La Seine - Like The River

You've Let Me Down
Come To The Island
I'm Down
It's A Pirate's Life
You Turn Me Around
Dance (Like You Do At Home)
Union Strong Arm Men
Tango All Night
Let Us Grow
I Want To Believe In You
1976

Tom Seufert: Vocals, Guitars
Don Whaley: Bass
Steve Hague: Keyboards, Synthesizers
Tris Imboden: Drums
Mark & Laura Creamer: Background Vocals

An American band naming themselves after the famous French river probably seemed like a good idea at the time; although several Disco bands of the day were using Francophone influenced monikers to appear continental and trendy so maybe this album became lost in the silk and satin mirror ball hustle? Thankfully, a glance at the back cover is telling that La Seine were not part of the dance music scene but very much looked like the a-typical mid-70's rock band and a good one at that, yet 'Like The River' didn't do very well sales wise and to this day, 30 years later I still come across sealed copies in local second hand music shops.

The Songs
Very much a product of it's time, 'Like The River' tip toes through influences ranging from Orleans on 'Come to the Island' and 'Tango all Night' to Doobie Brothers boogie rock with 'You Turn Me Around' and 'Union Strong Arm Men'. For those of you old enough to remember, Jo Jo Gunne and the long forgotten Stankey Brown Group are good reference points as well, and in turn giving your average rock listener in 1976 everything they would want, but falls short in a year that delivered classic albums from Kansas, Angel, Starcastle and Boston.

In Summary
It seems La Seine was a stepping stone for a few of its members. Vocalist Tom Seufert's name can be found on the second Gale Force album and in the years since has had a stellar music career working with the cream of the crop in 'the biz', while drummer Tris Imboden spent time with Kenny Loggins, Al Jarreau, Thunder (USA) and more recently has been heard pounding the skins for Chicago. Overall, 'Like The River' isn't the greatest record you will hear and I imagine a few of you will find this quite 'dated' but it does has a certain charm all it's own. Not essential, but worth picking up for a few dollars.