Album of the Day

Roy Wood came to fame as the leader of British '60s faves The Move before helping bandmate Jeff Lynne launch ELO. Following those adventures, Wood founded Wizzard, which gave the progressive power-pop of those earlier bands a heavier edge. While non-LP singles like “See My Baby Jive” (which topped the U.K. singles chart on this day in 1973) have a tight, commercial sound, the albums were on the whole more adventurous, and WIZZARD BREW is Wood at his post-Move best. The songwriter and multi-instrumentalist (he qualifies as an entire orchestra here) dishes up an eclectic mix of ‘50s rock ‘n’ roll, prog and glam rock on six extended tracks including the 13-minute “Meet Me At The Jailhouse.” Powered by thundering  boogie riffs, the musicianship is outstanding throughout, and WIZZARD BREW will surely cast its spell on '70s rock fans.