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Roll ’Em Smoke ’Em Put Another Line Out was Patto’s third studio album and one of the most eccentric records to emerge from the British progressive-rock underground of the early 1970s.
Formed from the remains of Timebox, Patto brought together vocalist Mike Patto, guitarist and keyboard player Ollie Halsall, bassist Clive Griffiths and drummer John Halsey. Their combination of exceptional musicianship, jazz-influenced improvisation, hard-rock energy and surreal humour gave the group a sound unlike that of their progressive-rock contemporaries.
The album opens with the loose and energetic “Flat Footed Woman,” driven by forceful piano, backing vocals and Mike Patto’s bluesy delivery. “Singing the Blues on Reds” moves through funk rhythms, chiming guitar passages and sudden changes of direction, while the bizarre spoken-word piece “Mummy” displays the group’s characteristic sense of humour.
“Loud Green Song” is the record’s heaviest moment, combining an aggressive proto-punk rhythm with one of Ollie Halsall’s most explosive guitar performances. The second side moves between the piano-led “Turn Turtle,” the blues and jazz textures of “I Got Rhythm,” the unconventional songwriting of “Peter Abraham” and the comic sea-shanty finale “Cap’n ‘P’ and the Atto’s.”
Originally released by Island Records in 1972, the album captures Patto at their loosest and most unpredictable. Its mixture of progressive rock, jazz, funk, blues and anarchic humour remains a striking showcase for the extraordinary guitar and keyboard work of Ollie Halsall and the powerful vocals of Mike Patto.
Track listing:
Side A
1. Flat Footed Woman – 8:06
2. Singing the Blues on Reds – 4:57
3. Mummy – 2:21
4. Loud Green Song – 3:55
Side B
1. Turn Turtle – 6:09
2. I Got Rhythm – 4:48
3. Peter Abraham – 6:20
4. Cap’n ‘P’ and the Atto’s (Sea Biscuits Parts 1 & 2) – 5:48
