This from Plain and Fancy | BADFINGER 1974 (2014/2018)

 

Plain and Fancy

Badfinger - Badfinger (1974 - 2014 japan SHM and 2018 remastered and expanded)

Badfinger (originally to be entitled For Love or Money) was the band’s first release on Warner Brothers. Due largely to internal troubles at the band’s former label, the album shipped a mere three months following Apple Records’ release of Ass. Overlapping promotional efforts floundered, and both albums suffered. The band’s deal at WB demanded a heavy workload, and development of Wish You Were Here was begun a mere two months following Badfinger’s debut. When Badfinger manager Stan Polley absconded with $100,000 of WB’s money, the label sued the band members and scuttled Wish You Were Here by pulling it from shelves. Worst of all, ace songwriter Pete Ham took his own life roughly six months later due to despair over the band’s problems.

Aside from the staggering cost of a life, it’s a terrible shame that these albums aren’t better known. Badfinger is brimming with melodies, tight harmonies, meaty rhythm guitar and world-class pop hooks. Badfinger were often slighted by critics due to their close association with the Beatles, though Ham had long ago proven his chops with hits like “No Matter What” and “Baby Blue.” 

Two songs reach the heights of brilliance we’ve come to expect from the band: the gorgeous ballad “Lonely You” and the dynamic “Give it Up.” There are some decent songs, such as “Shine On,” “Love Is Easy,” and “Why Don’t We Talk,” but the Badfinger magic is missing. 

by Jeff Elbel, 18 January 2019

Tracks

1. I Miss You (Pete Ham) - 2:35

2. Shine On (Pete Ham, Tom Evans) - 2:52

3. Love Is Easy (Joey Molland) - 3:08

4. Song For A Lost Friend (Pete Ham) - 2:52

5. Why Don't We Talk (Tom Evans) - 3:45

6. Island (Joey Molland) - 3:40

7. Matted Spam (Pete Ham) - 3:09

8. Where Do We Go From Here? (Tom Evans) - 3:24

9. My Heart Goes Out (Mike Gibbins) - 2:16

10.Lonely You (Pete Ham) - 3:47

11.Give It Up (Joey Molland) - 4:34

12.Andy Norris (Cathy Molland, Joey Molland) - 2:59

13.Love My Lady (Tom Evans) - 3:08

14.Shine On (Pete Ham, Tom Evans) - 2:51

15.Song For A Lost Friend (Pete Ham) - 2:53

16.Island (Joey Molland) - 3:37

17.Matted Spam (Pete Ham) - 3:44

18.Where Do We Go From Here (Tom Evans) - 3:28

19.My Heart Goes Out (Mike Gibbins) - 3:16

20.Lonely You (Pete Ham) - 3:11

21.Give It Up (Joey Molland) - 4:13

22.Andy Norris (Cathy Molland, Joey Molland) - 3:03

Bonus Tracks 13-22 only on 2018 Real Gone edition, 1973 work in progress mixes

Badfinger

*Pete Ham - Guitar, Piano, Vocals

*Tom Evans - Bass, Vocals

*Joey Molland - Guitar, Vocals

*Mike Gibbins - Drums, Vocals