Wife of Lucifer's Friend BIGGEST fan!!
Kerry | Port St. Lucie, FL United States | 11/21/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I agree with bgbonesin, the guy from UT is definitely wrong! The vocals are incredible. John Lawton has an amazing vocal range and puts so much passion and power into his music (both with Lucifer's Friend and Uriah Heep) he alone could make them worth listening to. Of course, if you are truly appreciative of amazing guitar, drum and piano playing than you may want to give Lucifer's Friend a listen. My personal favorite is their "Banquet" album. The blending of the instrument's with Lawton's vocals is truly incredible. (If you are a Chicago fan you'll really appreciate Banquet)
Sorry Utah, but the only inept thing about Lucifer's Friend was your ability to review them!"
Another experiment, and the band succeeds once again
B. E Jackson | Pennsylvania | 04/17/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Lucifer's Friend is quite the mysterious band in my opinion. Quite the discovery too! I'm glad someone recommended me this talented band.
On the first Lucifer's Friend album, the band had fun writing bluesy, hard rock songs. On their second album, they apparently fell in love with the popular experimental rock bands during the early 70's such as Pink Floyd, King Crimson and Procol Harum, and created an album that stands among the weirdest (and most adventurous) I've ever heard. On the bands third album, this is once *again* a step in a very different direction.
What might sound somewhat dated to one person, actually sounds really good to me. That's my summary of I'm Just a Rock 'n' Roll Singer.
John Lawton absolutely steals the show with quite possibly his greatest vocal performance EVER laid down on tape. His range expands all over the place, and every single note he hits is *right* on the money as far as my ears are concerned. Brilliant job.
You know, John Lawton's vocals closely resemble Meat Loaf on tracks like "Mary's Breakdown". I wonder if Meat Loaf was listening to this band at the time, and may have been inspired by them? Speaking of "Mary's Breakdown", listen to that flute solo that appears occasionally. Talk about VERY haunting stuff.
Furthermore, what makes I'm Just a Rock 'n' Roll Singer so great is the fact it's so much FUN. Seriously, this is the kind of album I highly recommend to those who love bands like the James Gang, Humble Pie, Rory Gallagher, and several others.
"Blind Freedom" reminds me of Grand Funk Railroad (had Grand Funk been a jazz band of course). I LOVE Grand Funk, so this is definitely a great comparison in my book. In addition to that, this band sounds like they were following some of the jazzy bands at the time such as Return to Forever. Listen closely to that jamming in the background and tell me that doesn't sound like Chick Corea.
Even songs like "Lonely City Days" sound really good thanks to the way the album was produced. That guitar playing at the end seriously sounds like John McLaughlin. It's AWESOME.
"Closed Curtains" reminds me of Elton John. Darn!! This album is more diverse than I originally realized!
This is just highly enjoyable songwriting. I'll never understand why so many albums become forgotten over the years, especially really good ones like this. Makes no sense to me. Saying this album is underrated would be an understatement.
I love this band quite a bit. I'd love to hear what direction the band headed after this album."
SWEET LUCIFERS FRIEND
bgbonesin | in | 03/29/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a great album plain and simple,the vocals are excellent and the second side is wonderfull. I have not heard a bad lp with John Lawton on vocals . The man from Salt Lake is mistaken , but that is his choice...."
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1