Klaatu - 347 E.S.T.

I was listening to this Canadian oldie from 1976 and after listening the high quality rock music that played I was inspired to review the album or more so put a little spot light on a forgotten gem. The band were labeled a progressive rock band in the day but they were more of a sunshine pop group with progressive leanings.

This album had their hit "Calling Occupants (Of Interplanetary Craft)" which was the main reason I ever paid them attention. That song was immediately in my favorites list as a kid. The album also had "California Jam" which I'd always thought was a Hudson Brothers or Bay City Rollers track when I remembered it. The band somehow became this big issue because people thought it was The Beatles recording under a pseudonym. The big push was that "Sub-Rosa Subway" sounded like the greatest rock n' roll band of all-time. We all know that the choice of no band photo's or writing credits outside of the group name made the speculation even greater.

Years later we know this was not true and that doesn't change the fact that great Canuck rock like "True Life Hero" was on this great record from the mid 70's. Bands like Trooper, Doucette, April Wine all emulated this prototypical hard rock formula to great success in the 80's but all influenced by Klaatu's debut. The album breaks down do a degree into some hippy psychedelia with "Dr. Marvello" but their are some great harmonies and horn movements in the song that make it worth getting a copy to listen to on your hi-fi machine.

"Sir Bodsworth Rugglesby III" is most definitely Beatles inspired and could have been sung by Ringo with ease. The funny thing is that the lead vocal sounds like the giant muppet from the muppet show. Actually this song could have been a skit from the show at some point as it fits perfectly. 347 E.S.T. ends with "Little Neutrino" a symphonic master class ends what is about as flawless an album you can make with a production quality not heard in today's compressed digital world of thump and crunch pogo pop. Still if you enjoy avante-garde pop music this is one record you have got add to your collection because it deserves to be loved once again.