Aaron - 1974 - Music by Aaron (full album)

  • 8 years ago
Short-lived quartet from prince Georges county, Virgina.

Showcasing the talents of singer/guitarist Cham Laughlin, brother/bassist Tommy Laughlin, drummer Chuck Page and singer/keyboardist Mark Pond, 1974's "Music By Aaron" was recorded at Richmond, Virginia's Eastern Studios. Apparently a vanity project meant for distribution to family, friends and sales at local concerts, I've seen at least one on-line reference that says only 500 copies were pressed. Regardless of the actual number pressed, this album is pretty obscure and when it shows up on dealer lists, it typically commands some pretty big prices. Those dealer lists also tend to slap a psych label on the album. Let me warn you that the psych content is pretty low - basically non-existent SO if it wasn't psych, what did it sound like ? Cham Laughlin was credited with most of the nine tracks, though all three of the other members co-wrote material. Musically the set was impressive on at least a couple of counts. First, the album sounded remarkably professional and well produced for such a young band. Heard on quality headphones the album's fidelity matches lots of big ticket productions. The album's also surprisingly diverse. The opener 'Will You Go There with Me' has always reminded me of something out of The Marshall Tucker Band catalog. The mid-tempo rocker 'Lovin' Woman' sported some nice jazzy keyboard and guitar moves. Showcasing some nice harmony work, the ballad 'Like the Season' would have made a nice single. Personal favorites - the bluesy rocker 'You're Coming Down' (though it's too bad they had to split the song between side one and two of the album) and the should've been a hit 'Dreamin''. Yeah, it wasn't the most original set I've ever heard, but track for track these guys were impressive; even more so given their age.

Members:
Cham Laughlin (vocals, guitar, timbales, trombone), Tommy Laughlin (bass, backing vocals), Chuck Page (drums, percussion, backing vocals), Mark Pond (vocals, keyboards)

http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/aaron/music_by_aaron/