It’s been a half century since Pavlov’s Dog burst onto the burgeoning progressive rock scene of the early 1970s. Hailing from the city of St. Louis, Missouri, their heady blend of rock, classical and folk music turned them into cult legends. The band has seen lots of lineup changes and internal turmoil over the years, leading to extended breaks between album releases. But today, David Surkamp – lead singer, main songwriter and last remaining original member of Pavlov’s Dog – continues to fly the banner high, accompanied by an accomplished group of musicians that is a credit to the band’s good name. This year – exactly 50 years since Pavlov Dog recorded their legendary debut Pampered Menial – the group plans to release a new album of original material and head out for an extended 50th anniversary concert tour. What’s more: The box set Essential Recordings 1974 – 2018 combines five newly remastered recordings from their vibrant career in a deluxe re-release package.

Pampered Menial
Pavlov Dog’s debut, recorded in 1974, is regarded as a milestone in the progressive rock genre. Produced by the team of Murry Krugman and Sandy Pearlman (Blue Oyster Cult), the album opens with “Julia” – the ballad that made the band famous. Moreover, the nine tracks – most of them written by singer David Surkamp – create the blueprint for their unmistakable sound.

At The Sound Of The Bell
Despite the departure of two key founding members, Mike Safron and Siegfried Carver, prior to the recording, many consider At The Sound Of The Bell to be the band’s finest hour.

Has Anyone Here Seen Siegfried?
For decades, Pavlov’s Dog’s “lost album” – recorded in St. Louis in 1977 – was available only in inferior quality. With the rediscovery of the master tapes several years ago, it became possible to hear the album as originally intended.

Lost In America
Lost In America is the result of a songwriting partnership between founding members David Surkamp and Doug Rayburn that bore fruit in the late 1980s.

Prodigal Dreamer
2018’s Prodigal Dreamer is a late-career milestone. Prominently featuring current member Abbie Steiling on violin, the disc’s complex arrangements work with familiar elements from rock and folk to create a sound reminiscent of the band’s mid-70s classics.