Search - Peter Frampton :: Art of Control (Mlps) (Shm)

Listen first, then decide

perkmp | Ft Wayne, IN. | 12/09/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The CD " The Art of Control", might just as well be known as the recording that nobody wants to remember from Peter Frampton's early recording career. Why this 1982 release has been abandoned by Frampton, as well as his record label, will always be a mystery to me. I've been a Frampton fan since his early Humble Pie career. This is classic Peter Frampton music, with mostly up-tempo rocker's, and some of his best guitar playing done during the 70's and 80's. Anyone who has an ear for good music will recognize songs like "I read the news", "Sleepwalk", "An eye for an eye", and "Heart in the fire", as being instant Frampton classics. The album's best song is "Back to Eden", which I was certain at the time, would launch Frampton to the "Great Guitar Player" status that he deserved, but is so seldom acknowledged as being one. I know that Peter Frampton has his own reasons for not liking this CD, as he has gone on record as saying that it's "his least favorite recording". I really think you should listen to this CD and be the judge for yourself. I think you'll agree with me that it's actually one of his greatest recordings, and not one that you should pass on. If you like Peter Frampton as much as I do, then give it a chance. I guarantee that you'll like this CD as well as anything that he's ever recorded; and that's truely saying something!"

FORGOTTEN CLASSIC

ManRay | Hawaii, Florida, or New Jersey | 02/08/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Art Of Control by Peter Frampton has been long overdue in being put on cd. I just received my copy from AMAZON and am blown away by this great album. It has been well over 10 years since I last heard this album and that was back on vinyl. This Japanese printing is simply put AWESOME!



The sound quality is amazing. The packaging leaves nothing out from the original. I even discovered my printing is even numbered. The cd comes packed in a miniature version of the old LP sleeve. There is no jewel case in my packaging. The more I examine the packaging I truly like it. All the art work is included just like the old LP sleeves only smaller. Also, included is a reprint of the record label (both sides no less). There is also a lyric sheet which is just like the old record sleeve. Very nice packaging indeed.



Now for the musical side of things. Peter Frampton himself has admitted in interviews that this is his least favorite album he has ever made. Being a huge Frampton fan as I am, I feel this may be due in part to where he was in his life at the time the album was made. That said, I truly find many gems long forgotten on this album. We must also look at the album in the context of the time it was made. The album came out in 1982. This was the time of new age and the electronic/keyboard explosion in rock music. All of which Frampton found I feel to be new to him. The new age sound and keyboard influence is everywhere on this album. But, he is a classic rock & roller from the sixties and seventies. This would also prove to be his last album released on A&M records.



For devoted Frampton fans like myself, this album is a MUST have for your collection. For someone newer to Frampton's music I feel this album is not perhaps the place to start. This album is simply awesome in its own right. Great guitar rifts throughout and nice tight lyrics as usual. Every artist has those albums where they sound as if they are experimenting and growing. But for artist to do otherwise would be very boring and mundane. I love this album and will listen to it often."

Peter Frampton's "The Art of Control"

James Choma | 04/14/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Released at a time when Peter Frampton's popularity was at an all time low, 1982's "The Art of Control" was dead on arrival when it hit stores. Peter himself dismisses this album as his least favorite due to being forced by his record company to deliver an album that he felt didn't sound like a Peter Frampton album. And other than his `82/'83 tour, I don't think any of the songs from this album have been played live since.



I can see where an artist would consider a mandate from the suits to update your sound a slap in the face, but even under that pressure, I think Peter still delivered a guitar driven album that has Peter's signature vocals, songwriting, and guitar work.



Out of everything Peter's released, this would be my favorite album. That's high praise for an album that been all but disowned by its creator, but I find myself coming back to this album more than any of his others, singing along with the criminally ignored "Back to Eden," "Don't Think About Me," "I Read the News," "Barbara's Vacation," and "Here Comes Caroline." It's a shame that none of these fantastic songs made the cut on one of Peter's numerous greatest hits albums.



No disrespect to Peter, but in all honesty, considering the transition from the 70's to the 80's, it was probably a good thing that he make an attempt to adapt and change his direction. The music business is just that - a business. I can't fault the management at A&M for factoring in Peter's declining record sales since "I'm in You," the soundtrack to "Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," "Where I Should Be" (which is another excellent album), and "Breaking All the Rules." In my opinion, "The Art of Control" was a more consistent album than each of these, just squeaking past "Where I Should Be." Another slap in the face was to call the album "The Art of Control" when, at the time, Peter felt anything but in control of his musical direction.



To me, there are few things more admirable in the music business than seeing an artist successfully adapt to a changing music climate, transcending the decades, and putting out a quality product. With the understanding that Peter was under considerable pressure to deliver a hit, after so many misses, and attempting to find relevance in the 1980's, he managed to come out with a fantastic album that still sounds as good today as it did back in 1982.



Those of you that haven't bothered to listen to this album due to the bad press (or indifference) it received, you're truly missing out on some great material. Is it the great lost Frampton album? Well, yeah, if you haven't heard it yet; I'd say so. Now, we just need get it out on an affordable CD in the US!"