Nazz - Evolution: From Woody's Truck Stop to Nazz 1966-1968 (2018)

The first 5 tracks are by Woody's Truck Stop was Todd Rundgren's band prior to forming Nazz. After seeing Rundgren play guitar, Bob Radeloff convinced Miller that having twin stereo lead guitarists like Paul Butterfield's band would be a cool thing. Rundgren joined and they played gigs, mostly at low-key Philadelphia coffeehouses like 'The Second of Autumn' and 'The Second Fret'. Miller and Rundgren began arguing about the band's direction, Miller wanted the band to remain more blues-oriented, while Rundgren wanted them to venture off in a more psychedelic-rock direction. Rundgren decided to split and concentrate on his own solo music career Todd's next band was the Nazz and the next 13 tracks are a compilation of late-'60s demos, alternate takes and unreleased compositions by this early cult band. With only three LPs recorded and released in their existence, followers hunger for more, and this collection delivers the goods to satisfy the tastes and curiosities of the hard core Nazz fan base. A late 1967 demo of 'Hello It's Me,' close to the released version but less fully produced (particularly in regard to the backing vocals), is the highlight. Otherwise there's another song from the same late 1967 tape ('Crowded'), a mid-1968 demo of 'Lemming Song' (a different version of which appeared on their debut album), alternate versions of 'Kicks' and 'Some People,' radio commercials, a slightly different take of 'Open My Eyes' (no phase on the guitar), some alternates of songs and previously unheard (unreleased) songs from the late '60s. A must have!