Badfinger [Import]

Product Description
The band's 1974 album & their first for Warner Brothers. 12 tracks, including 'I Miss You', 'Shine On' and 'Love Is Easy'.

Badfinger,Badfinger,Wea International,Album Rock,Pop,Pop/Rock,Popular Music,Power Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop

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Badfinger [Import]

Average customer rating: Great Band--Good Overview A complete picture Nostalgic Great stuff the very best of badfinger

The Very Best of Badfinger Badfinger Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Power Pop | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Grass Roots - All Time Greatest Hits The Very Best of Todd Rundgren Blast From Your Past Hollies - Hollies Greatest Hits The Guess Who - Greatest Hits ASIN: B00004X0Q5 Release Date: 2000-09-12

Tracks:

1. No Matter What
2. Day After Day
3. Baby Blue
4. Name Of The Game
5. Maybe Tomorrow
6. Come And Get It
7. Rock Of All Ages
8. Carry On Til Tomorrow
9. Midnight Caller
10. We're For The Dark
11. I'll Be The One
12. Without You
13. I'd Die Babe
14. It's Over
15. When I Say
16. Dennis
17. Lonely You
18. Love Time
19. Meanwhile Back At The Ranch/Should I Smoke

Customer Reviews:

Great Band--Good Overview.......2007-06-19

While I agree that there are some key tracks missing, this is still a good single-CD overview of an incredibly versatile and talented band. The sound quality is outstanding. It's an interesting mix of rockers and ballads that demonstrates the range and musicianship of the group. While it would take two CDs to do justice to a band with as much great material as Badfinger, this CD is a good place to start.

A complete picture.......2007-06-02

The good thing about this album is that it presents material from both principal parts of Badfinger's career (the Apple and the Warner period) and thereby provides the listener with a more complete picture of this great but tragically unfortunate band than previous compilations. A minor weakness is that the selection is a bit unbalanced, including some rather weak tracks from the early years and lacking a number of much better songs from Badfinger's late production. Anyway, this is the most comprehensive Badfinger compilation so far and the digital remastering adds to the pleasure of listening to one of the best Beatles successors and one of the first - if not THE first - power pop bands.

Nostalgic.......2007-05-17

I grew up listening to Badfinger and I loved their sound. Since two of the original members are no longer with us, there is little chance of seeing the remaining members on stage. Thus I have to do with what is recorded which is simply amazing. From the mournful sounds of Without You to the teasing of Come and Get It, this CD is, in a word, awesome. It puts together all the hits and some of their lesserknown works together. Buy it, you won't regret it.

Great stuff.......2007-05-14

Some say Badfinger is a bit of everything. Bit of Beatles, bit of Paul McCartney. All true, but they add a bit of their own to it which makes them very good to listen to.
They've written most of their songs themselves, with succes (so do think Nilsson and Maria Carey among others anyway!).
I bought the book as well (Without you, the tragic story of Badfinger). If only everthing had run just a little bit smoother they would have been one of worlds most succesfull bands.

the very best of badfinger.......2007-02-16

a must for any badfinger fan. this is the one you wamt.

Average customer rating: Still lives on The early days bite back Because of the beatles The Name of the Game Haunting and timeless...

Straight Up Badfinger Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Power Pop | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: No Dice Wish You Were Here Magic Christian Music Ass The Very Best of Badfinger ASIN: B000006MV8 Release Date: 1993-06-01

Tracks:

1. Take It All
2. Baby Blue
3. Money
4. Flying
5. I'd Die Babe
6. Name Of The Game
7. Suitcase
8. Sweet Tuesday Morning
9. Day After Day
10. Sometimes
11. Perfection
12. It's Over
13. Bonus Tracks: Money (Original Version)
14. Bonus Tracks: Flying (Original Version)
15. Bonus Tracks: Name Of The Game (Original Version)
16. Bonus Tracks: Suitcase (Original Version)
17. Bonus Tracks: Perfection (Original Version)
18. Bonus Tracks: Baby Blue (Original Version)

Customer Reviews:

Still lives on.......2007-05-23

I was 10 years old when I bought this and it was the first new album that I had ever owned. I wanted it because of "Baby Blue" and "Day After Day" just like everyone else but I fell in love with the rest of the songs immediately. They are just as fresh today as they were the day I peeled the cellophane off of the album 35 years ago.
Growing up a Beatles freak I was not disappointed because you can really hear that Beatles influence through out the album. "Sometimes" and "I'd Die Babe" have a great Rubber Soul sound to them and "Perfection" is just a great song. Hell, they are all very good!
This is such a great mix of song writing and influances coming together to record a timeless album.
Every time I see one of those top 100-album lists I cannot believe how after this one is over looked.
A true classic and a must have for your collection.

The early days bite back.......2007-05-08

This holds very special significance for me, being one of the very first albums I ever owned, well, on permanent loan to me by a boyfriend I last saw on my 16th birthday. I used to lie on the floor and cry to Baby Blue and the intensity and hard knocks these guys experienced within just a few years adds to the precious worth it holds for me. We all suffered in our separate ways. It's so heart-wrenching even today and as with so many of my old favourites it still has the kick it always did, they present this as though every line comes from the very deepest places in their hearts, and for this I am ever so grateful.

Because of the beatles.......2007-03-20

Since I have a new beatles wave (every 2 years) my quest for beatle relatives goes further. Not that you can compare Badfinger with the fab, but you can hear the big influence. This is their third record on apple, the prestige label of the fab. Enough over the fab. About Badfinger. This is a real good steady album with some memorable songs. It's often recalled as a copy of No Dice, their previous album, but I won't agree with that. It's a forgotten classic. But isn't all of badfingers history forgotten. Two members commited suicide because they never got the first place. They were always second best and I don't agree with that. They were a band aparte with some real pop classics on their CV

The Name of the Game .......2007-02-27

Worth the price of admission for the heartbreaking song by ...(when you consider what happened in 2 years for him)...Pete Ham, Name of the Game.
Take it all, Baby blue are just 2 of the other highlights to this fine album. The only confusion are the bonus tracks, which are an earlier (rejected by apple) version of the album. Was apple out of their minds?

Haunting and timeless..........2006-10-21

A masterpiece, timeless even at inception. And considering the history of Badfinger, it's even more precious; listening to it transports me to a time and place like no other music.

Song after song, expertly-crafted, gorgeous power pop at its finest. Yet as a total work, it is so much more...there always was this odd, old-soul patina about it, like a dream in an abandoned ballroom with the faint, shimmery strains of some orchestra long past..a tinge of almost prescient sadness for what would soon befall the band.

Whenever I hear "The Name of the Game", it makes me cry. Every time. I am among those who know this is a crown jewel of its genre. Pete, Tommy, and now Mike...you left too soon, never realizing how you touched us all. Thank you for what you left behind.

Average customer rating: Ahead of Their Time Imagine McCartney recording with Clapton in the early 1970's.... A Classic Stomped to Death by Stinking Management and A Label Abbey Road SIDE #3, maybe!?!?!?!??! Only poor management kept this from being a huge success

Wish You Were Here Badfinger Manufacturer: Wea International ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Power Pop | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Badfinger Ass Straight Up No Dice Magic Christian Music ASIN: B00000885H Release Date: 2000-04-25

Tracks:

1. Just a Chance
2. You're So Fine
3. Got to Get Out of Here
4. Know One Knows
5. Dennis
6. In the Meantime/Some Other Time
7. Love Time
8. King of the Load
9. Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch/Should I Smoke

Album Description

Badfinger's 1974 studio album & second for Warner Brothers after their highly successful spell on the Apple label. Features nine tracks, including 'Got To Get Out Of Here', 'Know One Knows' and 'In The Meantime Some Other Time'.

Album Details

This Rare Badfinger Recording was Pulled from Shelves Shortly after Its Release in 1974 Due to Managerial & Contractual Problems. Greatly Influenced by their Former Label Bosses at Apple Records (Mccartney, Harrison, Et Al), Badfinger Exuded an Exceptionally Melodic Pop Sense. 'Wish You were Here' features 'Just a Chance', 'Dennis', 'Love Time' & Six Others.

Customer Reviews:

Ahead of Their Time .......2007-03-08

Have never heard of Badfinger until I came across them in a ListMania section while I was browsing. What intrigued me to give this CD a try was their sad story. Clearly a superb band, way ahead of their time and with a unparalelled talent. Really sad the way it ended but ironically that's makes them more of a real gem. I'm sure I'll be exploring more of them.

Imagine McCartney recording with Clapton in the early 1970's...........2007-01-26

Instead of with Linda....

And with the songs serving as an outlet for severe personal and financial problems - As if McCartney needed to write a song like Layla...

That's how I've often thought of this CD. Great guitar work, and lots of big melodies. There's plenty of details in the other reviews, so I'll just add that Pete Ham is in his usual fine (musical) form here, and it's undoubtedly Joey Molland's finest hour. It took dire straits for the band, but Molland never sounded as inspired as he does here.

An odd thing I noticed after reading the Badfinger bio - In the closing verse to Dennis, a great Pete Ham song, the phrase "There's A Way Through" is repeated many times - reportedly the same phrase as Ham's final words to Tom Evans shortly before his death...

A Classic Stomped to Death by Stinking Management and A Label.......2005-10-08

that chose to sue the band rather than understand what Pete, Joey, Tom and Mike were going through. The shame of it all is while rock was going into that transitory phase from British Rock and Roll and California Country Rock to Disco, Punk and whatever Springsteen calls his music??? Badfinger in 1974 had recorded an album that not only sounded like "Abbey Road" or even elements of the Beatles' "White Album", but evoke that same magical lyrical imagery so prevalent in the latter Lennon-McCartney era.

Peter Ham, disillusioned and broke, would take his life less than a year after recording this album, but some of his finest songs - maybe not hit tunes like "Day After Day", "No Matter What" or "Baby Blue" - were recorded here. Songs like "Just A Chance", "In the Meantime", and "Meanwhile Back at the Ranch". Tommy Evans contributed the cute and very Lennonsque "King of the Load" with a sweeping guitar solo (Ham? or Molland) that rivals George Harrison's best Beatle solos. Mike Gibbins stepped from behind the drums to sing "You're So Fine" with the three main singer Badfinger boys. The epic, chugging, masterpiece "Meanwhile Back at the Ranch-"Shall I Smoke" with an opening lead vocal by Ham and ending vocal by Joey Molland and with dual lead guitars by Ham and Molland is a breathtaking finish to a wonderous work. A work that sadly enough ended up in the bargain bins - and left the band in desperate debt because a label chose to punish an act over the misdeeds of its mismanagement.

Joey Molland once told me that yep, "Gotta Get Out of Here" was a blunt reference to what the band was experiencing due to lousy management and a label that really didn't care. A band that came directly out of being the Beatles' proteges, being outstanding musicians and composers in their own right and keeping the tradition of the Fab Four did not deserve such a terrible fate. Both Ham and Evans died needless, tragic, early deaths that shouldn't have been, and Molland deserves much more acclaim - at least Badfinger has been acknowledged as a major influence by bands like Cheap Trick, the Records, the Bangles and others.

Abbey Road SIDE #3, maybe!?!?!?!??!.......2004-07-11

Well, I'm sure you all have heard the problems this band went through, so I won't even go into that. What you have here in Wish You Were Here is not to be mistaken by Pink Floyd's CD of the same title. Just over 30 minutes, this album broke new ground, a different approach then previous releases. I won't sit here and insult anyone's intelligence by stating this is their greatest work. Personally, its my favorite. From start to finish, no bad tracks, some medley's, some excellent choices of intruments never used before on a Badfinger record. This is by all means, the last record of the Classic Badfinger lineup. The comparisons to Abbey Road are prevelent.....but it stands to this day as a Classic Lost Album that will go down in history as just that.....Lost. No hit songs here, no tradmark sounds, just pure brilliance!!

If I could possibly improve this great release, I would have included "Timeless" somewhere in between the original's release first side and second. Would have been a nice compliment to the Abbey Road theory?!?

This document should not be overlooked by any casual, hardcore or any Beatle fan!

Only poor management kept this from being a huge success.......2004-03-04

The two albums that Badfinger recorded for Warner Brothers after leaving Apple were among the easiest to find in the days before cd's. They could usually be found languishing in used bins for relatively low prices, and it was this that initially threw me off. Finally, faced with the prospect of little known Badfinger over no Badfinger at all, I went ahead and purchased both albums. Imagine my surprise when I got home and found that both albums were loaded with songs on par with, and at times better than, the songs that the band did while with Apple. The whole album is strong, with leadoff shouldabeenahit "Just A Chance" Pete Ham is in fine voice, and one is left to wonder what could have been. "Know One Knows" and "Dennis" are equally strong, but it's the rather odd cut and paste songs "In The Meantime/Some Other Time" and "Meanwhile Back At The Ranch/Should I Smoke" that show the band's true brilliance. Within months Pete Ham would be dead and with his passing rock and roll lost one of the truly great songwriters as well as a hugely underrated guitarist. This album demands and deserves a listen and it's a risk you won't regret.

Average customer rating: Only Cards -All Aces.......... Badfinger Rolled A Ten Pete Ham and the boys create a classic Badfinger comes of age way better than straight up

No Dice Badfinger Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Power Pop | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Straight Up Wish You Were Here Magic Christian Music Ass Badfinger ASIN: B000006MVI Release Date: 1992-06-30

Tracks:

1. I Can't Take It
2. I Don't Mind
3. Love Me Do
4. Midnight Caller
5. No Matter What
6. Without You
7. Blodwyn
8. Better Days
9. It Had To Be
10. Watford John
11. Believe Me
12. We're For The Dark
13. Get Down
14. Friends Are Hard To Find
15. Mean Mean Jemima
16. Loving You
17. I'll Be The One

Customer Reviews:

Only Cards -All Aces.................2007-05-12

Well. I guess you all heard the news by now. "The Daily Snitch", one of London's top newspapers printed a story with huge headlines, "TOP SEER TO RETIRE FROM REVIEWING", including a picture of me being rushed into a waiting taxi cab. I want to assure all my fans that this is not the case. While it is true that I have stated that I wanted to cut back because of all the work involved. I was thinking of just submitting two sentences as a review, like many others (you have seen them, haven't you?). Two blerbs that say nothing and aren't challenging in the least. Of course it would be safe and non-threatening. And everyone goes home happy. Who cares if Metamorpho's Universal sacrifice is shattered like fine Lennox crystal dropped on the floor? Well.....at least there's glue. :)
But, let's move on to Badfinger, shall we? I knew they were excellent a long time ago, and while I listen to it now, it has lost none of the magic it had since the first time I heard it. Such a phenomenal pop outfit that reminds one of the Beatles. And why shouldn't it since two of them (Paul McCartney and George Harrison) guided Badfinger in so many ways? It was the wisdom and experience of how recording gets done that contributed to their superior sound. Also the smarts to recognize the talent that existed. It is the quintessential format of a pop quartet that is employed here. The harmony vocals, although rougher than the Beatles would use, are used here. We have the rythmn guitar keeping constant as tasty bits from the lead guitar color and shape the sound. The nice bass fill, jumpy and essential, and the sometimes active and sometimes understated drum breaks. Add to that, piano, some horns, and you have a very nicely put together album indeed.
But let us not forget that the songwriting here is above parr in so many respects. They all could write tunes - and none of them were shabby in the least! When you listen to the album you will be astounded on the variation of construction. They include tough rockers like "I Can't Take It", "Love Me Do", "No Matter What", and "Watford John". Semi-sweet odes such as like "Midnight Caller", "Without You", "It Had to Be", and "We're for the Dark". Included with this is the country-flavored rock of "Blodwyn". In fact people, if you like the diversity of what pop/rock can be, then you should investigate this album. There is not one bad cut here.
I suppose by now that everyone knows the story of Badfinger. Pete Ham's suicide, the non-support and atrocious activity of their record company. It is an amazement to me that a group this talented shouldn't have been mega. But, that only supports my wise Seer's outlook (after much reflection) that the best music out there is music you have never heard. Keep in mind, that, in some weird way, we are victims as much as Badfinger in the fact that the music industry has vast power of what you do or do not hear. We are the ones who have to do the work and seek out the gems. This one really was a no-brainer for your Metamorpho (stop that snickering--I hear you!).
Anyway, enough braying on my part. If you like nice melodies, great songs, and beautiful construction, get this c.d. You won't be disappointed. It is a pure joy.
Time to go and see if the newspaper will print a retraction. Hmmm...I think I'd have better luck purchasing another Lennox crystal. Oh well.

Well beyond the looking glass - your "non-retired" Metamorpho

Badfinger Rolled A Ten.......2007-04-14

Badfinger's best, most cohesive album. This is on par with Lou Reed's Transformer, T. Rex's The Slider, Mott the Hoople's All The Young Dudes, and David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust. I have personally worn out three vinyl LPs, I like this album so much. Pete Ham's guitar work is the under-rated under-appreciated strength of this album. Soaring vintage Les Paul solos, both laidback and in-your-face, are the common thread connecting the feel and atmosphere of all twelve original songs. This is a great guitar album. The extra tracks are dismissable, with the exception of the superb "I'll Be The One". (Rumor has it that the cover model is Joey Molland's wife, Kathy.)

Pete Ham and the boys create a classic.......2005-11-28

For a short time Badfinger filled the void left by the breakup of the Beatles. "No Dice" and the following album "Straight Up" are classic pop albums that had the harmony, melodic sense, energy and feeling that were the hallmark of the best of the Beatles music. While the Beatles had Lennon and McCartney Badfinger only had one great singer songwriter-Pete Ham. The other members wrote and sang but it was Ham who provided the group with the best songs and the most inspired vocals.
The heartbreak of his finest song "Without You" is only heightened by the knowledge of his tragic suicide, and with no disrespect to Harry Nilsson, this is the definitive version.
Pete of course was surrounded by a group of solid singer, writer, players that made Badfinger one of the best groups in the early 1970's and "No Matter What" is one of the few songs that have stood the test of time and still seem fresh every time you hear it.

Badfinger comes of age.......2004-05-11

No Dice (1970.) Badfinger's second album.

From their infancy when they were known as the Iveys to Pete Ham's untimely suicide in the mid-seventies, Badfinger was a damn fine (and severely underrated) classic rock group. Because they were on Apple Records, they were often forced to live in the shadow of the Beatles - and some people unfairly coin them a Beatles rip-off. This really is a shame. Badfinger's music is nothing short of excellent, and there's no place this shows like on the band's sophomore LP, No Dice. Read on for my review.

It is on this album that Badfinger truly discovered their sound. Their Iveys LP and first Badfinger LP were excellent, too, but it was obvious that the band was still strugging to find their sound. Well, they found it here. Pete Ham and the boys serve up a damn fine classic rock and roll album here, that doesn't have a single weak track. One of the band's biggest hits of all, the classic No Matter What, comes from this album. The track still get classic rock radio play to this day, and with good reason. But, the other non-hit tracks are also excellent. Many are what you'd expect from a classic rock band, and many even take on somewhat of a country-rock sound, reminiscent of Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young. All in all, this is probably Badfinger's strongest LP overall.

The new reissue of this album doesn't just remaster the album and expand the liner notes - it also adds some rare bonus tracks! The original album, as it was, was already a five-star masterpiece, but these bonus tracks are the icing on the cake - they take an already-great album and make it even better.

In the end you were left with a damn good classic rock album, arguably Badfinger's finest. It's a shame these guys tend to be so underrated in this day and age, because their music was some of the finest classic rock out there. If you like classic rock, this album is not to be missed.

way better than straight up.......2004-03-24

I dont need to repeat everyone here, but this is a must own cd. You can thank us (and Joey when you see him at the Chicago Beatlefest in August) later.

Average customer rating: It's a winner! Badfingers best Badfinger's Final Apple Album Is Hit And Miss Affair The unjustly forgotten Apple album Ass is good Badfinger`s Goodbye to Apple

Ass Badfinger Manufacturer: EMI Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Power Pop | Rock | Styles | Music Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Wish You Were Here Badfinger Straight Up No Dice Magic Christian Music ASIN: B000006SN9 Release Date: 2004-06-19

Tracks:

1. Apple of My Eye
2. Get Away
3. Icicles
4. Winner
5. Blind Owl
6. Constitution
7. When I Say
8. Cowboy
9. I Can Love You
10. Timeless

Album Description

Ass was the last Badfinger album recorded for Apple, originally released in 1973. Parlophone/Apple.

Album Details

Digitally Remastered Edition of the Last Badfinger Album Recorded for Apple. It also Has the Undeserved Distinction of Being the Most Obscure; Rarely Written About and Often Dismissed as Undistinguisted. However, in Fact, "Ass" is Probably their Finest Apple Album; Full of Hidden Treasures Buried Beneath Its More Illustrious Predecessors. In Retrospect, it is Seen More as a Timeless Work.

Customer Reviews:

It's a winner! Badfingers best.......2007-02-27

Highlights of this great groups 4th album for Apple are...
Apple of My Eye - The late Pete Hams bitter farewell song to Apple

Winner - Joey Mollands open letter to John Lennon who often critisized the band, Joeys best song

Blind Owl, Constitution double shot from the underrated bass player singer writer late great Tom Evans

Cowboy - even the drummer Mike Gibbons writes songs, amazing group

Timeless - Pete Hams best song, unfortunately not many have ever heard it, should have been a hit.

Badfinger's Final Apple Album Is Hit And Miss Affair.......2004-08-07

Long unavailable, ASS was Badfinger's fourth and final album for the Apple label. Their self-titled debut for Warner Bros. would be released a mere three months after ASS. That, coupled with the fact that Apple did little to promote the album, resulted in an album that failed to chart. Despite the album's poor chart showing, it is not without it's highlights.

The album is bookended by two first-rate efforts from Pete Ham. The opening track is a kiss off to their former label. [Badfinger left Apple on acrimonious terms.] The closing track is the majestic "Timeless." [At nearly eight minutes it is the longest song in the Badfinger canon.]

Co-founder Tom Evans also turns in two equally fine songs. First, the uptempo "Blind Owl" and the lovely "When I Say." Mike Gibbins lone contribution is the country-flavored "Cowboy."

The remaining five tracks (along with the bonus track "Do You Mind") were penned by Joey Molland. The rockers like "Get Away," "Winner" and "Constitution" are serviceable, but the highlights are the love songs "Icicles" and "I Can Love You."

While not up to the high standards of their previous LP STRAIGHT UP, this is still a necessary purchase for Badfinger fans. RECOMMENDED

The unjustly forgotten Apple album.......2004-07-07

While Badfinger's Straight Up and No Dice albums are widely and deservedly considered classics, their Apple swan song, "Ass" gets so little attention that it's never even been released domestically. Few people outside the core of die-hard fans even know it exists. Too bad, because they're missing some stellar moments. While power-pop was the buzzword that surrounded much of the rest of the band's catalog, "Ass" doesn't come off quite as sweet and is all the better for it. "Ass" was Badfinger stretching out and showing that they were more than recycled Beatle hooks and harmonies. While "Apple Of My Eye", Ham's achingly appropriate tip of the hat to the band's soon to be ex-label, captures the band's sound of old, several of the other songs seem to come from a harder edged, refreshingly different vein. "Timeless" is quite possibly Pete Ham's finest recorded moment with it's slow-building intensity, harrowing guitar and fade to infinity ending, and if nothing else shows just how huge a talent the world lost a short time later. Pete was not only a gifted songwriter, but as this song also shows, a brilliant guitarist. These two songs along with "Constitution", "Icicles", "Blind Owl" and "I Can Love You" are the albums undoubted highlights, but only Mike Gibbins' "Cowboy" seems out of place on the album. Despite it's thrown together, admittedly rushed feel, Ass is a great Badfinger album that has never recieved a fair shake. It's nice to see this import only re-release for those who missed it the first time around, but I have my doubts as to whether this will wake people up to what they've been missing. Again, too bad.

Ass is good.......2004-05-25

A darn good album and a brilliant song is "Apple Of My Eye". Pete Ham's beautiful voice and a fantastic sentiment about leaving behind the Beatles label. has there ever been anyone like him since? Hopefully this reissue is remastered. All the material is great. Ham's guitar at the end of "Constitution" is excellent. Molland's "I Can Love You" is another favorite of mine. Too bad he turned out to be such a dip, putting out that atrociously produced not-really live LP, a let's-make-a-quick-buck collection of some demos of his that was shoddy, and his horribly embarrassing covers CD's of many Badfinger classics that take away from people buying the legitimate stuff. Joey --- Come back to reality!! It's not about the money--- Granted this album isn't perfect, like "Straight Up," but it's my second favorite Badfinger LP. Thanks to Mike B. for turning me on to it.

Badfinger`s Goodbye to Apple.......2004-05-24

The story behind the release of Ass is in several ways similar to that behind "Straight Up". The first recordings for this album, that turned out to be their last for Apple Records, began in January 1972; and the final recording took place in April 1973. The album was not released until late 73 in the USA and in March 74 in Europe. Their change of record company from Apple to Warner Brothers was one among other reason for the delay. Actually a first version of the album had been completed by the end of 72, but it was rejected by Apple. The original version of Ass had been produced by the band themselves, and they were going for a more basic rock album.

In early 73 Apple called in Chris Thomas to produce new recordings and to look through, what had already been finished. A similar situation had occurred when Todd Rundgren had been recruited for finishing "Straight Up". The two earliest recordings on this album were in fact ("The Winner" and "I Can Love You") produced by Rundgren. Pete's "Apple Of My Eye" and "Timeless" were re-recorded and two new Molland songs ( "Icicles" and "Constitution") with Chris Thomas were added. The rest of the album are leftovers from the scrapped version.

The album turned out to be a commercial failure; not because of the music but because of other things like little promotion, bad timing, the change of record company, lack of recent hit-single etc. The album was different from their earlier albums - they had wanted to do basic rock album representing the music they performed live, and that is mainly what "Ass" became. People who'd expected and hoped for another album similar to "No Dice" and "Straight Up" were obviously disappointed. Pete Ham only contributed 2 songs, of which only "Apple Of My Eye" was a typical Ham composition. Tom Evans wrote two very strong tracks, "When I Say" and "Blind Owl" - the first a lovely ballad and the second a wonderful rocker, which became a live favourite. Mike Gibbins wrote "Cowboy", a country styled song, which sound somewhat unfinished and which does not fit very well into the concept of the album. The rest of the album was written by Joey Molland. 3 straight ahead blues/rockers and two ballads. The album is the first where Pete Ham really gets a chance to demonstrate what a great lead guitarist he was, f. ex. on tracks like "Blind Owl", "Constitution" and "Timeless". The only bonustrack "Do You Mind" is an outtake from the first version of the album - it's written by Molland and it's one of his best early Badfinger songs.

My favourites: "Apple Of My Eye", "Blind Owl", "When I Say", "Timeless" and "Do You Mind"

Average customer rating: Badfinger - A Strong Album with a few Misses! Hitless, but a good "album" album. Uneven self titled 5th studio album deserves 3 1/2 stars Badfinger didn't know its own strength An Overlooked Gem

Badfinger Badfinger Manufacturer: Wea International ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Power Pop | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Wish You Were Here Ass Magic Christian Music No Dice Straight Up ASIN: B000024L01 Release Date: 1999-07-15

Tracks:

1. I Miss You
2. Shine On
3. Love Is Easy
4. Song for a Lost Friend
5. Why Don't We Talk?
6. Island
7. Matted Spam
8. Where Do We Go from Here?
9. My Heart Goes Out
10. Lonely You
11. Give It Up
12. Andy Norris

Album Description

The band's 1974 album & their first for Warner Brothers. 12 tracks, including 'I Miss You', 'Shine On' and 'Love Is Easy'.

Album Details

Badfinger's 1974 debut for Warner Brothers. Features some melodies & vocal harmonies which are reminiscent of the group's mentors, the Beatles. Includes 'Love is Easy', 'Shine On', 'Song for a Lost Friend' & nine others.

Customer Reviews:

Badfinger - A Strong Album with a few Misses!.......2004-02-08

Badfinger had signed to Warner Brothers around 72/73 before the release of their final Apple-album "Ass". The recordings for the first album for their new company began in June 73, with Chris Thomas as the producer. The title for the new album changed twice during its creation. Originally it was to be called "Wish You Were Here"; that title was later changed to "For Love Or Money" and finally the album ended up just as "Badfinger". The album has often been critizised for being rushed and inconsistant; and is often considered one of the band's weakest , which doesn't neccessarily mean that is a weak album - in fact none of their albums are.

Most of the music on this album comes as a logical continuation of "Ass". This doesn't mean that no new grounds are explored - on the contrary. On Pete's "Matted Spam" the band experiments with funky/jazzy rhythms and Tom's "Why Don't We Talk" doesn't sound like anything they'd done before; the song is quite Lennon like and features a short but great guitar solo from Pete. This is one thing characterising the album: some very inspired leadguitar parts by Pete Ham ( he played almost all lead on it). Pete is also the main contributor of songs, and among them is the majestic "Lonely You" would have been a logical choice for a single. Unfortunately Warner chose Molland's "Love is Easy", which although it had a good guitar-riff, suffered from strained vocals and a production that sounded unfinished; the song also lacks variation in rhytm and melody. The second single "I Miss You" was an almost equally poor choice. The song doesn't have a hit-potential at all, but it's certainly a fine album-track. Its B-side "Shine On"; similar to "I'll Be The One" in style and sound; would have been a much better choice. Mike Gibbins wrote "My Heart Goes Out" for the album and for the first time Mike really shows his songwriting abilities, the song was easily his strongest contribution to Badfinger so far. All in all the album Badfinger is really a very good album; much better than its reputation. It contains several very strong tracks, some good tracks and - admitted a few weak/unfinished tracks (Andy Norris / Love is Easy ).

My favourites: Lonely You, Shine On, Song For A Lost Friend, Where Do We Go From Here and My Heart Goes Out

Hitless, but a good "album" album........2003-11-06

Though it doesn't have the continuity of its predecessor, the underrated Ass, Badfinger's debut on the Warner Bros. label has the one thing that Ass was greatly missing: Pete Ham compositions (he sang lead on only two tracks on Ass)! The sound may be a bit muddy, I believe due to the fact that the master tapes do not exist anymore, but all the instruments can still be clearly heard.
As always, Pete's contributions are the best (and most commercial) and Joey's are the heaviest & roughest. The piano- & organ-laden "I Miss You" seems like a strange choice for an opening track, but it works for this album, as most of the best tracks are the laid-back ones. "Shine On" is an energetic slight rocker with light instrumentation and guitars which seem to leap out of the speakers. "Matted Spam" breaks the mood of the album (without killing it) with its horns and bouncy melody. While a few of the middle tracks may be a bit generic by the band's standards, the album truely takes off about 70% of the way through. Mike breaks out of the drummer's mold and contributes one of the best tracks, "My Heart Goes Out," a song which I find to be indescribably beautiful. Pete's "Lonely You" is possibly the best song on the album, and I think could have been a great hit for someone with a more commercial voice. Joey's "Give It Up" juxtaposes hushed verses with a heavy chorus whose opening guitar chord seems to jump in out of nowhere.
While Badfinger may be an uneven effort, it's certainly a worthy addition to the band's discography. Don't overlook it just because the CD is only available via import--it's worth every cent.

Uneven self titled 5th studio album deserves 3 1/2 stars.......2003-04-20

Nothing like being under the gun to 1) Stress you out 2)Cause writer's block 3)Create enough friction to start a fire and 4)Cause members to leave. That's what happened to Badfinger during their brief tenure with Warner Brothers Records. They recorded three albums (only two of which were initially released. Head First finally appeared about two years ago)none of which received any push from Warner at the time. Why? They were talented, had a couple of hits and bestselling albums. What's more, they managed to help invent power pop and produce two incredible albums all within two years. It all comes down to the size of the pond; they were big fish in a small pond at Apple Records. At Warner, they were out of their element and lost.

Badfinger finds the band casting for direction. Ass, their last album for Apple had been recorded nearly a year before but came out within a couple of months of their latest album. This contributed to the confusion. What's worse, is the writing crisis effecting their most talented songwriter; Pete Ham suddenly thought he could do no right.

A cliched observation about this album is really true; Badfinger is the band's White Album. The production by Chris Thomas is fine for the most part although a number of production gimmicks do distract a bit from the quality of the songs. Still, some of the sonic experiments were interesting. The truth is that the band was exhausted. Their new contract required them to turn out an enormous amount of product within a short span of time (2 albums a year plus 2 singles--not too dissimilar from the early Beatles situation. However, of The Beatles first five albums only one consisted of all original material).

The music has a number of stunning moments chief among them the Ham & Evans collaboration Shine On, Ham's Lonely You and Song For A Lost Friend all are strong songs. The weakest of the bunch Lonely You has a stunning vocal arrangement that makes up for the more mundane melody. Joey Molland shines on the amazing Give It Up and the unfinished Love Is Easy. Unfortunately, there's a bit too much filler on the album. The ambitious, uncertain direction of the album makes it one of Badfinger's more challenging listens but, like many flawed albums, the highlights more than make up for the weakest moments.

The next album Wish You Were Here would be the band's finest hour. Sadly, virtually no one heard it when it was first released and it's only available as an import.

Badfinger didn't know its own strength.......2001-07-20

After STRAIGHT UP, the Badfinger album for which I reach most often is the band's self-titled 1974 release, BADFINGER. I don't know why BADFINGER isn't considered among the group's strongest records. Excellent songs "Where Do We Go from Here?," "Matted Spam," "Shine On," "Give It Up," and "Lonely You" anchor the album. Then there's "My Heart Goes Out," "Andy Norris," and "Love Is Easy," three others that, while not great, sound good. That's eight worthwhile songs. If only every album had that much good music.

As I understand, even Badfinger members Pete Ham, Mike Gibbins, Tom Evans and Joey Molland were unhappy with the results of BADFINGER. I guess there's nothing wrong with being your own toughest critic. But I think BADFINGER proves a great showcase of the band's songwriting and musicianship. Miss BADFINGER at your own risk.

An Overlooked Gem.......2001-04-28

Badfinger's debut for the Warner Brother's label is often overlooked when discussing the band's best albums. Though it was released in early 1974 only three months after their final Apple album (1973's ASS), it is a fine collection of songs. Unsuprisingly, the best tracks are Pete Ham's contributions: the melancholy "I Miss You" and equally pensive "Lonely You," the moving "Song for a Lost Friend," and the uptempo "Shine On" (co-written with Tom Evans). Ham also wrote the horn-driven R&B number "Matted Spam," but it is by far the weakest and least Badfinger-sounding track on the disc.

Tom Evans turns in a couple lovely ballads, "Why Don't We Talk" and "Where Do We Go From Here?" The only real rocker on the album is Joey Molland's "Andy Norris," but his best song is the mournful "Give it Up." But perhaps my favorite song of the album is Mike Gibbins'gorgeous "My Heart Goes Out." It is certainly as strong a track as any of Ham's on the album.

I've owned this album since it first came out on vinyl and only recently purchased it on CD. Like their other WB album, Wish You Were Here, it is not available domestically. And while Rhino's Best of Vol. 2 culled many of these two albums' best tracks (including four tracks from Head First), any true fan will want the entire albums. The price of this import is certainly worth it. RECOMMENDED

Average customer rating: Badfinger Boogie, Mal Evans discovery Variable Bubblegum A Good Album! 4.5 stars - an excellent album If You Want It, Here It Is, Badfinger's Begining.

Magic Christian Music Badfinger Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Power Pop | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: No Dice Straight Up Ass Wish You Were Here Badfinger ASIN: B00000DRD6 Release Date: 1991-11-19

Tracks:

1. Come And Get It
2. Crimson Ship
3. Dear Angie
4. Fisherman
5. Midnight Sun
6. Beautiful And Blue
7. Rock Of All Ages
8. Carry On Till Tomorrow
9. I'm In Love
10. Walk Out In The Rain
11. Angelique
12. Knocking Down Our Home
13. Give It A Try
14. Maybe Tomorrow
15. Storm In A Teacup
16. Arthur (Previously Unreleased)

Customer Reviews:

Badfinger Boogie, Mal Evans discovery.......2007-02-27

Good debut from Mal Evan's (Beatles roadie's) discovery. Actually this is a compilation of the Iveys album and the then current soundtrack to the Peter Sellers film of the same name. Good stuff for any rock fan.

Variable Bubblegum.......2006-10-08

This is a review of the original American vinyl LP, which includes everything here except "Angelique", "Give It a Try", "Storm in a Teacup", and "Arthur". I'll have nothing to say about these four additional tracks. I've never heard them, in fact.

It may be natural to suppose this the soundtrack to "The Magic Christian" movie; it is nevertheless not so. I watched the movie for the very first time a month or so ago. It's dreadful--but, more to the point, only one of its three songs found here is heard there in its entirety, and there is a lot of other music in the film that isn't included here.

Since the Ivey's LP was never released either in the United States or in the United Kingdom, I don't consider it particularly relevant whether or not some of their songs made it to this record.

"Magic Christian Music" is essentially a period bubblegum record, by which I don't mean to disparage it, only to point out that it would be very foolish to take any of it at all seriously. The best thing about it is its ensemble singing, particularly on its two best tracks by far, "Maybe Tomorrow" and "Carry On", and also on the refrain of "Fisherman". (Unfortunately, the very ending of "Maybe Tomorrow" is corny, and the singing falters here as well.) These vocal arrangements are elaborate enough and significantly more sophisticated enough than the core group's fairly crude instrumental performances, that I'm inclined to wonder whether a professional outside vocal arranger had been brought in. The solo singing tends to be a bit weak and occasionally just slightly out of tune--"Maybe Tomorrow" is an exception. Although there is some fine drumming in "Maybe Tomorrow", in general there is also a great contrast in musicianship between the core group and the outside studio musicians--who deserve to have been credited, especially the solo violin player in "Maybe Tomorrow" and the obbligato trumpet player in "They're Tearing Down Our House".

A Good Album!.......2004-02-08

Magic Christian Music was the first album to bear the Badfinger name, though 6 of the songs on the album are in fact old Iveys recordings that had already been released on the Maybe Tomorrow album. Some of the recordings were done with Paul McCartney, and he obviously helped the band create their characteristic sound. Great tracks like "Midnight Sun", "Crimson Ship" and "Come and Get it" point clearly in the direction of the classic follow-up album "No Dice". "Walk Out in the Rain" is another stand-out track. "Rock of All Ages" is probably the wildest rocker the band ever recorded. "Maybe Tomorrow" which had been a minor hit for the Iveys, was also selected for this album.The material in this album is too varied in style and quality to make a real strong consistent album. The two bonus tracks are Iveys recordings from late 68 - none of them very interesting.

My favourites: Come and Get it, Crimson Ship, Midnight Sun, Beautiful and Blue and Walk Out in The Rain

4.5 stars - an excellent album.......2004-01-13

Magic Christian Music (1970.) Badfinger's second album, and the first to be released under the name Badfinger (their first album was released under the band's original name, The Iveys.) This album is actually a collection of songs from various sources. To give you a better understanding of this album/compilation, I am going to deviate from my normal reviewing style.

INTRODUCTION:
In the latter half of the sixties, Great Britain was filled with rock bands trying to make it big. Among these was a little group called The Iveys. Pete Ham (guitar), Mike Gibbons (drums), Ron Griffiths (bass), and David Jenkins (rhythm guitar) made up the band. Early on the band got a job backing up singer David Garrick in live shows and in the studio. Around this time, David Jenkins left the band. His replacement on rhythm guitar was Tom Evans. The band released its first and only album under the Iveys name, Maybe Tomorrow, around this period. A new rhythm guitarist also entered the band, Joey Molland. Evans switched to playing bass when Griffiths left the band. Soon, the band got signed to the Apple Records label, and changed its name to Badfinger. The band was asked to contribute some songs to the Ringo Starr film The Magic Christian, and they did. They also recorded several other songs in this era. By combining these recordings with older Iveys songs, they put together Magic Christian Music, which is now recognized widely as the first Badfinger album. Read on for my review of this album.

RECYCLED IVEYS TRACKS:
-Dear Angie
-Beautiful And Blue
-I'm In Love
-Angelique
-Knocking Down Our Home
-Maybe Tomorrow
Comments: These tracks were taken from the band's only album released under the Iveys name, Maybe Tomorrow. Dear Angie is classic melodic pop rock at its very best. Beautiful and blue is another excellent pop rocker that's tough to top. The blues-inspired Angelique is also excellent. It's a shame the album that originally featured these tracks is out of print and harder than hell to find, but I'm greatly relieved to see that some of them are on this album.

TRACKS FROM THE FILM "THE MAGIC CHRISTIAN":
-Come And Get It
-Rock Of All Ages
-Carry On Till Tomorrow
Comments: These are the tracks the band recorded for the film The Magic Christian. Come and get it was written by Paul McCartney, and it really shows. It's about as good as pop music gets. The other two tracks the band recorded for the film are also excellent.

NEW RECORDINGS FOR THE ALBUM:
-Crimson Ship
-Midnight Sun
-Walk Out In The Rain
-Give It A Try
-Fisherman
Comments: To make the album more "complete", the band recorded these songs to go along with the others. Fisherman is not the same recording that appeared on the Maybe Tomorrow LP - It's an all new recording (I haven't gotten a chance to hear the original yet.) This track is bizzare but still good. Give It A Try is a classic example of Beatles-esque rock that must be heard to be appreciated. And don't even think of overlooking Crimson Ship - sixties-style pop music never sounded better!

BONUS TRACKS FOR COMPACT DISC REISSUE:
-Storm In A Teacup
-Arthur
Comments: These are two bonus tracks, only available on this, the compact disc reissue of the album. Arthur is previously unreleased. It's a shame this track didn't get released until now, because it's very good. Storm In A Teacup is noticably different from the band's other material (it has a much more "soulful" sound), but it's still excellent.

FINAL VERDICT:
Overall, this is a great first album. If you're a fan of classic rock, Badfinger is a band you must not overlook. It's a shame these guys go unappreciated in the modern age, because their music is an infinite number of times better than that junk that gets played on the radio today. This has been referred to as the band's most Beatles-sounding album, but I think that's a GOOD thing. If you're fortunate enough to find this album, BUY IT.

If You Want It, Here It Is, Badfinger's Begining........2003-11-16

Actually it's only a Badfinger disc in name only. Most of the tunes on the album were done earlier when the band was called the Iveys and the rest were done after the name change but before second guitarist Joey Molland joined the band. The result is a mis-mash of different styles of songs. The Paul McCartney penned "Come and Get It" starts out the disc in fine form. Simple and irresistibly catchy, with Mike Gibbins drums driving the song home. It's no surpise the song went deep into the top ten. "Crimson Ship" is up next and its a slow-paced song that just hints at the creativity of the Pete Ham-Tom Evans partnership. "Dear Angie" sung by departed Ron Griffths is the kind of older British pop that seems dated compared with some of the other songs on this disc but has some interesting jazz noodling on guitar by Ham. "Fisherman" is another of those dated Ivey songs. Indeed its almost a novelty song. "Midnight Sun" puts the boys back on the right track with a stunning vocal by Ham. The rhythm guitar is mixed real high giving the song extra punch. "Beautiful and Blue" while poppy, showcases developing songwriting talent. "Rock of All Ages" is another impressive track by the band. This has Tom Evans giving it his all in his best rock 'n roll voice. It's one of those songs that doesn't stop moving. "Carry On Till Tomorrow" showcases the bands vocal abilites, which not fully mined on this disc would be explored later on. The strings on this song help immeasurably, however the electric guitar is a little bit off putting to such a gentle song. "I'm in Love" is still another Iveys old song, just remixed to be used on this disc. However, its better than some of their other attempts but still it sounds of its time. "Walk Out in the Rain" is a nice gentle Pete Ham vehicle. "Angelique" a total throw away. "Knocking Down Our Home" is a song about the effects of progess elegantly and effectively performed in the dance-hall style. Its one of the underrated songs on the disc. "Give It a Try" is more old dated Brit-Pop. "Maybe Tomorrow" was the Iveys first single--its simply overdone with Tom Evan's vocal histronics and orchestration and timpanis. The bonus tracks, "Storm in a Teamcup" and "Arthur" add nothing to the original disc. It's obvious here, on several songs at least, that early in 1970 Badfinger was a group to watch.

Average customer rating: THIS IS BADFINGER AT THEIR ABSOLUTE BEST.

Best of Badfinger Manufacturer: Apple ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music All Apple | Apple | Computers Brands | Computers Features | Electronics Similar Items: Anthology: The Best of Argent All Things Must Pass [DIGI-PAK EDITION] The Grass Roots - All Time Greatest Hits Blast From Your Past Hot Rats ASIN: B000BVF7QA

Product Description

Tracks: Come and Get It/Maybe Tomorrow/Rock of all Ages/Dear Angie/Carry on Till Tomorrow/No Matter What/Believe Me/Midnight Caller/Better days/Without You/Take It All/Money/Flying/The Name of the game/Suitcase/Day After Day/Baby Blue (US single mix)/When I Say/Icicles/I Can Love You/Apple of My Eye.

Customer Reviews:

THIS IS BADFINGER AT THEIR ABSOLUTE BEST........2007-02-04

Readers and reviewers, I will be writing a review on the legendary compilation album entitled "THE BEST OF BADFINGER" by one of Rock's greatest underrated bands and one of England's greatest could have been bands of all-time, I'm talking about the great BADFINGER. This legendary compilation album was originally released in 1995 on Compact Disc on the infamous Apple Corps Records label which is manufactured by the infamous Capitol Records/EMI Records label. As always, if I hear any new additional information concerning this legendary compilation album or the artist, I will edit this review immediately so that you the consumer will get the best informative and most accurate review possible.

BADFINGER will forever go down in Rock n' Roll history as being the band that THE BEATLES discovered and signed to their Apple Corps Records label. When guitarist/vocalist Pete Ham, bassist/vocalist Tom Evans, guitarist/vocalist Joey Molland and drummer Mike Gibbons joined forces, BADFINGER would be born and British rock would be taken to another level. BADFINGER would sing some of the most beloved well known songs ever recorded. BADFINGER would also have the most worst fatalities and tragedies in Rock n' Roll history. When you listen to BADFINGER'S music, they sound exactly like THE BEATLES. In my opinion, "THE BEST OF BADFINGER" is a true testament of their genius and greatness and a wonderful tribute to a band that was truly ahead of their time. This legendary compilation album contains their all-time greatest songs, this compilation is BADFINGER'S story.

I will list and briefly review certain song tracks that are of great importance and relevance to this compilation album. All the song tracks are superb in this compilation set and it is extremely hard for me to choose one over the other. However, in order to shorten this review, I will only choose certain song tracks in their original exact running order as follows: (1.) "Come And Get It," (This is a well recorded McCartney composition. I love this song. This song sounds just like a BEATLES song.) (3.) "Rock Of All Ages," ( This is a well recorded BADFINGER Rocker. This Rocker kicks a*s. The singing sounds alot like John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Certain chords in the music resemble THE BEATLES sound.) (6.) "No Matter What," (This is a true BADFINGER Rocker that kicks a*s. This Rocker even sounds alot like THE BEATLES. This Rocker will forever identify who BADFINGER really is. The blistering guitars in this number definitely makes some noise.) (7.) "Believe Me," (This is a beautiful mellow Rocker. I love the mellow guitar arrangements in this number yet very effective. The blistering guitar solo makes a grinding noise in this number.) (9.) Better Days," (This is a beautiful mellow Rocker. This song is well performed and recorded. You have to hear this song.) (10.) "Without You," (This is one of the most beautiful songs ever recorded. This is the original genuine version. Harry Nilsson and Mariah Carey recorded this legendary BADFINGER song and took this song to different heights.) (16.) "Day After Day" (This is a beautiful mellow Folk Rock number. I love the acoustic guitar playing in this song. I also love the sliding guitar solo in this number. The piano playing arrangements adds a little more touch to this song.) and (17.) "Baby Blue." (U.S. Single Mix) (This is another well recorded BADFINGER mellow Rocker. I love the way the guitar is played in this song. BADFINGER just plays enough guitar in their songs to help the songs breathe some life. BADFINGER never seems to over do or out play each other in playing the guitar. The guitar is played perfectly.) Overall, this is one hell of a good album to seek out.

As a proud owner of this album, I highly recommend that everyone buy this album to own as part of their valuable music collection. This legendary compilation will definitely stand the test of time and will always be enjoyed and cherished for many years to come, NOW AND FOREVER.

In closing, BADFINGER would suffer some of the most fatal tragedies that any band could ever go through. Pete Ham would commit suicide in April 1975. If that wasn't bad enough, Tom Evans would also take his own life in November 1983. However, BADFINGER'S music is well secure and will never be forgotten. According to the Mike Gibbons web site, Mike is still playing and is very proud of his accomplishments with BADFINGER. BADFINGER LIVES. So here's to you Mike, Joey, the late great Pete and the late great Tom. And as the saying goes, "AND THE REST IS ROCK N ROLL HISTORY," am I wrong? Thanks for reading my review and I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it for your reading pleasure. I also hope that you will read all of my other reviews in the near future when time permits. R.I.P. Pete Ham and Tom Evans. Long Live Rock n' Roll. Rock out always and take it easy. Forever in Rock, John L.

Average customer rating: Badfinger's best? Just think... No Stan Polley... If only this was the swan song Shouldve been one disc (hence the 4 stars) Head First Finally Released

Head First Badfinger Manufacturer: Snapper UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Power Pop | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Ass Badfinger Wish You Were Here Straight Up Golders Green ASIN: B00004ZDR0 Release Date: 2000-11-14

Tracks:

1. Lay Me Down
2. Hey, Mr. Manager
3. Keep Believing
4. Passed Fast
5. Rock 'N' Roll Contract
6. Saville Row
7. Moonshine
8. Back Again
9. Turn Around
10. Rockin' Machine

Tracks:

1. Time Is Mine
2. Smokin' Gun
3. Old Fashioned Notions
4. Nothing To Show
5. You Ask Yourself Why
6. Keep Your Country Tidy
7. To Say Goodbye
8. Queen Of Darkness
9. I Can't Believe In
10. Thanks To You All
11. Lay Me Down (Demo)

Amazon.com

If Badfinger never quite shook off the mixed-blessings of its early Beatles associations, they at least carved out a comfortable niche for themselves in the early 1970s, largely by carrying on the sterling pop sense of their famous sponsors. Sadly, the Fab Four parallels wouldn't end there; Badfinger, too, ultimately fell victim to recriminations and rapacious record-biz dealings, but with more tragic results. Just months after finishing the December '74 sessions for this last album, band leader Pete Ham committed suicide (bandmate Tom Evans would follow suit eight years later) and its session tapes would eventually vanish into the mists of memory and mystery. Like many an unreleased project, Head First then became something of a lost legend. This double-disc set marks its first release, packaged with a second disc of album demos and outtakes. Though the album finally presented here is a sonically imperfect rough-mix tape, the band's fabled pop genius still shines through, especially on "Lay Me Down," "Keep Believing," and "Turn Around." Still, there's an inescapable sense of bitterness that bubbles to the surface, especially in Evans's rough-hewn "Hey Mr. Manager" and "Rock 'N' Roll Contract." Only drummer Mike Gibbins seems to shake it all off with the good-natured "Moonshine" and "Rockin' Machine." Fans of Ham's demo anthologies on Ryko will find a few more gems on the second disc, though even his normally upbeat demeanor is laced with frustration on "Smokin' Guns," "Nothing to Show," and "I Can't Believe In." A bittersweet epitaph to a great band--and a sobering lesson in the sordid business of pop music. -Jerry McCulley

Album Description

The final studio album by Badfinger before vocalist/guitarist Pete Ham's suicide in April 1975 - is certainly one of the most legendary unreleased albums in rock history. For more than two decades Badfinger fans have waited for this album to be issued. Finally, 25 years after it was recorded, this long - lost album can take it's rightful place alongside Badfinger classics as 'No Dice', 'Straight Up', and 'Wish You Were Here'. Fully titled 'Head First-The Last Sessions'. Disc 2 is a bonus CD of rare demos. Double slimline jewel case housed in a slipcase. 2000 release.

Customer Reviews:

Badfinger's best? .......2006-10-17

Head First was the last Badfinger album by the orginal group. Joey Molland had left the group prior to its recording and because of the conflict with their manager and Warner Brothers, it was wasnt released until 2000. It is clear that this recording was rushed and some of the songs sound like it. It has its moments, Pete's songs,"Lay Me Down" and "Keep Believing" are what you would expect from him. Bob Jackson replaced Joey in the line up and wrote "Turn Around", an excellent song but not the "Badfinger" sound we were accustom to hearing. Tom's "Rock and Roll Contract" is rough and much better on "Say No More". "Hey Mr. Manager" is one of Tom's best songs in a couple of albums. But his composition with Bob Jackson, "Passed Fast", is without a doubt one of the best Badfinger songs ever and the reason to buy this cd. Mike's songs sound rough and unfinshed other than "Moonshine" with features vocals by Tom, Bob and himself. The recording of "Head First" was marked by the sad situation the group was in and the absense of Joey Molland and it shows. The second cd is rough demos and fragments which us fans might appreciate. The overall package is nice but I wish they could have put more effort in the artwork, maybe pictures of the group or use Tom's original vision of the cover art. All said, it just doesnt move like any other Badfinger or Badfinger reunion album. Certainly not their best.

Just think... No Stan Polley..........2005-12-19

Give the band a few more months of rest and this album would have blown away anything in its day. PERIOD. Great album anyways. Puts all of that era's Lennon, Harrison or Starr albums to shame and damn near equals McCartney's.

If only this was the swan song.......2004-06-30

This album was rumored to have been in the works for years when it was finally released, and as expected it was full of great songs that differed slightly from the band's hey-day. I find myself listening to it only occasionally though, unlike it's Apple and Warner Brothers brethren. I think it's the sense of desperation that some of the music seems to have and ultimately the sad end of Pete and Tommy that take away from my ability to enjoy it. 7 Park Avenue and Golders Green give a pretty decent idea of what we might have come to expect had Pete Ham lived, but Tommy had only the two pseudo-Badfinger albums to show us what we missed when we lost him. This is a far better epitaph, despite the undertone of sadness.

Shouldve been one disc (hence the 4 stars).......2004-03-24

The final Badfinger album with Pete Ham is very good. Trying to keep the Wish You Were Here (or as Mike Gibbins called it in the Gary Katz documentary "Wish You Were Where?"). Pete's demo of Lay Me Down is in G, while the offical version is in E. These Apple mixes mixed on Dec 15, 1974 are far better than Warner's mixes produced in Feb 75. The Warner mix of Lay Me Down is in mono and has a tape fault right at the start of the song (although if you have the cassette version of The Best of Volume 2, you can somehow get rid of it by playing it a lot like I did before I got the cd). Rock And Roll Contract shouldve had the little speech more upfront (maybe it was in the Warner mix?). Most of the bonus demos werent recorded during that time (as Mike said in a Dan Matovina interview). Keep Your Country Tidy has a bit of Lay Me Down although Pete didnt know it at the time. Anyway, get this disc now! I found it at Circuit City for 18 bucks and i know ill never see that price again, but do compare prices at all the shops. I never pay more than 20 bucks for a double disc set and neither should you!

Head First Finally Released.......2004-02-10

This was supposed to be Badfinger's 3rd album, but several reasons it was not released until year 2000. But well worth waiting for.

The recordings for Badfinger's third Warner album began at the end of November 1974. You would expect the members of the band at this point to be totally exhausted from touring, financial worries and the departure of Molland; and of course they were. Never the less they were still convinced that they could/had to work their way out of their crisis. For their latest British tour they had recruited Bob Jackson (keyb.), because of a short departure of Pete Ham. This tour had been as a 5-piece and by the end of the tour Molland had left the band. Two you producers were found for the new album; Kenny Kerner and Ritchie Wise - before Badfinger they had produced The Stories.

New songs did not come easily to Pete Ham at this point; he was losing faith in the the whole thing, but he worked hard to come up with more quality material. Of his three contributions for Head First the two of them are among his best ever. The opener "Lay Me Down" is a very catchy and powerful rocker with great commercial potential. "Keep Believing" is a typical Ham ballad; a very beautiful melody. Pete's third track is a short instrumental called "Saville Row". Tom Evans is back as a very important songwriter on the album. He'd written two songs alone and two songs in collaboration with with Mike and Mike/Bob. The first two are angry comments to the music business; both of them very intense; especially Mr. Manager is bound to become an all-time Badfinger favourite. Rock'n Roll Contract was rerecorded for Say No More, but this version is much better - I love the middle part. Passed Fast and Moonshine are well-known from Best of Badfinger Vol 2 - both of them very strong and indicating that this new line-up might have become their most interesting ever. Bob Jackson demonstrates powerful vocals and songwriting abilities on Turn Around; a track that could have been written and sung by Steve Winwood. Mike wrote Back Again and Rocking Machine. Rocking Machine is a charming little tune; I think Mike sounds a lot like George Harrison.

All in all the band play and sing their best on this album that is among Badfinger's strongest. Pete Ham does not sound burdened by having to play all guitars and they all appear extraordinary inspired.
The original master-tapes which have been considered lost seem to have been rediscovered in the vaults of Warner Brothers. This means that they may release the album some time in the future. or maybe license it to another label. Until that may happen luckily we have this Snapper release remastered from Bob Jackson's tape copy of the original Apple mixes.

The bonus tracks are all great songs; some are them are at an early stage and the sound quality is not very good on most of them. Still it's always nice to hear new songs by Pete Ham. I believe his 4 new songs here could have been developed into great Badfinger tracks. "I Can't Believe In" and "Keep Your Country Tidy" are great tunes. Of the other songs I especially like Mike's You Ask Yourself Why

My favourites: Lay Me Down, Mr Manager, Keep Believing, Moonshine, Back Again

Average customer rating:

Ass Badfinger Manufacturer: Toshiba EMI ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Power Pop | Rock | Styles | Music Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Straight Up No Dice Magic Christian Music ASIN: B00074C6E2 Release Date: 2005-02-27

Tracks:

1. Apple of My Eye
2. Get Away
3. Icicles
4. Winner
5. Blind Owl
6. Constitution
7. When I Say
8. Cowboy
9. I Can Love You
10. Timeless
11. Do You Mind [*]

Album Description

Japanese miniature paper sleeve reissue of 1973 album with 'Do You Mind' as a bonus track. EMI. 2005.

Rap Music:

1. BBC in Concert 1972 [Live]
2. Best of: Platinum Collection [Original recording remastered] [Import]
3. Best of the Fourmost [Import]
4. Blue for You [Original recording remastered] [Import]
5. Blue Matter/A Step Further [Original recording remastered] [Import]
6. Boz Scaggs & Band [Original recording remastered] [Import]
7. Church Gone Wild/Chirpin' Hard
8. Complete Hits Collection 1973-1997 [Box set]
9. Confessions of a Pop Group [Original recording remastered] [Import]
10. David Ackles

Rap Music

rap music

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