14 underrated but excellent 1970s bands worth listening to

The 1970s rock music landscape was more than just the well-known bands like Led Zeppelin and Queen. Beneath the shine of the stadium lights, a host of lesser-known yet brilliant bands flourished, pushing boundaries and creating music that still resonates today despite fading into obscurity.

These unsung heroes, like Comus with their chilling psych-folk, Gryphon with their medieval prog eccentricities, and Pavlov’s Dog with their operatic rock, might not have achieved lasting success, but their immense talent and unique visions are undeniable. Their downfall was often attributed to mismanagement, label issues, or being ahead of their time.

Pavlov’s Dog, for instance, faced a series of unfortunate events that prevented them from fully realizing their potential. Their debut album, Pampered Menial, was a brilliant blend of rock, classical, and folk music, but label changes and confusing reissues hindered their success. Despite this, the band continued to produce music, with a revamped lineup led by mainman David Surkanp.

Another noteworthy band, Poco, formed by Richie Furay after his time in Buffalo Springfield, brought a unique country rock sound that deserved more recognition. While they never achieved mainstream success, their albums, from Pickin’ Up the Pieces to Inamorata, showcase their musical prowess and are ripe for rediscovery.

Touch, the first band to perform at the inaugural Castle Donington Monsters of Rock festival, captivated audiences with their self-titled debut album, a lost prog/psychedelic gem. Meanwhile, Sir Lord Baltimore, often credited with laying the foundations of heavy metal with their debut Kingdom Come, are regrettably overlooked in metal history.

Trapeze, signed to the Moody Blues’ Threshold label, introduced the world to future Deep Purple powerhouse Glenn Hughes and their funk rock style. Y&T, originally Yesterday & Today, created stadium-sized rock on a club budget, with tracks like ‘Summertime Girls’ capturing their musical essence.

Lastly, Black Widow, one of the first theatrical occult rock bands, transformed from Pesky Gee! to release the brilliant Sacrifice album in 1970. Their jazz-prog-folk sound, with eerie Wicker Man vibes and hits like ‘Come to the Sabbat,’ sets them apart as a truly unique band deserving of a fresh listen.

Though these bands may have faded into obscurity, their music lives on as a testament to their talent and creativity, offering listeners a chance to discover hidden gems from the 1970s rock era. Embracing these lesser-known bands illuminates the diverse and rich musical landscape of the decade beyond the mainstream giants.