Record Reviews

ARTHUR BROWN ~ THE VOICE OF LOVE COTE BASQUE 07002 (Barcode: 823566433125) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 2006 Released: 2007 This is a criminally overlooked album by the great British Rock singer / songwriter / bandleader Arthur BrownFind albums by this artist, the unsung hero of the British scene. The album was recorded with multi-instrumentalist Nick PynnFind albums by this artist, who also arranged most of the songs, guitarist Rik PattenFind albums by this artist and drummer Mark St. JohnFind albums by this artist, who arranged two of the songs. A couple of additional musicians also participate. The album presents eleven songs, eight of which are originals by Brown and three are arrangements of songs written by others, including a stunning version of the legendary “Kites”, which was a hit for Simon Dupree and the Big SoundFind albums by this artist (i.e. early Gentle GiantFind albums by this artist) in 1967. The music, which is almost completely acoustic and offers a somewhat Folkish sound, is mostly ballad oriented and quite atypical of Brown’s extrovert / extravagant image. It presents a unique opportunity to hear Brown as a lyrical vocalist, but obviously his idiosyncratic vocal characteristics are all firmly present, including the falsetto / vibrato parts, which show his operatic-like abilities. But all in all the album is a beautiful collection of “love songs”, with the Brownish twist of course. Overall, this is a brilliant and sadly obscure album by one of the most talented and multifaceted heroes of the British Rock scene, which exposes the gentler side of his musical personality. Loaded with great melodies and excellent instrumental work, this is a gem from start to finish, and since it can still be found (with some difficulty), I wholeheartedly advice to grab a copy while still available.

Updated: 29/01/2023Posted: 29/01/2023

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

CHRIS FARLOWE ~ THE VOICE / HOTEL EINGANG MIG 00892 (Barcode: 885513008923) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 1998 - 2008 Released: 2013 This is a reissue of two albums by the British Blues-Rock vocalist Chris FarloweFind albums by this artist recorded a decade apart: "The VoiceFind albums with this title" from 1998 and "Hotel EingangFind albums with this title" from 2008, the second being at the time of writing is the last album recorded by Farlowe so far. Both albums are remastered and both include two bonus tracks each, originating from a live recording from 2006. "The Voice" is a beautiful collection of ten Rhythm And Blues / Soul songs, splendidly sung by Farlowe, who is accompanied by a superb band, which includes guitarist Clem ClempsonFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Ronnie LeahyFind albums by this artist, bassist John PriceFind albums by this artist and drummer Paul BurgessFind albums by this artist. Other musicians appear on some of the songs, like guitarist Ricky ByrdFind albums by this artist, who also wrote a couple of songs present here, guitarist Norman BeakerFind albums by this artist, vocalist Elkie BrooksFind albums by this artist and others. "Hotel Eingang" is a collection of thirteen Blues-Rock numbers and finds Farlowe accompanied by the excellent guitarist Miller AndersonFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Frank TischerFind albums by this artist, bassist Kris GrayFind albums by this artist and drummer Paul Burgess. A brass section and additional guest musicians are also present. Farlowe wrote the title song and Anderson also contributed one of his songs, with the rest being mostly Blues standards. Both albums, although different from each other, show the versatility and undiminished capabilities of Farlowe as a first rate vocalist, who despite his age manages to sound as if he was a few decades younger that his chronological age. He is vital and absolutely relevant, full of great chops and as usual sensitivity and feel for the music. Farlowe is ignoring the fads and fashions of contemporary Pop / Rock and sticks to what he knows best – singing his heart out like only he knows how. Farlowe remains one of the few veteran Rockers, who lost nothing of his relevance and artistic ability over time and who believes in the music he performs, contrary to generations of younger musicians who have very little to say and who completely lost their way over time. As such he is one of the living icons of the better times that music enjoyed in the past. Overall both albums are an absolute must have for all Farlowe fans and in this remastered edition with bonus tracks and a very reasonable price tag are even more attractive. For people who don´t have the original albums in their collection this is a proverbial "steal".

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 25/06/2016

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend