Search - Iron Butterfly :: Ball (Mlps)

'Vida with an Edge

A. Klein | New Mexico, USA | 06/19/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As I've stated in my other reviews, I am a big fan of Iron Butterfly. This was one of the later albums of theirs that I've bought, and I only wish I had gotten it right after "'Vida." Basically, "Ball" takes the sound of 'Vida from "Are You Happy" onward and adds an "edge" to the sound. What you end up getting is heavier, more darkly-tinged music for the most part. This is a very good thing IMHO. The album is very solid as a whole, with everything from early Gothic/metal-sounding songs ("In The Time Of Our Lives," "Her Favorite Style," and "Filled With Fear") to trippy psychedelic excursions ("Belda-Beast" and "In The Crowds") to just plain rockers ("It Must Be Love," "Soul Experience," and "Real Fright"). And to top it all off, there is a beautifully-done rock love song ("Lonely Boy") that would make a great slow dance song. Over all, this is great post-'Vida Iron Butterfly, before the band's line-up changed for "Metamorphosis." I'm disappointed that "Ball" isn't remembered as well as 'Vida is. If you can find "To Be Alone" by the Butterfly, get yourself a copy of that song and a copy of the Ball CD and you have a great pairing. No matter what you do, GET THIS CD!"

You'll Have a Ball with "Ball"

PF4Eva | Norman, OK USA | 03/15/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Iron Butterfly proves with "Ball" thta they are less than one-hit wonders. In fact, all of their studio albums made it onto the Billboard Album Chart ("In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" was the only one to reach the Top 10.). All the songs rock now and forever. Buy this album/CD IMMEDIATELY if you don't already have it. Keep Iron Butterfly alive forever."