The Rockets “The Rockets”/”No Ballads”

by Beverly Paterson in Album Reviews

The Rockets “The Rockets”/”No Ballads” (Renaissance Records 160)

Not to be confused with the Los Angeles band that later changed their name to Crazy Horse, this particular group came from Detroit, Michigan. Formed in 1972 by drummer Johnny “Bee” Bandajek and guitarist James McCarty, who earlier had made their claim to fame with Mitch Ryder and The Detroit Wheels, The Rockets cut a total of five albums during the course of their existence. Although the band was hot stuff on a local level, they received only pockets of airplay elsewhere. “The Rockets” and “No Ballads,” which were released on RSO Records in 1979 and 1980 respectively, definitely rank as the band‘s best work. Now available on one compact disc, both these albums are ripe for rediscovery. Clinging fast to their Mitch Ryder and The Detroit Wheels roots, the band practiced a festive brand of high energy blue-eyed soul music.

Fired by a flurry of funky figures, “Can’t Sleep” opens “The Rockets” with a bang, trailed by the equally floor shaking “Turn Up The Radio.” Raw and gritty, “Love Me Once Again” checks in as another tasty tune to be had, as is a loyal version of Fleetwood Mac’s arresting “Oh Well.” Super tight performances, marked by the band’s impeccable timing, pad each track on “The Rockets.” Soulful and brawny vocals, complemented by a pumping, pulsating rhythm section round out the repertoire, along with cool piano and keyboard passages. Hanging tough to the party hearty tone that characterized “The Rockets,” the band continues drive the point home on “No Ballads.” Sounding like a rewrite of “Jailhouse Rock,” the old school feel of “I Want You To Love Me” is a toe tapping, finger snapping delight, while the instantly catchy “Sad Songs” is splashed with a sparkling pop bent. “Troublemaker,” “Desire” and a fine take of Lou Reed’s “Sally Can’t Dance” are further noteworthy tunes included on “No Ballads.” The Rockets may have been a rough and tumble sort of band, but they still sported an appreciation for zippy hooks and giddy harmonies, which allowed their material to be wholly accessible.