Search - John Miles :: Rebel

For the unfamiliar...

Rob O | AR United States | 06/08/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'm inclined to think that most people who come across this album already know a lot about John Miles. I don't--I found a used vinyl copy of this and, to be honest, bought it for the poster that was included of the really awesome cover photo (which hangs on my refrigerator currently, FYI).

It's really only been recently that I actually got around to playing the disc. The thing with Miles on this album--none of the components with which he's working are, in a sense, "original," a great deal of Paul McCartney, Elton John and Stevie Wonder are to be found in Miles' work on this album. The important part is that he takes the sounds and really puts them together in a vastly original way.

With that in mind, this album is really pretty stunning. Miles takes the vaguely glam sound of mainstream Brit-rock in the lagging days before the Sex Pistols, the Clash and their ilk, and turns it up to 11. The overall pomp and circumstance Miles generates on this album gives Emerson, Lake and Palmer a run for their money. In terms of orchestration, this album sounds as good in parts as the Moody Blues' "Days of Future Passed," though more specifically song-oriented. Alan Parsons' production really colors this album, as well, sounding very much like later Alan Parsons Project tracks production-wise.

This is very much one of the "best albums you've never heard" to the US market, and with any luck it'll be rediscovered at some point (I'd be willing to bet in ten years' time we'll be hearing "Music" on some TV commercial or something).

This is a highly reccomended album, but it's difficult to recommend considering the sound is just so lost on the ears of too many music consumers. All things considered, though, it's better than a couple of Wings albums I've heard, so it's worth a shot as a classic piece of 70's British pre-disco and pre-punk rock and roll."

An album for the ages that says it all.....

Rob O | 04/15/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"John speaks to the heart of all true music lovers with his lyrics. The title track says it all "Music was my first love and it will be my last, music of the future and music of the past". The gentle but moving rifs of both guitar and piano are like food for the soul of the music lover. Mix this with the power of his lyric ability and you get songs like "Pull the damn thing down", "Everybody wants some more" and "Highfly". John is able to reach everyone with soft touching songs like "Lady of my life" and "When you lose someone so young". The album takes you for an emotional roller coaster ride begining with "Music", soaring with "Highfly" and "Rebel", slowing with "when you lose someone so young", building again with "Pull the damn thing down" and then coming full circle with a reprise of the true music lovers anthem song "Music".If could turn you on to one album that you can still buy, this one would be it. If only you could hear "Nice man Jack" or "Stranger in the city" or "Zaragon" or oh so many other powerful songs this phenomenal music lovers artist has given to the world. Maybe someday they will re-release those albums on CD. Check this album out, you won't regret it."

Miles ahead of the pack...

D. Hartley | Seattle, WA USA | 11/02/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"John Miles is a veritable Frankenstein of monster talent. Imagine a laboratory creation with the vocal range of a George Michael,who can also play piano like Elton John, sizzle on guitar like Brian May, and write songs with the eclectic range of a Todd Rundgren. Miles' mid-70's release "Rebel" is a near-perfect blend of progressive and melodic pop rock sensibilities. From the soaring "High Fly" (which recalls the Beatles' "Got To Get You Into My Life"), the Stevie Wonderish "Lady Of My Life", to the epic mini-opera "Pull The Damn Thing Down", this set is a winner. Crisp production by Alan Parsons, who thankfully doesn't allow the horn and string arrangements to lead the music into "schmaltz" territory.(Miles has continued to work as a session musician on various Parsons "Projects" over the years). Prog rock/70's enthusiasts will not be disappointed!"