Bachman–Turner Overdrive is the self-titled debut studio album by Canadian rock band Bachman–Turner Overdrive, released in 1973. It was originally to be titled Brave Belt III, following the Brave Belt II album, made by the previous line-up of the group, called Brave Belt.
The album did not produce a true hit single ("Blue Collar" reached No. 68 on the U.S. Billboard charts and No. 21 in Canada), but it was certified "Gold" by the RIAA in October 1974, largely pulled up by strong sales of Bachman–Turner Overdrive II, which had gone Gold five months earlier. "Gimme Your Money Please" and "Little Gandy Dancer" were released as a double A-side single in Canada only. After the release of Bachman–Turner Overdrive II, this first album was often referred to as "BTO 1".
Contents
Critical reception
Record World described "Gimme Your Money Please" as "a hard hitting rocker."
Something Else Reviews said that "Blue Collar" "flirts with something seemingly not in the Bachman-Turner Overdrive wheelhouse: Jazz. The key here is the guitar solo. It's all Bachman. Randy gets a million points for style on this one."
Track listing
All lead vocals by Fred Turner, except where indicated.
*Album liner notes credited the songwriting of "Down and Out Man" to Tim Bachman and R.B. Charles. The latter name was later revealed to be a rearrangement of Randolph Charles Bachman (Randy).
Personnel
C.F. Turner – vocals, bass guitar
Randy Bachman – lead guitar, vocals
Tim Bachman – rhythm guitar, vocals
Robbie Bachman – drums, percussion
with
Barry Keane – congas on "Blue Collar"
Will MacCalder – piano
Garry Peterson – drums, percussion, backing vocals
Production
Producers: Bachman–Turner Overdrive, Randy Bachman
Engineers: Dave Slagter, Mark Smith
Mastering: Tom "Curly" Ruff
Technician: Allan Moy
Design: Robbie Bachman
Art direction: Jim Ladwig
Photography: Ed Caraeff
Booklet design: Joe Kotleba
Cover sculpture: Parviz Sadighian
Photography: Tom Zamiar