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Album Details

• Artist: Cactus
• Album: Cactology
• Label: Rhino
• Year of Release: 1996
• ME Rating: Indie Classic
• Reviewed by: dscanland on 2006-07-11

The story behind Cactus goes something to the effect of Tim Bogart and Carmine Appice (both formerly of Vanilla Fudge) were supposed to join up with Jeff Beck and Rod Stewart but it was right around this time where Jeff got himself into a bike accident. Rod Stewart elected to head back to the Faces while Bogart and Appice decided to find another project and Cactus was born. And while Cactus never really got to headlining status they were (and still are) considered an impressive boogie rock band. If you are after a crash course (really, all that is necessary with this band) then Cactology: The Cactus Collection from Rhino is more than enough. The compilation kicks off with Cactus' heavy rendition of "Evil" (Howlin Wolf) and then gets going full boogie ahead with "You Can't Judge A Book By The Cover" (Willie Dixon). I do have to say that it's these two covers that get my vote for the best tracks on the 16 track compilation. There are plenty of rock hard originals that get you rocking such as "Let Me Swim". One listen to Cactology you can hear what a powerhouse this band was. "Rumblin' Man" should be referred to as the loudest pre-metal song ever. What the band may have lacked in hooks they made up for sheer intensity. This compilation goes great in any classic rock collection or just an archival rock collection.

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