Top 10 Stoneground Songs

Feature Photo: almgren / Shutterstock

Stoneground formed in Concord, California, in 1970, beginning as a power trio with guitarist Tim Barnes, bassist Craig Randall, and drummer Mike Mau. Manager and radio figure Tom Donahue soon expanded the group by bringing in former Beau Brummels singer Sal Valentino, guitarist and bassist John Blakeley, and a group of female vocalists that included Annie Sampson, Lynne Hughes, Lydia Phillips, and Deirdre LaPorte. That unusually large lineup gave Stoneground a sound built around rock, blues, folk, gospel, and a rotating cast of lead voices.

The band became closely associated with the Medicine Ball Caravan and released its self-titled debut in 1971, followed by the double LP Family Album later that year and Stoneground 3 in 1972. Cory Lerios and Steve Price joined during the early 1970s before later leaving to help form Pablo Cruise. Stoneground continued through multiple lineup changes, but the early records remain a great snapshot of the Bay Area’s communal rock culture. Here are ten of our favorite Stoneground songs.

# 10 – Dancin’

This is a great track to introduce the music of Stoneground to anyone who has never heard the band. “Dancin'” opened Stoneground 3 in 1972, the group’s third studio album and one of the final records from Stoneground’s early large-ensemble period. It comes charging out of the gate and immediately shows how much energy this band could generate.

# 9 – Total Destruction to Your Mind

Now, that’s what you call a rock and roll title. Stoneground included “Total Destruction to Your Mind,” written by Jerry Williams Jr., better known as Swamp Dogg, on the double LP Family Album. I love the photograph on the album cover because it perfectly captures early 1970s rock and roll culture, and this stunning, grooving tune does the same thing musically. This one will not destroy your mind, but it will totally blow it away. The band really jams on this track, and yes, there is even a drum solo.

# 8 – Prove It

“Prove It” appeared on Stoneground’s 1978 album Hearts of Stone, which marked the band’s return to Warner Bros. after the independently released Flat Out. Produced by Bob Gaudio and recorded at the Record Plant in Sausalito, “Prove It” was released as the album’s lead single. The later Stoneground lineup gave the song a more polished sound while still keeping the band’s roots-rock identity intact.

# 7 – Added Attraction (Come And See Me)

Once you get past the announcer in the video below, the musical performance is a great presentation of what Stoneground was all about. “Added Attraction (Come And See Me),” written by Sal Valentino, appeared on the band’s self-titled 1971 debut album. Don’t miss this one. Take a few minutes and watch it.

# 6 – Down to the Bottom

Released on the band’s third studio album, Stoneground 3, “Down to the Bottom” is a lot of fun. I especially love the backing vocals on this track. That mix of voices was always one of Stoneground’s biggest strengths.

# 5 – Looking For You

Simply smoking stuff from the band’s 1971 debut album. “Looking For You,” written by Sal Valentino, opened the record and immediately showed how much personality Stoneground had. Listen to that guitar work at the song’s start. The song lands a little differently from what you’re expecting, but it eventually takes off again.

# 4 – You Must Be One of Us

“You Must Be One of Us” appeared on Stoneground’s 1971 double LP Family Album. Written by Ron Nagle, the song became one of the album’s standout tracks and was also released as a single. The large Stoneground lineup and stacked vocal sound give it exactly the kind of communal energy that made this band so unusual.

# 3 – Passion Flower

Just listen to the great blues piano opening on this killer track. “Passion Flower,” written by Lynne Hughes, appeared on Family Album. Hughes’ vocal performance takes the song to another level and makes this one of the strongest showcases for Stoneground’s multi-vocalist approach.

# 2 – Queen Sweet Dreams

“Queen Sweet Dreams” is another standout from Stoneground’s Family Album. Written by Sal Valentino, the song was also released as a single in 1971. It is one of those tracks that captures Stoneground’s ability to move between roots rock, soul, blues, and the looser Bay Area sound without ever feeling forced.

# 1 – Colonel Chicken Fry

“Colonel Chicken Fry” appeared on Stoneground’s self-titled debut album in 1971. Written by Sal Valentino, it is exactly the kind of odd, energetic, personality-filled track that made this band so much fun. For our money, it is the perfect song to sit at the top of this Stoneground list.