Billy - One Way Jesus [1971]

Big strides forward as Billy’s bunch aims more for a low-tech garage band sound with Southern leanings ala Mylon’s We Believe. Mostly self-composed this time, the centerpiece being side two’s epic 17-minute ‘One Way Theme’, an ambitious piece with progressive overtones and Tommy flourishes that begins and ends with Chicago’s intro to ‘Does Anybody Know What Time It Is?’. That track affords Billy opportunity for heavier skin pounding, not to mention some decent sections of guitar jamming and fuzz action. More raw fuzz can be found on the opening basement rocker ‘He’ll Show You Love’ and a soulful cover of ‘With A Little Help From My Friends’ (the Joe Cocker version, with lyric changes). Also some quieter songs, including ‘Reflections (The Ballad Of Billy Blackwood)’. Female backup singers helping him out here and there. Incredibly cheap-o cover photo of Billy in big yard pointing finger up. (The Archivist, 4th edition by Ken Scott).

Billy