Search - Graeme Edge :: Kick Off Your Muddy Boots

Beware Imitations

Skabeebe | PA | 03/03/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"There are numerous bootleg CDs with this title, as well as Paradise Ballroom. They are often called "European CDs", or "Limited Edition". They all seem to come from the Russian Federation, or former East Bloc countries.



They are all recorded to CDR from vinyl LP record, and are NOT official label releases. Paradise Ballroom was never officially released on CD, yet you can buy a CD of it off Ebay.



If you don't mind the scratches, surface noise, and turntable rumble, go for it. If you are looking for the real Polygram release, you will have much searching to do. KOYMB is a very rare CD.



I would ask any seller in advance what "label" it is on, it would have to be Polygram B000008FBD, not "COE Records" or other bootlegs.



The album itself is pretty good for its time period. I was a teenager in 1976, and it was one of my favorites. Adrian Gurvitz is a great guitar player. You can hear his Baker Gurvitz Army roots throughout.



If you are new to GEB, you will probably think the music is dated and seventy-ish, but for me it evokes another time altogether, a simpler one perhaps (when your a teenager).



Paradise Ballroom was a disapointment, despite the tantalizing album cover. It's disco influence put me off, but I thought "Human" was a pretty song.



I just wish the CD could be released again, and flush away all these bogus CDRs that are everywhere now."

For those who feel blue and moody

Mason R. Schaefer | Atlanta,GA | 04/27/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is quite a fine album, released at a time when ace guitarist/songwriter/vocalist Adrian Gurvitz had reached his peak. It bursts with intensity and features much musical variety. From "Bareback Rider" to "Something We'd Like to Say" (written by Graeme Edge) each song makes a strong, punchy point. "The Tunnel" is a typically intense Gurvitz instrumental (see the instrumentals on the first Three Man Army album). Graeme's songs hold their own with Adrian's, an encouraging sign. "Shotgun on the 4.42" is an instantly memorable western saga, with some stunning unison work on acoustic and electric guitars.

Contrary to what some say, "Paradise Ballroom", the followup to "Muddy," is quite a worthy album. There's some disco, but it's pretty palatable. "Human" is a fine ballad and "Caroline," the closer, is an all-out finale of the kind Adrian did so well. "Ballroom" proved to be his last truly memorable album."