Customer Reviews

Bang

5 star:		(35)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The James Gang got a lucky break when they hired Tommy Bolin to fill the guitar spot, not only did he come in with all of the albums songs already written but it gave The Gang an opportunity to work with one of the most gifted and talented guitarists ever. The James Gang Bang album is essentially a Tommy Bolin project album in all but name. Tommy brought the songs in from his prior band Energy, who were unable to get a recording contract, so this gave Tommy the chance to get those songs heard, albeit, through the James Gang. None of the other members of the Gang wrote for this album except singer Roy Kenner's accapella Rather Be Alone With You. All the rest are 100% Bolin and Energy songs. Kicking off this album is Standing In The Rain, a rocker suitable for James Gang. More great guitar songs follow like Must Be Love, Got No Time For Trouble and The Devil Is Singing Our Song. All beautiful mini masterpieces. Tommy does get a lead vocal shot on Alexis, an acoustic song which not only showcases Tommy's great guitar but his beautiful voice. All in all this is a must own for everyone rock and a far departure from the Joe Walsh era James Gang.

The James Gang did some regrouping after the loss of Joe Walsh to a solo career. They recruited Roy Kenner (Vocals) and Domenic Troiano (Guitar) to replace Walsh...and it became quicky apparent that while Kenner was a dynamic vocalist, Troiano's style didn't fit the Gang's sound. They apparently agreed, and picked up young Guitar phenom Tommy Bolin. I rushed home from the record store when this was released in '73, and was not disappointed. It's not only my favorite Gang album, it's one of my favorite Rock albums of all time. Great, well-crafted songs, great playing, very satisfying album. I couldn't recommend it higher...and judging by the fact that it is becoming recognized now as a Classic, I'm not alone in my sentiments. Enjoy!

After guitarist-singer-songwriter Joe Walsh quit the James Gang in 1971, many people gave the band up for dead when replacement Domenic Troiano failed to create any real musical momentum within. Then along came guitarist-singer-songwriter Tommy Bolin, and the band was revitalized. This CD is easily the band's best since the Walsh years, with lots of great singing, playing, and songs. Those who only appreciate the James Gang's Walsh-era material would do well to check this CD out.

The song Mystery is the most innovative song I have ever heard. It has the most wonderful classical piece. I love Rock music, but when it is so cleverly put together with acoustical and classical....it's fantastic. Be sure to listen to it on the album. It's truly a classic. The whole album is great.

After seeing Joe Walsh in concert recently I started thinking about which James Gang and Joe Walsh albums I had in my collection. Thinking back to when I attended graduate school I remember anticipating the Bang album as a second iteration of the original Gang. I was impressed then and even more impressed now. This is no "one hit wonder" album. All of the music is enjoyable. In the vein of "The Ashes, The Rain and I", "Mystery" carries on the Gang tradition of combining rock and classical. "Alexis" is fresh enough to have been done currently by Metallica. Bang is currently my morning commute album, a great way to start the day.

Tommy Bolin,Roy Kenner,Dale Peters and Jim Fox make up a quartet second to none with this offering.A must have for all rock fans who have followed the evolution(s) of the band or just enjoy top-notch rock.No,joe is long gone by the release of this album(1973) and prospering in a solo career.Enter Tommy Bolin who can make a flying V talk and Roy Kenner who is an excellent vocalist(face it folks Joe couldn't sing).The best tracks (to me)are"Standing in the Rain","The Devil is Singing our Song","Ride the Wind","Alexix","Got no time for trouble"-get the picture.They're all good.These guys had it down.They were in the same mode of Montrose and Foghat.Don't miss on this-a sure winner(has been for a long time).

This is indeed one of the greatest albums of the 70's I was lucky enough to see these boys back in April 1974,Dayton,OH Hara Arena(I still have the ticket stub somewhere)they opened for Edgar Winter on his They Only Come Out at Night tour.The whole album is good and Standing in the Rain,The Devil is Singing Our Song,Must Be Love and Ride the Wind really stand out.I bought this when it came out in 1973 on vinyl and I just recently bought the CD.Bolin Rocks believe me.

all I can say is that I DOUBLE-DOG DARE anyone of you to light a big phatty and lay down while listening to this in headphones on your ipod. Prepare to have your mind blown with a... BANG!.

All I have to say is that the track "Standing in the Rain" is one of the most mind-blowin' songs of the era. Play it -- LOUDLY -- and your life will be changed. Mine was, and still is. R.I.P. Tommy Bolin (we miss you).

--Jeff Hale

The 70's rock era is one of a kind and will never happen again.However
you can capture it on this classic cd in the prime of great rock.The
smooth guitar tones of Tommy Boiln are consuming. Roy Kenner's voice
leaves Walsh in the dust. If it's not in your collectoin make it a priority.