Cactus's 1971 album, "One Way or Another," stands as a pivotal moment in hard rock history. Born from the musical prowess of former Vanilla Fudge and Detroit Wheels members, the album's raw energy and dynamic tracks solidified Cactus's place in rock. The French release, ATCO 40 216, adds intrigue with a unique album cover, showcasing the band's global impact and the era's diverse visual expressions.
This French pressing has a completely different album cover
Released in 1971 under the Atco label, "One Way or Another" is the second studio album by the American hard rock band Cactus. This album holds a special place in the band's discography and the broader landscape of 1970s rock music. In this web-page, we will delve into the creation of the album, with a particular focus on the unique French release and its distinct album cover.
Background of Cactus:
Before delving into "One Way or Another," let's briefly touch on the band Cactus. Formed in 1969, Cactus emerged from the ashes of Vanilla Fudge and The Detroit Wheels, bringing together a powerhouse lineup that included Carmine Appice (drums), Tim Bogert (bass), Jim McCarty (guitar), and Rusty Day (vocals). Their self-titled debut album, released in 1970, laid the foundation for their hard-hitting, blues-infused sound.
The Making of "One Way or Another":
Following the success of their debut, Cactus returned to the studio to create their sophomore effort, "One Way or Another." The album showcased the band's musical prowess, featuring a combination of original compositions and covers that highlighted their love for blues and rock. The recording sessions were characterized by a raw energy that translated into the final product, capturing the essence of Cactus's dynamic performance style.
The album's title track, "One Way or Another," became a standout, with its powerful riffs and Rusty Day's soulful vocals. Other notable tracks include "Rockout, Whenever You Want," and their unique take on Little Richard's "Long Tall Sally"
French Release - ATCO 40 216:
What makes the French release of "One Way or Another" particularly intriguing for collectors and fans is the distinct album cover. Unlike the original U.S. release, the French pressing features artwork that deviates from the familiar imagery associated with the album. This alternative cover adds a layer of mystique to the release and stands as a testament to the diverse ways in which music is presented across different regions.
The decision to have a different cover for the French release might have been influenced by marketing strategies or artistic preferences tailored to the French audience. Such variations in album artwork were not uncommon during this era, as record labels often experimented with visuals to cater to specific markets.
Music Genre: Blues Rock |
Album Production Information: Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Edwin Kramer, Dave Palmer, John Jansen. This album was recorded at: Electric Lady Studios, New York Album dedicated to Bullhead |
Record Label & Catalognr: ATCO 40 216 |
Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: Made in France |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: CACTUS - One Way or Another France |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "CACTUS - One Way or Another France" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "CACTUS - One Way or Another France" is:
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High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover "CACTUS - One Way or Another France" |
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Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ). |
Cactus is a rock supergroup that emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The band was formed by former members of Vanilla Fudge, Jeff Beck Group, and the Amboy Dukes, and is often regarded as one of the pioneers of hard rock and heavy metal music.
Cactus was founded in 1969 by Carmine Appice, a drummer who had previously played with Vanilla Fudge, and Tim Bogert, a bassist who had played with the band. Together with guitarist Jim McCarty, who had previously played with Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels, and Rusty Day, a singer who had been part of the Amboy Dukes, the band created a sound that was characterized by powerful riffs, driving rhythms, and bluesy vocals.
Cactus released its self-titled debut album in 1970, which was produced by legendary producer and engineer Eddie Kramer. The album featured such classic tracks as "Parchman Farm," "You Can't Judge a Book by the Cover," and "Let Me Swim," and established the band as one of the most exciting and innovative groups of the era.
Cactus continued to release critically acclaimed albums throughout the 1970s, including One Way...Or Another (1971), Restrictions (1971), and 'Ot 'n' Sweaty (1972). However, despite their success, the band was unable to achieve the same level of commercial success as some of their peers, such as Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath.
In the years since, Cactus has continued to influence countless bands and musicians with their hard-hitting sound and energetic live performances. The band's members have also gone on to work with some of the biggest names in music, including Ozzy Osbourne, Rod Stewart, and Jeff Beck.
- 1969: Cactus is formed with the original lineup consisting of Carmine Appice (drums), Tim Bogert (bass/vocals), Rusty Day (vocals/harmonica), and Jim McCarty (guitar).
- 1970: The band releases their self-titled debut album, "Cactus", which receives positive reviews for its heavy rock sound.
- 1971: Rusty Day leaves the band, and Jeff Beck Group's lead vocalist Rod Stewart is briefly considered as a replacement. However, that idea doesn't come to fruition.
- 1971: Werner Fritzschings (guitar) and Duane Hitchings (keyboards) join Cactus, expanding the band's musical palette.
- 1972: Cactus releases their third album, "Ot 'N' Sweaty", showcasing their bluesy and hard rock fusion.
- 1973: The band's lineup undergoes changes as Duane Hitchings and Jim McCarty depart.
- 1973: The remaining members disband, marking the end of Cactus' initial era.
Rhino Handmade – RHM27872 , 2004 , USA
This is a individually numbered limited edition from the Rhino RecordsHandmade collection with 2 CD filled with music by the 1960s / 1970s Supergroup and Hard Rock band "CACTUS".
Learn moreATCO Records SD 33-340 (33340) / ST-C-701915 PR , 1970 , USA
Cactus's self-titled 1970 debut LP, released in the USA on 12" vinyl, marked a pivotal moment in rock history. The band, featuring luminaries like Carmine Appice and Tim Bogert, crafted a sonic masterpiece that seamlessly blended blues and hard rock. With anthemic tracks like "Let Me Swim," the album's enduring legacy lies in its raw energy and profound influence on subsequent generations of rock musicians.
Learn moreATLANTIC P-8128 , 1989 , Japan
In 1989, Cactus's debut LP found renewed life in Japan on 12" vinyl, capturing the essence of their blues-rock prowess. The reissue, a nod to classic rock's resurgence, retained the original tracks, serving as a bridge between eras. This collector's edition, with its meticulously designed cover, reaffirmed Cactus's enduring legacy, resonating with both loyal fans and a new generation of enthusiasts.
Learn moreATCO SD 33-356 (33356) / ST-C-712131 PR , 1971 , USA
Cactus's "One Way... Or Another" 12" Vinyl LP, USA release, encapsulates their blues-rock prowess. This sonic journey, marked by diverse tracks, reflects the band's evolution. In the 1970s, amidst a cultural shift in music, Cactus left an indelible mark. Decades later, the album's timelessness, preserved in warm vinyl, continues to beckon both loyal fans and new listeners to experience the raw, genre-defying energy of Cactus.
Learn moreATCO 40 216 , France
Cactus's 1971 album, "One Way or Another," stands as a pivotal moment in hard rock history. Born from the musical prowess of former Vanilla Fudge and Detroit Wheels members, the album's raw energy and dynamic tracks solidified Cactus's place in rock. The French release, ATCO 40 216, adds intrigue with a unique album cover, showcasing the band's global impact and the era's diverse visual expressions.
Learn moreATCO SD 33-377 , 1971 , USA
Restrictions is the third and the last album by the original line-up of the American hard rock supergroup Cactus, released in 1971 under the Atco label. "Token Chokin'" also was issued as a single, as well as "Evil", "Alaska" and "Sweet Sixteen" also were released on A and B sides. The music heard is mostly heavy blues and rock with cover of a blues standard, "Evil" as a hard rocking, very heavy and riffy song. (on the album it was credited as Chester Burnett (Howlin' Wolf's real name) although actually it was written for Howlin' Wolf by his bass player Willie Dixon)
Learn moreATCO 40307 , 1971 , France
Dive into the captivating musical legacy of Cactus with 'Restrictions,' now in its French release on a 12" vinyl LP. Explore the roots of this iconic American supergroup, witness the evolution of their sound, and experience key tracks like 'Token Chokin'' in French. Uncover the enduring impact of 'Restrictions' as it marks the end of an era for Cactus, leaving a legendary imprint on rock history. #CactusLegacy #RockHistory
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