Daryl Hohl (that’s his real name) and John Oates both came from
Philadelphia where they started together as a duo under the funny chosen
band name of Whole Oats. They already knew each other since 1967 when
they met at Temple University where they studied. Oates also began
playing occasional sessions with Hall’s rock band, Gulliver. Then they
decided to become a duo group.
Whole Oats - Goodnight and Good Morning single
Their debut single “Goodnight And
Goodmorning” was released under that name but when their first album
came out they changed their band name to Daryl Hall and John Oates in
1972. But they decided to title the album after their old band name. The
album already shows their blue-eyed soul but mainly focuses on folk
music. The album was produced by Arif Mardin who also produced their
second album. The album holds for me one of their best songs ever titled
“Waterwheel”. The second album “Abandoned Luncheonette” released in
1973 featured their best known song from this era “She’s Gone” and had
more of their famous blue-eyed soul.
She's Gone - Single
The album is the best sold from
this period but mainly years later after it was released. The album cover displayed the
Rosedale Diner which was located in Pottstown, Pennsylvania and went out
of business and dumped somewhere in the woods. “Las Vegas Turnaround
(The Stewardess Song)” was written by John inspired by Hall’s girfriend
Sara Allen who later became songwriter for many of their hits. On their
first 2 albums they sound a bit like a Simon and Garfunkel. Then they
released an album produced by Todd Rundgren which was very experimental
and alienated their fans. They seem to have lost their direction and
desperately trying to find a new sound. I have to admit I’m not fan of
that album either. However it was their first album to reach the charts
in the USA.
Highlights: I’m Sorry / Fall in Philadelphia / Waterwheel / She’s Gone /
Abandoned Luncheonette / Lady Rain / Can’t Stop The Music
Whole Oats - Album cover
Whole Oats I’m
Sorry / All Our Love / Georgie / Fall In Philadelphia / Waterwheel /
Lazyman / Goodnight And Goodmorning / They Needed Each Other / Southeast
City Window / Thank You For… / Lilly (Are You Happy)
Abandoned Luncheonette - Album cover
Abandoned Luncheonette When
The Morning Comes / Had I Known You Better Then / Las Vegas Turnaround
(The Stewardess Song) / She’s Gone / I’m Just A Kid (Don’t Make Me Feel
Like A Man) / Abandoned Luncheonette / Lady Rain / Laughing Boy /
Everytime I Look At You
War Babies - Album cover
War Babies Can’t
Stop the Music / Is It a Star / Beanie G. And the Rose Tattoo / You’re
Much Too Soon / 70’s Scenario / War Baby Son of Zorro / I’m Watching You
(A Mutant Romance) / Better Watch Your Back / Screaming Through
December / Johnny Gore And C Eaters
