The booklet of this album gives us some nice insight in the way Mann works. And why the album is called 2006 and why only some tracks are with the Earth Band. I am not sure I really get the explanation, but anyway, this is about the music, so over to that. To my joy not only Noel McCalla sings, but Chris Thompson occasionally comes along as well. An other familiar name is Mick Rogers on guitar.
While some new territory is explored here (German Rap anyone?), much to my enlightenment this still sounds like genuine Manfred Mann. So anyone into his music, can safely buy this.
To explain the Mann sound to someone unfamiliar (do they exist?) is a bit tougher. So let me try with saying that this is melodic music, sung with a passion, and played by scene veterans. Lots of keyboards (oh yeah, Mann is the keyboard guy), and with creative arrangements in every aspect. Sometimes the guitars give the sound a harder jmore rockier edge. And while some older material sometimes borders into progressive music, the overall sound of his later material is so universal, anyone will be able to relate to it.
Again quality stuff from a guy that first made a name for himself in the sixties. Wow!
