40 Year Itch: Airplane Wreckage

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Bummed out by Jefferson Airplane's break-up, neither RCA nor the fans of spin-off group Hot Tuna could get very excited by the latest album from guitarist Jorma Kaukonen and bassist Jack Casady.  Phosphorescent Rat, released on January 4, 1974, never broke beyond #148 on the Billboard Album chart. It can be listened to as a transitional album from the acoustic blues of earlier efforts to the power trio that would emerge. I hear a little Dinosaur Jr on the track "Easy Now". 

                                       

   The following day, Grace Slick released Manhole, one of the most self-indulgent, drug and alcohol-fueled sets ever released in the 1970's and that's saying a lot. The 15 minute title track features Grace caterwauling over the backing of the London Symphony Orchestra.  I dare you to sit through the whole thing. But if you do, your reward is the best song on the album: "Come Again Toucan". All of the future members of Jefferson Starship perform on this album except Papa John Creach.

The Campus Report July 5, 1973

Alan Smason, WTUL


Top 3 albums played on various college radio stations, according to Billboard Magazine

WRCC (now WFUV)  Rockland Community College , Suffern NY

Steve Siciliano reporting

1. Copperhead Copperhead
2. Phil Everly Star Spangled Springer
3. Melissa Manchester Home to Myself

                                                WRBB-FM Northeastern University, Boston, MA
                                                Donna Hocheiser Reporting

1. Tower of Power Tower of Power

2. Ides of March Midnight Oil

3. Paul Kantner, Grace Slick and David Freiberg Baron von Tollbooth and the Chrome Nun

WETS FM, East Tennessee State, Johnson City, TN

Jim Blankenbecler Reporting

1. Cross Country Cross Country

2. Funk Inc. Hangin' Out

3. Reuben and the Jets For Real