For those not in the know, Heavy Music: The Complete Cameo Recordings 1966-1967, will be the first time ever that all records by the celebrated Detroit group will be made available since their origination as 45rpm singles.

The collection represents how stylistically, the band went beyond simple garage rock stomp and stammer formula and spread their wings lyrically and sonically in a few short years.

1. 'Heavy Music (Part 1)'
2. 'East side Story (Vocal)'
3. 'Chain Smokin'
4. 'Persecution Smith'
5. 'Vagrant Winter'
6. 'Very Few'
7. 'Florida Time'
8. 'Sock It To Me Santa'
9. 'Heavy Music (Part 2)'
10. 'East Side Sound (Instrumental)'

Featuring Bob Seger's earliest songwriting efforts, this release completes the digital availability of the seminal singles of the Detroit rocker's pre-stardom band.

Kicking things off with the title track, 'Heavy Music (Part 1)', instantly you hear the Motown vibe pulsating through both their music and Seger's vocals. The rawer 'East Side Story (Vocal)' is more of what I expected to hear on this compilation, for complete with '60s Hammond organ, it's a musical gem of the highest flashback order.

The fun romp of 'Chain Smokin' is up next and that's backed by the raucous, politically charged 'Persecution Smith.' The true sounds of the polished late '60s comes to mind in the next track, 'Vagrant Winter,' with the gentle, reaching ballad 'Very Few' following.

The tempo's picked up again for the Beach Boys-esque 'Florida Time' and that's backed by the Christmas fun of 'Sock It To Me Santa.' Embedded with nods toward James Brown's 'Papa's Got a Brand New Bag,' it's not an Xmas cut I've heard before, so will most definitely make my personal playlist this Christmas!

This rather incredible album then rounds out, sadly, with 'Heavy Music (Part 2)' (why they split it up is beyond me) and then a guitar heavy 'East Side Sound (Instrumental).'

The album is wrapped in an newly designed package, and liner notes by celebrated music writer Jim Allen, rare original photographs and label art from the Cameo Parkway vaults.

The monophonic collection, originally recorded at United Sound Studios in Detroit, is mastered by Robert Vosgien at Capitol Mastering and the vinyl pressed in Detroit at Third Man Pressing.

Amazon CD Purchase Link

www.BobSeger.com