Rumours abound and sledging is rife,
Was this really written by his wife?
Until today I had listening delayed,
Despite copies hanging in all stores portrayed.
…….
It’s hard for women to get credit in the real world,
But this album is bejewelled and often pearled,
And after two listens my decision is final,
Rumours be damned, I will get it on vinyl.
As a preamble, I bought Outlandos ‘ on pre-order, then the next 2, but Ghost’ was a bargain bin £0.99, and this was a 4-for-£1.00 CD buy. Original impression was that it was an album too far - they split after this - although it was allegedly down to Sting hubris rather than them being idealess.
…..
Not idealess - Some great tracks but too much filler, which was always evident - since Peanuts.
Side 1 is so poor they put the only good track on it twice.
Sting allowing Spitting Image to stab Thatcher’s election victory with Every Breath’, will ensure he remains exalted, and it remains a firm favourite track (on numerous personal slow playlists).
King of Pain is great, Murder By Numbers is very good, but then….
Not a great album.
Never heard this or the band before….
I know that Indie Ears don’t always hear indulgent guitar solos correctly, however I enjoyed this when it thumped along or felt bluesy. I can hear the influence of Cream, and with hindsight how they influenced all the following 70’s blues rock bands.
Favourites;
1. Done Somebody Wrong
2. Stormy Monday
3. Statesboro Blues
Old favourite - original release pilfered from mum and dad’s collection.
A great chill album with oddities (Voices Of Old People/Old Friends) blended with classics (America, Hazy Shade of Winter, At The Zoo), and a best ever filler (Mrs. Robinson (From The Motion Picture "The Graduate")).
10 songs in 33 minutes and it seems 10 of those are chat - which is what this album has left me with, as JC comes across relaxed enthusiastic and funny.
1. Darling Companion
2. A Boy Named Sue
3. San Quentin
10 songs in 33 minutes and it seems 10 of those are chat - which is what this album has left me with, as JC comes across relaxed enthusiastic and funny.
1. Darling Companion
2. A Boy Named Sue
3. San Quentin
Took a couple of listens but once the rhythms sink in it’s a winner.
Best track is Chameleon
Missed out on these guys in noughties…
Despite all the comparisons with history, I think they sound like their contemporaries Gomez, especially with a top Spanish track. Which is high praise.
1. Punchbag
2. A Minha Menina
3. Sweet Like A Champion
Stepping stone album which seems tame upon listening to it after a long time - Whos Next is my go-to.
1. My Generation
2. Please, Please, Please
3. I’m A Man
Nice album. Middle of middle-of-the-road.
1. Gotta Get Up
2. Without You
3. Jump Into The Fire
A couple of listens for these Indie ears to find the funk, but worth it.
1. Pusherman
2. Superfly
3. Give me your love
Personal note; as a 6 year old my dad put my brother and I in the centre of the lounge and arranged the 4 speakers of his new quad system around us and played LZ2…. LZ3;
1. Immigrant Song
2. Since I’ve been loving you
3. Bron-Y-Aur Stomp