Customer Reviews

Starland Vocal Band

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

 

 

I've had this album for longer than I care to remember, and every year when I do the annual spring clean, I toss out the odd vinyl lp. I've often picked this one up and thought about sending it to landfill thinking: Starland Vocal Band- yeah, one hit wonders, now long forgotten. But then I slip the album on and the purity of their sound just comes back. Even after 30 odd years, this stuff sounds fresher than it did in the 1970's. The music greets you like an old friend, welcomes you with open arms. Of course afternoon delight features, and it was a deserved hit. But there is far more to enjoy on this album. With the exception of Hail hail rock and roll, and starting all over again which are pretty ordinary, (the latter being a horrible cacophony of screaching female vocals is just awful) the album shines with a beautifully presented "Boulder to Birmingham"- my favourite version by far, and then it transports you to some truck stop with "Baby you look good to me tonight", and the lyrics make you feel like you just wanna be in that place.

"American tune" is an unaccompanied piece which shows off their blended vocals superbly. I think Bill Danoff's warm vocals really are a feature of the album throughout. "Starland" is a gentle piece, restrained and very pleasant. In fact the band sounds best when it doesnt attempt heavier numbers.
"Aint it the fall" is a haunting number to finish off on, a little sombre, a little despairing...a reminder of our short time on this earth.

Overall, there is a lot to like on this album. I've got a feeling I will be throwing this one in the bin over many more years to come.

What can I say? This was a favorite of mine when it came out and I haven't heard it since turntables went by the wayside years ago. I couldn't believe it, but I remembered every song, word-for-word. It's a great disc to sing along to in the car.

I HAVE THIS CD AND IT'S ONE OF M Y FAVOERTES. I REMEMBER WHEN THEY FIRST CAME OUT. I THINK THIS IS ONE OF THE BETTER GROUPS THAT AFRE OUT THERE. I WISH THEY WOULD COME. SO GLAD THAT I BOUGHT THIS CD.

I bought this (as an LP) back in the '70s after seeing them open for John Denver. I really love this kind of harmony. Sure, sure...Afternoon Delight was beaten to death on the radio and has become kind of a joke, but I still love these songs.

I purchased it again on CD and I'm glad I did.

The original afternoon delight makes for a fun singalong and to be blessed with forgetfulness is far more relevant at my age of 55...