Album Information:

About Steppenwolf:

Steppenwolf was a rock band from the United States, formed in 1967 in Los Angeles. The band is known for their hard-driving rock sound and for their hit song 'Born to be Wild,' which became a defining anthem of the counterculture movement of the late 1960s. The band's name was derived from the novel 'Siddhartha' by Hermann Hesse.

Steppenwolf was formed by singer John Kay, keyboardist Goldy McJohn, guitarist Michael Monarch, bassist Rushton Moreve, and drummer Jerry Edmonton. The band quickly gained a large following in Los Angeles, and they soon signed with the independent record label Dunhill Records.

In 1968, Steppenwolf released their eponymous debut album, which included the hit singles 'Born to be Wild' and 'Magic Carpet Ride.' The album was a huge success, reaching number 6 on the Billboard 200 chart and selling over a million copies.

Over the next few years, Steppenwolf released several more albums, including 'The Second' (1968), 'At Your Birthday Party' (1969), and 'Monster' (1969). The band continued to tour extensively and became known for their high-energy live shows.

In the early 1970s, Steppenwolf underwent several lineup changes. John Kay remained the band's lead vocalist and primary songwriter, but the other members of the band changed frequently. The band released several more albums, including 'Steppenwolf 7' (1970) and 'For Ladies Only' (1971).

Although they continued to tour and release albums throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Steppenwolf never achieved the same level of commercial success as they did in the late 1960s. However, their music continued to influence generations of rock musicians, and their legacy as one of the defining bands of the counterculture era remains strong.

Over the years, Steppenwolf has been inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the Hollywood Rock Walk, and the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame. Their music has been featured in countless films, television shows, and commercials, and their influence on the development of hard rock and heavy metal music cannot be overstated.

About the album At Your Birthday Party:

At Your Birthday Party is a classic rock album by the American rock band Steppenwolf. It was released in 1969 and was the third studio album by the band. The album features some of the band's most popular and well-known songs, including 'Rock Me,' 'It's Never Too Late,' and 'Jupiter's Child.'

The album's opening track, 'Don't Cry,' is a high-energy rock song with a driving beat and catchy guitar riffs. It sets the tone for the rest of the album, which is a mix of bluesy rock tunes and more experimental tracks. 'Chicken Wolf' is a blues-based instrumental that showcases the band's impressive musicianship, with John Kay's vocals taking a backseat to Nick St. Nicholas's grooving bassline and Michael Monarch's blistering guitar solos.

Another standout track on the album is 'Happy Birthday,' which features a driving bassline and a catchy chorus that is sure to get stuck in your head. 'It's Never Too Late' is a slower, more introspective song that showcases the band's softer side and features some beautiful harmonies.

Overall, At Your Birthday Party is a classic rock album that showcases the raw energy and musicianship of Steppenwolf. It's a must-listen for fans of the band and fans of classic rock in general.

Members:

Steppenwolf is a Canadian-American rock band that was formed in 1967 in Los Angeles, California. The band's original lineup consisted of John Kay (vocals, guitar), Goldy McJohn (keyboards), Rushton Moreve (bass), Michael Monarch (guitar), and Jerry Edmonton (drums). Here are brief biographies of each member:

1. John Kay: Born Joachim Fritz Krauledat in East Prussia (now Poland) on April 12, 1944. Kay moved to Canada in 1958 and began playing in local bands. In 1965, he moved to Los Angeles and formed the band Steppenwolf with several other musicians. He was the band's lead vocalist and its primary songwriter. After Steppenwolf disbanded in 1976, Kay embarked on a solo career. In addition to music, he is also an avid motorcyclist and a conservationist.

2. Goldy McJohn: Born John Raymond Goadsby in Toronto, Canada, on May 2, 1945. McJohn was a keyboardist who played the organ and the electric piano. He was a classically trained musician and had a strong background in jazz. He became a member of Steppenwolf in 1967 and played on all of the band's early albums. After leaving Steppenwolf in 1974, McJohn played with several other bands. He passed away on August 1, 2017, at the age of 72.

3. Rushton Moreve: Born John Rushton Morey Jr. in Winnipeg, Canada, on November 18, 1948. Moreve was the bassist for Steppenwolf and played on all of the band's early albums. He also co-wrote some of the band's songs with John Kay. Moreve left Steppenwolf in 1968 and formed his own band, but he was tragically killed in a car accident on July 1, 1981, at the age of 32.

4. Michael Monarch: Born on September 5, 1950, in Los Angeles, California. Monarch was the lead guitarist for Steppenwolf and played on all of the band's early albums. He was known for his inventive guitar solos and his ability to blend rock, blues, and psychedelic influences. Monarch left Steppenwolf in 1969 and went on to play with several other bands.

5. Jerry Edmonton: Born Jerome Henry Edmonton in Oshawa, Canada, on October 24, 1946. Edmonton was the drummer for Steppenwolf and played on all of the band's early albums. He was also a talented songwriter and co-wrote some of the band's biggest hits with John Kay. After Steppenwolf disbanded in 1976, Edmonton moved to Hawaii and began working as a studio musician. He passed away on November 28, 1993, at the age of 47, after being involved in a car crash.

Track List for At Your Birthday Party:

1. 'Don't Cry' - 3:01 - This opening track is a driving rock n' roll number, with heavy drums and distorted guitars. The lyrics advise against crying over things that are out of our control, encouraging listeners to move forward in life.

2. 'Chicken Wolf' - 2:59 - This song has a bluesy feel, with a catchy guitar riff and harmonica solo. The lyrics describe a struggle between a farmer and a 'chicken wolf,' which could be interpreted literally or as a metaphor for any kind of challenge.

3. 'Lovely Meter' - 3:13 - The tempo slows down for this track, which has a psychedelic vibe. The lyrics describe the 'lovely meter,' a mystical device that measures beauty and love.

4. 'Round and Down' - 3:30 - This song has a more laid-back feel, featuring acoustic guitars and harmonies. The lyrics describe a journey through the countryside, with a sense of reflection and contemplation.

5. 'It's Never Too Late' - 4:05 - The tempo and energy pick up again with this track, which has a driving beat and catchy chorus. The lyrics encourage listeners to seize the moment and follow their dreams, reminding them that it's never too late.

6. 'Sleeping Dreaming' - 1:03 - This short instrumental track serves as a transition to the next song. It features dreamy, atmospheric sounds and a haunting melody.

7. 'Jupiter's Child' - 3:23 - This song features a catchy guitar riff and harmonized vocals. The lyrics describe the character of the 'Jupiter's child,' who is resilient and independent.

8. 'She'll Be Better' - 5:07 - With a slower tempo and soulful vocals, this song is a ballad about a woman who's going through a tough time. The narrator encourages her to stay strong and promises that things will get better.

9. 'Cat Killer' - 1:37 - Another short instrumental piece, this track features frantic drumming and a menacing guitar riff. It serves as a transition to the final song.

10. 'Rock Me' - 3:41 - The album closes with this energetic, bluesy track. The lyrics describe the power of music to make people come alive and feel connected. The chorus is infectious, with the repeated line 'rock me baby, rock me all night long.'

Discography for Steppenwolf:

Here is the complete discography of Steppenwolf in chronological order:

Albums:
1. Steppenwolf (January 1968)
2. The Second (October 1968)
3. At Your Birthday Party (March 1969)
4. Early Steppenwolf (June 1969)
5. Monster (November 1969)
6. Steppenwolf 7 (November 1970)
7. For Ladies Only (October 1971)
8. Slow Flux (May 1974)
9. Hour of the Wolf (February 1975)
10. Skullduggery (May 1976)
11. In Concert (1975)
12. Live (1970)

Singles:
1. Sookie Sookie (January 1968)
2. Born to be Wild (June 1968)
3. Magic Carpet Ride (November 1968)
4. Rock Me (April 1969)
5. It's Never Too Late (July 1969)
6. Move Over (November 1969)
7. Hey Lawdy Mama (February 1970)
8. Snowblind Friend (July 1970)
9. Who Needs Ya (November 1970)
10. Ride With Me (February 1971)

Other releases:
- Steppenwolf Live (1970)
- 16 Greatest Hits (1973)
- Rest in Peace (1982)
- Born to be Wild - A Retrospective (1991)
- The Best of Steppenwolf: 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection (2000)

Note: This list does not include any post-1976 or reissue releases.