Album review: MOONRIDER (50th Anniversary Edition)

Think Like A Key Music [Release date 12.12.25]

Those of a certain age will remember Keith West for his Top Ten hit “Excerpt From A Teenage Opera” and the tale of “Grocer Jack” aided by a posse of children, a staple in the Radio 1 playlists in late summer 1967. West started out in the psychedelic pop rock band Tomorrow who also had future Yes guitarist Steve Howe in their ranks.

Nothing much was heard again of West until he surfaced with a solo album in 1971, only released in Germany, and then teamed up with one-time Animals (and Family) guitarist John Weider. They formed Moonrider and their only album was released in 1975. On bass was Bruce Thomas later with Elvis Costello.

Signed to Anchor (who also had Paul Carrack’s Ace and Cado Belle in their stable) there was high expectation for the band. Steely Dan producer Gary Katz was lined up but this didn’t materialise although Katz might have teased out more of a Steely Dan feel as evidenced on ‘Too Early In The Morning’. When the band rocked out – as on ‘Golddigger’ and on the very Neil Young-ish ‘Danger In The Night’ – they were more convincing.

This limited edition complete with an obi strip (!) brings together the original album, a non-album single, and previously unreleased BBC recordings – all from 1975 and all songs taken from the original album.

The music is suitably laid back, West Coast in feel, and influenced by the likes of Crosby Stills Nash & Young as well as the Eagles. All very well played but ultimately not really going anywhere and there were others who did it better, even on this side of the pond. Bands like Help Yourself, Brinsley Schwarz and Eggs Over Easy (American but resident for a time in the UK).

A nice package but for completists only. ***1/2

Review by David Randall

Album review (John Weider, reissue 2025)

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Power Plays w/c 1 December 2025

We feature all the artists selected in this sequence in 2025.

Featured Albums w/c 1 December 2025

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