Customer Reviews

No Dice

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While most critics cite STRAIGHT UP as Badfinger's best album, this is the album I return to time and time again. Though technically their second album, it's the first to feature the classic lineup of Pete Ham, Tom Evans, Mike Gibbins and new guitarist Joey Molland. Peaking at No. 28 in the US (none of their albums charted in the UK!), it was their highest charting album.

"I Can't Take It" - The album kicks off with a straight-ahead Pete Ham rocker.

"I Don't Mind" - A lovely Evans-Molland ballad, glorious harmonies.

"Love Me Do" - A great rock 'n' roll song, but it didn't do anything to stop the Beatles comparisons when Molland titles his song with the same title as the Fab Four's first single!

"Midnight Caller" - A lovely Pete Ham ballad.

"No Matter What" - Another Pete Ham song, and the only single released from the album. (Peaked at No. 8.)

"Without You" - Co-written by Ham and Evans. Could have been a huge single, and it was...for Harry Nilsson, who also won a Grammy for it.

"Blodwyn" - This is one of my favorite songs, although I have no idea why a spoon would be "a token of my love." Ham's guitar work gives this song a distinctive country feel.

"Better Days" - Another Evans/Molland collaboration.

"It Had To Be" - Drummer Mike Gibbins is the underappreciated songwriter of the band. This is a lovely tune.

"Watford John" - This little rocker is credited to the entire band.

"Believe Me" - A wonderful Evans-penned ballad.

"We're For the Dark" - A classic Pete Ham song which closed the original album on a somber note with its acoustic guitar. Best line: "But it's not enough to be/ If you gotta look, then you have to see."

Then there are the five bonus tracks. [The final three were produced for a follow-up album to NO DICE that was never released.

"Get Down" - A rocker written by the entire band.

"Friends Are Hard To Find" - Another rocker penned by Molland. [Again he references the Beatles with the opening line: "Well, I had to laugh, I saw the photograph."}

"Mean Mean Jemima" - Molland contributed this mid-tempo rocker.

"Loving You" - Another gem from Gibbins.

"I'll Be the One" - A final band collaboration and easily the best of the bonus tracks.

With this album and its follow-up, 1971's STRAIGHT UP, Badfinger were establishing their own identity as a band and were poised for greatness. Tragically, it never happened. Label changes and bad business decisions and mismanagement saw declining record sales. "Baby Blue" and "Day After Day" from STRAIGHT UP would be their final Top 40 hits. WISH YOU WERE HERE only reached No. 148. By 1975 a despondent Pete Ham took his own life and brought a premature end to one of the most gifted bands of the era. This album serves as a testament to that greatness. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Less than 6 months after Badfinger's debut "Magic Christian Music" was released, the public is treated to the first real(with the new lineup) Badfinger album--"No Dice." The change is instantly noticeable. Gone is the silly dated Brit-pop that was the Iveys, replaced by the harder edged power pop that is Badfinger. "I Can't Take It" is the nonsensical raver that starts the disc off in fine fashion with Pete Ham shouting it out. The boys would use this song in their live act for years. "I Don't Mind" comes floating into the speakers next. Tom and newcomer Joey Molland do a good job vocally. It's a good song, handled with great feeling by the singers. "Love Me Do" is another song in the rocking mode. Also used in their stage show for the next few years, one can see why--lots of energy, good guitars. "Midnight Caller" is a nice mournful ballad with the drums mixed surprisingly high. The backing vocals shine while Pete Ham delivers a sterling lead vocal. Ham shows why many people referred to him as the best songwriter in the band as he shifts gears next and brings us the classic "No Matter What." All you have to do is hear the opening chord to know that it's Badfinger. Joey Molland plays a very fitting lead guitar. "Without You" is next and it's the one that got away. Badfingers version really sounds like a demo compared to the version that Harry Nilsson made and created into the monster that now stands as the definitive one. "Bloodwyn" is up next and it shows the boys can handle different types of music. Here the boys work the country angle with Pete again doing a tremendous vocal job. His slightly nasal readings give his songs an edge to them. Also, his lead guitar in this song is nothing short of perfection. Joey's "Better Days" is up next. While more of a shuffle than an out and out rocker, its nice to have. I like the way the acoustic guitars keep time, almost buried in the chorus. "It Had to Be" is the song drummer Mike Gibbins wrote although Pete Ham sings it. This is probably the song with the least to commend it. His writing would grow alot stronger in the future. "Watford John" is a song written by all four but sung by Pete. Nice guitar work here although the song as a whole fails to impress. "Believe Me" marks the first solo written number by Tom Evans who wrote much of the material on their debut disc. Highly impassioned vocals, while kept in check for the first couple of verses, erupt, then lead us to dueling guitars leads, then back into the song again. Tremendously impressive. "We're For the Dark" finishes the disc proper with Pete Ham and his mates on their trusty acoustic guitars. Of course, it helps that the
lush orchestra cradles this beautiful tune. Regarding the bonus cuts: "Get Down" sounds like an idea they're working on but its not coming together for them. "Friends Are Hard to Find"(Originally titled Photograph), is one of the first songs to be recorded with new memeber Joey Molland. Its interesting, but the same time its easy to see why it wasn't used. "Mean, Mean Jemima" however is a really, really good song. the interplay between guitarists(which wasn't a factor on the previous album)really stands out on this song and this disc. "Loving You" is a slow song sung by Mike Gibbins. Interesting and nice to have but also, easy to understand why it wasn't originally released. "I'll Be the One" is a puzzle. It sounds like a radio hit. Amazingly catchy and very singable. Yet this is the first time it's appearing anywere. Another point I'd like to make is that newcomer Joey Molland's presence, writing-wise, on the bulk of the disc. Not many bands would allow a new person to be involved so heavily so early. Improved vocals(both harmony and backing, a harder edge(due to Joey Molland) and improved songwriting(mainly Pete Ham) gave Badfinger one the best discs of 1970.

Additional comments on the 2010 reissue.

It was really positive news that Apple decided to reissue their four Badfinger albums and give them a remastering. The first CD release of "No Dice" dates back to 1992, and although the sound on the old release wasn't bad, this is a clear improvement.

The number of bonus tracks is the same, but it must be noted tht they are all different. Three of the original five bonus tracks have now been added to the re-mastered version of Badfinger's next album "Straight Up", which makes good sense since they all originally were recorded for the follow-up album to "No Dice". One song, the band composition "Get Down" is now only available in download, which is really a shame. Moreover the download version is different from the 1992 version. The song from the 1992 release "Friends are Hard to Find" is now called "Photograph" - it the same song, but this new version is more than a minute longer.

The "new" bonus-tracks are alternate versions of songs from the album. Three of them are early studio-demos produced by Mal Evans. They all sound nice and are really nice additions, but none them surpasses the original versions. You get the feeling that Joey Molland is still not comfortable in the group. His solo on "Without You" seems somewhat uncertain and hesitant. Pete Ham's rocker "I Can't Take it" is also found in an extended version, where Tom Evans and Pete vocally blow themselves out.

There are fine and informative liner notes written by Andy Davis. A highly recommended release.

No Dice was Badfinger's first masterpiece ( and my first Badfinger album!). The inspiration from The Beatles can be heard on most of these songs, but this album shows that they're much more than just a Beatles rip off. Some changes had been made since the recording of Magic Christian Music. Geoff Emerick (known from his work with The Beatles) produced most of the album; the rest of it was produced by Mal Evans who also produced some of Magic Christian Music. Ron Griffiths had already left before the release of the previous album so Tom Evans had now taken over the bass. Joey Molland ,who had played with Gary Walker, was chosen for a new guitarist. The material (the songs) on this album is very strong. "Without You" written by Tom and Pete has become an all-time classic - here's the original version - superior to any version I've heard so far. Enjoy Pete's organ line at the end of the song - sounds like something Matthew Fisher of Procol Harum could have done. "No Matter What", "Midnight Caller" and "We're For The Dark" all show what a brilliant songwriter with an unique sense of melody Pete Ham had already become. The album is a perfect blend of ballads, rockers and a bit of country ("Blodwyn"), generally performed with more rocking feeling than their earlier recordings. Though the album is obviously dominated by Pete Ham's songs all other members contribute to it. The bonus-tracks are all very good - 4 of them hail from the never-released follow-up album to "No Dice" recorded early 1971. The strongest of them is the group-composition "I'll Be The One", which at a certain point was considered as a single - I believe it had the hit-single potential.

My favourites: Midnight Caller, Without You, No Matter What, We're For The Dark and I'll Be The One

Even if you've never heard of Badfinger, you're probably already a fan of two or three of the AM radio standards included on this thoroughly enjoyable record.

Though they began as Beatle protégées, Badfinger quickly developed into power pop innovators whose four-part harmonies and infectious guitar melodies echo in the music of Big Star, The Raspberries, The Shoes, and The Posies among others.

No Dice is a great introduction to Badfinger, largely because producer Geoff Emerick was happy to capture the band's live sound instead of overexerting his own influence on the music as Todd Rundgren, Bill Collins, and even Chris Thomas would sometimes do.

As with all of Badfinger's albums, it's the Pete Ham songs that really shine brilliantly, though Tom Evans and even Joey Molland more than rise to the occasion. If you like this album (and I honestly can't imagine who wouldn't) be sure to pick up Wish You Were Here, Straight Up, and the Pete Ham demo compilations 7 Park Avenue and Golder's Green.

*** THIS REVIEW IS FOR THE 2010 REISSUE ***

Monday 25 October 2010 (UK) has seen 14 of the 'Apple' label albums remastered and reissued alongside "Come And Get It" - a first-time-ever label 'Best Of'. This reissue is one of them.

Apple 5099990580727 breaks down as follows (57:42 minutes):
Tracks 1 to 12 are the Stereo LP "No Dice" released 27 November 1970 in the UK on Apple SAPCOR 16 and on Apple SKAO-3367 in the USA (it reached number 28 on the American Billboard Top 100).

Tracks 13 to 17 are all previously unreleased and exclusive to this 2010 reissue:
"I Can't Take It" is an Extended Version - 2:55 minutes to 4:14 minutes (13)
"Without You" is a Studio Demo Version (14)
"Photograph (aka 'Friends Are Hard To Find')" is a Previously Unreleased Version (15)
"Believe Me" is an Alternate Version (16)
"No Matter What" is a Studio Demo Version (17)

Requiring extra payment, there are also 2 more tracks available via Digital Download from iTunes or Amazon - an Instrumental Version of "Love Me Do" and an Extended Stereo Version of "Get Down" (see either site for details).

BOOKLET/PACKAGING:
The gatefold sleeve of the original vinyl LP is reproduced while noted writer and music lover ANDY DAVIS does the new liner notes for the booklet (they're all a disappointingly weedy 12 pages long - EMI pushes the boat out again people). But with what little text he has been afforded, Davis does at least fill it with properly informative details - and there are 4 superb colour portraits of the band - PETE HAM, TOM EVANS, JOEY MOLLAND and MIKE GIBBINS. It's cute, but you do wish there was more...

PLAYERS/CONTENT:
The original album was produced by GEOFF EMERICK of Beatles/Abbey Road fame (except for "No Matter What", "Believe Me" and the bonus tracks from 14 through to 17 which were produced by MAL EVANS). Unlike so many of the sessions of the time, the recordings 'didn't' include a number of The Beatles and their talented friends - so the band got to shine all by themselves.

SOUND:
The same team that handled the much-praised 09/09/09 Beatles remasters have done this too - GUY MASSEY, STEVE ROOKES, SAM OKELL and SIMON GIBSON. The audio quality is BEAUTIFUL - a massive improvement - makes you reassess a lot of the songs.

The album opens strongly with a Pete Ham original "I Can't Take It" - rocking guitars and pumping brass - it sounds really great. It's followed by the Big Star feel of "I Don't Mind" co-written by Tom Evans and Joey Molland - a song that starts out gently and then builds into an impressive melodious tune - it's excellent. Not so I'm afraid with "Love Me Do" (no relation to The Beatles song) - it's a poor man's rocker and doesn't really work. But then you're hit with a double-whammy of Badfinger excellence - "Midnight Caller" and the sublime "No Matter What" (lyrics above). Both stand the test of time - especially "No Matter What" - surely a contender for a Top Ten position in the list 'best 7" single ever released'.

"Without You" would of course be taken by NILSSON and transformed into one of the most extraordinarily powerful cover versions ever made. I heard in a car on the radio a few weeks back in the early morning on the way into work - and to this day it moves me - its opening chords still capable of calling up a shivering memory. "Blodwyn" is a ditty while the excellent "Better Days" turned up as the B-side to the UK 7" single of "No Matter What" (Apple 31) in November 1970 - they used "Carry On Till Tomorrow" as the B on the USA 7" (Apple 1822) - a track off their debut album "Magic Christian Music". The Mike Gibbins penned "It Had To Be" is a lovely song, while the band-composed "Watford John" is a rocker written about an Apple Studio Engineer called John Smith. The last two on the album are huge favourites among fans - Tom Evans' sweet "Believe Me" and Pete Ham's acoustic "We're For The Dark" - accomplished playing, melody builders - both define that certain 'Badfinger' sound. They end the album proper on a definite musical high note.

But like the other issues in this series, the best seems to be kept until last. Having grown used to the short album cut of "I Can't Take It" - I must say that I love the way it's spread out more on the fantastically rocking 'Extended Version'. You can see why it was cut, but in 2010 I'll take the 'indulgent' version any day of the week. Then fellows the 'Demo' of "Without You" which I find more affecting than the finished track - more akin to what Nilsson did with it - it's a gem. "Photograph" is a rough rock song - it's good, but it's eclipsed big time by a sweet-as-honey Alternate Take of "Believe Me" with more Piano and Electric Guitar - what a treat. The 'Demo' of "No Matter What" is close to the finished track, but without that killer electric guitar that made it. I must say that the bonus tracks are impressive rather than being superfluous. Very, very good indeed...

Niggles - the 2 download tracks will be desirable to fans and making them pay extra dollars for them via Download is cheapskate and crappy - and as you can see from the playing time above, there was plenty of room to include them on here (they're available as hardcopy on the double-CD that comes with the "Apple Box Set"). The gatefold card sleeve is nice to look at for sure, but the booklet and overall packaging feel lightweight (what EMI could get away with). The CD should also have one of those gauze inner bags to protect it - a problem that no record company seems to want to acknowledge (scuffing and damage). They're minor points I know, but they're worth making...

One star or Five - Badfinger have always divided people - many calling them one of the great overlooked bands of the period - others calling them lightweight. I'd say that if you're coming to them cold in 2010, then it's probably somewhere in between. But fans will see it differently - they will eat this reissue up big time. To sum up - I still see "No Dice" as a great album - with songmanship that shines through even now. And they repeated that craft and warmth on their next album "Straight Up" too.

Recommended - especially given the massive improvement in sound quality and those shockingly good bonus tracks.

PS: see also my reviews for other releases in this October 2010 series:
"That's The Way God Planned It" (1969) and "Encouraging Words" (1970) by Billy Preston, "Doris Troy" (1970), "James Taylor" (1968), "Is This What You Want?" (1969) by Jackie Lomax, "Magic Christian Music" (1969), "Straight Up" (1972) and "Ass" (1973) by Badfinger

After sounding like a Beatles tribute band on "Magic Christian Music," Badfinger staked out their own musical territory on "No Dice." "No Matter What" may be the epitome of '70s power pop, and "Midnight Caller" is a haunting lost gem. A classic recording from one of the most underrated groups in rock history.

Along with "Straight Up" and "Wish You Were Here", "No Dice" represents the very best of Badfinger. This second album by the immensely talented and equally star-crossed Welsh/Liverpudlian quartet is an absolute must-have. Power-pop defining "No Matter What" and the ever-green ballad "Without You" are hands-down classics while "We're For The Dark", "Midnight Caller", and "Blodwyn" are three of the late and great Pete Ham's most beautiful songs. The previously unreleased bonus track "I'll Be The One" is a treasure. This album is a great introduction for new fans of Badfinger. Veteran fans should, if they have not already, check out "7 Park Avenue", an incredible collection of Pete Ham demos spanning the late sixties until 1975.

This is what badfinger is all about. good singing,guitar playing with a little piano if needed. the bonus tracks are not junk, its good cuts from the follow up LP that was never released.the flavor of this LP is grittier rock sound than STRAIGHT UP. i like the fact on this the band doesn't try to get to complex with there sound. Just some good ol' rock & roll. Worth the money.

"No Dice" #28, produced 2 big hits, should of been 5, but back then they didn't release that many singles off albums. Everyone who likes Badfinger should get this version, new photo's and essay. Also 2 great new tracks to the Badfinger catalogue, the extended version of "I Can't Take It" and the previously unreleased "Photograph".

Back in the early 1970's, when Badfinger was a working band, it was roundly criticized for being, at best, a Beatles "sound alike" and, at worst, a Beatles imitator. "Badfinger recycles familiar riffs and harmonies in far less striking configurations" says The Rolling Stone Album Guide. There was plenty of other circumstantial evidence. Paul McCartney wrote their first hit, George Harrison produced their third album (STRAIGHT UP), and they were on the Beatles' Apple label.

Personally, I don't know the accuracy or fairness of all this. I DO know that it all ended tragically for Badfinger and, particularly so, for some of it bandmembers. But that is all water under the proverbial bridge, now. I also know that this recording, NO DICE, sold pretty well when it was released and I know why. Whether or not these guys were mining Beatles material for their music, the result sounds pretty darn good. It seems to me that if a rock band is going to look somewhere for inspiration, Beatles music would be a good place to start.

The fact is, if you like the kind of music recorded by the Beatles and other pop/rock bands of their era, you'll probably like NO DICE. Badfinger produced a nice sound both vocally and instrumentally, and the original album included twelve very listenable songs. The CD has been augmented by the addition of five more songs that were previously unreleased. I have my own favorites, but this CD includes nothing but good stuff. There's not a real clinker in the bunch. NO DICE is a very good CD and I recommend it. Get it. You won't regret it.