Here in my opinion are two serious albums and I love the way the Japanese release is a mini LP complete with
Vertigo inner sleeve. Now if you are one of the many MMEB fans who haven't checked out what went before then trust me you are missing out. Manfred Mann ChapterIII was innovative and different and once you have given it
a few listens very good. If you have never listen to any of it check out the second album first as the music is perhaps a little easier to the ear on a first listen. "Lady Ace" and "Poor Sad Sue"
start of nice and catchy before descending into some brilliant soloing. "Happy Being Me" has all the hallmarks of a great pop record (also check out the early MMEB version of this song) as it bounces along
surprisingly happily for such a moody and miserable band. Then after the three minute pop song opening it becomes a complex collection of soloing that goes on for most of one side of the album to a varying and sometimes
almost chant style rhythm.. (This was made in the days when albums had two sides). On the first album the music is perhaps a little more down beat although "Travelin' Lady" should be familiar enough having
already been used as a very long B side and the Manikin cigar advert theme.
If these albums have a fault it is not in the screaming sax solos or great electric piano solos by Hugg. Nor is it the standard of Hugg's
vocals or song writing talent. Both occasionally grate a little with one or two of his songs sounding a little twee and dated. Mostly they are very good and like much of the music Manfred has been involved in have
lasted the test of time well. No, if I do have a criticism of Chapter III it is that it is very much the Mike Hugg show. For this reason as well as others the band was always doomed to fail. The legacy of these two
albums is very well worth checking out and who knows one day we may get volume 3 out!
The Chapter III Japanese imports are available via the on-line shop - check them out.
Andy Taylor
