Steppenwolf
"The Second" (Vinyl)

Released in 1968, this was (believe it or not) Steppenwolf's second album. Steppenwolf is today known for a couple of hits, one of which originates on the second side of this album.  "Magic Carpet Ride," along with "Born to be Wild" have remained staples in classic rock stations everywhere and (hopefully) have been keeping the Steppenwolf boys fat off of royalties ever since.

I've always had a thing for Steppenwolf, and I'm not exactly sure why. There are better bands, most of the time there are better songs, there are better singers.  So what it is it about this group that grabs the ear?

I'm inclined to think it's a low end theory.  Steppenwolf was held up/together by Rushton Moreve (bass) and Jerry Edmondton (drums.) The sound is a tasty blend of groove and gravitas that I seem to find irresistible.