Silver Sun - A Lick And A Promise (Expanded, 2014) mp3

Silver Sun - A Lick And A Promise (Japan 2014)

Some bands churn out new records like there's no tomorrow and launch each one with a dizzying amount of fanfare. On the contrary, Silver Sun have slipped out their first studio record since 1995 with barely even a word. I've been an avid fan of the band for ten years, but `A Lick and a Promise' only reached my consciousness thanks to the heads-up of an old friend who introduced me to them in the first place.

It's impossible not to bemoan the fact that an eighteen year career has elicited only five studio albums and an astonishing lack of recognition from the general public. Fortunately, the quality of the band's work makes it just about possible to forgive them, and this latest slice of pure British power-pop more than deserves its place amongst past glories.

Lead singer and mastermind James Broad's vocals are instantly recognisable and well-suited to the soaring, Beach Boys style harmonies of the backing vocals, and the summery riffs they employed so well in their earlier triumphs are used once more here, particularly in opening track `I Just Wanna Treat You Right'. I defy you not to smile the moment the beat kicks in, for it's a Silver Sun classic to nestle comfortably alongside such pearls as `Lava' and `Julia'.

Of course, when the standards they set are so high, it's inevitable there will be a few tracks that don't quite match up to the rest. `Bottom Of The Class', `Pariah' and `Pixelvision' haven't quite hooked me yet, but frankly, Silver Sun's weaker songs still outstrip most bands' best work without even breaking a sweat.
Silver Sun are, quite possibly, the best band you've never heard of, and `A Lick and a Promise' marks a very welcome return.(Quills@amazon)

Do you know Silver Sun? Don't miss it!!!
                    Frank mp3@320

Badfinger - Magic Christian Music (1970) 1991 Capitol (Flac)

About this album s so much written in the past. I will not also write a review about it. I think all is said about it . True stories and not so true stories. This is the Capitol edition from 1991 with two bonus tracks. It was mastered 1991 at Abbey Road by Mike Jarratt and it sounds real nice in my ears.

Have fun
               Frank  Flac

The Bee Gees - Cucumber Castle (1970) 2013 Japan Reprise Rec. (Flac)

An overlooked work in the Brothers Gibb catalog, Cucumber Castle is an excellent album that plays to the Bee Gees' strengths of melody, arrangement, and craftsmanship. Though at times one may miss the distinctive trembling vocals of Robin Gibb (the brothers had split up at this point), Barry and Maurice carry on with 12 cuts that continue in the tradition of their distinctive pop sound.

Orchestral arrangements and Mellotrons abound, and the sound tends toward full productions, especially in "Then You Left Me" and "I Lay Down and Die." One can also hear country influences ("Sweetheart"), gospel ("Bury Me Down by the River"), and light jazz ("My Thing"). What sets this album above others is that there is not a bad cut on the album, and Barry's vocals are particularly strong and heartfelt. Although most of the cuts deal with the usual subject of love and particularly love lost, superb eye for detail in the arrangements of the songs give them added life. Adding a few songs with classic singalong melodies ("Sweetheart" and "Don't Forget to Remember") certainly doesn't hurt the cause. All in all, this is a fine album that cements the Brothers Gibb
's reputation as superior pop songwriters and craftsmen.

Hello Folks, i was never a big Bee Gees fan but this album from 1970 is one of the best of this guys i ever heard. Maybe in his entirety the strongest i know. I read the review just some minutes ago and was really surprised. I can agree in nearly all points. And maybe (only maybe) it was a good decision at that time for the brothers as band to split (at least temporarily). The songwriting is just great and they belongs for sure to the greatest pop songwriters of all time. This is (and was then) a great pop album. If you are open minded give it a try and enjoy.
Cheers
           Frank  Flac

Badfinger solo: Mike Gibbins - A Place In Time 1997 Flac

As the drummer for Badfinger (and its predecessor band, the Iveys), Mike Gibbins demonstrated that he was a slightly above average drummer who seemed to owe more to the Keith Moon school of drumming than Ringo Starr, to whom he was more often compared. Also, with Badfinger, Gibbons was able to demonstrate a mellower side, writing some of their most beautiful tracks (check out "My Heart Goes Out" from 1974's Badfinger, and "Cowboy" from Ass). On this, his debut solo offering, Gibbons attempts to put the ballads on the back burner and rock out.

The main problem with this CD is that it's a standard mid-'70s rock album, unfortunately not all that well written or played. The album is full of elementary rhymes ("Sue Me" is a main culprit) and standard love songs ("Time In," "Overdue," "Please Please") that aren't so much bad, just boring and indistinguishable from each other. The highlight is the beautiful ballad "Picture of You," which brings to mind Badfinger's glory days, and also shows what Gibbons is capable of writing. This is very much a solo project, with Gibbons handling the majority of instruments (assisted by Rick Warsing, who is able to make some of the songs interesting with his guitar solos), writing, and production. Perhaps outside input may have been helpful. Overall, a disappointing affair, but fans may enjoy hearing this outing. Perhaps Gibbons is better served as a member of a band, where he can contribute the odd song of two. On this release, it is clear he is not able to maintain an entire album on his own. (allmusic.com)

This is the first solo album by Mike Gibbins as far as i know. I think this album is for Badfinger fans in first line. To me it is a disappointing effort all in all. I think it was no good idea do all the things alone (except guitars and harp). I post it here for fans (like me) who want it in her digital collection. This link is limited until 20 Feb 2017
Cheers
          Frank   (link expired)