Rough Edge: Hobbit CD Reviews

HOBBIT

"Two Feet Tall" (Midwest Records; 2000)

Long before the "Lord of the Rings" film trilogy was even a glimmer in writer/director Peter Jackson's eyes, the series of novels by J.R.R. Tolkein was required reading by those who enjoyed fantasy and science fiction. In fact, back in the late 70s, early 80s, it was nearly impossible not to find somebody carrying one of the popular novels under their arm.

Now, with the film series a part of history, Midwest Records has released this CD, 'Two Feet Tall," recorded, in some cases, over twenty years ago by a band called "Hobbit," a very prevalent character from the books. The band began in 1977 when Paul "Turk Henry" and Gene Fields joined forces. The duo shared strong rock'n'roll influences as well as a fascination for the works of Tolkein. The result, after numerous line-up changes over the years, was "Two Feet Tall," a melodic rock album heavily inspired by Tolkein's lore.

Hobbit's music is solid, but not hard, rock'n'roll in the vein of very early Journey. Unfortunately, like some early Journey, a lot of Hobbit's music doesn't hold up to the test of time. In fact, some of it sounds a little like "early" Spinal Tap, and we know that band was doing it for laughs.

Still, fans of Tolkein and of easy-on-the-ears bands like Journey and REO Speedwagon might find this CD, only recently released due to legal reasons, entertaining.

HOBBIT: Paul "Turk" Henry - bass, vocals; Gene Fields - lead vocal, guitars; Richard Hill - lead guitar, keyboards; Keith Young - drums, vocals. Also performing on "Two Feet Tall" are Rusty Hunnicutt.

Hobbit can be contacted at paulsal@gower.net.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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