Search - Hook :: Hook Will Grab You

Lost Classic of Psychedelica Found

Lawrence A. Strid | Mission Viejo, CA | 11/23/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Hook was a late sixties So. Cal. band that had a minor cult hit, "Son of Fantasy", that has to be one of the great neglected "heavy" rock tunes of the late sixties underground/garage band/psychedelica pop music movement. If you didn't live in So.Cal. at that time then you probably haven't heard of the band, but if you appreciate the stylings of such bands as The Standells, The Chocolate Watch Band, The Blues Magoos, The Seeds, The Leaves, etc., then you will eat this up with a spoon. They were a power trio, and the names of some of the tunes on this CD will tell you a lot about their musical philosophy ("Everything's Groovy", "Turn Your Head", "Plug Your Head In"). Their lead guitarist had a style very similar to Leigh Stephens of Blue Cheer, and while they can be compared to that band in some respects, they really did have their own style, fuzz tone/reverb and all. I was a big fan of the band at that time, and I even caught them live in concert at Warren High School in Downey, CA, circa 1970. The price of this CD is unfortunate, as it will put some people off from what is truly a lost classic album from its era. For the price of the CD, they should have had some liner notes or history of the band, but these are sadly lacking. Nevertheless, this CD is strongly recommended if you are a fan of this type of rock music, which will never be duplicated again."

Grabbed!

Russell D. Brown | Detroit, MI United States | 05/05/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Hook was one of the most exciting bands of their era. Bassist Sklar's ultra-cool exclamations and asides throughout the group's catalogue lend a sense of true joy to the proceedings. Although Arlin could wail on the guitar with the best of 'em, he was equally at home with the pop of "You Know I Do" and "Everything's Groovy". It's impossible listen to the Hook and not grin from ear to ear. "Garbage Man", the story of a girl in love with the local sanitation worker, defined their sense of humor (think "Smurfs on acid"), and is a gem! The band's only flaw was that their lyrics were often slight; but when the playing's this good, it's a small complaint.




In the digital age, there's no excuse for there not to be a comprehensive Hook anthology. Both Hook LPs (this and the superior follow-up, "Hooked", which added Dennis Provisor on keyboards) and their non-LP single would fit easily on 1 CD (I know because I've done exactly that on CD-R). This is why this rates 4 stars and not five. There's barely over 30-minutes of music here. As it is, you'll have to search the cutout bins for their frenetic cover of the Kinks' "You're Lookin' Fine", the James Brown-inspired "In The Beginning", and the face-melting "Son Of Fantasy 2". Still, I never thought I'd see any of the band's work issued on CD. Buy this while you can. There's enough energy in these grooves to revive yer grandma from a coma!"

Am I Living Or Am I Dead?

Jack B. Nimble | East Coast | 12/12/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the group Bobby Arlin formed after he quit The Leaves in 1967. Arlin's chops with The Hook outshines what he did in The Leaves in my opinion and it's hard to believe it's the same guitarist! Solid proof of what an impression Clapton and Hendrix made for young rock guitarists back in the day! This album, "The Hook Will Grab You" which was released by UNI in 1968, was my first exposure to this power trio. I saw the back of the cover and knew this album had some groovy sounds in the grooves! Well, I was correct on my initial hunch. The first thing that hooked me was the production and Bobby's guitar tone which reminded me of CREAM (almost sounds like Felix Pappalardi produced it). I eventually got into every tune. "Son Of Fantasy" was very heavy and far out for early 68'. The song pulsates with tube amp power and LSD soaked lyrics, not to mention an awesome right and left channel guitar assault. Bluesy, but all acid. The lighter pop rock side of The Hook like "You Know I Do" have a charm that's NOT cheesy or bubblegum sounding. Arlin's riffs are not too shabby and can be mentioned in the same sentence as Eric Clapton as is demonstrated in "Holmes" and "Plug Your Head In". I love the "Garbage Man" and "Dimples" is fun too! This debut is in my top 20 favorite 60's albums. The import German CD on Lizard Records is the one and only reissue that I know of and the sound quality is excellent and sounds a little bit better than the record (I have an original near mint pressing), althought I DO NOT THINK it was remastered from the original studio tapes.



There is one thing I can't understand, why didn't "Magic In The Air" off their 1969 second LP "Hooked" become a hit?? It wasn't even issued as a flipside on a 45 then! UNI should have released and pushed this song as the single and this would have given The Hook more exposure and airplay they deserved. They got screwed on that song in my opinion! Get The Hook, they just might Grab You!"