2. music
  3. 118802-1975

Artists' lps that don't get the respect deserved

Allman Brothers "Enlightened Rouges".  I've always enjoyed this one. It's always a treat to listen to and has great sonics. To beat it all, it's easily found used. In fact, I'm listening right now. (Is it because Don Johnson has some credits?) Thoughts? Suggestions? More importantly, put it on and enjoy!
128x128slaw
martykl
3,578 posts
 
Ghost,

I generally agree re: early Hall & Oates representing the band's peak (the track Sara Smile, specifically).  However, Daryl Hall may be my favorite r'n'r singer, ever.   That guy can sing the phonebook, IMO.

The thing about War Babies is that it's just so far from either of the H&O  sweet spots (blue eyed soul and straight pop), yet I still find it weirdly compelling.  It doesn't hurt that Utopia is backing them and that Todd Rundgren simply shreds on a few tracks.  YMMV.


jafant's avatar
jafant
19,798 posts
 
I have been looking for Hall & Oates CDs;

Red Ledge
Beauty on a Backstreet
ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse
4,316 posts
 
 Jafant...I see both of those H&O titles on Amazon.  

Marty - I like when artists break the mold and come out with something unexpected and different (well....most of the time, Neil Young's Trans comes to mind).  I will give WB some more time.  As far as Daryl's voice, while I can't say he's a favorite R&R singer of mine (I'm splitting hairs a bit), I absolutely agree it is excellent.  


loomisjohnson
1,949 posts
 
bdp, your analysis moved me to pull out "quadrophenia." which i've always regarded highly but rarely actually listened to. you're spot on--the playing, and in particular moon's ubiquitous fills and the heavy-handed synth, is so over the top as to be almost unbearable. which isn't to say that moon wasn't great, but he's sorta like a woman with very large breasts who insists on wearing a low cut bright purple shirt just in case your attention strays. in contrast, like you state, their early stuff like "sell out" is markedly restrained and, to my ears, vastly superior.
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,853 posts
 

Right LJ, on Sell Out they still were playing in their "hold back until the last possible moment" style, which they did better than just about anyone else. They create an incredible amount of tension, letting it build up inside until it just can’t be held back anymore, whereupon it is finally released. Very sexual! "I Can See For Miles" is their masterpiece song, the ultimate distillation of their style. As time went on, it was all about the release, without the holding back that is necessary to create tension.

An ironic illustration of the Who’s tension-and-release style can be heard by comparing their version of "Shakin’ All Over" on the Live At Leeds album with the Guess Who’s (there’s the irony!) earlier studio recording of same. Both are modeled on the Johnnie Kidd & The Pirates (a very influential late-50’s/early-60’s British Rock n’ Roll combo) recording, but it is in the Guess Who’s version that an almost unbearable amount of tension is first created..........and then released---to great effect.

Unfortunately, by the time of Live At Leeds, The Who were passed their prime, and no such tension is created---it’s all release. Which is, therefore, rather ineffectual. The recording also documents the bombast you noted, as well as the hoariness and heavy-handedness of Daltry’s singing. Add to that Townshend’s gratuitous attempt at playing a guitar solo---not his strong suit---and you have a real mess. And it was a hit!

There is another example of a song in which I hear the great tension-and-release effect: "I’m On Fire" by The Dwight Twilley Band. Absolutely explosive!

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