Matrix - Comin' Home / Slam Dunk. 1982 USA ~ Wisconsin

From Appleton, Matrix had a relatively successful career, obtaining major label releases on both RCA and Warner Bros. I've heard a couple of them, but don't recall the contents and didn't keep either around. On this single, Matrix mixes two entirely different styles. The a) is smooth soul with crooning vocals and horns. The b) is hard funk with tight charts. The bassist really puts in a strong performance here. This would be Matrix's last effort and neither of these are on LP.

Own. Label is more orange than the photo suggests.

2.5 / 3.5

5/19/25

Orchid - Go Big Red / Act Naturally. 1973 USA ~ Wisconsin

Orchid were high school kids from Edgerton, Wisconsin between Madison and Janesville. 'Go Big Red' has become noteworthy due to its appearance on one of the many Bonehead comps out there. To me 'Go Big Red' means the University of Nebraska, but it turns out to be both a high school anthem as well as a tribute to the University of Wisconsin's hockey team. What makes the track great are the freaky guitar solos, though the song is lacking. The B) side is more of a country rocker. 

3/2/25

Fat Bruce - Got to Get It / Nest in a Fallen Tree. 1974 USA-Milwaukee

My initial scratch off notes say: Solid hard rock with a hint of prog from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

As for the music, I think I undersold it a bit there. The hard rock aspect of this is excellent with well written guitar riffs, and both guitar and organ solos. Good melodies too. A whole album of this would be considered a classic in today's world. This is exactly the kind of music I love to hear in American hard rock.

As for the date, there's quite a bit of dialog on one of the YouTube videos (so yes, this one you can easily hear). Based on that, 1971 seems to prevail. 1970 looked to the first date thrown out there. However, I think Discogs has it right due to the Nashville Record Productions catalog number, which is pretty reliable for 45s. It's possible it was recorded earlier and released a few years later, but 1974 is very believable from a sound standpoint as well.

Ownership: SP: 1974 Brewtown. Online acquisition. 

8/6/20 (first listen / review / new entry)