Mike’s Tribute to J. Geils
The world of rock lost another member yesterday with the passing of John Warren Geils Jr., better known as the leader of the J. Geils Band. At the time of his death, he was 71 and died of natural causes in his home in Groton, Mass.
According to AllMusic.com, Geils formed the band while he was attending Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts. The band actually started out as the J. Geils Blues Band. After the band broke up in 1985, he turned to another one of his interests, the restoration and racing of automobiles. Even before the break-up, while he was performing during the height of their popularity in the early '80s, Geils was competing in several races a year. His Worcester Polytechnic Institute training as a mechanical engineer would come in handy in his auto restoration business.
Despite the break-up of the J. Geils Band, he still continued to join them for the occasional reunion tour. What amazes me about this group is their adaptability. In the '70s they were more of a blues/rock/jam session band, transitioning to a more pop/rock sound in the '80s and scoring their biggest hits.
As a tribute to J. Geils, here are just a few of my favorites by the J. Geils Band:
- 1
Give It To Me
From their fourth album, Bloodshot, this single cracked the Top 40, coming in at No. 30 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
- 2
Musta Got Lost
From their 1974 release, Nightmares... and Other Tales from the Vinyl Jungle, this track flirted with the Top 10 at No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100.
- 3
Whammer Jammer (Live)
Their first live album was "Live" Full House and featured this track.
- 4
(Ain't Nothin' But a) House Party
This live track comes from the second live album titled Blow Your Face Out, and was released in 1976
- 5
Hard Drivin' Man (Live)
Another track from their first live album showcasing that this was a band that truly shined in the spotlight.
- 6
Take It Back
From their 10th studio album, Sanctuary, this single charted at No. 67 on the Billboard Hot 100.
- 7
Come Back
From Love Stinks, this hit scored them a No. 32 position on the Hot 100.
- 8
Love Stinks
This single is the title track to their 1980 release. The album went to No. 18 on the Billboard 200 and No. 38 on the Hot 100.
- 9
Centerfold
How weird would it be to open up an adult magazine and see your high school crush as the centerfold? This single scored them a No. 1 hit on the Hot 100.
- 10
Freeze-Frame
The title track to their 1981 album made it to No. 4 on the Hot 100.
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