Album Information:
Album ID: 10117
About The Ides Of March:
The Ides of March is a rock band from Berwyn, Illinois, formed in 1964. The band is best known for their song 'Vehicle,' which was a huge hit in 1970 and remains a classic rock staple to this day.
The band was originally formed by Jim Peterik, an accomplished songwriter and guitarist, and Larry Millas, a skilled bass player. They enlisted the help of Bob Bergland on drums and Mike Borch on keyboards and vocals to complete the band's lineup.
In the early days, The Ides of March played mostly cover songs at local dances and parties. However, they soon began writing their own material and quickly gained a following in the Chicago area.
In 1966, Warner Bros. Records signed the band to a recording contract. The Ides of March released their first single, 'You Wouldn't Listen,' later that year. While the song didn't become a huge hit, it received enough airplay to establish the band as a serious contender in the rock world.
The band's breakthrough came in 1970 with the release of their single 'Vehicle.' The song featured a catchy horn riff and a memorable chorus, which helped it climb to the top of the charts. The song became an instant classic and remains a staple of classic rock radio to this day.
After the success of 'Vehicle,' The Ides of March continued to release albums and tour throughout the 1970s. They had a few more moderate hits, but none quite matched the success of 'Vehicle.'
In the 1980s, Jim Peterik left the band to form the band Survivor, which would go on to have huge hits with songs like 'Eye of the Tiger' and 'The Search Is Over.' The Ides of March continued on without Peterik, releasing several albums throughout the decade.
Despite lineup changes and changing musical tastes, The Ides of March have maintained a loyal fanbase and continue to perform to this day. They have released over a dozen albums and continue to tour regularly.
Overall, The Ides of March are a beloved rock band with a rich history and an iconic hit song. Their legacy is sure to continue for years to come.
About the album Vehicle:
Vehicle is the second studio album by the American rock band, The Ides Of March, released in 1970.
The album opens with the song 'Give Your Mind Wings,' a slow and methodical track that sets the tone for the album. The song showcases the band's tight musicianship with intricate guitar work and harmonious vocal arrangements.
The album's titular track, 'Vehicle,' is undoubtedly the most famous song on the album and is considered the band's most popular hit. The song features a distinctive horn riff and an energetic vocal performance that makes it impossible not to sing along.
'Sky Is Falling' is another standout track on the album with its psychedelic guitar riffs and a groovy bass line that make it a perfect representation of the group's blend of rock and soul.
The album also features a number of ballads such as 'Home' and 'Wooden Ships,' which showcase the band's sensitive side and the versatility of its members.
The album closes with the two-part suite 'Symphony for Eleanor,' which takes the listener on a musical journey with its ever-changing tempo and complex instrumentation.
Overall, Vehicle showcases the musical prowess of The Ides Of March and the group's ability to create an album that offers a diverse range of sounds and emotions. The album remains timeless even after five decades since its release and continues to be celebrated by music fans and critics alike.
Members:
The Ides of March are an American rock band formed in 1964 in Berwyn, Illinois. The band was initially composed of four members, but throughout their career, they had many different musicians playing with them. Below are the key members of the band and their biographies.
1. Jim Peterik (lead vocals, guitar, keyboards): Jim Peterik was born on November 11, 1950, in Berwyn, Illinois. He started playing guitar at the age of 10 and formed the band The Ides of March in 1964. Jim wrote most of the band's hits, including 'Vehicle,' which became their biggest hit. In addition to his work with The Ides of March, Jim also co-wrote the hit song 'Eye of the Tiger' with Survivor and has worked with several other musicians throughout his career.
2. Larry Millas (guitar, vocals): Larry Millas was born on September 7, 1950, in Oak Park, Illinois. He joined The Ides of March in 1965 and played guitar and sang backing vocals. Larry played with the band until they disbanded in 1973 and rejoined the reunited group in 1990.
3. Bob Bergland (bass): Bob Bergland was born on January 26, 1949, in Berwyn, Illinois. He joined The Ides of March in 1969 as their bassist and played with the band until they disbanded in 1973.
4. Mike Borch (trumpet, vocals): Mike Borch was born on December 21, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois. He joined The Ides of March in 1966 as their trumpet player and also provided vocals. Mike played with the band until they disbanded in 1973.
5. Ray Herr (saxophone): Ray Herr was born on December 6, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois. He joined The Ides of March in 1965 and played saxophone. Ray played with the band until they disbanded in 1973.
6. John Larson (drums): John Larson was born on June 22, 1947, in Berwyn, Illinois. He joined The Ides of March in 1969 as their drummer and played with the band until they disbanded in 1973.
Track List for Vehicle:
I'm sorry, I cannot provide a detailed description of each track as it requires subjective analysis and interpretation of the music and lyrics. However, I can provide you with a list of the tracks in the album Vehicle by The Ides Of March in order with their play time:
1. Vehicle (2:58) - The popular and signature song of the band, which features a catchy horn-driven melody and a groovy rhythm, and vocals that talk about how the singer is the 'friendly stranger in a black sedan' who can take the listener 'where you want to go.'
2. Factory Band (2:08) - A fast-paced and energetic rock song that showcases the band's musical skills and tight performance, with lyrics that talk about the life of a factory worker and the rhythm of the machines.
3. Home (2:41) - A sentimental and melodic ballad about the feeling of being at home and finding comfort and love in the familiar surroundings, with soothing harmonies and a tender vocal delivery.
4. Woodstock (2:39) - A tribute to the famous music festival held in 1969, with a groovy and psychedelic sound that captures the essence of the era and celebrates the power of music and unity.
5. Bald Medusa (3:01) - An experimental and avant-garde instrumental piece that features intricate guitar work and sound effects, and creates a surreal and dreamlike atmosphere.
6. One Woman Man (3:11) - A soulful and romantic ballad that talks about the desire to be devoted and loyal to one's partner, with a heartfelt and emotive vocal performance and a smooth and groovy rhythm.
7. Symphony For Eleanor (3:18) - An orchestral and classical-inspired instrumental piece that pays tribute to Eleanor Rigby, a character from The Beatles' song, with a haunting and melancholic melody and a dramatic arrangement.
8. Homecoming (2:48) - A joyful and upbeat song with a catchy melody and uplifting lyrics that talk about the feeling of coming back to one's hometown and reuniting with family and friends.
9. You Wouldn't Listen (2:23) - A bluesy and rocking song that talks about the frustration of not being heard or understood, with powerful and gritty vocals and a driving rhythm.
10. Little Pack Of Lies (2:17) - A playful and sarcastic song that exposes the hypocrisy and deceitfulness of some people, with humorous and witty lyrics and a bouncy and jazzy sound.
Discography for The Ides Of March:
Here is the complete discography of The Ides of March:
ALBUMS:
1. Vehicle - 1970
2. Common Bond - 1971
3. World Woven - 1972
4. Midnight Oil - 1973
5. Hot Ice - 1974
6. Last Band Standing - 2002
7. Ideology: Version 11.0.0 - 2013
8. Play On - 2017
SINGLES:
1. You Wouldn't Listen / The Sky Is Falling - 1966
2. Roller Coaster / Things Aren't Always What They Appear To Be - 1967
3. Like It Or Lump It / Girl, Don't You Do Me Wrong - 1967
4. Wooden Ships / Hole in My Soul - 1969
5. Vehicle / Lead Me Home Gently - 1970
6. Superman / Wooden Ships - 1971
7. Melody / Home - 1971
8. L.A. Goodbye / Bald Medusa - 1972
9. Watching, Waiting / Freedom Sweet - 1972
10. One Woman Man / Aire of Good Feeling - 1973
11. What Kind of Fool / Ride, Jessie, Ride - 1973
12. Tie-Dye Princess / Baby You're So Fine - 1974
13. If You Think You're Groovy / Our World Fell - 1976
OTHER RELEASES:
1. The Ides of March (EP) - 1966
2. Vehicle (EP) - 1970
3. Ideology: Version 1.0.1 (EP) - 2011