Rock artists with at least strong memories today but who saw fame starting in the 1970s is the theme of this Internet column.
Two of the reviews were recorded in the 1970s and are only released now; the other is a best of album that spans a 12-year period. Two of the artists are still popular now, the memory of the other, especially the band's lead singer, still influences rock music today.
These reviews first appeared in the newspaper I work at. At least that's where I play. Now it's your turn.
David Bowie, Santa Monica '72 (Griffin Music)
With the help of the Spiders from Mars, Ziggy played guitar and entertained millions.
This disc captures David Bowie's most flamboyant period, when he defined glitter rock.
Several familiar tracks appear on this live release, and they sound live. The music is raw and the energy was captured, both of the band and the reactions of the audience.
Among the familiar selections, "Ziggy Stardust" appears early in the 76-minute set, and sounds more natural than the polished studio version. By rights, this song should be heard live. "Changes" follows, which too is catered to audiences rather than producers and tiny glass rooms.
"Space Odity" is more mellow than the famous version of his best song. This one sounds almost like Bowie is playing his guitar with one member of his band, and both are just getting together in the audience's living room, performing for a small group of friends.
Other famous tracks here include "John I'm Only Dancing," "The Jean Genie," "Suffragette City" and "Rock 'N' Roll Suicide."
Some of the less popular songs are the real treats on Santa Monica '72. For example, "The Supermen" sounds like the average rock fan missed a super song. After Bowie's impression of a New Yorker, he sings "Andy Warhol," another interesting story piece. It may lack commercial appeal, but sounds good as it is. The same is true with "My Death" and the 10-minute "The Width of a Circle."
The disc takes a turn during the long song by becoming electric. That brings the band away from the living room and back to the arena. The songs "Queen Bitch" and "Moonage Daydream" seem to drag on with no end in hearing. The electric rendition of "Waiting for the Man," however, does sound great.
The style of the performance in general gives the music an irresistable appeal. Bowie doesn't do housecalls whenever someone wants to hear his music, but this live show serves as a great substitute for that, aside from the latter electrical jam.
Follow this link to the David Bowie Home Page.
Gary Moore, Ballads & Blues 1982-1994 (Charisma Records)
Moore has established himself as one of the most-respected guitarists, both through his years with Thin Lizzy and as a solo artist since the 1980s.
Rock fans will remember the heavy rock ballad "Empty Rooms," which Moore released in 1985. The song graced rock radio that year and has remained Moore's best song and one of the best ballads of its type in the decade. His thin voice reflects the harmony of his guitar ability on the song, which in turn reflects his more personal side.
"Always Gonna Love You" is a strong ballad Moore released in 1982. It sounds almost as good as "Empty Rooms" but never caught on as a single. It deserves this second chance the greatest hits album is providing and listeners deserve to judge for themselves instead of rigid music directors on FM radio whether the public will like it.
Moore brings his virtuoso-guitar playing to the blues side on "Still Got the Blues" from 1990 and "Parisienne Walkways" from two years ago. The latter track sounds more like a guitar solo, although his voice and band highlight his lead guitar work, which sounds terrific. The voice portion of the song fills only two verses. The release was recorded live and the energy of the moment makes the song sound that much better.
"Separate Ways" is a little slow-moving. Moore seems to try combining ballad and blues, and he adds a female background singer. The effect sounds as bad as stir fry after it becomes cold. Too many ingredients have spoiled a potentially-tasty morsel. "Story of the Blues," from the same album, sounds better. Horn players make the song sound anthemic. The track stands out because all elements work and fit together.
The previously unreleased "One Day" and two others that appear here for the first time will likely make Moore fans purchase the disc some day. The effect of the compilation should be that the singer will have more fans. His voice sounds as good as his guitar: great. And these songs represent some of his best.
This link leads to the Gary Moore Home Page.
Queen, At the BBC (Hollywood Records)
The album is current, but the music was recorded 22 years ago by the band that reigned over the charts of rock fans in the 1970s and 1980s and the hearts of millions after Freddy Mercury's death in the 1990s.
The first four tracks were recorded in February 1973 for a broadcast of "Sounds of the '70s" and the second four were recorded in December of that year. Each track except for "Ogre Battle" ended up on Queen, the bands first release. "Ogre Battle" made it on the band's 1974 recording, Queen II. However, the versions on "At the BBC" are different and have never appeared on disc before.
That they are now is a treat for fans of the band, as well as all who enjoy the progressive rock sound of the period.
"Keep Yourself Alive" has survived as one of Queen's top songs and livens up this release. "My Fairy King" brings an artsy quality to the disc that complements the sense of fantasy created with "Ogre Battle." "Doin' Alright" and "Liar" are songs which, truth be told, help make the disc sound great.
Although the music is older than a large segment of the band's fans, the movie "Wayne's World" and subsequent resurgence of "Bohemian Rhapsody" have made the Queen sound popular again. That song is not on this disc, but enough gems are. This is more than just a rarities release of music not good enough to make a real release, it is the band before any studio releases. These songs don't have the raw sound one might expect, because they were made to sound good on radio.
They do, in fact, they sound great. A little dated perhaps, but not dusty.
Follow this link to the Queen at the BBC Home Page.
(C) 1995 Daniel E. Klatt Enterprises.