Classic: Heart, Dreamboat Annie, 1976
Every decade since the seventies has seen Heart score hits. And no matter what period or song got you into the band of sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, you are probably a fan for life.
Especially if you ever witnessed them live (the vocal power of Ann is larger than life, and Nancy surprises with lead and backing vocals, as well as with her guitar playing), one can only remain feeling impressed.
Alas I don´t own their complete back catalogue , but I felt I had to honour them with a 70`s record. So Dreamboat Annie it is! If you own a Best Of, you are probably familiar with tracks like Magic Man or Crazy On You. The latter is somewhat reminiscent of one of my favourite tracks from them: Barracuda. But that´s another story. Both are classic rockers that showcase the selling points of the band I mentioned earlier.
People into Heart may know they like the folk side of bands like Led Zeppelin. Here songs like Dreamboat Annie or Soul Of The Sea are further proof of that.
Of course the sound is a testament of the time. It is clear, but has little to do with the nowadays popular heavily compressed output. Actually I find the dynamics of this much easier on the ears and thus more enjoyable.
No doubt in my mind that Heart are still a valid force to reckon with. Dig deeper into their output if you only know their eighties hits!
The Answer, Everyday Demons, 2009
If I am not mistaken this is the second album by this young Irish band. The Answer operate in the classic rock vein. Think Led Zeppelin, Free, Bad Company and some Thin Lizzy for good measure.
The four piece operate in classic mould: drums, bass, guitars and they all sing (but with one singing lead). In the chosen style it is hard to be original. But I think that does not really matter. For lovers of classic rock the songs and performance are what counts most. And I think The Answer can fulfil that need. And without sounding dated, in fact this is plainly relevant. Okay, this has it´s roots firmly in the seventies, but it just feels right!
I really enjoy this album. Though I did not take the time to read all the lyrics, listening the the CD I found it all very sincere and honest. There is a bonus live disk thrown in just to prove my point. (Which rocks slightly harder by the way)
And my biggest compliment must be that I don´t feel they are copying anybody. They write songs and play them and together they sound like the band they are. References okay, but no deliberate attempt to resemble one of their predecessors. Check this out!
Personal play tips: On And On, Cry Out, Tonight.
