Yesterday And Today – Yesterday And Today(1976)
By Wes Haskins
The beginning of the Y&T catalog starts with the debut album “Yesterday and Today” from when the band was known as Yesterday and Today on their first two albums that were released on London Records. Similar to that other Bay Area band Journey, Y&T had trouble figuring out their sound early on and several members took their turns on lead vocals with main lead vocalist and guitarist Dave Meniketti on most songs, Bass player Phil Kennemore on one song, and drummer Leonard Haze on one song. Rhythm guitarist Joey Alves was the only member that didn’t have a lead vocal. All the members co-wrote songs with Dave being the most involved.
“Animal Woman” – Solid rock n roll song with vocals by both Dave and Phil. It’s fun and a rocking song but nothing great and just okay for me. Lyrically about a sexual awakening where his partner becomes an “animal”. Some of the lyrics are cheesy as velveeta and would probably be considered embarrassing if released today.
“25 Hours a Day” – A really great sing along chorus with a memorable hook. One of the better early days songs. A song the band continued to play for many years and has found its way on some live albums and compilations. About falling in love with a new relationship that he wants to be with her for 25 hours a day instead of 24. Nothing too deep just a fun rock n roll lyric.
“Game Playing Woman” – A solid 70s melodic hard rock song with good drumming by Haze. A little progressive in the middle section leading into the solo. Kind of an underrated early days track from the band with good solos. About a one sided relationship where she’s using him and when he needs her she’s not there for him.
“Come on Over” – A good solid groove driven by Haze’s drumming. Nothing spectacular but still solid all the same. He’s not credited but it sounds like Phil on co-lead vocals with Dave. Lyrically about being attracted to a woman and him trying to take things further.
“My Heart Plays Too” – Great melodic intro and a slower build that has a lot of feel in the guitar melodies and in Dave’s vocals. At six plus minutes it’s an almost ballad with the bluesy playing and is like a sign of what came later on songs like “I Believe in You” but isn’t quite as defined yet. The solo is really good and really shows Dave’s talent as a player. About life on the road as a musician being away from ones you love and while he’s playing an instrument professionally his heart is playing too as his misses the woman he loves.
“Earthshaker” – Fast paced upbeat that wouldn’t be too out of place on the Earthshaker or Black Tiger albums. Again this one is driven by Haze’s drumming. Lyrically just basic rock n roll talking about trying to hook up with a woman.
“Fast Ladies(Very Slow Gin)” – Upbeat driving song with a nice solo and some good melodic parts and harmonies but it’s just okay and isn’t overly memorable. About the rock n roll lifestyle of partying non stop and drinking and trying to meet up with woman and living a hard life while you’re young.
“Alcohol” – Just a basic rock n roll song with Lead vocals by drummer Leonard Haze and a fun romp through the “fun” night of drinking and a party that gets out of control.
“Beautiful Dreamer” – If there’s a classic early Yesterday and Today song then this is it. Great melody, great chorus and great solos. The song comes at you with a cool rhythmic sound with Haze and Kennemore in lock step and Dave’s great vocals over the top. A fairly straightforward love song with him telling her what she means to him. The live version of this was even better.
Recap: A band trying to find its way and searching for an identity. Two great songs and several fun cheesy 70s rock tunes but overall they were a few years away from figuring it out.
Favorite songs: Beautiful Dreamer, 25 Hours A Day, My Heart Plays Too, and Game Playing Woman.