Clover-Clover (1970)

Clover was an American country rock band with a respectable eleven-year career (1967-1978), who rose to fame towards the end of their run as Elvis Costello's backing band on his album "My Aim Is True" (1977). Originally from Mill Valley, California, the band moved within the San Francisco psychedelic scene of the late 1960s, sharing the burgeoning folk and country rock scene of the era with contemporaries like The Byrds, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Flying Burrito Brothers, and Crosby, Stills & Nash. Their lineup consisted of Alex Call (vocals and guitar), John McFee (guitar and pedal steel), John Ciambotti (bass), and Mitch Howie (drums). In 1970, under the Fantasy Records label, they recorded their debut album, which features a rich and varied repertoire of excellent tracks that blend pure country, rock, and blues. Among them, the standout track is Junior Walker & The All Stars' version of "Shotgun", performed here with a distinct Southern funk flavor. The bluesy country number "Southbound Train" adds a distinctive touch to the album's dusty feel, and following a similar path are the superb country-rock tracks "Stealin' ", "Going to the Country", and "No Vacancy". After a second album released a year later, "Fourty Niner", Clover moved to the UK, where they underwent several lineup changes, including the addition of drummer Micky Shine and singer Huey Louis. Following another excellent album produced by Robert "Mutt" Lange, titled "Unavailable" (1977), they collaborated with Elvis Costello and toured extensively throughout England, opening for Thin Lizzy, Graham Parker, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Some time later, and with the definitive end of Clover, some of its members went on to join other legendary groups such as Huey Lewis and The News (founded by Huey Louis), Southern Pacific, or The Doobie Brothers.