Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best Pop-Rock album ever made, 7 Sep 2006
OK, I'm starting with the bottom line: other than the Beatles, this is the best pop-rock recording ever made. I know it's a bold statement considering the likes of Badfinger, Big Star, Emitt Rhodes, The Raspberries and the like, but it's true. Those heavy weights all cranked out some masterpieces, but this disc is just a bit better.
When the Flame LP was first released in the fall of 1970 the immediate point of comparison was with the Beatles, which was rightly deserved. The Flame, however, didn't simply sound "Beatlesque" in the same way as Emitt Rhodes or Badfinger, but they transcend the genre by managing to exhibit the same sense of musical creativity and excitement that the Fab Four did. It was the Beatles ability to write great songs, and their sense of musical adventure and exploration, that set them apart from other pretenders to the throne. It's what sets the Flame apart as well. The songs themselves are consistently melodic, (with only "Hey Lord" being sub-par) and the arrangements evolve and progress in exciting and unexpected directions.
You'll know the Flame were on to something special from the opening bars of "See The Light", which begins with an incredibly infectious chorus that is punctuated by a George Harrisonesque guitar figure, underpinned by a wonderfully fluid McCartneyesque bass, and closes with a splendid "I Feel Fine" inspired guitar-riff coda. This track alone is worth the cost of the CD.
For me the highlight is what was originally side two of the LP (tracks 6-11 on the CD). Many of the songs are almost "mini-suites" (a la The Beatles "You Never Give Me Your Money"). The side kicks off with the rollicking guitar duel of "Get Your Mind Up" and evolves into a guitar exchange similar to "The End" on Abbey Road. Other highlights include "I'm So Happy", with it's harpsichord opening, and chiming guitar solo which is reminiscent of George Harrison's double-stop guitar figure from "She Came in Through the Bathroom Window"; the gentle "Dove", with it's lovely, classical guitar duet and strings; and "Another Day Like Heaven" which features a breathtakingly beautiful organ solo, and Leslie guitar. Incredible.
Don't be mistaken, though: the Flame do not simply ape the Beatles, instead they draw richly from the genre and present us with something entirely their own. There is more creativity on this one CD than most bands manage to produce in a lifetime.
If you enjoy melodic music full of wonderful surprises, and interesting arrangements, buy this CD. It will be the best musical investment you make for a LONG time.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
THIS IS NOT A LEGITIMATE RELEASE!, 15 Oct 2006
Visitors to this page who are as interested as I am in finally getting a cd copy of this pure pop masterpiece might want to note that this Fallout issue is NOT the legitimate cd release of the 1971 album. According to original engineer Stephen Desper (of Beach Boys fame), neither Brother Records nor the former members of The Flame have authorised this release; it is, quite simply, a bootleg. Although Desper does attest to reasonable sound quality (for detail, see: http://www.the-flames.com/ ), he is hoping to get Brother Records to soon release a fully authorised, remastered version (which this one isn`t). The re-release should coincide with the first ever release of a long-lost (and never commercially available) second Flame album as an added bonus! Therefore, it might well be worth the wait! In the meantime, however...I guess that`s up to you...
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Well worth the wait!, 9 Oct 2006
This is a wonderful record. I was aware of the albums existence way back in the 1970s but the LP was out of print by then.
The medley of 'Wonderful' and 'Don't Worry Bill' on The Beach Boys 'Endless Harmony' was a tatalising glimpse of what might have been lost on the Flame album. Now it is available for all to hear and it is a mini masterpiece! Drawing on obvious influences, this album continues and even extends from where the Beatles and Badfinger left off. Get it! You won't be disappointed.
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~ Ivory
~ The Group Image
~ Dennis Wilson
~ The Aggregation
~ Big Brother and the Holding Company
