Song:Centerfold
Album:Best Of
The J. Geils Band started out as blues rockers in the late 60s. They were a very popular live draw in the 70s. But the one thing missing was a big hit single. A record company switch and the addition of synthesizers made Centerfold a #1 hit in 1982. But conflict in the band split them up by 1985. They started out in Boston in the mid-60s as an acoustic blues trio with John Geils on vocals and guitar, Danny Klein on bass and Magic Dick (real name Richard Salwitz) on harmonica. They played Boston clubs as Snoopy and the Sopwith Camels while Geils went to school. Then they brought in singer Peter Wolf (real name Peter Blankenfeld) and drummer Stephen Jo Bladd. They were now The J. Geils Blues Band. Organist Seth Justman joined a year later. They signed with Atlantic records in 1970. Justman and Wolf wrote most of the songs. Though the band was a strong concert draw and their Atlantic albums sold well, they weren't able to score a hit single. So they switched from Atlantic to EMI America for the 1980 album Love Stinks. This marked a change in the band's music with Justman adding synthesizers as a nod to New Wave. The single Love Stinks reached the top 40. The 1981 album Freeze Frame did even better when the single Centerfold topped the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1982. But with Justman taking more control over the production and songwriting, this caused friction between Justman and Wolf. Wolf left to go solo in 1983. Justman took over as lead singer for the 1984 album You're Gettin' Even While I'm Gettin' Odd. But the album was unsuccessful and the J. Geils Band split up in 1985. This comp has hits from Atlantic and EMI. Wolf released his debut solo album in 1984. It did OK but his music has not sold well since then. Justman went into record production. He produced Debbie Harry's 1986 album Rockbird including the hit single French Kissin' In The USA. Geils opened a car restoration shop in Boston. Magic Dick plays a lot of blues cruises. The J. Geils Band reunited for a 1999 tour. They still tour. It's the original band except they hire a drummer for touring. But they haven't recorded. So now they are a nostalgia act. Here's the video for Centerfold by The J. Geils Band.
Loved that video when I was younger. Still like to watch it for the scantily clad women in that video. Fun song, fun, party type of Rock group.
ReplyDeleteWhile I am on this subject, I liked the song, "Love Stinks". That was a good one as well. Good times.
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