Pacific, Gas and Electric

PACIFIC, GAS AND ELECTRIC
 
 
Pacific Gas & Electric  was an American blues rock band in the late 1960s and early 1970s, led by singer Charlie Allen.  Their biggest hit was the gospel-tinged “Are You Ready?” in 1970.  (More from Wikipedia)
 
 

Are You Ready?” by Pacific, Gas and Electric is a long-time favorite of mine that is more of a straight rock song; it is sort of an analogue to People Get Ready” by the Impressions.  The band was formed in Los Angeles in 1967 with a line-up that included lead guitarist Glenn Schwartz, who was previously in the James Gang; his replacement in that band was future superstar Joe Walsh

 

Their biggest hit song was Are You Ready?, the title track on their third album, Are You Ready?, which came out in 1970 and reached #14 on the Billboard Hot 100.  This might be the first mention of the prophesied Second Coming of Jesus in popular music:  “People say that He won’t come / And I don’t know, what say you / But if He should, would you be the one? / I’ve got a little question I’d like to ask you / (chorus) Are you ready to sit by His throne? / Are you ready not to be alone? / Someone’s coming to take you home / And if you’re ready, then He’ll carry you home.”  The band had a second song crack the Top 100 in 1972, “Thank God for You, Baby”.  

 

(July 2014)

 

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A review of the Human Zoo album by It’s Psychedelic Baby has this glowing tribute:  “Parked in a musical zone owing a nudge and a wink to Vanilla FudgeJimi Hendrix, and Iron Butterfly, the Human Zoo perused and embodied the acid rock sounds of the day with insight and intent.  Bold and booming guitars interact with crunchy keyboards and potent drum fills, while the soul-informed vocals and harmonies occasionally echo those of the heavier side of Crazy Elephant or Pacific, Gas and Electric.” 

 

(July 2015)

 

Last edited: March 22, 2021