"Vertical Smiles" represents the seventh studio album by the Southern Rock band Blackfoot, released in 1984 under the Atco Records division of Atlantic Records. This LP showcases the band's musical evolution during the mid-1980s, featuring a blend of Southern Rock influences with a slightly more commercial sound.
This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.
"Vertical Smiles" is the 1984 studio album by the American Southern rock band Blackfoot, released on 12" vinyl LP. The album was produced by Al Nalli and features the classic lineup of the band, including vocalist/rhythm guitarist Ricky Medlocke, lead guitarist Charlie Hargrett, bassist Greg T. Walker, and drummer Jakson Spires.
The album features a blend of hard rock and Southern rock with a heavier emphasis on the former. The opening track "Morning Dew" is a cover of a folk song, which the band turns into a hard-hitting rock anthem.
Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, "Vertical Smiles" was a commercial success, reaching #84 on the Billboard 200 chart and yielding two charting singles, "Morning Dew" and "Hang Time". The album remains a fan favorite and a testament to Blackfoot's enduring legacy in the Southern rock genr
Southern Rock
ATCO 790 218-1
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1984 Made in Germany
Al Nalli - Producer
Al Nalli (1929-2016) was an American record producer and music industry executive. He was born on 19 May 1929, in St. Louis, Missouri. Nalli started his career in the music industry as a radio DJ and later transitioned into record production.
In the 1960s, Nalli moved to Florida and founded the Al Nalli Music Enterprises (ANME) record label. The label focused on producing and promoting regional music, including rock and roll, R&B, and country. ANME became a successful independent label in the Southeastern United States and helped launch the careers of several artists, including Jim Stafford and Blackfoot.
Nalli is best known for his work as a producer for Blackfoot. He produced several of the band's albums, including "Tomcattin'" (1980), "Marauder" (1981), "Siogo" (1983), and "Vertical Smiles" (1984). Nalli's production style helped define Blackfoot's sound, which blended Southern rock, hard rock, and blues into a unique, guitar-driven sound.
Aside from his work with Blackfoot, Nalli also produced albums for other artists, including Molly Hatchet, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Joe South. He was also involved in the music publishing business, owning and managing several publishing companies.
In addition to his work in the music industry, Nalli was also involved in philanthropy. He founded the Al Nalli Music Scholarship Fund, which supports music education for young people in St. Lucie County, Florida.
Nalli passed away on 14 March 2016, at the age of 86. His contributions to the music industry, particularly in the Southern rock genre, are still celebrated today.
Some of the records he has produced for the bands: Axe, Shotgun, Blackfoot. In particular he produced: " AXE - Nemesis " , " AXE - Offering "
Eddy Offord - Producer
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 )
ATCO 790 218-1 Record Label Details: GEMA/Biem
The Blackfoot rock band is a southern rock band that was formed in the early 1970s in Jacksonville, Florida. Over the years, the band has had several lineup changes, but it remains one of the most recognizable and influential southern rock bands of all time.
The Blackfoot was originally formed in 1970 by guitarist and vocalist Rickey Medlocke, who was inspired by his grandfather’s blues music. Medlocke was joined by guitarist Charlie Hargrett, drummer Jakson Spires, and bassist Greg T. Walker. Together, they created a powerful blend of blues, country, and rock music that quickly gained them a following among fans of southern rock.
One of the defining characteristics of the Blackfoot was their ability to mix classic southern rock sounds with more modern elements. This was evident in their use of twin guitar harmonies and heavy use of keyboards, which was unusual for a southern rock band at the time. Their music was characterized by strong, driving rhythms and soaring guitar solos, combined with powerful and bluesy vocals.
One of the band’s biggest hits was the song “Train, Train,” which was released in 1979 and quickly became a classic of the southern rock genre. The song’s heavy, bluesy sound and catchy chorus made it a staple of rock radio stations and helped to establish the Blackfoot as one of the leading bands in the southern rock scene.
Over the years, the band’s lineup has undergone several changes, but they have continued to tour and record new music. Despite the changes, the Blackfoot has remained one of the most respected and influential southern rock bands of all time. Their powerful sound, combined with their commitment to preserving the southern rock tradition, has earned them a dedicated following of fans and a place in the world of rock and roll history.
In conclusion, the Blackfoot is a southern rock band that has had a lasting impact on the genre. With their blend of blues, country, and rock music, they have created a sound that is both classic and modern, and that continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans. Whether they are playing to a packed stadium or a small club, the Blackfoot remains one of the most powerful and influential southern rock bands of all time.
ATCO K 50910 , 1982 , Germany
"Highway Song Live" is the inaugural live album by the American Southern Rock band BLACKFOOT. Released as a tribute to Paul Shorty Medlocke, a distinguished musician known for his contributions to Delta Blues and Hard Rock, the album captures the band's electrifying performances. Featuring a blend of soulful Southern Rock melodies and energetic live renditions
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ATCO ATC 50 799 , 1981 , Germany
"Marauder" is the notable fifth studio album by the American Southern Rock band Blackfoot, which debuted in 1981. Known for their distinctive Southern Rock sound, Blackfoot delivered a collection of powerful tracks in this LP. "Marauder" showcases the band's signature blend of hard-hitting guitar riffs, energetic rhythms, and evocative lyrics.
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ATCO 79-0080.1 , 1983 , Germany
"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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ATCO ATC 50702 , 1980 , Germany
"Tomcattin'" marks the fourth studio album by the renowned Southern Rock band Blackfoot, released in 1980. Demonstrating their continued musical prowess, the album offers a collection of dynamic tracks that embody the band's distinctive Southern Rock sound. With its energetic guitar work, memorable hooks, and powerful vocals, "Tomcattin'" solidifies Blackfoot's reputation
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ATCO 790 218-1 , 1984 , Germany
"Vertical Smiles" represents the seventh studio album by the Southern Rock band Blackfoot, released in 1984 under the Atco Records division of Atlantic Records. This LP showcases the band's musical evolution during the mid-1980s, featuring a blend of Southern Rock influences with a slightly more commercial sound.
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