Black Cat Bones

Exploring Black Cat Bones' "Barbed Wire Sandwich"

Released on February 13, 1970, "Barbed Wire Sandwich" is the only studio album by the London-based heavy blues-rock band Black Cat Bones. The album came out on Decca's Nova imprint, which was known for its brief existence in the progressive music scene. This LP, cataloged as SDN 15, showcases the band's raw energy and talent during a vibrant period in British rock.

Formation and Lineup

Black Cat Bones originally formed in 1966. Founding members included guitarist Paul Kossoff and drummer Simon Kirke, who both left in 1968 to join Free. The lineup on "Barbed Wire Sandwich" features Brian Short on lead vocals, alongside Rod Price on lead guitar and vocals. Price later gained fame as the slide guitarist for Foghat. Other members include Derek Brooks on rhythm guitar, Stu Brooks on bass guitar, and Phil Lenoir on drums. The album also features contributions from pianists Robin Sylvester and Steve Milliner on select tracks.

Production Details

The album was produced by David Hitchcock, who had previously worked with bands such as Caravan and Genesis. The recording took place at Decca Studios and Tangerine Studios, ensuring a polished sound that highlights the band's heavy blues-rock style. Engineers Dave Grinsted and Peter Rynston contributed to the album's production quality, which is characterized by fiery guitar work and tight rhythms.

Musical Style and Composition

"Barbed Wire Sandwich" features a blend of blues standards and original compositions. The album's sound is defined by heavy fuzz and wah-wah guitar effects, combined with driving rhythms. Tracks like "Chauffeur" and "Good Lookin' Woman" display the band's ability to reinterpret classic blues with a hard rock edge. The album also includes "Feelin' Good" and Nina Simone's "Four Women," showcasing their diverse influences and musical range.

Album Artwork

The sleeve artwork for "Barbed Wire Sandwich" was created by David Anstey, contributing to the visual identity of the album. The cover design reflects the band's bluesy aesthetic and the raw energy of the music contained within.

Black Cat Bones' "Barbed Wire Sandwich" features nine tracks that illustrate the band's heavy blues-rock style, including the seven-minute centerpiece "Good Lookin' Woman."