The Smoke from a Distant Fire

Sanford & Townsend, ??????=?????????? | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 13, 2004)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Collector's Choice
• ASIN: B0001CKRBE
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #93,013 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Smoke from a Distant Fire

2. Moolah Moo Mazuma (Sin City Wahh-Oo)

3. Oriental Gate (No Chance of Changin' My Mind)

4. Shake It to the Right

5. Squire James

6. Does It Have to Be You

7. Lou

8. Sunshine in My Heart Again

9. In for the Night

10. Rainbows Colored in Blue

Editorial Reviews

Is there any song that sums up the late ’70s music scene like 'Smoke from a Distant Fire'? It had the blue-eyed soul crossed with high-gloss L.A. production sound of the Doobie Brothers, Kenny Loggins and other superstars of the era, with the kind of hook only real pros could create. For, as is often the case with so-called "one-hit wonders," Ed Sanford and John Townsend had spent years in the music business before hitting it big with this album. Indeed, the sound of this record was no accident; the duo had worked with both Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins (who repays the favor with a great vocal on 'Oriental Gate') before cutting this 1977 release. And talk about music biz connections—the album was produced by the great Jerry Wexler and Barry Beckett! So, it’s no surprise this one is a hot item for ’70s pop collectors—a 'Collectors’ Choice Music' exclusive!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars NOTHING DISTANT ABOUT THIS FIRE, September 6, 2004

By 

Raleigh Mckeever (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Smoke from a Distant Fire (Audio CD)

I think I first heard "Smoke From A Distant Fire" about a year ago on the radio. When I did, I LOVED it. And not just the sound. I loved the story and concept, too. A cheating woman getting busted and sent packing? Sure beats the stereotypical "cheating man" songs I usually hear.

Anyway, I finally found out the name of the performer, but was surprised that I couldn't find any of their albums anywhere; music stores, online stores, etc. I finally caught it as a "Pre-order" item on Amazon and had to wait about a month for it. And was it ever worth the wait!!!

I finally received it about a month ago and have not gotten tired of it yet. And not just "Smoke From A Distant Fire". I'm talking about the ENTIRE CD. And that's unusual for me because I'll usually buy an album for one song and EVENTUALLY get into the rest of them; sometimes years afterward. This time, I took to ALL OF THEM like old friends.

If you like Hall & Oates, you'll love these songs. I say that because in some songs, John Townsend hits notes that sound like Daryl Hall; specifically in "Lou". The only difference is, there is more of a southern-flavor to these songs (not country...southern).

Also, if you like Kenny Loggins, you'll also love this CD, too. He shares a lead with Townsend on "Oriental Gate" that is CLASSIC Loggins; not to mention the backing vocals he did on "Does It Have To Be You".

I have this album saved to Media Player at work and on my home computer with the CD living in my car. As I said, I have not become tired of listening to it yet. I think mostly because they are all well told stories that display not only the range of the singer, but also of the songwriters.

From the betrayal of "Smoke From A Distant Fire", to temptation and straight-up lust in "Oriental Gate (No Chance of Changing My Mind)", to lost love in "Does It Have To Be You", to found love in "In For The Night", to life-goes-on-quit-feeling-sorry-for-yourself in both "Sunshine In My Heart Again" & "Rainbows Colored In Blue". There are also tales of the wicked city "Moolah Moo Mazuma (Sin City Wahoo)", a gothic ghost story called "Squire James", and a get up and dance number called "Shake It To The Right".

I'm just trying to exercise some patience to catch "Duo Glide" at a below import price. But I'm not sure if I can hold out much longer. Because if these guys could do a GREAT job like this, I can only imagine what their later efforts were like!

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you like music , you will love this one, September 9, 2000

By 

Jim Wood (Kansas City, MO United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Smoke from a Distant Fire (Audio CD)

If you took Firefall,Seals and Crofts and Orleans put them into the same studio you would have the same general sound and feeling this album generates. The title track "Smoke from a Distant Fire", is an upbeat tune which tells the story of love rejected and illustrates the old saying "What goes around, comes around". Nothing violent or anything of that nature, more simply stated the grass is not always greener on the other side. When this song came out in the mid-70's the title track got very little airtime which is a shame as it is truly a remarable tune.The rest of the album is far from disappointing. The track "Oriental Gate" is another moving tune that will have you wondering why didn't a tune of this caliber get any airplay. The rest of the CD does not disappoint, a collage of rock,classical influence,outstanding vocals and lyrics makes this one a must have.This is one of those rare albums that has and will stand the test of time.I have waited 20 years for this to reissue and it sounds even better the second time around.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A flawless pop recording, March 4, 2002

By 

"bradlee001" (Indiana) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Smoke from a Distant Fire (Audio CD)

I hate to do a "me too" review, but I first want to confirm what the other reviewers have said about this record. Yes, the musicianship and production values are truly top notch. Yes, the vocal work is excellent. But on this recording, what matters are the songs. This is, indeed, one of the greatest pop recordings of all time. I, too, am simply amazed that such an incredible album could be released on a major label (Warner Bros.), only to fall into almost complete obscurity. This may be the best album that you have never heard. I can only assume that the record company was focusing their attention on some other type of music, and failed to promote the recording. For the most part, the album is very funky and danceable, mixed in with some slower stuff such as the beautiful blues track, "Rainbows Colored in Blue" and the delightful "Squire James," which is a musical ghost story. It's hard to imagine somebody who wouldn't love this record. Incidently, I would like to point out that this album has been released under two titles. It was originally released as "The Sanford Townsend Band," which is the title it is listed under here. However, it was later re-released as "Smoke from a Distant Fire," by Sanford and Townsend. Same album. Same incredible music.