Friday 3 April 2026

Snake, Rattle and Roll: The 1978 Rock Gem That Refused to Quit

Summary

If you’re hunting for a slice of late-70s blues-rock perfection, look no further than Crawler’s second studio outing, Snake, Rattle and Roll. Released in 1978 under the EPIC (EPC 82965) catalog, this record is the definitive sound of a band finding its footing after tragedy. Featuring a “who’s who” of session legends, it’s a tight, groovy, and surprisingly polished masterclass in hard rock.

About the Artist

Crawler didn’t just appear out of thin air; they rose from the ashes of Back Street Crawler. After the legendary ex-Free guitarist Paul Kossoff tragically passed away in 1976, the remaining members—Terry Wilson-Slesser (vocals), Terry Wilson (bass), Tony Braunagel (drums), and John “Rabbit” Bundrick (keyboards)—decided to push forward. Recruiting guitar virtuoso Geoff Whitehorn, they shortened their name to Crawler. This was a band of seasoned pros; “Rabbit” Bundrick later became a staple for The Who, while Slesser nearly became the lead singer for AC/DC and Iron Maiden.

About the Record

While their 1977 debut was a bluesier affair, Snake, Rattle and Roll saw the band lean into a sleeker, more “American” hard-rock sound. Recorded at the world-famous Caribou Ranch in Colorado (the same studio used by Elton John and Chicago), the production by Gary Lyons is crystal clear. It serves as a bridge between the raw 70s blues-rock era and the polished AOR (Album Oriented Rock) that would dominate the early 80s.

About the Cover

The artwork is as iconic as the title’s pun on the Bill Haley classic. Designed by the legendary Paula Scher with photography by John ( Bud) Endress, it features a reticulated python coiled into a perfect treble clef over vintage sheet music. It perfectly captures the band’s “snake” mascot theme—introduced on their debut—and stands out as a clever, minimalist piece of 70s graphic design.

About the Lyrics & Music

Musically, the album is a powerhouse. Standout tracks like “How Will You Break My Heart” (highlighted by a hype sticker on many original copies) and “Sail On” showcase Slesser’s soulful, husky vocals.

• “Muddy Water”: A swampy, keyboard-driven groove.

• “Where Is The Money?”: A cheeky, driving rocker that likely resonated with every touring musician of the era.

• “Liar”: Features “Rabbit” Bundrick’s signature Hammond organ swells that give the track a massive, church-like resonance.

The Investment: Price Evolution

In the last 20 years, Snake, Rattle and Roll has transitioned from a “dollar bin” staple to a sought-after collector’s item. According to Discogs data, clean UK first pressings (EPC 82965) that used to sell for $2–$5 in the early 2000s are now steadily climbing toward the $20–$35 range for Near Mint copies. As fans of Free and Paul Kossoff rediscover the “Crawler” era, the scarcity of well-preserved 1978 sleeves makes this a smart, low-risk investment for any classic rock enthusiast.

The UK 1978 pressing (EPIC EPC 82965) is particularly special for collectors because it represents the “home turf” release for the band. While many US and Canadian copies are floating around, the UK orange Epic label remains the gold standard for many enthusiasts.

Investment Insight: 20-Year Price Evolution

Back in the mid-2000s, this record was largely a “hidden gem” found for pocket change in second-hand shops. However, the last two decades have seen a steady appreciation in value:

• 2006–2010: You could snag a VG+ copy for roughly £2.00 – £5.00 ($3–$7). It was often overlooked by those only hunting for Paul Kossoff’s earlier work with Free.

• 2015–2020: As the “vinyl revival” gained steam and collectors began digging deeper into the Back Street Crawler family tree, prices jumped to £10.00 – £15.00 ($12–$18).

• Today (2026): According to Discogs sales trends, top-tier copies (Near Mint) are now regularly fetching between £25.00 and £45.00 ($30–$55).

Why it’s a good investment:

1. The “Rabbit” Effect: Keyboard player John “Rabbit” Bundrick’s long tenure with The Who has brought a whole new wave of completist collectors to this record.

2. Scarcity of Quality: The 1978 UK sleeves were printed on a cardstock that is prone to ring-wear. Finding a crisp, “snake-bright” cover today is becoming increasingly difficult, driving up the premium for high-grade copies.

3. Producers’ Pedigree: With Gary Lyons at the helm and the Caribou Ranch stamp of quality, audiophiles are beginning to treat this as a high-fidelity reference disc for 70s rock.

   Whether you’re spinning it for the grooves or stashing it for the gains, the EPC 82965 pressing is a rock-solid addition to any serious vinyl vault.

Conclusion

Snake, Rattle and Roll is more than just a “post-Kossoff” relic; it’s a vibrant, expertly played rock record that deserves a spot on your shelf. It’s soulful, punchy, and carries the DNA of British rock royalty. If you find a clean copy, grab it—your ears (and your collection’s value) will thank you.

Other Recommendations

• Back Street Crawler – 2nd Street (The final Kossoff recordings).

• Bad Company – Straight Shooter (Similar blues-rock pedigree).

• Free – Heartbreaker (The roots of the Crawler sound).