Grown In U.S.A.

"Homer" is very much underrated and forgotten classic band, which deserves to be better known. Texans from San Antonio (originally), they moved to Houston by 1969, where a string of 45s was released on Universal Recording Artists - starting with the cover of Willie Nelson's "I Never Cared For You". Although the music of the band has strong American roots (one can easily pinpoint elements of country and distinctive sound of steel guitar), they had an inclination towards quite heavy psychedelia and acquired a taste of British prog (Moody Blues, for example) with sophisticated and richly orchestrated compositions and unison singing ("Four Days And Nights Without You" and "lonely Woman" could easily be on vintage Uriah Heep album, while "Cyrano In The Park" has a distant flavour of Maurice Ravel). Quite often high-pitched vocals just give up meditative British melancholy, and go into sheer acid hysteria. It's true that the band is more prog than psych (Vernon Joynson -  Fuzz Acid and Flowers Revisited. Vernon Joynson ."Homer" was: Phil Bepko and Frank Coy (vocals), Galen Niles (lead guitar), Howard Gloor (steel & lead guitar), Gene Coleman (drums) and Chet Himes (bass).After releasing the 3rd single in 1970 (Dandelion Wine/Sunrise), "Homer" managed to produce self-titled album, which went into obscurity for decades, but finally found its way to eager fans - although through pirate compilations (either on Akarma or Flawed Gems), or acid collections. Pity, but "Sunrise" and "Dandelion Wine" are not featured.There was no justice in the world of rock music, otherwise "Homer" should have been competing with top-league British peersP.S. By the way, find and listen to another most unusual band from Texas - P.O.E. (or Poe) - "Up Through The Spiral"  Up Through the Spiral  - from the same era.

Great lost cd

The producer of this album for Gear Fab records refers to the band as competent and professional while retaining a raw edge.If ever there was a case of damning with faint praise, it is in the statement.Homer released three 45s and a (very) limited pressing of an album. All those songs plus five additional demo tracks are on the CD. The singles are, in my opinion, the pick of the litter with a late 60s pop urgency that fits the period. The album and the rest of the cuts are - as stated - competent and professional but there is little or no unity of the material. Depending on the song, I heard influenc3es of Vanilla Fudge; Eagles-style country rock and The Who, with the insertion of 'Hall of the Mountain King' in two places in one song. All lot of the material also is in desperate need of editing. Songs have extended instrumental intros and out-tros, as well as melody changes that make one think two songs were mashed together. I realize the band was trying to fit an impression of what FM radio was about, but they missed.

Roger Maglio, at Gear Fab Records, has done a wonderful job in compiling the recorded works of Homer, a band that was well known in the Houston area from 1970 thru 1972. Finally able to locate the band, this release is among the best in the GF catalog. Tracks 1-9 comprise the 1970 United Recording Artists' LP "Homer." The sound is crisp and clear, with the guitars of Galen Niles and Howard Gloor driving the band. The songs, almost all originals, are quite well arranged (by the entire band) and equal to the musicianship of Homer. Much to my delight the CD gathers not only the LP tracks, but all 5 single sides (3 45s, with one track included on 2 of them) and as an extra added attraction, 4 demo versions of songs included on the LP and one album outtake are also included making the playing time of the CD 77 minutes, 49 seconds. The songs vary from dead ahead rockers ("Circles In The North" "Love's Coming" and "Survivor") to tasteful ballads ("In The Beginning" and "Four Days and Nights") to country rock ("Dawson Creek" and "Cyrano In The Park"), all performed with equal gusto. The single sides have great hooks and plenty of guitar work, deserving a much better fate than they experienced if only they had been properly promoted and distributed, a problem shared by many great bands of the day. The demos stand as works in progress, demonstrating the arranging abilities of the band. The weak link, if there is one here, is the lack of in depth liner notes. Fortunately, an in depth interview with the band is available on line if one searches for it on the "It's Psychedelic Baby Magazine" website. Its a shame this interview was not utilized in the release of this CD. But that is rather nit pickish on my part. Fans of late 60s/early 70os Texas psychedelic rock will be pleased with this release. The single "I Never Cared For You" is a prime example of a woulda, shoulda, coulda been a hit song. Available at a modest price, this recording will fit nicely in the collection of fans of psych rock in general and Texas psych specifically. Thanks to Klemen Breznikar for locating the band and to Gear Fab Records for releasing this extensive collection of work by Homer. A 5 star collection if ever I've heard one. Grab a copy, put it in your cd player, and if you have head phones put them on, but regardless kick back and float away on a voyage back some 40 years to Houston's Love Street. You won't regret it.

TOP NOTCH PSYCH FROM TEXAS. THE SONG DANDELION WINE IS ONE OF THE GREATEST PSYCHEDELIC ROCK SONGS OF ALL TIME. A MUST FOR ANY COLLECTOR OF PSYCHEDELIC SIXTIES MUSIC. NICE JOB BY ROGER MAGLIO ON THIS ONE.

Great, one of the best psychedelic-"folk"-rock albums with some incredible guitar work on it. voice-harmonies couldn't be better, hard to top

Like the album a lot. It’s 70’s rock what’s not to like.

While it's great to read the history of the band, and to have extra tracks, previously unavailable, I have to say Gearfab have presented an appalling sound quality. Try the Flawed Gems version, or if you can get it, the excellent Akarma version.Great album - sadly Gearfab have let the band down badly!

unique album sorti en 1972 par ce groupe texan avec une pochette de toute beauté . au niveau musique malgré que nous soyons au pays du pétrole et des crotales, ce n'est pas du rentre dedans, cela oscille entre morceaux countrysants et des titres enlevés avec des guitares aux notes créatives, surtout pour "circles in the north" qui est une pépite. l'ensemble de l'album est donc très varié souvent accompagné par un mélotron ou autre clavier, cela donne une fluidité musicale agréable à écouter avec sérinité.