Genre: rock
Rating: 4 stars ****
Title:  Hot Dog
Company: Guinness
Catalog: GNS 36082
Year: 1977
Country/State: Memphis, Tennessee
Grade (cover/record): NM / NM
Comments: still in shrink wrap (unopened)
Available: 1
Catalog ID: 5753
Price: $275.00

In 1977 the infamous New York-based tax scam Guinness label released "Hot Dog". In typical fashion, Guinness didn't bother to do much research on the band, erroneously crediting the album to Hot Dog, rather than The Hot Dogs. The company also managed to get Bill Rennie's name wrong - he was shown as Bill Ronnie (I've shown the right spelling in the songwriting credits). Apparently pulled from outtakes from the first album and sessions for a planned sophomore album, the collection was released without the band's knowledge, or involvement. As you'd expect from a tax scam release, there was precious little information to be found on the LP - no production information, nothing about when, or where it was recorded. Elsewhere, whereas the first set had a distinctive power-pop feel, this time out tracks like 'You Can't Live' and 'One Night Stand' were more rock oriented, occasionally even recalling label mates Big Star. Part of the explanation for the modified sound may have been due to the fact singer/guitarist Jack Holder who had been a backing musician on the debut album, was prominently featured on these selections, responsible for writing, or co-writing six of the eight tracks.  

- Holder's 'Freedom' was the most straightforward commercial track on the album. A driving rocker with an instantly likeable hook. this one would have sounded great on mid-1970s radio. Anyone who liked Big Star, or The Raspberries (when they rocked) would find it very appealing.
- Propelled by Reding's organ, 'You Can't Live' recalled a good Uriah Heep composition - yes such a thing exists. Nice rocker.
- The lone Ronnie composition, 'Woman ' was a pretty, but forgettable ballad.
- The lone Reding composition, 'One Night Stand' started out as a bluesy ballad. The growling vocals were a bit rough, but enjoyable and the song found a great groove about halfway through turning into a much more attractive performance. Very nice.
- Complete with blazing twin lead guitars, 'Jimmy Dean' was a near perfect slice of Southern rock. How did radio miss this one?  
- This is going to sound kind of weird, but for some reason 'Puttin It Back Together Again' has always reminded me of a James Gang track. By the way, that was meant as a compliment. The lead vocal had the same 'choking-on-bile' edge that Joe Walsh sang with and the song itself had the same heavy, sludgy feel that characterized the best James Gang compositions. Great track.
- Like the title, 'Rock and Roll' was a pleasant, but rather conventional and quickly forgotten rocker. The highlight was the short, but tasty guitar solo.
- The group composed 'Ain't It the Truth' found them returning to a Southern rock stance (complete with cowbell). Curiously every time I hear the chorus I swear they're singing 'ain't that the 'tude' ...  

Certainly not a particularly original, or creative release, but fun and enjoyable throughout. And while I like the first album quite a lot, the nod would go to this one. By the way if you were wondering about the price, know that this is one of the rarest albums in the Guinness catalog. Good luck finding another copy. It's also on my list of top-five tax scam releases.

"Hot Dog" track listing:
(side 1)
1.) Freedom (Jack Holder) - 3:12
2.) You Can't Live (Jack Holder) - 3:15
3.) Woman (Bill Ronnie) - 2:48
4.) One Night Stand (Greg Reding) - 6:31

(side 2)
1.) Jimmy Dean (Jack Holder - Fred Prouty - Greg Reding - Bill Rennie) - 2:17
2.) Puttin' It Back Together Again (Jack Holder - Fred Prouty - Greg Reding - 4:49
3.) Rock and Roll (Jack Holder) - 3:28
4.) Ain't It the Truth (Jack Holder - Fred Prouty - Greg Reding - Bill Rennie) - 3:57