Customer Reviews

Tons of Sobs

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It's a cryin' shame this album is only available as an import here in the U.S. of A., but at least it isn't too pricey an import. That aside, 'Tons of Sobs' is my favorite Free record, and one of the best examples of British blues rock of this period. The style is very heavy, like Cream, but more refined, perhaps like Peter Green-era Fleetwood Mac. Rodgers and Kossoff are at the peak of their respective powers. The band went on to release more polished and successful albums, but this one is where the heart is. If you like late-sixties Brit blues rock, this one won't fail ya. 'Worry', 'Walk in my Shadow' and 'Sweet Tooth' are standout tracks.

TONS OF SOBS by Free was the group's debut, originally released in the U.S. by A&M records (SP 4198) in 1969. This ensemble's trademark clean and economical sound, the rhythm and counter-rhythms among the vocals, bass, lead guitar and drums and a strong selection of original blues-based tunes, make this an enjoyable listening experience for all. "Sweet Tooth," "Wild Indian Woman" and "The Hunter" (which remains part of Paul Rodgers' in-concert setlist to this day) are standout cuts, but the material fits together well throughout.

I`ve had a vinyl copy of this since new, and I never tire of playing it every so often. The raw energy of Kossoff, so soon to tragically take his own life, blends perfectly with the unique voice of Paul Rodgers, in this, their debut album. Its obvious that they haven`t yet developed much musical style, as each song tends to sound much the same from beginning to end, without a lot of variation. But within this album can be heard the basis of the unique "Free" sound, so crank up the volume and enjoy!

Cuando Tons of Sobs aparece en 1968, Paul Kossoff y Paul Rodgers cuentan con 18 años, pero como guitarrista y vocalista respectivamente, parecen tener muchos años de experiencia. Por si eso fuera poco Simon Kirke, el mayor del grupo, tiene 19 y Andy Fraser sólo 16.

Aparte de demostrar un talento inversamente proporcional a sus edades, componen 8 de los 10 temas (difícil destacar alguno sobre el resto), se anticipan aunque sólo por unos pocos meses al sonido de Led Zeppelin, y lanzan un tremendo álbum que supera a otros trabajos similares de blues rock de la misma época (Ten Years After, Fleetwood Mac, Savoy Brown, Jeff Beck Group). Nada mal para un grupo de adolescentes.

Wow! This cd blew me away. How this group didn't become a top seller like Cream I don't know. In fact you hear bits of Cream's style as well as good old blues in this release. The playing is top notch and tight with fret master Paul Kosoff throwing down some serious licks. This talented guitarist sadly would not see the age of 30 due to substance abuse. Simon Kirke (later of Bad Company fame) lays down some heavy drum work while bassist Andy Frasier is a musical force by himself. When I think of Andy's playing deceased bass player Allen Woody of Gov't Mule fame comes to mind. Phenomenal...In fact the Mule cover some Free songs in concert.To top it all off we get Paul Rodger's amazing vocals and song writing. This is just an incredible stew of blues and rock and should be considered a classic. Amazing covers of Goin' Down Slow and The Hunter just add to the quality of this release. If you are interested in checking something else out by Free other than radio staple and overplayed "All Right Now" you will not be disappointed by this classic 1968 release.

Why don't all the good old albums get more recognition? This is
indeed one of those.
The musicians make a good team, Paul Rodgers' voice is certainly one of those bests with a unique carchter and with balance of both intensity and grey despair. Paul Kossof's fiery lead guitar work makes a brilliant bridge between blues and heavy rock riffs. He is certainly not mentioned often enough when talking about guitarists. Simon Kirk the drummer plays vividly and concerned. He is doing more than giving just a rythm. Drums on this album is felt as an
instrument with dynamics and tonality, played both softly or intensively. Andy Fraser too, does more than making standard bass lines.
Because the audio quality is better than albums in general made in 1968 the bass is more clear and just not a diffuse bottom tone maker. Yes the audio is actually surprisingly superb. It does not say whether my version of the album is remixed or remastered or not so I guess they used a clever way of recording. And if it would be
listened at in a remixed or remastered version, don't know if there is any as such, then the audio would fool anyone to believe that the album was not made in 68 but rather in 88 !

If you haven't heard of Tons of sobs then do. Although, in order to enjoy it's heavyness you need speakers with better size rather than made for todays standards, made up just for wimpy pop music.

My favs are tracks: #2-Worry, #3-walk in my shadow, #6-I'm a mover, #7-The hunter, #9-Sweet tooth.

ONE OF FREE'S BEST ALBUMS, EVERY TRACK IS GREAT, ESPECIALLY WITH THE AWESOME SHM AUDIO FORMAT. MUST HAVE FOR ANY CD COLLECTION, BUT DON'T PAY THESE RIDICULOUS OVER-INFLATED PRICES, I BOUGHT MINE FROM THE MUSIC SPECIALIST ON E BAY, THEY ALSO HAVE A STORE IN GEMM, ANTEATERMUSIC. SAVE YOURSELF A TON OF CASH.
CHEERS!

It is hard to imagine this record was done by teenagers. The bassist was only 16 at the time! These kids must have been geniuses. Considering the lyrics it's even harder to imagine. Kids shouldn't right stuff like "I give her all my sugar, she's got such a sweet tooth", it's too sexist. Fun, though, and written with a glimpse in the eye.

I'm not very fond of Free in particular, but this record has some great songs. Wild Indian Woman is my favorite, with its funky driving beat. I also enjoy the bluesy Moonshine. Mover is great and also have those funny sexist lyrics. This is an album David Coverdale would have been proud of.