Sanford Townsend Band - The SanfordTownsend Band

guimendesthomaz

Review by Guilherme Mendes Thomaz guimendesthomaz

Album Review: The Sanford-Townsend Band – A Pop Rock Gem from 1976 Let’s talk about The Sanford-Townsend Band, a record that kinda flew under the radar but totally deserves your attention. Released in ‘76, this album is like a warm hug of pop rock goodness with just enough grit to keep it interesting. It came out in Taiwan, the US, and Japan, so yeah, these guys weren’t exactly playing small ball. Backed by labels like Warner Bros., they had some serious industry muscle behind them. First off, let me say the band's lineup reads like a who’s who of session legends. Barry Beckett on keys? Check. Roger Johnson shredding guitar? Oh yeah. And don’t even get me started on Ed Sanford and John Townsend trading vocals—it’s smooth as butter. Add in woodwinds (yes, woodwinds!) played by Otis Hale, and you’ve got a vibe that feels both retro and ahead of its time. Now, onto the tracks. There are ten songs here, and while I could ramble about all of them, two really stuck in my brain: “Smoke From A Distant Fire” and “Does It Have To Be You.” “Smoke From A Distant Fire” hits hard right away with those smoky keyboards and a groove that feels straight outta Memphis. It’s got this sultry, almost cinematic quality—like something you’d hear in a late-night diner scene in an old movie. The lyrics? Totally relatable if you’ve ever been hung up on someone who didn’t feel the same way. Plus, John Townsend’s lead vocal gives it this raw edge that makes it unforgettable. Then there’s “Does It Have To Be You,” which flips the mood completely. This one’s lighter, bouncier, and packed with harmonies so tight they could hold water. Billy Townsend and George Hawkins nail the backing vocals, giving it this lush, layered sound. It’s one of those songs where you find yourself humming along after just one listen. Honestly, it’s impossible not to smile when it comes on. Other standouts include “Squire James,” which has this quirky charm, and “Rainbows Colored In Blue,” a slower jam perfect for staring out the window during a rainy day. But honestly, the whole album flows well together—it doesn’t feel disjointed or messy at all. What surprises me most about The Sanford-Townsend Band is how fresh it still sounds today. Sure, it’s got that unmistakable ‘70s vibe, but the production (shoutout to Barry Beckett and Jerry Wexler!) keeps it crisp. Woodwinds might seem weird in a rock setting, but Otis Hale pulls it off without making it cheesy. Here’s the thing though—this isn’t some overhyped classic-rock staple. It’s more like that underrated buddy who always shows up with great stories but never brags about it. Listening to this album feels like discovering a hidden treasure chest full of gems no one told you about. So go ahead, give it a spin. Maybe grab a beer or pour yourself a cup of coffee while you do. Just don’t blame me if “Smoke From A Distant Fire” gets stuck in your head for days. Oh, and hey—if you’re reading this Ed Sanford or John Townsend, thanks for the music. Y’all nailed it.

Download Sanford Townsend Band - The SanfordTownsend Band
Artist: Sanford Townsend Band
Album: The SanfordTownsend Band
Rating: 3.33

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: sanford-townsend-band-the-sanfordtownsend-band.zip
  • MP3 size: 77 mb
  • FLAC size: 556 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
Moolah Moo Mazuma (Sin City Wahh-oo)3:57
Smoke From A Distant Fire3:30
Squire James4:39
Does It Have To Be You3:12
Shake It To The Right4:10
Rainbows Colored In Blue4:52
Lou3:27
Oriental Gate (No Chance Changin' My Mind)3:19
Sunshine In My Heart Again2:42
In For The Night3:50

Video

Sanford Townsend Band - Smoke From a Distant Fire
Sanford - Townsend Band - Shake It To The Right

Images

descargar álbum Sanford Townsend Band - The SanfordTownsend Band
last ned album Sanford Townsend Band - The SanfordTownsend Band
ladda ner album Sanford Townsend Band - The SanfordTownsend Band
lataa albumi Sanford Townsend Band - The SanfordTownsend Band
Album herunterladen Sanford Townsend Band - The SanfordTownsend Band
télécharger l'album Sanford Townsend Band - The SanfordTownsend Band

Catalog Numbers

  • WB M5 2966
  • P-10416W
  • BS 2966
  • MHK 7176

Labels

  • Warner Bros. Records
  • Pop

Listen online

  • ascolta in linea
  • escuchar en línea
  • kuunnella verkossa
  • online anhören
  • lytte på nettet
  • ouvir online
  • online luisteren
  • écouter en ligne
  • lyssna på nätet

Formats

  • Cassette
  • Album
  • Stereo
  • Vinyl
  • LP

Companies

RoleCompany
Record CompanyWarner Bros. Records Inc.
Phonographic Copyright (p)Warner Bros. Records Inc.
Copyright (c)Warner Bros. Records Inc.
Pressed ByCapitol Records Pressing Plant, Los Angeles

Credits

RoleCredit
Backing VocalsBilly Townsend, George Hawkins
BassJerry Rightmer
DrumsJim Varley
GuitarRoger Johnson
WoodwindOtis Hale
KeyboardsBarry Beckett
VocalsEd Sanford
Lead VocalsJohn Townsend
Mastered ByJR
PercussionTom Roady
ProducerBarry Beckett, Jerry Wexler

Notes

Original 1976 album that produced the hit "Smoke from a Distant Fire"

Barcodes

  • Label Code: M5 2966
  • Matrix / Runout (Runout Side A, Etched): BS-1-2966-RE1-LW1 JR
  • Matrix / Runout (Runout Side B, Etched): BS-2-2966-RE1-LW1 JR
  • Matrix / Runout (Runout, Both Sides, Stamped): 1 ✲

About Sanford Townsend Band

The Sanford-Townsend Band was an American rock band from Alabama. Note: not to be confused with the duo

Name Vars

  • Sanford And Townsend
  • Sanford Townsend Band
  • Sanford Townsend Orch
  • Sanford-Townsend Band
  • Sanford/Townsend Band
  • The Sanford Townsend Band
  • The Sanford/Townsend Band

Members

  • John Townsend
  • Ed Sanford
  • Jim Varley
  • Roger Johnson
  • Otis Hale
  • Jerry Rightmer

Interesting fact about Album

Here’s a fun fact: The Sanford-Townsend Band's 1976 album, *The Sanford-Townsend Band*, features the hit track "Smoke From A Distant Fire," which became their biggest success. What’s cool is that the song was co-written by John Townsend and Ed Sanford, who drew inspiration from real-life emotions and experiences. The track blended smooth pop-rock vibes with relatable lyrics, making it a staple on radio playlists for years. Even more interesting? The album saw releases in multiple countries like Taiwan, the US, and Japan, showing just how far their music reached back in the day.

Comments

yletevol
2025-03-15
THIS SONG IS ONE OF THE BEST 70s
alahlbayt
2025-03-14
I was 14 1/2 when I heard this song!
prpaulocardoso
2025-03-14
Sitting in a club in downtown Boston. 1978. Woman I was seeing played this on the jukebox, came back and sat down, looked at me. She was right. The other one's name was Ellie. Miss you, Joanna.
hanlegia08
2025-03-13
"Don't let the screen door hit you - ON YOUR WAY OUUUT!" ? love that line
mesbahismail
2025-03-13
Remember this song in grade ??
ahmedtehemar
2025-03-12
Great song/lyrics!
prasdikaisn27
2025-03-12
I vividly remember hearing this the first time as a teenager and the memories it brings to mind now are precious moments!
r01z
2025-03-11
"Don't let the screen door hit you" LOL?
bartcrum
2025-03-11
I thought this was van Morrison!
waqarzaffar
2025-03-10
Thank You so much for the great music from my childhood???
divyadoo
2025-03-09
This was my Mother's favorite song on the planet. May she rest peacefully. I'm crying like a silly girl right now.
melonsandhazelnuts
2025-03-09
Oh so brilliant, takes me back to my misspent youth, when my life was in order,
Seen this played in a dulling piano bar. People liked it!
rosbertdf
2025-03-08
Love it
junglejam
2025-03-07
2:16
nathank120
2025-03-06
2:09
y02h1m1t2u
2025-03-06
I sit and listen if I make it to the destination before it is over.