Man - self-titled
(Esoteric / Cherry Red)
Cat. no: ECLEC2012 2007 Release
From Aural Innovations #38 (Jan 2008)
This CD reissue is like the third ever disc I've heard by these long running
British progressive rockers. I have friends here in the states that remember
over thirty years ago when Man was the support band for Hawkwind. Not sure if
this self-titled lp, that was originally released in 1970 was their first or
third actual album. Two different sources I checked out on line said different.
Either way, ' Man' is much welcomed in the department of classic album reissues.
Man does a great job of combining the elements of blues guitar, psychedelic
vibe & attitude with a West Coast feel to their music. This pressing adds
two bonus tracks onto the initial platter. "Romain" has a nice forward
blues rock tone to it, as "Country Girl" is a country laced pop oriented
number that will likely remind fans of the New Riders Of The Purple Sage and
"Would The Christians Wait Five Minutes" is a thirteen-minute breath
taking psychedelic jamming instrumental. Also dug "Daughter Of The Fireplace",
a straight ahead heavy rocker that makes one of this CD's bonus cuts, the single
edit of the same song even more desirable. "Alchemist" is a superb
twenty-one minute epic, of almost psychedelic experimental (if you wish to call
it that - maybe the disc's best track altogether). An extremely well laid out
composition. Nearly forget this CD closes with the original version of "Alchemist"
but I think I may like the album version better. Line-up: Deke Leonard-guitar
& vocals, Roger Leonard-steel guitar & piano, Martin Ace-acoustic guitar
& vocals, Mickey Jones-electric guitar & vocals and Terry Williams-percussion.
Should appeal to fans of Savoy Brown, Uriah Heep, Camel, Caravan and Wishbone
Ash. Recommended.
Check out the record label web site at: http://www.cherryred.co.uk
Reviewed by Mike Reed