10 Forgotten 70s Rock Bands Worth Rediscovering
3. Sir Lord Baltimore
Variously credited with being 'the godfathers of stoner rock' and the first band to whom the term 'heavy metal' was applied, Brooklyn's Sir Lord Baltimore - the name apparently derives from a character in the film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid - released two albums, in '70 and '71, plus a final, reunion effort in 2006.
The band were initially mentored by Mike Appel, who would later manage Bruce Springsteen, and who co-produced their debut, Kingdom Come, and also contributed arrangements and lyrics. Unusually for a rock band, SLB featured a drumming lead singer, John Garner.
SLB
are another rarity on this list in that, initially at least, they
seem to have had decent support and an expectation of big things.
Renowned engineer, Eddie Kramer (best known for his work with Jimi
Hendrix) had a hand in the mixing and overdubbing of Kingdom Come, at
Electric Lady Studios. The reason for the group's demise remains something
of a mystery. Following their self-titled second album, Mercury
Records dropped the band. Have a listen to Kingdom Come, and you may
well be puzzled as to why.