Biography
Formed in June 1969, the band was fronted by former Rebel Rouser Cliff Bennett and, in the course of its two year, two album career, featured lead guitarist and keyboardist Ken Hensley; bassist John Glascock (who replaced original bassist John Konas (Joseph Stanley Konas)); and drummer Lee Kerslake. After the first album, Kerslake and Hensley were replaced by Brian Glascock (drums) and Alan Kendall (guitar) respectively. The band was founded by Bennett, a former pop star, after the dissolution of the Cliff Bennett Band. He teamed with the former Gods keyboard player Hensley, who drafted in fellow ex-Gods members Kerslake and Glascock. The name was decided over dinner when Bennett and his manager attempted to create the most disgusting band name possible. Toe Fat was signed to the record label, Rare Earth, in the US. In the UK, the band signed with EMI, who released their first album on the Parlophone label, and the second on Regal Zonophone. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toe_Fat
Album & Cover
The eponymously titled first album flopped commercially, but gained considerable critical praise. Such was their stir that after their first single, “Workin’ Nights”, (the B-side was an early Elton John composition “Bad Side of the Moon”) they were booked for a tour supporting Derek and the Dominos in the US.
The cover was influenced by the photography of Bill Brandt and Man Ray, giving rise to the collage. The record company, Rare Earth, in America did not want the naked couple so it was replace with a lamb…go figure. The cover showed a beach scene with four people who have large toes superimposed over their heads. The photo of the band on the back of the US album shows Cliff Bennett, Alan Kendall, John Glascock, and Lee Kerslake even though Alan Kendall did not play on the first album. This was an interim line-up, Lee Kerslake would soon depart also before second album was recorded.
Cover Location: Hipgnosis Studio.
Who Did What: Photography – A. Powell/S. Thorgerson.
Label: Rare Earth RS-511(US), Parlophone PCS7097(UK)
Source: Vinyl. Album. Cover. Art, The Complete Hipgnosis Catalogue: Aubrey Powell
Tracklist
| Side One That’s My Love For You Bad Side Of The Moon Nobody The Wherefors And The Whys But I’m Wrong |
Side Two Just Like Me Just Like All The Rest I Can’t Believe Working Nights You Tried To Take It All |
Credits
Bass, Vocals – John Konas
Drums, Vocals – Lee Kerslake
Engineer – Peter Mew
Flute, Harmonica – Mox
Guitar, Organ, Piano, Vocals – Ken Hensley
Lead Vocals, Piano – Cliff Bennett
Producer – Jonathan Peel
Notes
Front laminated flipback cover.
Plain white or sepia “LP advertising” inner sleeve.
