More Reviews from Feedback Fanzine

Here are some more reviews published in the latest edition of the Feedback Fanzine.  Many thanks to its editor Kev Rowland for passing these on.

MANFRED MANN'S EARTH BAND  WATCH

Following on from the success of 'The Roaring Silence', there was always going to be a lot of pressure on MMEB for the follow-up, and although at the time it didn't gain the critical response that they would have liked or the sales the thought that it deserved it has continued to sell through the career so that it is now their most popular album. Manfred again had Chris Thompson as his singer, Dave Flett on guitars, Chris Slade on drums and new bassist Pat King. Chris was, as always, in very fine voice and his accapella introduction to "Chicago Institute" is extremely powerful as it leads into a bass-driven number. The album release was preceded by the dreamy "California" and listening to it now it does sound as if it was recorded some ten years earlier than it was, but it is still a fine piece. Two songs on the album were recorded on tour, and then overdubbed in the studio, and it would be unthinkable for the band to ever play a gig even now without them. "Davy's On The Road Again" was written by John Simon and Robbie Robertson, but it is this version that everyone knows. It was a huge hit in the UK but strangely not in the US. The other song was re-recorded by MMEB some ten years after it was a number one for Manfred, but here it is far more powerful and "Mighty Quinn" is revitalised. Overall a very complete album that is still fun to play 27 years after it was initially released. As with 'Chance' it has been remastered by Rob Corich and there are bonus tracks and good sleeve notes.

MANFRED MANN'S EARTH BAND  CHANCE

'Chance' was the follow-up to 'Angel Station', itself the follow-up to 'Watch', but this album has less of a 'band' feel to it. Manfred retained the services of Pat King and Chris Slade's replacement John Lingwood, but Chris Thompson only sang on the first three numbers as Manfred brought in extra singers. Likewise Dave Flett's replacement, Steve Waller, also saw his role somewhat diminished as there were four other guitarists on the album, including producer Trevor Rabin (Yes etc). To my ears this means that the album is somewhat disjointed, although there are some fine moments on it. It opens in fine style with a wonderful take on "Lies (Through The 80's)" where Chris is joined on vocals by Carol Stocker, but it is "For You" that is the standout song. Although it isn't as powerful as it is in a live environment this still captures the emotion and tragedy, with strong performances from all involved, including a fine use of fretless bass. "Stranded", with vocals from Peter Marsh is another number that again shows how Manfred can put together arrangements that make a song commercial yet melodic and rocking at the same time, but overall I think that lack of band feel pulls me to one of the previous two releases as opposed to this.             

MANFRED MANN'S EARTH BAND  MIS-TAKES AND OUT-TAKES

It is always nice to be able to review something that has obviously been a labour of love, and that is the case with this MMEB compilation. It has been put together as a book, with two CDs on both the inside front and inside rear cover and a 28 glossy book in between. This is not a set for the average punter; it has been designed for the MMEB fan to provide them with a trip through the long career of the band and provide them with some 'new' material along the way. Of the 54 songs on this set, 24 are previously unavailable versions and another three were only released in the States. It doesn't even include all of the hits that the band had in the UK, as both "You Angel You" and "Don't Kill It Carol" are noticeable by their absence, but if you just want the hits then you can instead pick up 'The Evolution Of Manfred Mann' which of course also includes his pre-MMEB singles. But this set isn't about providing yet another compilation, but something that provides value for money that every fan will want to have and on that level succeeds very well indeed. With a detailed history of the band, and some wonderful asides (I love the story of Steve Waller – something I can certainly imagine him doing), the booklet itself is well worth reading for the fan, and of course it also details where each track has been taken from and the history etc. If you are a fan of MMEB then this set is indispensable. Available from www.manfredmann.com for £19.99+VAT

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