R & B, rockabilly, country blues, old time rock...which by natural progression meant Dave Alvin's solo spectacular solo career.

That LA music scene in the mid to late 70's must have been something else, as it produced Los Lobos, The Blasters and X, among others, all three being very influential on the roots scene then and now.
Permalink Reply by Jack Williams on August 5, 2010 at 3:23pm
Actors in the White House. How prophetic! Can you say Ronnie the Popular? Great, great song. Love that slow burn jam. Other favorite jammers are the full Heard it Through the Grapevine and Suzie Q, plus Pagan Baby (that one sends me to the moon) , Keep on Chooglin' and Effigy.

Excellent point on The Blasters. Funny thing is that I never even heard of them until I subscribed to No Depression in the early oughts. I know I would have loved them back in their time as I was into such acts as the early George Thorogood, Robert Gordon, Dave Edmunds, Rockpile, etc. I guess I get to love them now.

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Created by No Depression Feb 17, 2009 at 9:06pm. Last updated by No Depression Sep 24, 2012.