Search - Manfred Mann :: Soft Vengence

This is music craftmanship at top level!

02/28/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The album was recorded over a period of four years, but it was well worth the wait. A fine collection of well crafted songs with lead vocal duties being shared by Chris Thompson and Noel McCalla. Along with the much loved soloing interaction of Manfred Mann's keyboards and Mick Rogers guitars. With songs like NOTHING EVER HAPPENS and THE PRICE I PAY The good old Earth Band is back with a vengeance. I've seen the band 6 times in Gothenburg, Sweden. The latest show was in the summer of 97 at the old shipyard Eriksberg. They played a lot of songs from this album and the show was one of the best i've ever seen. Just as on the CD, the band is so tight that you can't stand still. The voice of Chris Thompson is one of the best in rock ever, and Mick Rogers must be the coolest guitarplayer ever set foot on this earth. New singer Noel McCalla has a sensitive voice that goes vey well together with Chris. Manfred himself is as always excellent with his keyboards. Let's hope that these guys will continue making records, cause theres nothing like them.Remark: The songs on the CD is in two departments: SOFT and VENGEANCE, Amazon missed department VENGEANCE so here is the complete song list:SOFT DEPT: 1. PLEASURE & PAIN. 2. PLAY WITH FIRE. 3. NOTHING EVER HAPPENS. 4. SHELTER FROM THE STORM. 5. TUMBLING BALL. 6. THE PRICE I PAY. 7. LOSE THE TOUCH. 8. ADULTS ONLY. 9. WHEREVER LOVE DROPS (PART ONE). VENGEANCE DEPT: 10. THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF SEXUAL JEALOUSY. 11. 99 lbs. 12. MISS YOU. 13. NATURE OF THE BEAST. 14. WHEREVER LOVE DROPS (PART TWO)."

Boring

Peter Syle | Australia | 08/31/2009

(1 out of 5 stars)

"From the first couple of Earth Band albums through to Nightingales and Bombers you got great rock music with a bit of flair and imagination. I felt Mick Rogers derparture would be fatal. However the albums with Chris Thompson were pretty good (more commercial & safe) but after Watch & Chance went down hill big time. This album is boring elevator music that shows no flair or energy. Beware of false reviews, this is NOTHING like the old Earth Band music. While competent and polished, it is NOT rock music and I can't think of any reason why I would play this again. I read a review that said this was Solar Fire part 2, so I couldn't wait to get it. Big disappointment like Criminal Tango and Masque, just enjoy the ones going back from Chance or Watch."