Their storied 1978 album produced by Chuck Plotkin (Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan) makes its “official” debut.
If we had to sum up our collective experiences during the recording of Cocaine Drain with one word, it would be “school.”—Bob Cowsill (from his liner notes)
The Cowsills’ story is now one of legend. From their beginnings as a pop-vocal group (and the inspiration for The Partridge Family), to their emergence as Alt-rock/Americana heroes, there’s always a surprise in there. The “Cocaine Drain” Album is no exception.
From their acclaimed 2022 release Rhythm Of The World, to the reissue of 1998’s Global in 2024, it has become obvious that the group is more than “The Rain, The Park, And Other Things.” And, how so much music was “lost” when it should have been in everyone’s ears all this time.
In 1978, the band began recording demos with Chuck Plotkin, after an introduction from Jackson Browne, and eventually moved into studios to record a full album. In addition to Bob Cowsill originals, the band recorded songs by John Hall (Orleans), future Grammy-winner Wendy Waldman, and “Buzz” Feiten. It was all going smoothly until Plotkin moved on to mix Bruce Springsteen’s Darkness On The Edge Of Town. Future multiple Grammy-winner Val Garay (Kim Carnes, James Taylor, The Motels) stepped in to sequence and master the recordings, yet, an expected major-label deal never materialized. The masters disappeared, and (another) great album languished in obscurity—save semi- and unofficial releases of the material.
Finally, The “Cocaine Drain” Album (“named” after Hall’s composition) sees a proper release. Garay’s original sequence sits next to five bonus recordings. Restored and remastered by multiple Grammy-winning engineer Michael Graves, the album feels as fresh and vital as it would have upon intended release. Liner notes from Bob Cowsill and Brett Milano outline the story of its almost fantastical creation, and what happened after the dust settled.
So, it isn’t a dream anymore. The “Cocaine Drain” Album by The Cowsills makes a triumphant return to the marketplace—even if it’s actually for the first time!
Cocaine Drain Give Me A Chance Thinking Of You Is Your Love Alive? I Will Always Gettin’ Ready Bitter Jest That Particular Way Part Of Me Dance In A Dream
You’ve Got A Way Couldn’t It Be Love The Next In Line Say You Love Me Fallen For You
