Classic Edgar Broughton
jherraghty | Hopkinton, NH USA | 01/22/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Classic underground rock from the early 70's. Something for everyone on this Album. Heavy, Epic, Ballads, blues and folksy. An electic album that changes pace from song to song. None of it is technically perfect, but the overall impression is a rock band communicating using the best tools available to them. This album was and still is a favorite of mine from 30 years ago, but songs like "evening over rooftops" are still pertinent today. For a great sample of an old EBB Concert, "out demons out" live bonus track is included, it is musically simplistic, but a guaranteed crowd pleaser. You can imagine an acoustic Grateful Dead playing "Piece of my Own", Ozzy with Black Sabbath singing the birth, or Janis Joplin beseeching the audience on "What is a Woman For". But no, it's just Edgar showing his vocal range. The importance of this CD is that it is the most listenable EBB album. They were the people's band, working man's rock and roll, who let their politics show clearly in their lyrics. Buy it. It will keep you entertained on long drives, and if so inclined, provide a glimpse into popular underground tunes in the UK in 1970."
Edgar Broughton Band (self-titled CD)
Chris Hudson | Hobart, Tasmania | 02/13/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The first song, "Evening over Rooftops" became the band's anthem in the days of free love and free concerts, by their devoted followers all over Europe in the early 70's. The song (15 mins), backed by Dave Bedford's orchestra, and harmonised by the backing vocalists, The Ladybirds, (from would you believe, The Benny Hill Show), is a strange mix that blends beautifully into a crescendo of strings, Steve Broughton's drumming and Edgar's powerful, eerie vocals. The lyrics bytheway, are quite magnificent! The other songs on the album are mainly rock with acoustics thrown in, and are a good reminder of the early seventies-style.For a three-piece, E. Broughton, S. Broughton and S. Grant, they make a vibrant sound and this is by far their best CD. The band cut approx 8 albums, "Sing Brothers Sing" possibly their next best.I saw the band four times during the seventies - they were definitely one of those bands that came over better in the recording studio."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1