Evil Is Going On The Complete ATCO Recordings 1970-1972

Cactus released four studio albums from 1970 to 1972, along with a collection of bonus tracks. Fans of blues rock, proto-stoner rock, and proto-metal will find this collection to be a real treat.

The band's bluesy, gritty rock sound was a major influence on future generations of hard rock and heavy metal bands, including Montrose, AC/DC, and Van Halen.

The collection includes four CDs of live recordings from various venues, such as the Ellis Auditorium in Memphis, the 1970 Isle Of Wight Festival, the 1972 Mar y Sol Pop Festival in Puerto Rico, and more intimate settings like Gilligan’s Club in Buffalo, New York.

The recordings from Gilligan’s Club were made by legendary producer Eddie Kramer (known for his work with Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin) using The Electric Ladyland Mobile Unit.

Formed in 1969 by former members of Vanilla Fudge, Cactus released their self-titled debut album in 1970 on the Atco label. The band's lineup was solidified with Tim Bogert on bass, Carmine Appice on drums, Jim McCarty on guitar, and Rusty Day on vocals and harmonica.

This lineup recorded the band's first three LPs, including Cactus, One Way… Or Another, and Restrictions.

Their debut album featured originals like "My Lady From South Of Detroit," "No Need To Worry," and "Feel So Good," along with covers of Mose Allison's "Parchman Farm" and Willie Dixon's "You Can't Judge A Book By The Cover."

One Way… Or Another (1971) was recorded at Jimi Hendrix’s Electric Lady Studios in New York and included tracks like "Rock ‘N’ Roll Children" and "Big Mama Boogie, Pt 1 & 2," as well as covers of Little Richard's "Long Tall Sally" and Chuck Willis' "I Feel So Bad."

Restrictions, the band's third album, featured tracks like "Token Chokin’" and "Mean Night In Cleveland," along with a cover of Howlin’ Wolf’s "Evil (Is Going On)."

The band's lineup changed for the 1972 album "‘Ot ‘N’ Sweaty," with Pete French on vocals, Werner Fritzschings on guitar, and Duane Hitchings on keyboards. The album includes live recordings from April 1972 and studio recordings, ending with a cover of "Underneath The Arches."