TransAtlantique - How Many Chances? from 1980, United States

You will find very little information about this record.  The group came from Florida and the vinyl that I have is defaced somewhat with band signatures some of which are humorous.

The principal songwriters are Michael Gaworecki who played keyboards, guitars, and did vocals presumably on his own tracks-- his are the ones that sound like the Beatles circa. 1963, so a little out of date already by the time of the release of this record.  On the other hand, Klaatu achieved a monumental success with their own throwback style so perhaps it's just the quality of the writing that makes all the difference.  The other writer is Neil Kubik who was stuck playing bass, but also does guitars and vocals, just like Paul McCartney he got the short end of the stick I guess...  The remainder of the group comprises Alex Moore on guitars and vocals, Bob Little on guitars (did they need a fourth guitarist?), and Larry Miller and Greg Googins on percussion. 

Take a good look at the faces of these guys on the back cover for a little bit of Sunday morning amusement.
The progressive track, which appears to be about flying saucers, God and Genesis, is called "Fierce Attack".  That track really to me recalls Klaatu's big hit "Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft" which I recall hearing incessantly when a child, at least the version that Karen Carpenter sang shortly before she died.  However in the middle passage it reverts to a kind of Genesis "Giant Hogweed" vibe so is a little interesting for the prog fan.

I sampled the first track on the second (better) side: "Blue Eyes" which is quite approachable.  And you can really admire the skill of the bassist Kubik in his songwriting here, not just the slightly hoarse and curtained voice he uses to sing with, but using the unpromising chord sequence of F and E flat I think he builds up a really nice and quite original melody here with the addition of the D flat chord.





Inside, I found a kleenex with more band signatures on it, it would be wonderful if someone could explain to us the story behind this particular record... perhaps the recipient was the one for whom "Blue Eyes" was written?

Incidentally the band spelled their name in one word on the back, as you can see, which is why I did it thus at the top.

Well, after listening to that one song all morning, I gotta say that one wannabe hit makes the cost of this vinyl more than worth it... Thanks, Neil Kubik... who loves rickenbackers...