Customer Reviews

Future Street

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

 

 

The first Pages album (simply known as Pages) from 1978 was an artistic triumph but a commercial failure. Its combination of jazzy pacing, bluesy coloring, and pop-rock overtones simply was too much of a cross-genre product to be successful in any of those markets. As a result, the second Pages offering from 1979 was decidedly more pop-rock in style.

Once again produced by Bobby Colomby, Future Street represented the first of many stages in the transformation of Richard Page and Steve George from pop-fusion artists to big time rock stars with Mr. Mister. "I Do Believe In You" leads off the album with an outright attempt at a hit song. [It actually briefly peaked at #84 in December 1979, and was later covered by America and Frank Stallone.] "The Sailor's Song" came next, driven by an outstanding instrumental segment and captivating lyrics about life on the open ocean. The album tended to alternate between slower tracks like "Take My Heart Away", and "Who's Right, Who's Wrong" (co-written by Kenny Loggins and also found on his album, Keep The Fire), and more uptempo cuts like the electric title track and the slightly progressive-oriented "Chemistry." Steve George contributes a rare lead vocal on "Two People."

Like the first album, Future Street maintains Bobby Colomby's exquisite production values and soothing sound and demonstrates an incredible range of styles, instrumentation, and pacing. Unlike the previous effort, the album has a more radio-friendly feel in tune with the times. This is not meant to take anything away from the album -- it is still far and away a first-class effort, and it is another must-have for true soft rock fans of the '70s and early '80s. Unfortunately, Page and George were unable to find commercial success with Future Street, either. The album failed to chart, and Pages was dropped from the Epic label. But Page and George refused to give up. With a revamped lineup, they resurfaced on Capitol Records two years later with another self-titled album.

"Future Street" is Pages second effort and though not as good as their self titled debut album, shows the groups excellent writing capability and musical talent. Vocal arrangements are clean and tight in my opinion. Their are shades of rock, jazz and R&B. I too am looking for their 1st and 3rd records on CD and if anybody can assist me please let me know.

"Who's Right,Who's Wrong" has harmony parts that truly soar,with Kenny Loggins guesting with Page & George(my personal favorite tune from the album)."Sailor Song","Take My Heart Away"(although I prefer Ricky Peterson's 1990 version better),and "Chemistry" are worth the price of admission.

I just came across this cd. What a collection of songs ! Confirming what other reviewers have said, this is a lost gem of the late seventies-early eighties. The album starts off with a tonic song where you can hear aggressive guitars with a very Californian sound. Number 2, "The Sailor's song" sounds so much like Steely Dan AND Toto. What a blend my friends ! Rythm, melody and.... again... guitars. Plus the vocals, also very.... Californian, with an unexpected end for this second track. The record goes on and you can feel the enthusiasm these people had playing their music. Nothing to do with the overproduced, pasty, tasteless and predictable stuff you find on so many albums today...

Believe it or not, the songs are even jazzy at times ("Chemistry" for instance). In fact, you have many spicy and tasty ingredients on this album. That is what made that style of music true fusion and so wonderful before it became commercial and went out of fashion, even if the Pages never became millionaires under this label and name (see other reviewers).

This album has more punch and knack than their self titled album, but if you like Michael Sembello, Steely Dan, Toto, Kenny Loggins, Airplay and the Jay Graydon sound, you cannot have a collection without "Future street". I only wish it was longer than 34 minutes and that they had a remastered edition of this cd. That would be the max !

Over the years, since Mr. Mister became popular in the 80s, I'd heard that Richard Page and Steve George had collaborated musically prior to their Mr. Mister days. I was delighted to find that some of that music is still available, namely this album. Excellent is the one word I can use to describe this CD! The music is brilliant, imaginative. Anyone who was ever a fan of Richard Page and Steve George from Mr. Mister should buy this CD. The music is not so "top-40". It's smooth and even a little bit funky. LOVE IT!

This CD brings back sooooo many memories....all good! The year was 1979 and I was a buding musician in college and I played the three PAGES albums I had to death. You can tell these guys listened to a few Steely Dan albums in their day. Hey AMAZON...find the other two albums and I can guarantee you two sales!

This pre-Mr.Mister group is the definitive musicians musician band. They have 2 other releases on LP that I hope will someday be available on CD. The LP with "You Need A Hero" is without question my favorite album IN MY ENTIRE LIFE! You absolutly must find it...somewhere!

Extremely underrated group, perfect AOR mix with an eye on Toto and influence of Steely Dan. Best tracks are 2, 5 and 6. The third Pages record (just called "Pages") is REALLY ONE OF THE BEST EVER ! (Wally Jensen is right)

i love mr.mister and richard page!, when i got this cd i was Very dissapointed! pure glam music which for the most part is weak.the so called "good" songs are not even that, who's wrong, who's right (kenny loggins duet) is a failed attempt, sailors song is decent and track 1 is awful, avoid steve george singing.... LEAD on 1 track.yea yea aor, but bad aor.and "pages" 1980 is not much better, although "pages" 1st cd (japan) is only good for philip bailey appearence.unless your a completist, AVOID!