Texas - Reel To Reel (1979) plus Bonus Tracks

 (Australian 1975-1979)

Texas were formerly known as Fat Daddy who were signed to the Bootleg label and released two singles between 1975-1976. Their first public appearance was as a four piece group at the 1976 famed 3XY (Melbourne) Expo where they gave performances over three days. Their first single "Roll Daddy Roll", released in 1975 was a no-nonsense-straight-ahead boogie piece followed by the rockin' "Fat Funky Rock n Roll" released in 1976. The band later merged with Ken Murdoch (ex Taste) in October, 77' and became Texas. Midway through 1978 they were signed by Festival Records and their first release - in October - was a single on the Infinity label, featuring "Good Morning" and "Ain't No Place Like Home".

Texas were pretty big on the live scene from 1977-79 and released a few singles and a live album in a rockin’ bluesy ZZ Top style. Texas were the resident band at the Glengala hotel in Sunshine, Victoria and also appeared on Countdown. I also remember seeing Texas New Year's Eve '79 at the pub in Torquay and they blew the roof off the place.

Texas did a 30 year reunion gig in April 2012. Once again they blew the roof off of the place. It was a one off gig at the Middle Park Bowling Club in Melbourne. Unbelievable show -- these guys could still rock!! It was one of the top shows I saw for the year. At the show, they had some CD releases of the 'Real to Reel' album, as featured here in this post. [Extracts from  Kimbo's 'History Of Aussie Music Blog' and Noel McGrath's 'Australian Encyclopedia Of Rock (1978-79) Yearbook]

This post consists of a mixture of FLACs and MP3 (320kps) ripped from CD and Vinyl. Thanks to Deutros and Sunshine for the Texas files.  Full album artwork and label scans are also included.

My interest in this band mainly stems from Ken Murdoch's involvement with the band as I was a big fan of  Taste (while growing up in Geelong).  I particularly enjoy their rendition of ZZ Top's "La Grange" as well as their very first single "Roll Daddy Roll" under the name of  'Fat Daddy'.

Tracklist

01 Confessions Of A Kleptomaniac 

(Living With You Drives Me Crazy) 3:40
02 Sweden 3:25
03 Good Morning 7:25
04 I Won't Say No 3:40
05 I Wanna Dance With You 3:10
06 Regimental Breakdown 4:05
07 Cecilly 4:10
08 Infatuation 3:48
09 La Grange 10:55

Bonus Tracks
10 Good Morning (A-Side Single) *
11 Ain't No Place Like Home (B-Side Single) *

12  Roll Daddy Roll (Fat Daddy Single) *

* FLACs

Members:

Max Vella (guitar/vocals/harp),
Mick Stillo (bass),
Carl Stanley (drums),
Tony Catz (guitar/vocals),
Ken Murdoch (guitar, keyboards)

Texas Link (147Mb)