Plain and Fancy: Anthem - Anthem (1970 us, melodic art rock)

Formed in Rockland County, New York, guitarist Bart Meola, bassist Gregg Hollister and drummer Bobby Howe came together in the late 1960s. Originally working as a quartet under the name Hit 'N' Run they became a popular act throughout lower New York and along the Jersey Shore. By the time they were signed by Buddah Records, they'd morphed into a trio, opting for the hipper nameplate "Anthem." That might also explain why Meola was referred to as "Bartholomew" on the liner notes. That or Buddah's marketing crew was completely ignorant of who they were working with.

The trio's self-titled 1970 album teamed them with Buddah in-house producer Stan Vincent. Musically "Anthem" offered up a fairly entertaining mix of commercial pop (the ballad 'Florida' and 'Ibis') and slightly more experimental numbers like the extended 'Misty Morns.' To my ears the occasional horn arrangements added a touch of blue-eyed soul to their repertoire, while on tracks like 'Ibis' their attempts at "deep" lyrics reminded me a touch of early Styx. All three members were gifted with decent voices and throughout the eight tracks they displayed a knack for crafting pretty harmonies and catchy riffs. Not sure who it was, but on the title track and 'New Day' one of the members displayed a voice that sounded uncannily like The Monkees' Michael Nesmith. Bartholomew also showcased some first-rate guitar chops - check out the AC/DC-styled riff that powers 'You're So Mean.' Needless to say, the album sold poorly, instantly ending up in cutout bins.

by Scott Blackerby Bad-Cat