- Southern Rock
"Siogo" stands as the sixth studio album by the esteemed American Southern Rock band Blackfoot, hitting the shelves in 1983. The LP showcases the band's enduring commitment to their signature Southern Rock sound. With a mix of hard-hitting guitar work, soulful vocals, and captivating melodies, "Siogo" delivers a collection of tracks that exemplify Blackfoot's musical prowess.
In the vibrant tapestry of Southern Rock, the 1983 album "Siogo" by Blackfoot stands as a testament to the band's evolution and musical exploration. Released during a period of transition for the genre, the album found the band venturing into new sonic territories while retaining their signature hard-hitting sound.
Historical Context and Musical Exploration
Following their successful run in the late 1970s and early 1980s with hits like "Train, Train" and "Highway Song," Blackfoot faced the challenge of adapting to a changing musical landscape. Southern Rock was gradually losing its mainstream appeal, and many bands were experimenting with new sounds to stay relevant. "Siogo" reflects this spirit of experimentation, incorporating elements of hard rock and even a touch of new wave into their established Southern Rock formula.
Musical Genre
While rooted in Southern Rock, "Siogo" expands the genre's boundaries. The album boasts powerful guitar riffs, soulful vocals, and driving rhythms that are characteristic of Southern Rock. However, the addition of keyboards and synthesizers, along with a more polished production style, gives the album a modern edge that distinguishes it from their earlier work.
Production Team and Recording Studios
The album was produced by Al Nalli, who had previously worked with the band on their "Marauder" album. Nalli's production brings a refined sonic quality to "Siogo," highlighting the band's musicality while retaining their raw energy. The album was recorded at various studios, including Subterranean Studios and Solid Sound in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and The Recording Connection Mobile in Cleveland, Ohio. This multi-studio approach allowed the band to capture different sonic textures and experiment with diverse recording techniques.
Mastering and Album Cover Design
The final touch was added by the renowned mastering engineer Bob Ludwig at Masterdisk in New York. Ludwig's expertise ensured that the album's sonic landscape was optimized for vinyl playback, resulting in a rich and dynamic listening experience. The album cover, designed by Bob Defrin and featuring photography by Jim Houghton and Lisa Tanner, captures the band's intensity and rock 'n' roll spirit.
Southern Rock
ATCO 79-0080.1
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1983 Made in Germany
This album "BLACKFOOT - Siogo" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and artwork/photos
Al Nalli - Producer
Al Nalli's influence on the music scene is undeniable. His work at major labels helped launch the careers of countless stars and shaped the way we experience music. Learn more
Pat Schneider - Sound Engineer
This album was recorded at: Subterranean Studios, Ann Arbir, MI. The Recording Connection Mobile, Cleveland, OH and Solid Sound , Ann Harbor, MI.
Mixed at Electric Lady Studios, New York
Mastered by Bob Ludwig at Masterdisk, New York
Bob Ludwig is an American mastering engineer and record producer. He is widely regarded as one of the best mastering engineers in the music industry, and has worked with a diverse range of artists across various genres, including classical, rock, pop, and jazz.
Ludwig has been active in the music industry since the 1970s and has worked on numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums, including records by Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, and many others. He has also been recognized for his contributions to the industry and has won several Grammy Awards for his work.
Throughout his career, Ludwig has been known for his technical expertise, attention to detail, and his ability to bring out the best in recordings. He has also been a strong advocate for the preservation of audio quality and has worked to promote the use of high-quality analog and digital technologies in the recording and mastering process.
Overall, Bob Ludwig is a highly respected and accomplished mastering engineer who has made a significant impact on the music industry through his work with many of the biggest and most influential artists of our time.
Bob Defrin - Album Cover Design
Bob Defrin, a prominent figure in the world of graphic design and album cover art, is best known for his significant contributions as the director, graphic designer, and head of art for Atlantic Records. Born on April 13, 1946, Defrin's creative journey began in Brooklyn, New York, where he developed a passion for art from an early age.
Defrin's career in the music industry took off in the 1980s, a pivotal era for Heavy Metal music. His unique artistic vision and ability to capture the essence of a band's sound through visual imagery made him a sought-after figure among musicians and record labels. As a director and graphic designer at Atlantic Records, Defrin played a pivotal role in shaping the visual identities of numerous Heavy Metal bands during this period.
One of Defrin's notable accomplishments was his work on album covers. He understood the power of album artwork in conveying the spirit and energy of a band's music. Defrin's ability to translate the raw power and intensity of Heavy Metal into captivating visuals earned him widespread recognition and accolades. His designs often featured bold, eye-catching imagery, intricate details, and striking typography, perfectly complementing the music within.
Defrin's portfolio boasts an impressive array of iconic album covers. Among his most renowned works are the covers for AC/DC's "Highway to Hell" (1979), "Back in Black" (1980), and "For Those About to Rock We Salute You" (1981). These covers captured the band's energy, attitude, and electrifying sound, becoming iconic symbols of Heavy Metal culture.
Additionally, Defrin's artistic contributions extended beyond AC/DC. He collaborated with numerous other influential bands, including Twisted Sister, Bon Jovi, Krokus, and Skid Row, among others. Each album cover he designed encapsulated the essence of the respective band's music, making a lasting impact on the visual landscape of Heavy Metal.
Bob Defrin's expertise in graphic design and his ability to understand and interpret the musical vision of Heavy Metal bands made him an invaluable asset to Atlantic Records. He left an indelible mark on the music industry, helping to shape the visual identities of some of the most influential Heavy Metal acts of the 1980s.
Beyond his work with Atlantic Records, Defrin's influence continued to resonate in the field of graphic design. His unique style and contributions left a lasting impression on album cover art, inspiring generations of designers to think creatively and push the boundaries of visual storytelling.
Bob Defrin's legacy as a director, graphic designer, and head of art for Atlantic Records endures as a testament to his immense talent and profound impact on the Heavy Metal genre. His ability to merge music and visual artistry has forever left an indelible mark on the history of album cover design.
Jim Houghton - Photographer
Lisa Tanner - Photographer
Rick Medlocke - Lead vocals, guitars
Jakson Spires - Percussion
Ken Hensey - Keyboards
Charlie Hargrett - Lead anf rhythm guitars
Greg T. Walker - Bass
ATCO 79-0080-1 Record Label Details: LC 0120, GEMA
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"Siogo" stands as the sixth studio album by the esteemed American Southern Rock band Blackfoot, hitting the shelves in 1983. The LP showcases the band's enduring commitment to their signature Southern Rock sound. With a mix of hard-hitting guitar work, soulful vocals, and captivating melodies, "Siogo" delivers a collection of tracks that exemplify Blackfoot's musical prowess.
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