There was a time in the 70s, I think, when Bruce and Southside Johnny ruled. Maybe it was the early 80s. But around that time a band from Pittsburgh called the Iron City Houserockers emerged.

They were a real rock band with original songs, rock critics went crazy for them because of the blue collar origins and soul sound, but anyone who bought their albums (or singles, I guess) realized they were poor imitations.

I bought the second album, and I’m not proud, but what prompted this post was that I came upon a Sandanista! tribute album, on which the Houserockers cover Magnificent Seven. That says everything. (Not terrible, but not that useful either.)