January 28, 2019

1978 - January - Atlanta Rhythm Section - Champagne Jam

37 minutes

January 1978 — “Champagne Jam” by Atlanta Rhythm Section

Bruce has a special place in his heart for this classic. The Atlanta Rhythm Section - also known as ARS - started as a session band for Studio One in Doraville, GA. Champagne Jam is their eighth and most successful album, going platinum by September of 1978. This was a time when Southern Rock was hitting a peak with Lynyrd Skynyrd, Molly Hatchett, The Charlie Daniels Band and others. ARS crafted a more laid back style within the genre on the strength of Ronnie Hammond's vocals.

Join us as we explore this local Atlanta favorite. By the way, the Atlanta Rhythm Section is still touring as of now, and you are especially likely to catch them at one of the metro-Atlanta venues.

“Large Time”

This opening track is a tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd, who had lost band members in a plane crash in October 1977. ARS toured with Skynyrd frequently.

“Not Gonna Let it Bother Me Tonight”

One of the hits from the album, this track hit #14 on the charts. “I just can't beat that old dog eat dog, the rats keep winnin' the rat race."

“Evileen”

This is a deeper cut, with some cool lyrics and key changes. “She's a witch, a bit of a bitch, she's a necessary evil but she's got what I need, Evileen.”

“Champagne Jam”

The title track is a fan favorite, and a mainstay of ARS's concert lineup. ARS hosted a rock festival called Champagne Jam in September 1978. “Don't want no whiskey, gimme some high class booze.”

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Theme from “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”

This symphonic track was from Steven Spielberg's popular film about alien encounters and UFO's — a very common discussion in the culture of 1978.

STAFF PICKS:

“Isn’t it Time” by the Babies

Brian loves this great piano-driven track from the John Waite-fronted band. The lyrics deal with an encounter between a man and a woman - deciding whether or not to take the relationship further.

“Ebony Eyes” by Bob Welch

Rob shares that Welch had been with Fleetwood Mac before this solo effort. This is the second hit from the album “French Kiss.” Check out that fuzzy guitar riff.

“Young Fast Scientific” by the Dictators

Wayne takes the tempo UP on this proto-punk track. The Dictators were never that popular but were a big influence on the punk rock movement.

“Godzilla” by Blue Öyster Cult

Bruce closes out the staff picks with “Oh No! There goes Tokyo!” Although it was played pretty regularly on rock stations, it is surprising that this song never made it on the Billboard charts. This “Cult” classic was certified gold in January 1978.

LAUGH TRACK:

“Rocket Man” by William Shatner

We....could...not resist.....In January 1978, Shatner appeared on the televised Saturn Awards and presented this Elton John hit in lyric poem format. Folks, you just have to hear this one (and check out the video on Yout Tube) to believe it.

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By Rob Marbury, Wayne Rowan, Bruce Fricks, John Lynch

4.9

4747 ratings