In the early 90s, the Dayton Daily News included local music reviews in it's Friday "Go" insert. For this impressionable music neophyte, these short takes and the accompanying ratings were just enough to catapult a handful of albums into "must find" status. Over the years, I did indeed find many of these and consider several to be among my most cherished music artifacts. I have the impression that one of those "Go" issues was referred to as a "Dayton Band Guide" (or something like that). Between this and a trip to Trader Vic's local music section, I acquired The Obvious' 1993 I Wanna Records release. From what I can gather (very spotty), The Obvious had been around for a number of years when Rock & Roll in the Big City was released. According to the CD insert, the band's mailing address was Dayton, but the album itself was recorded in Kansas City, Kansas. Over the course of ten songs, John Dubuc (lead singer, guitar, and lyricist) crafts a series of songs about life in a (small time) band, the world of local music, and a few miscellaneous tidbits. Gregg Johnson (Bass) and Tommy Gun (drums) provide the backbone of a competent rock & roll band. And, a Southwestern Ohio vibe is an undercurrent this local can't help but enjoy. "Two Thumbs Down" leads off the album with a lament about the aftermath of a bad review. This distinctive rocker showcases the wit and energy of the album and was released as a single with "Dollar Bill" (drugs?) on the flip side (one of my few 45s). "The Underground", "Who Says?", and "Stage Fright" continue the day in the life of a music act narrative. "Hall Of Fame" wonders why Pete Rose isn't in the baseball hall of fame (yeah, why not?). "(Get Lost) Jack Frost" is a goofy sendoff to winter. And, the title lyric for "Where Do You Fit In?" comes off the lips so easily; something that sunk into my musical soul many moons ago. Each track has a driving beat, energetic lyrics, and transitions into the next song with nary a thought to change the formula. This is local "rock," with a little less of the "alternative" to which I would later tend. I think the Dayton Daily News reviewer gave the album 3 (out of 5) stars. I have always been inclined to agree with that assessment. My gut told me that it wasn't a great album. But, in re-listening to these tracks for this review, I realized that this has spun in my CD player more times than I can even guess; I know and like these songs. Rock & Roll in the Big City is one of those treasured artifacts.