The ‘Cocaine Drain’ Album
Omnivore, 2025
10/10
Listen to The ‘Cocaine Drain’ Album
Although these tracks were recorded in 1978, the masters ended up disappearing, as did a major label deal for The Cowsills, and they’ve remained in obscurity until now.
The title track starts with Susan Cowsill’s stunning voice that guides the psychedelic fueled ideas that recruits soulful backing vocals, and “Give Me A Chance” follows with John Cowsill’s thumping drums and Bob Cowsill’s radiant guitar amid some grit and expressive harmonies.
Further along, “I Will Always” benefits from Paul Cowsill’s playful bass alongside Billy Payne’s dreamy keys, while “Gettin’ Ready” is full of breezy melodies and a sunny disposition that invites singing along.
“Part Of Me” and “Dance In A Dream” exits this portion. The former enlists Buzz Feiten’s meticulous guitar that suits Susan’s heartfelt pipes, and the latter is a scrappy retro rocker that makes great use of buzzing keys and the punchy rhythm section.
Of the 5 bonus tunes, “Couldn’t It Be Love?” swirls with an infectious, nostalgic energy that’s raw and tuneful, and “Say You Love Me” is a sweet, anthemic pop-rocker that lingers long after the music stops.
The Cowsills would of course reach legendary status, going from a pop-rock vocal group to pioneers in the area of alt-rock/Americana. These tracks are restored and remastered by multiple Grammy-winning engineer Michael Graves, and he gives the album a vibrant and urgent appeal that sure sounds great all these decades later.
Travels well with: The Cowsills- Global; The Cowsills- Rhythm Of The World