Badfinger - No Dice (1970 Original US Apple Pressing). This is Badfingers second album, but in reality, it was really their first. The Magic Christian Music album that was released earlier in 1970 was a mix of new songs after the group changed their name to Badfinger from The Iveys, and the rest were remixed versions of songs that appeared on The Iveys debut from 1969, Maybe Tomorrow (of which the single of the same name got a US release, though the LP did not). And although then new member Joey Molland is mentioned in the liner notes of that album, he had only just joined the group, and didnt play on any of the songs. So No Dice is truly the first BADFINGER album. Its often overlooked because the follow up, 1971s classic Straight Up is generally considered their best work, and had 2 of their biggest hits. But I have always felt No Dice was the better album. Kind of raw, but still very pop, strong performances, great songwriting, and amazing vocals. No one besides The Beatles that came before them had better vocal harmonies. No Dice contained the hit No Matter What, and Without You, which wasnt a hit for Badfinger, but would be for virtually everyone else that recorded it (Harry Nilsson first took it to number 1 in 1971, and I believe Mariah Carey also had a hit with it in the 90s). But every song on the album is a gem. Pete Hams achingly beautiful Midnight Caller is the real gem of the album, and Joey Molland proves he was a great addition to the band with his great guitar work AND his songs (the rocking Love Me Do (not The Beatles one) and Better Days). This pressing is a first, manufactured by Apple (NOT Capitol, like later pressings on Apple are), and was mastered by Sam Feldman at Bell Sound. This has better bass response than any of the CD remasters Ive heard (and I have the Steve Hoffman mastered gold disc version of this - which also sounds excellent). It actually sounds great across the whole frequency spectrum. This is an excellent album, and as I said, the first TRUE Badfinger album. A desert island disc for sure.
Posted on: Sun, 27 Jul 2014 18:22:37 +0000
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