Record Reviews

IDES OF MARCH ~ FRIENDLY STRANGERS: THE WARNER BROS. RECORDINGS WOUNDED BIRD 6007 (Barcode: 664140600720) ~ USA ~ Brass Rock Recorded: 1969 - 1971 Released: 2018 This is a remastered / expanded reissue of the entire material recorded by the American Rock / Brass Rock band Ides Of MarchFind albums by this artist, which includes their first two albums “VehicleFind albums with this title” and “Common BondFind albums with this title” and numerous singles released on Warner Bros.Find albums on this label Records. Fronted by a charismatic vocalist / songwriter Jim PeterikFind albums by this artist, who wrote most of the band’s material, the band included a brass section, which gave them the Brass Rock sound. Some of the material uses orchestral arrangements. Following the first two albums, Ides Of March released two additional albums on RCAFind albums on this label and disbanded in 1973, but reunited in 1990 and are still active today. The music is a mixture of Pop, Rock and Brass Rock, with truly excellent songs by Peterik, who has the ability to weave wonderfully melodic songs, often more ambitious than the usual Pop material, especially when arranged with extended Brass Rock attires. Although rarely mentioned today, these two early albums are a wonderful reminder of the incredible level of American musicianship at time. Fans of early ChicagoFind albums by this artist and Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist albums should really enjoy this music, in all its splendor, which is completely absent on contemporary music scene. Overall, this is a wonderful reminder of how American Rock music sounded by the late 1960s / early 1970s, with Brass Rock being one of its most ambitious manifestations. Since Brass Rock recordings are relatively uncommon, this reissue is definitely a splendid opportunity to revive an interest in the genre’s history. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 19/06/2023Posted: 19/06/2023

CD 2 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend