Fifty years ago, a band came out of Weirton, West Virginia (where?!?!?!?!) with an album that was an instant classic. Crack the Sky’s self-titled debut mixed rock, funk, prog, and art in a unique and appealing fashion. Rolling Stone liked it so much that the magazine proclaimed the record the Top Debut of 1975 (and one of the best albums of the year). CTS seemed destined for big things.
Except their record company botched distribution. The record didn’t get to most markets. It made it to places like Baltimore and Pittsburgh, where, to this day, CTS is a huge draw. But all the dreams of world success and acclaim went down the drain…fast.
But if you listen to that first album, it stands the test of time. The songs are outstanding, matched only by the musicianship. The production is first-rate. This is an album that deserved much more than it got.
Jump ahead to today. Crack the Sky decided to make some amends as well as celebrate its history by releasing a live performance of that first album. Crack the Sky Live 2025 is more than a tribute; it’s a cracking great album that shows what this group can do in a live setting, even 50 years after its inception.
Now let’s get one thing out of the way. The Crack the Sky of 2025 is basically the same band that recorded the first album in 1975. Four of the five original musicians — vocalist John Palumbo, bassist Joe Macre, drummer Joey D’Amico, and guitarist Rick Witkowski — are on Live 2025. Guitarist Bobby Hird has been with the group since 1981; keyboardist Bill Hubauer (Neal Morse Band) is the new kid on the block, joining just last year. That should end any questions or arguments about whether CTS is just a cover band at this point.
It also means these guys know one another, musically and otherwise. They were wonderful musicians back in the day; they still are, a facile and tight unit that makes things seem spontaneous (the art of a great band). And as someone who saw them back in the ‘70s, I can say this: they’re just as good, if not better than what they were back in the day. The live album is proof of that.
It starts off with the double barrels of “Hold On” and “Surf City”, two art rockers with a punch to them. The twin guitars of Hird and Witkowski lead the way in the herky-jerky rhythms, which are kept in check by the bass of Macre and the drums of D’Amico (who are both underrated, frankly — these are two of the best in the biz).
“Sea Epic” is a bit of opera about a shipwreck in which the narrator prays that certain members of the crew be spared. God responds and basically tells him to shut up, that He’ll save whoever He feels like saving. In the end, the narrator and the cook are the ones who make it out alive. Palumbo’s use of words is clever, as always, and even a bit thought-provoking. And the music — also from Palumbo — just adds to the story.
“She’s a Dancer” fits in with the sound of the first two songs, a rocker that has art intention. And the words offer something akin to The Kinks’ “Lola” (a gender-bender story, indeed). The twist on this one is that the music suddenly kicks into funk, featuring some great sax work by Hubauer (yes, the man can pretty much play any instrument). This is a toe-tapper that also invites the listener to do some air performance — guitar, bass, drums, keys, or even the sax. “She’s a Dancer” is one of the highlights of the album.
It’s followed by the ballad “Robots for Ronnie”. There’s a sadness to this one — in a weird way — as the narrator talks about their kid who has no friends. So maybe they should get him a robot companion (“A boy or a girl. Maybe an aluminum cat”). Hubauer’s solo keyboards get things going before Palumbo comes in on vocals. It then goes into a music hall break before going into a more straightforward ballad.
“Ice” is the showstopper, and it has been that for 50 years. This is an operatic epic that tests Palumbo’s vocals (which are up to the challenge). The twin guitar attack of Hird and Witkowksi keep things moving. Hubauer has some key solos that add to the overall feeling. But perhaps the star of the song is bassist Macre, whose work is just stellar, with fills and leads that are outstandingly appropriate. The words bespeak someone who is facing a difficult time and hope that someone special will ride the ice storm out with them (“Will you stand by me against the cold night—or are you afraid of the ice?”).
“Mind Baby” goes back to rock with a tinge of funk and art. It’s a bit herky-jerky in a very good way. The vocal harmonies are stellar, backing up Palumbo’s plaintive singing. The instrumental break toward the end shows a band that knows what it is and what it can do, and indicates a comfort among the players.
“I Don’t Have a Tie” is the next-to-last cut. It’s a natural coming out of “Mind Baby”, with reflective and complementing rhythms accompanying catchy musical lines. This is art rock with, again, a bit of funk tossed in.
“Sleep” rounds things out. The narrator likes to slumber, often, because then he can live out his dreams that don’t materialize during the waking period (“I can be anything in my dreams”). It features acoustic guitar setting a foundation for Palumbo’s singing. There is a dreamy aspect to this one, yet the music pulls the listener in to be part of the fantasy.
If you missed Crack the Sky (the album and band) 50 years ago, do yourself a favor. Pick up the original album — and also get the new, live one. They’re not exactly the same (the solos and flourishes in 2025 just add to what was done in 1975). Hopefully, this one will get the distribution that the original failed to get — for it is deserving and then some. This is one of the best albums of the year, hands down. No surprise there; it’s been 50 years in the making.
Release Date: June 20th, 2025
Record Label: Adobo Records
Genre: Progressive Rock
Musicians:
- John Palumbo/ Guitars, lead vocals
- Joe Macre / Bass
- Rick Witkowski / Guitars, vocals
- Joey D’Amico / Drums
- Bobby Hird / Guitars, vocals
- Bill Hubauer / Keyboards, sax, vocals
Crack the Sky Live 2025 Track-list:
- Hold On
- Surf City
- Sea Epic
- She’s a Dancer
- Robots for Ronnie
- Ice
- Mind Baby
- I Don’t Have a Tie
- Sleep
Listen to Crack the Sky Live 2025 here
This live album shows a band that’s still at the top of its form. Four of the original members — along with two “newbies” — perform their classic first record with energy, verve and lots of fun, painting aural pictures that do a great job of accompanying clever and thoughtful lyrics. For those who missed the Crack the Sky album 50 years ago, this is a great place to immerse yourself in one of the best American Prog outfits, bar none
- Songwriting
- Musicianship
- Originality
- Production
