Having chronicled the output of bygone Baltimore soul label Ru-Jac some years back in a standout series of reissues, the peerless archaeologists at Omnivore Recordings return to Charm City to survey the more modest output of Chariot Records. From 1966 to 1972, Chariot issued a series of singles (as well as an album) featuring appealing local artists with big ambitions and an abundance of energy.
Among the performers on this two-disc, 36-track set is Bob Brady and the Con Chords, who probably lit up plenty of high-school dances and frat parties with their robust take on soul music. The guys knew how to work a funky groove guaranteed to get couples out on the floor and offered a credible imitation of Smokey Robinson’s falsetto-drenched passion.
Led by Chuck Beaty, the eclectic Coyote had no clear identity, ranging from Grand Funk heavyness and fusion grandiosity to Zappaesque absurdity and folksy sweetness, sometimes within the same song. Despite the constant stylistic whiplash, the burning desire to impress comes through clearly, evoking the “anything goes” attitude of early ‘70s rock. There’s also a true curio in 1971’s “What’s Happening,” a socially conscious spoken-word single by Baltimore Bullets star and future NBA hall of famer Gus Johnson.
While Chariot Records’ artists didn’t have enough originality or talent to reach the big time, they knew how to put on a show. This time capsule is fun listening.
