Classic Rock Album of the Day- Bad Company- Self Titled (1974) *** 1/2
I have on several occasions discussed the negative aspects and pitfalls of creating of Super Groups. The Rock and Roll landscape is ridden with terrible examples of how these fail, and mostly for reasons of chemistry. For the first half of their existence Bad Company was definitely an exception. For those who aren't versed in that era, the band was composed 50% of Free, 25% Mott the Hoople, and 25% King Crimson. At first glance, you'd think this mish mash of a rocking blues act, another as a glam group, and another from Prog would be an absurd mix that was destined for failure. But, this strange mix ended up making 6 decent to very good albums from '74-'82. I have to hand it to Jimmy Page. This was the first band he signed for Zeppelin's new label. So, he sure saw something good out of this strange genre bending marriage. That eye was so good that this album reached No.1 and was 5X Platinum. 5M that far back was huge in the area of sales.
Of the 6 albums that were passable, the choice for my favorite to review was obvious. This is a solid consistent album that is pretty much listenable for most tracks. The subsequent album "Straight Shooter" is worth buying too. But if you need to pick one... this is it.
Earlier, I mentioned the element of chemistry that dooms a lot of pre-formed super groups. No problem here. And you can parse the versatility in the content and contributions. But, what made them such a success was vocalist Paul Rodgers. This guy has an incredible voice that fills each genre and style. He is among the best in range and power. Rodgers is wildly under-rated and under appreciated in rock history. He is as great with this mix with Bad Company, as he was gutting out great bluez rocking tunes with Free, and the perfect gel accompanying Page's project and guitar wiz stuff with "the Firm." Ralphs too really operated under the radar with Mott the Hoople, and excels with Rodgers as a songwriting team. And added props too, for Kirke offering an almost Entwistle like presence. Listen just to Movin' On for the bass parts. There were no slouch's at King Crimson. Case closed.
Fun Fact: 4 of the first 5 of Bad Company's albums charted in the Top 10.
Side 1-
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Can't Get Enough of Your Love- Standard AOR rocking fare that does a nice job introducing the band. Song is well positioned and constructed to showcase every band member's contributions and talents. Seem almost on purpose. Was the band's biggest hit too. Charting @ No.5. 3
Rock Steady- Well fused as a 50/50 rock blues attempt. Ralph's sure seem to improve his blues chops, exceeding any of his efforts at Mott- 6
Ready For Love- Bluezy balladry, that though not awful. is one of the weakest cut on the LP. 7
Don't Let Me Down- Another blues ballad, but this is the awesome flip side and sleeper. Soul-ish tinge is very risky, and many bands fall flat on their face missing the mark. Every aspect aspect of contributions are here, from sax solo, great harmonies, and on and on. Can I get an Amen, brothers and sisters? 4
Side 2-
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Bad Company- With the exception of Alice Cooper, I can't remember many if, any bands doing rock ballads around the old west. Rodgers does very well mixing the tension of the theme while working a nice rock line that makes this tune work well on every angle. 5
The Way I Choose- Crooning blues ballad that is the closest point on the LP that I would call filler. 8
Movin' On- Excellent AOR effort with the right mix of hook, style, and improv feel to be a top notch effort. Kirke's bass work here is some of the best he did at Bad Company. 2
Seagull- Might be a shock to you that I am calling this the gold standard seal of approval for a supposed hard roock/blues album. Seagull is a perfect effort by Rodgers grasping the singer/songwriter brass ring and outdoing the likes of Lightfoot, Fogleberg, Young, etc. Song is sung so perfectly, and soulfully. And sadly,Bad Company was never able to recreate this magic the rest of their career- 1
I have on several occasions discussed the negative aspects and pitfalls of creating of Super Groups. The Rock and Roll landscape is ridden with terrible examples of how these fail, and mostly for reasons of chemistry. For the first half of their existence Bad Company was definitely an exception. For those who aren't versed in that era, the band was composed 50% of Free, 25% Mott the Hoople, and 25% King Crimson. At first glance, you'd think this mish mash of a rocking blues act, another as a glam group, and another from Prog would be an absurd mix that was destined for failure. But, this strange mix ended up making 6 decent to very good albums from '74-'82. I have to hand it to Jimmy Page. This was the first band he signed for Zeppelin's new label. So, he sure saw something good out of this strange genre bending marriage. That eye was so good that this album reached No.1 and was 5X Platinum. 5M that far back was huge in the area of sales.
Of the 6 albums that were passable, the choice for my favorite to review was obvious. This is a solid consistent album that is pretty much listenable for most tracks. The subsequent album "Straight Shooter" is worth buying too. But if you need to pick one... this is it.
Earlier, I mentioned the element of chemistry that dooms a lot of pre-formed super groups. No problem here. And you can parse the versatility in the content and contributions. But, what made them such a success was vocalist Paul Rodgers. This guy has an incredible voice that fills each genre and style. He is among the best in range and power. Rodgers is wildly under-rated and under appreciated in rock history. He is as great with this mix with Bad Company, as he was gutting out great bluez rocking tunes with Free, and the perfect gel accompanying Page's project and guitar wiz stuff with "the Firm." Ralphs too really operated under the radar with Mott the Hoople, and excels with Rodgers as a songwriting team. And added props too, for Kirke offering an almost Entwistle like presence. Listen just to Movin' On for the bass parts. There were no slouch's at King Crimson. Case closed.
Fun Fact: 4 of the first 5 of Bad Company's albums charted in the Top 10.
Side 1-
------------
Can't Get Enough of Your Love- Standard AOR rocking fare that does a nice job introducing the band. Song is well positioned and constructed to showcase every band member's contributions and talents. Seem almost on purpose. Was the band's biggest hit too. Charting @ No.5. 3
Rock Steady- Well fused as a 50/50 rock blues attempt. Ralph's sure seem to improve his blues chops, exceeding any of his efforts at Mott- 6
Ready For Love- Bluezy balladry, that though not awful. is one of the weakest cut on the LP. 7
Don't Let Me Down- Another blues ballad, but this is the awesome flip side and sleeper. Soul-ish tinge is very risky, and many bands fall flat on their face missing the mark. Every aspect aspect of contributions are here, from sax solo, great harmonies, and on and on. Can I get an Amen, brothers and sisters? 4
Side 2-
--------------
Bad Company- With the exception of Alice Cooper, I can't remember many if, any bands doing rock ballads around the old west. Rodgers does very well mixing the tension of the theme while working a nice rock line that makes this tune work well on every angle. 5
The Way I Choose- Crooning blues ballad that is the closest point on the LP that I would call filler. 8
Movin' On- Excellent AOR effort with the right mix of hook, style, and improv feel to be a top notch effort. Kirke's bass work here is some of the best he did at Bad Company. 2
Seagull- Might be a shock to you that I am calling this the gold standard seal of approval for a supposed hard roock/blues album. Seagull is a perfect effort by Rodgers grasping the singer/songwriter brass ring and outdoing the likes of Lightfoot, Fogleberg, Young, etc. Song is sung so perfectly, and soulfully. And sadly,Bad Company was never able to recreate this magic the rest of their career- 1
