Rediscoveries of Lost Gems-Patto- Roll 'em Smoke 'em Put Another Line Out

When I first thought of this feature, I hadn't taken into account that there was an entire book devoted to rare albums called Lost in the Grooves. While trawling through this book, I have discovered a plethora of rare records that I will start featuring here on Eclectic Grooves. As far as I know, most of these records are no longer in print.

Patto's Roll 'Em Smoke 'Em Put Another Line Out was first featured on My Favourite Records back in early 2007. Since it appears that the link is dead, I am posting a new link for your listening pleasure. When I first learned of this relatively unknown 70's band, I was perplexed as to why I had never heard of them before. All of the elements necessary for success were in place, but the band were just a little bit ahead of their time.

The first track, "Flat Footed Woman", sounds like an outtake from the Band's lost archives complete with fiery piano solos and fervent drumming that sounds like it's playing the background to a different song. However, the one that really gets this record cooking is "Singing the Blues on Reds" with it's syncopated grooves that recalls the Average White Band at it's funkiest. The slightly demented "Mummy" is almost a throwaway track, but it's madcap sense of humor makes it perfect mix-tape fodder.

From the title of the next track, "Loud Green Song", you get a fairly good idea of what it will sound like. Even though the album came out in 1972, the intense guitar solos and riffs on "Loud Green Song" have undoubtedly inspired rock enthusiasts to create the style of music known as heavy metal. I'll be the first to admit that I am not the biggest heavy metal fan by any stretch of the imagination, but this song tosses all normal conventions aside and simply rocks.

For my money, the best track on the record is "I Got Rhythm", with it's slow-burn grooves and deadpan vocals. When lead vocalist, Mike Patto, utters the lines Levi suit, buckskin shoes, Yeah I dig jazz and love my blues, you can't help but be reminded of Beck's cryptic lyrics and vocal delivery on Odelay's "Hotwax". The gift that lies within this record is that each successive spin reveals subtle sonic details that weren't obvious to the listener the first time around. But don't take my word for it, give it a listen!

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