Customer Reviews

Alan Bown

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The only vocal on this CD with Jess Roden singing is "Still As Stone". I guess it's retained because it was a single. All the other tracks are the Robert Palmer versions. It also has different instrumental mixes from the original USA Deram version. This CD really misses Jess Roden's powerful vocals and the harmonies on "Strange Little Friend" And "Elope". Those are the definitive versions. IMO (this is not a put-down of Robert Palmer)

So where are those original tapes? Were they destroyed or erased when Robert Palmer did his tracks? Get the USA Deram LP it's worth every cent. Sadly this was a missed opportunity for that great CD.

Who does the vocals on this CD? The U.S. vinyl album (original version) had Jess Roden on vocals. The U.K. vinyl version was re-made with Robert Palmer on vocals. Make sure you ask which version this CD is. I own both this vinyl LP and the Outward Bown LP and have been enjoying them for 40 years! The Alan Bown group boasts a very good horn section.

I like both versions of this cd - The one with Jess Roden especially and I also like the remake with Robert Palmer. If this CD is the one with Jess Roden, I would definitely buy it because I have been looking high and low for that disc. Please, let me know so I know what to do. Thanks, Joe Eastlack
P.S. - By the way, the Jess Roden version is far superior to the Robert Palmer version.

This is by far the best Alan Bown album. The pulsating rhythm of the opening number sets the tone for the remainder of the album. The trumpet playing of Alan Bown himself is the first for a rock group. The "Elope" song is catchy in its simplicity, and "Strange Little Friend" get to you after 3-4 listernings so that you hum it all the time. The high cost of this CD speaks for its rarity. The original vinyl album is even rarer. Rock fans, especially classic rock fans, should get this one. It is the best!!