American progressive-rock band formed in St. Louis in 1973, led by vocalist David Surkamp. Their 1975 debut Pampered Menial received significant praise for Surkamp's distinctive voice; the follow-up was At The Sound Of The Bell.

Pampered Menial was released in 1975 on ABC Dunhill and later reissued by Columbia (information appears in the provided reviews). Reviews note David Surkamp as the group's extraordinary lead vocalist and credit him with composing lyrics and music on Pampered Menial. The second album featured guest appearances mentioned in reviews (Bill Bruford and Andy MacKay) and the band underwent lineup changes between the first and second albums (reviews reference the departure of violinist Siegfried Carver).

Two DeBaser reviews praise Pavlov's Dog's 1970s progressive-rock albums, especially the debut Pampered Menial and David Surkamp's distinctive, androgynous voice. The second album At The Sound Of The Bell is viewed as strong but slightly inferior. Recommended for lovers of vintage American prog.

For:Fans of 1970s progressive rock and listeners who appreciate distinctive vocals and orchestral/folk-tinged arrangements.

 In the realm of a completely English genre like progressive, the Americans Pavlov's Dog took their first steps, a group that, despite releasing only two good-level records (besides this one, the subsequent and inferior "At The Sound Of The Bell"), can boast a respectable place in rock history, enhanced by an unexpected and rapid success that, due to various misunderstandings and the genre's decline, led to the band's swift disappearance.

  Discover the review

 That gem was "Pampered Menial," a spectacular debut LP from the large American band—seven members, an atypical lineup for the scene at the time, also seen in variant form with the phenomenal Kansas.

  Discover the review
You and Pavlov's Dog
Who knows Pavlov's Dog?
Loading...