Reviews    Josefus - Dead Man aLive (Hookah Records)
by Chris Barnes

Texas's Josefus was one of those hard rock bands during the late 60's and 70's that just missed the big time due to internal squabbling, bad management choices, and come 1978/79, the dreaded disco era. Their story is similar to many others during that time frame...big on talent, short on fame. Bang, JPT Scare Band, Truth & Janey among countless others.

Dead Man aLive is a retrospective look at the band, including a very well done 16 page booklet on the history of Josefus. There are ten songs on there, grouped in the different time periods. The first three catch the early, pre- Josefus years in the form of Rip West and United Gas at the height of the counterculture scene in Houston. Here the music reflects the environment, a bit of the Grass Roots meets mid-period Beatles. The second group of songs catches Josefus in their prime, all live, their sound maturing into a heavy, almost psychedelic blues band. The highlight is most certainly the 26:01 "Dead Man" showcasing Dave Mitchell's pyrotechnic guitar skills. The sound quality isn't the best, but the talent of these Texas natives comes shining through. The last group of songs highlights the reunion of the band, eight years after they disintegrated in a valiant effort to beat disco to the punch. "Wheels" is the highlight for me, and is the first track that properly highlights what incredible vocal talent Pete Bailey possessed.

A compelling package that makes me wistful for this type of soulful, blues-based, pre-Pro Tools music. It's also a lesson on "almost" - Josefus was right at the brink, opening for Grand Funk and making great music, but sadly the band never got it's just recognition. Dead Man aLive makes for a great package and overview of this incredible band.

Purchase Dead Man aLive from the Hellride Music Super Store

Listen to a Real Audio sample of Wheels

Visit the Josefus site at www.josefusmusic.com

Copyright 2002 HellrideMusic.com
Review by Chris Barnes 9/7/02