We continue our look back at the music of 50 years ago…..
Moving on from the nonsense pop smash that was Do Wah Diddy, Manfred Mann’ self-titled LP “Manfred Mann’s Earth Band” brought the keyboardist into the realm of prog-rock and delivered a surprisingly entertaining set. One reviewer calls it ” the best album you’ve never heard of”. And, he’s right about one thing….until this week I had never listened to it.
It’s the first of two 1972 Lps from this configuration of the group that wouldn’t really hit it big again until later in the decade with some quality Springsteen covers.
Mann had worked some decent cover songs in the past including this one….
The band would visit the Bob Dylan catalog again…
This album includes some outstanding covers. Manfred Mann proved to be a guy who would select more obscure and interesting tunes to cover from very talented people.
They took on an other Dylan tune from the Basement Tapes, “Please Mrs. Henry” and rocks harder than The Band. They joined a host of folks who were covering early Randy Newman songs and Mick Rogers guitar is front and center on “Living Without You”. And to prove that they could work in any genre you like, Dr. John’s “Jump Sturdy” gets the Mann treatment and is denser than the Doctor’s version.
But, they were not only a cover band. The originals on the record are quite good. Mann sings on a couple, Part Time Man and I’m Up and I’m Leaving. Otherwise guitarist Mick Rogers sings along with laying down some scorching solos and fills. “Prayer” is a perfect example.
They also show their chops with some interesting instrumentals including “Tribute”. The song “Captain Bobby Stout” is driving and hypnotic.
This LP, for me was a nice surprise. I’m happy when I can re-visit an era I thought I knew and discover new stuff. This is one of those gems. Enjoy!
