A little landmark review today as it’s the 200th since I started back in the Autumn. I wanted to do something to relieve the negativity of the pandemic and to focus myself on something positive. It’s turned out to be a fun little project to do and thanks to all that have read my reviews or like what records I feature. I usually rely on the Discogs randomizer for picking what I review, but today is slightly different as I have chosen one of my Top 5 favourite albums. This is definitely a candidate for a desert island disc for me.
Robin Trower is now 76 years old, but he was a 17 year old fresh faced young chap back in ’62 in a band called The Paramounts. In this band he recruited fellow school chum Gary Brooker. The band split up in ’66 and Trower would form a short lived combo called The Jam, whilst Brooker went on to form Procul Harum. Trower would then join up with Procul Harum after the single A Whiter Shade Of Pale was released, and would be with them until ’71. Before setting out on his successful solo career, he formed a short lived project called Jude where he would meet James Dewar. Trower would take Dewar, and drummer Reg Isidore, to complete his solo band. This is the line up that would record the first two albums – this being the second. The perfect power trio set up. It’s no coincidence that some of the most successful bands in history have had this configuration. As I have mentioned in previous reviews, the three piece allows the music to breath so there is space in the mix for all the instruments without distorting and diluting the sound.
First track in and it’s the often covered classic, The Day Of The Eagle. Right from the first chord, every second of this song is pure gold. The riff, the groove, and the vocal are so in tune with each other it’s poetry on record. The slowed down end section with that soulful solo is incredible. Second track, Bridge Of Sighs, sends goosebumps down your spine with that intro. It’s the sound Robin would become famous for. This is a slow song with incredible guitar, and James Dewar’s vocals are just sublime. The beautiful, In This Place, follows and the production is just fantastic. Again Dewar’s vocals are like honey dripping from a spoon – just beautiful. Add Robin’s tasteful guitar and this song is one of the hidden gems of the album. Side 1 closer is another killer tune, The Fool And Me. A very Hendrix funked-up riff and groove drive this song along. The guitar alone should have you reaching for your wallet.
Side 2 begins (as did Side 1) with one his most well known songs, Too Rolling Stoned. This time it’s the driving bass that grabs you before the funky wah wah guitar beats you to submission. Again, the end groove of the song where the pace slows down and then the long groovy solo fades out is just epic. A change of pace and groove follow with About To Begin. A really slow bluesy song all about the feel and tone. Lady Love starts with a cool riff and a funky bass line, and is really great melodic rock song with fantastic chorus, hook, and the standard ripping Trower solo. All too soon and the last track, A Little Bit Of Sympathy, rolls in and it’s another classic track. That opening riff and vocal just grab you before the song explodes into a sea of groove and guitar. The song has the funk deep within its grooves, especially in the breakdown. Robin sure hit payday with this record.
In case you were in any doubt I love every second of this masterpiece and EVERY HOME SHOULD HAVE ONE!!!
10,000/10 from The Grooveman.
