Customer Reviews

Mean Business

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

For anyone suffering Led Zep (or Bad Co.) withdrawal symptoms in the mid 80s, the Firm wasn't quite the answer, but upon repeated listening - Mean Business is probably Jimmy Page's best post-Zep effort. Punchy yet atmospheric with the bluesy vocals of Paul Rodgers, I do admire how these guys actually tried to produce a pretty serious album - and in spite of less than a stellar response - this album stands the test of time. Page would later play some of these tracks live - "Tear Down the Walls" is particularly nice. And "Fortune Hunter" rocks. A progressive album that is underrated and worth exploring.

It's 1986 and The Firm has released their 2nd and (sadly) their final album. Mean Business sounds alot different than its predecessor. The first seemed more melodic and meaningful, and Mean Business seems more serious, and directionless. That's not totally bad, because sometimes directionless can be fun. That's quite the prize on this gem. Too bad this had to be the last, because The Firm was a good group while they lasted.

Fortune Hunter - Upbeat rocker about the life of gambling, the changes in the song make it a surprising one.
Cadillac - I liked this one alot because it's very dark, Rodgers has great moments on this, and Page's guitar sliding highlight this.
All The King's Horses - A synth-dominated classic written by Rodgers. This was excellent because of the chords, as well as the chorus.
Live In Peace - Definitely more musically arranged than Rodgers' version. Rodgers' piano, and Page's solo make this a Firm classic.
Tear Down The Walls - My favorite song of the Page/Rodgers written songs. This was a really fun song, and Rodgers gives a superb vocal performance.
Dreaming - A fine composition written by Franklin. The best part is the chorus and Page's playing. Probably one of my least favorite songs on here.
Free To Live - The opening riff should tell how awesome this song is. The chorus is sweet and the solo Page plays is perfect.
Spirit Of Love - Probably my least favorite Firm song, it sounds a little too "Adult Contemporary" for their hard-rock standards.

And after that, it's basically all over.

This set is somewhat different than The Firm. Here you will find a thick and rich cords and a somewhat slower "mood" here. I particularly liked "Cadillac" which is bluesy, almost progressive in a sence. I like the rework of "Live In Peace" which you will find on "Cut Loose" by Paul Rodgers. I think the solo on "Live in Peace" is Pages best since "Stairway"...please withold the stones! The set ends with a "spiritual" called "Spirit Of Love". I don't find a bad song on this set. It's a real shame these guys didn't record on last cd.

You know, I really despise people who write reviews about bands who can't seem to retrieve the past or what they've done in the past. Sure, you can't deny the greatness of Bad Company or Led Zeppelin, but the Firm, Mean Business, was a fantastic album. If you dig Jimmy Page or Paul Rodgers and you want to hear something newer than Led Zep or BC, give this album a shot. I loved it and have enjoyed it for almost 20 years.

Over time,I've tended to appreciate this album a little more
than the 1st,self-titled album.The singles (All the king's Horses & Live in peace - kind of Bad Co/Run with the pack
circa '86) are 2 good songs.My Faves are Dreamin' & Free to live. Good Rock album,reflecting that era. Both Firm albums
Better value than the Law.

I originally got this album about 10 years ago when I was a teenager.I had always liked this album but never played it--that is,until about a week ago.I started,on a whim,playing it on my way to and from work.I was pretty much blown away by the quality of these songs that I hadn't heard in years!Paul Rodgers' vocals and songwriting are top-notch.Jimmy Page's guitar-playing was probably at an all-time low in the mid-eighties,but his producing and songwriting were still superb.But,make no mistake,this is Paul Rodgers' album.And he really shines on "Tear Down the Walls",which has some of the best rock singing ever recorded.Tony Franklin,meanwhile,contributes the beautiful "Dreaming",which might be the best song on the album.

It's sad that the Firm didn't had a lot of success because they were great, Paul Rodgers is one of the best voice in rock history and Jimmy Page is a great guitar player and producer. If you don't know The Firm try mean business because it's serious business.

A supergroup for sure. Swan swan label mates, Jimmy Page from the mighty Zeppelin and Paul Rodgers, one of the premier voices in rock from Free and Bad Company. It's worth buying just for the song "live in Peace" which was also on Paul Rodgers 1983 solo album. Really wasn't as good as their first cd, but not bad. For whatever reason this group never took off, of course I would consider it more of a project. Good buy for the price. This release seemed to fade away not very long after it was released.

I had the pleasure of seeing Jimmy Page and Paul Rodgers in Oklahoma City in May, 1986. The show was outstanding! A thunderstorm moved through during the show and knocked off all power for about thirty seconds. It happened during the middle of YOU'VE LOST THAT LOVIN' FEELIN.' When the power was restored, the Firm were still playing and the crowd was still singing along. The look on Paul Rodger's face was one of amazement. It was an incredible moment, one of many during the show. This album is better than the first because the band seems to be more together musically. Buy MEAN BUSINESS and enjoy.

The Firm was a band of 4 fantastic musicians, the 2 primary members were Paul Rodgers (Free, Bad Company) and Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin). These guys put somthing totally innovative and explosive in the Firm. One of the more distinguished brands of music you will ever here. Rodgers voice has incredible depth and Pages guitar riffs are second to none. Chris Slade now the drummer of AC/DC was sensational and Tony Franklin proved he was up to the task of being in a band of living legends.

Wayne