Stoney & Meatloaf

(RARE EARTH, 1971)

Proof that pre-Steinman Meat was just as theatrical and pleasantly overblown as post, this minor gem was concocted while Meat and Shaun ‘Stoney’ Murphy were both cast members in hippie musical Hair. Signed to Motown’s short-lived rock subsidiary Rare Earth Records, S&M is very much in line with Motown’s vision, a frothy stew of brass and thunder, full bluesy R&B and sexed-up gospel-rock. The highlight is opener (I’d Love To Be) As Heavy As Jesus, which has to be the most Meat Loaf-y phrase of all time. Many skip over pre-fame Meat, but this is wellworth a listen.