Ethos - Open Up (1977) | CLOCKWORK PEACH

Label: Capitol Records
Country: US
Released: 1977
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Album Overview

"Open Up" is the second studio album by the American progressive rock band Ethos, released in 1977 under Capitol Records. This album followed their debut, and it marks the final entry in their discography. The catalog number for this release is ST-11603.

Recording Details

The album was recorded during October and November of 1976 at Sound City Studios, located in Van Nuys, Los Angeles. Production duties were handled by Michael Stewart, with Kirk Butler assisting in the process. The engineering work was carried out by Bill Drescher, ensuring a polished sound typical of the era's rock recordings.

Band Lineup

Following the departure of second keyboardist L. Duncan Hammond, Ethos continued as a four-piece band. The lineup consisted of Wil Sharpe on guitars and vocals, Michael Ponczek on Moog synthesizer, Hammond organ, Chamberlin, and Rhodes electric piano, Brad Stephenson on bass, double bass, Moog bass pedals, and vocals, and Mark Richards on drums, percussion, and vocals. This configuration brought a unique blend of instruments and vocal harmonies to the album's sound.

Musical Style

"Open Up" blends progressive rock elements with streamlined, melodic arrangements. The album features various tracks that highlight the band's style, including the seven-minute opener "Pimp City," which sets the tone for the rest of the album. Other noteworthy tracks include "Memories," "The Players (Of the Game)," "Marathon II," and "Sedona." Each song showcases the band's ability to craft intricate musical landscapes while maintaining accessibility.

Release Format

This album was released in vinyl format, catering to collectors and audiophiles who appreciate the warm sound of analog recordings. The LP provides an opportunity to experience the band's music in a format that emphasizes the nuances of their instrumentation and production choices.

Technical Aspects

The album's production reflects the technical advancements in recording technology at the time. The use of synthesizers, such as the Moog, combined with traditional rock instrumentation, creates a rich auditory experience. The engineering by Bill Drescher further enhances the clarity and depth of the sound.

"Open Up" was recorded at Sound City Studios, a facility known for its high-quality recordings and notable artists.

Tracklist

A1	Pimp City Written-By – RichardsWritten-By – PonczekWritten-By – Sharpe*	7:26
A2	Start Anew Written-By – StephensonWritten-By – RichardsWritten-By – Sharpe*	3:22
A3	U.V. Melody Written-By – Sharpe*	0:32
A4	Memories Written-By – StephensonWritten-By – HammondWritten-By – RichardsWritten-By – PonczekWritten-By – Sharpe*	7:08
B1	The Players (Of The Game) Written-By – Sharpe*	5:49
B2	Marathon II Written-By – Sharpe*	5:24
B3	Sedona Written-By – Sharpe*	4:07
B4	Close Your Eyes Written-By – StephensonWritten-By – Richards	5:45

Credits

Bass, Double Bass, Synthesizer [Moog Bass Pedals], Vocals – Brad Stephenson
Engineer – Bill Drescher
Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals – Wil Sharpe
Percussion, Drums [Moog], Synthesizer [Moog], Vocals – Mark Richards
Producer – Michael Stewart*
Producer [Assistant] – Kirk Butler
Synthesizer [Moog], Organ [Hammond], Mellotron [Chamberlin], Electric Piano [Rhodes] – Michael Ponczek