CLASSIC OBSCURE ALBUMS TO FALL IN LOVE WITH VOL. 1

This is to be the first in a series of "reviews" where I pull out an old record I love, and write about it's brilliance and why I think you should know about it. A lot of these will be local acts and friends that never "made it big," but should have because they were incredible artists. Case in point, The Great Salvation. Benny Wright is a phenomenal songwriter that should be recognized on a national, if not international level. However, most likely he'll continue playing in short-lived Eureka bands.

CLASSIC OBSCURE ALBUMS TO FALL IN LOVE WITH VOL. 1: THE GREAT SALVATION



Humboldt County, a region of Northern California known more for it's hippies and "kind weed," than it's rock music. On their one and only 2005 release The Great Salvation reflect the fun-retro-psychedelic-pop popular in the area.

A Beatles influence is obvious throughout. On "Lonely Days" singer Benny Wright hits high notes that would make Lennon proud, while "Hello Marie" begins with a pretty little piano part. Very McCartney, indeed.

Much of the appeal of The Great Salvation's songwriting lies in its simplicity. "Electricity" proves that two chords and some hand claps can be infectious as hell. The material ranges from beautiful, sad ballads such as "Satellite Free" to upbeat, hard rockers such as "Sierra Leone."

The Great Salvation don't hide their influences, and sometimes you feel as though you've heard this before. However, if the bands they pull inspiration from put out an album of similar quality, no one would complain.

This record, and band are damned with the Humboldt County curse of playing local shows, releasing one excellent record, then promptly breaking up.