While they didn't pioneer the use of costumes to bring attention to a band they were likely the first band to successfully use a "theme" for each album cover which brought about a lot of notoriety in the music industry and amongst the music faithful. "I wonder what they're going to come out with next" was the question asked by many fans and the people who followed the group. Starting off with A Shot of Love, the Robin Hood-themed debut in 1978, Lakeside scored a hit, a dance one at that, right off the bat with "All the Way Live."

The Dayton, OH-based band was formed when Otis Stokes (guitar, vocals) and Thomas Shelby (lead vocals) quit the Bad Bunch to team up with Mark Wood (lead vocals, keyboards) in the Young Underground. After signing a deal in Chi-Town they changed the name to Ohio Lakeside Express, which in due course was thankfully shortened to Lakeside.

In 1972 the band hit the road hit the road for a live gig in Oklahoma City. By this time they had added Stephen Shockley (guitar), Fred Alexander (drums), Tiemeyer McCain (who shared lead vocals w/ Wood and Shelby), Marvin Craig (bass), Fred Lewis (percussion) and Norman Beavers (keyboards). They got the shaft on the OKc gig and ended in La-La Land as one of the first act signed to Dick Griffey's SOLAR (Sound of Los Angeles Records) label. Likewise the group served as the house band for labelmates, Shalimar and Dynasty, and also ended up penning quite a few tunes for these and other groups.

Next up in 1979 was Rough Riders with a Wild Bunch theme and the funky dance track, "If You Like Our Music (Get On Up and Move)." 1980 was going to give them their biggest glory with Fantastic Voyage (above) with its pirates motif, the single (R&B #1) of which by the same name providing the dance tune many were waiting for in the post-disco era. FV was later sampled by Coolio on his smash hit by the same name. That album also featured "Your Love Is On the One" and the ballad "Say Yes." 1981 brought the Aladdin-themed Your Wish Is My Command which was a downer as far as sales, the title track was popular amongst fans.

The Untouchables album in '83 raised fans expectations and L-side's profile again after a couple of lean years, thanks to the dance song "Raid" and the band posed as Elliot Ness and 1930s-styled gangsters.

Today they can be found on funk revival tours with fellow oldies acts Con Funk Shun, the Gap Band and many other old-school bands.

Some links to check out:
Disco Museum
Lakeside biography
Leon F. Slyvers III - Background about the song producer who created a lot of music for SOLAR and other artists.
MSN Entertainment
More later!