Couchois - Selftitled (1979) + Bonus Tracks

(U.S 1979 - 1981)

Couchois (pronounced Coo-Shwa) were originally comprised of three brothers, Pat (guitar), Mike (drums) and Chris Couchois (vocals), who along with Chas Carlson (bass) and Howard Messer (former Steppenwolf guitarist), released two albums in the late 70's. Prior to the formation of the band, Chris, Pat and Howard toured and released two albums with Ratchell for Decca Records in the early 70's.

After the dissolution of Ratchell, the trio brought in younger brother Mike and Chas Carlson and dubbed themselves after the family namesake. Couchois secured a contract with Warner Brothers in the late 70's and their eponymous debut came, which peaked at #170 on the Billboard 200 in 1979. The album featured a guest appearance by Chuck Findley. 

L-R: Chas Carlson - Howard Messer - Pat Couchois - Michael Couchois - Chris Couchois

A review of the album in a 1979 issue of Billboard called Couchois a "solid debut LP" with a "very melodic rock sound" and "noteworthy" keyboard work. Pete Bishop of Pittsburgh Press said it was an "enjoyable and promising debut album" and compared the band's style to that of Creedence Clearwater Revival and Orleans. Sporting an MOR west coast sound, the band were akin to artists like Pablo Cruise and Firefall. Sadly, with the high profile success of those two bands, Couchois were essentially unable to create an identity to set themselves apart from the herd.

The band did enter the studio to record and release their sophomore album, "Nasty Hardware" in 1980, which included their single "Roll The Dice", which was later covered by such bands as Rage, Charlie and John Verity. Though the album featured a slightly more updated sound with light AOR flourishes, it failed to connect with audiences and the band soon faded into oblivion.

The Couchois brothers would later work with Eric Burdon in the early 80's. Chris wrote and played drums on the Eric Burdon song "Heart Attack" for the 1981 film Comeback. The song later featured on many of Burdon's compilations. Currently, two of the Couchois brothers tour in the Allmost Brothers tribute band.

Couchois Warner Bros. Promo Postcard

This album is more an exercise in light than shade, with silky smooth arrangements, bright harmonies and a subtle latin influence in places. Although somewhat middle of the road, "Couchois" still deserved better reviews in my opinion. Standout tracks are the riffy opener "Do It In Darkness" (which I heard playing in an Import Shop and hooked me into purchasing the album), their haunting homage to the Bermuda Triangle entitled "Devil's Triangle" and the catchy album closer "Kalahara Cattle Drive". I purchased the album during my later Uni days and spent many an evening hitting the books and listening to the album infinitum. I'm sure my neighbouring Collegian's became very familiar with the band but strangely never complained. Ripped straight from my crisp vinyl, I highly recommend you check out Couchois.

This post consists of FLACS and MP3's (320kps) ripped from my crispy clean vinyl and includes full album artwork for both vinyl and CD media, along with label scans.

As a bonus, I am also including the single from their follow up LP "Roll The Dice" and the collaboration track that the boys did with Eric Burdon called "Heart Attack".

(Note: I've chosen to include MP3's in this post because I initially ripped the album in MP3 format by accident and thought that some of you might prefer them as a sampler first, before downloading the larger FLACs)

Track Listing

01 Do It In Darkness 4:30

02 The Colonel 3:38

03 Walkin' The Fence 3:43

04 Cripple 4:05

05 Going To The Races 4:40

06 Devil's Triangle 6:30

07 I Could Never Take Her Away From You 3:50

08 No Longer Needed 4:08

09 Kalahari Cattle Drive 4:52

10 Roll The Dice (Bonus Track)  4:22

11 Heart Attack (Bonus Track with Eric Burdon) *  4:04

Line-up:

Chris Couchois - Vocals, percussion

Pat Couchois - Guitar, backing vocals

Howard Messer - Bass, backing vocals

Michael Couchois - Drums, backing vocals

Chas Carlson - Keyboards, backing vocals

* Pat Couchois Band with Eric Burdon on "Heart Attack"

Eric Burdon -vocals

Pat Couchois - guitar

John Sterling - rhythm guitar

Howard Messer - bass

Chris Couchois – drums 

 Couchois FLAC Link (279Mb)

Couchois MP3 Link (115Mb)