Relive 5 Tracks From Bachman-Turner Overdrive From The ’70s
Bachman-Turner Overdrive live in 1974 - NEA ZIXN / Youtube
Another product of Canadian talent is the rock outfit Bachman-Turner Overdrive. Over the course of the band’s career, their most successful lineup came with the roster of Randy Bachman (from The Guess Who) as frontman, Fred Turner on bass, Blair Thornton on lead guitars, and Robbie Bachman on drums. Powering through their earlier years, BTO was known for their riff-based sound based on blues and garage rock influence but slowly turned to a pop-infused direction as they progressed. With that, here are BTO’s best cuts from the 1970s.
“Takin’ Care Of Business” – Bachman-Turner Overdrive II (1973)
“Takin’ Care of Business” was a fitting way to close its album, complete with a really strong rhythm section driving it. Mainly dominated by a piano progression and some organic percussion (via claps) leading the song’s cadence, the track was completed with Bachman’s vocals in the mix.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4sI5DG5sjc
“Roll on Down the Highway” – Not Fragile (1974)
A look back on the band’s grittier rock-oriented sound, “Roll on Down the Highway” somewhat deviated from Not Fragile’s main mood. Nonetheless, this was BTO at peak creativity, and they owned the song up to a tee.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gi0Opxwyino
“Hey You” – Four Wheel Drive (1975)
If you love a good catchy song, “Hey You” might be up your alley. Filled with fuzzy riffs and an acoustic progression on top of bombastic drums, the song is outlaid with an addictive chorus that will have you singing for days.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7a5xzB6Puw
“Take It Like A Man” – Head On (1975)
Bluesy and bouncy and playful – that’s what “Take It Like A Man” is. Little Richard lends his piano skills in the track – which features just a fraction of its numerous instrumental flairs. Fred Turner and Randy Bachman share the spotlight on this one as they dish out indulgent licks to show off.
“You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet” – Not Fragile (1974)
Considered the best cut of the band’s best album, “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet” takes on a The Who-infused riff and sports Bachman’s impeccable vocal performance for a song that does what the band does best – rock out.
