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CHUD Album of the Month: Rainbow RISING/Supertramp BREAKFAST IN AMERICA

post #1 of 113
8/26/09 at 12:55am
Thread Starter 
For September:

1. Rainbow - 'Rising' (1976)


2. Supertramp - 'Breakfast in America' (1979)
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post #2 of 113
8/26/09 at 1:17am
I do love me some Supertramp. Hopefully I'll be able to grab these discs and participate with you guys.
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post #3 of 113
8/26/09 at 11:29am
Thread Starter 
Regarding Rainbow 'Rising':

Guitarist Ritchie Blackmore left Deep Purple over 'creative differences' and dissatisfaction with the direction of the band. He met Ronnie James Dio, lead singer of the band Elf, and made fast friends with him. Inspired, they formed a band together and called it Rainbow (naming it after the famous Los Angeles establishment). The first album, 'Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow', was released in 1975 and consisted of Richie, Ronnie, and the rest of the band Elf as backup. It was a solid first effort and yielded several rock staples that have stood the test of time ('Man on the Silver Mountain' and 'Catch the Rainbow'), but it wasn't quite up to the level of quality that Ritchie had in mind. After some discussion, Ritchie and Ronnie fired the rest of the band and brought in new (more talented) musicians and cut the 'Rising' album in 1976.

It's a short record (only about 34 minutes long) with only 6 songs on it, but it's all killer:
1. Tarot Woman *
2. Run With the Wolf
3. Starstruck *
4. Do You Close Your Eyes
5. Stargazer *
6. Light in the Black

* released as singles

There aren't any slow numbers on this album; after the minute and a half keyboard intro to TAROT WOMAN, the album takes off into a full throttle gallop that never really lets up.

The only two filler songs are RUN WITH THE WOLF and DO YOU CLOSE YOUR EYES, but even these are superior to the singles released by other bands; the grooves are great and stick with you.

The highlight is STARGAZER, an over 8 minute song that's a true musician's showcase. It should be right up there with STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN in my opinion, but it seems to have been lost in the shuffle of time.

LIGHT IN THE BLACK will remind alot of people of HALLOWED BE THY NAME from Iron Maiden. The groove that the band slips into is very similar to the last half of the IM song. Indeed, 'Rising' was produced by Martin Birch, the producer who went on to produce most of the Iron Maiden catalog.

I can listen to this album straight through withoug skipping anything, but I usually focus on tracks 1, 3, 5, and 6. The sequence makes sense and has a great flow to it.

Tracks 5 and 6 made it into their live sets.

The follow up, 'Long Live Rock 'n' Roll', was almost as good as 'Rising'. Unfortunately, Ritchie decided that he wanted to take the band into a more commercial direction, so Dio left the band to join Black Sabbath. Rainbow went on to greater commercial success, but I really don't care for the output as much.
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post #4 of 113
8/26/09 at 11:50am
That Rainbow cover is just all kinds of 70s heavy metal goodness.
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post #5 of 113
8/26/09 at 12:14pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Richard Dickson View Post
That Rainbow cover is just all kinds of 70s heavy metal goodness.
Isn't it, though?

I should also mention that Dio really finds his voice on this album. He stretches his range to the limits and hits some truly chilling notes, especially on STARGAZER. It's really no surprise that Tony Iommi snatched him up after the split with Ritchie Blackmore; I actually prefer the Dio era Black Sabbath to the Ozzy era.

If you like Rainbow 'Rising', check out:
Deep Purple 'Machine Head'
Rainbow 'Long Live Rock 'n' Roll'
Black Sabbath 'Heaven and Hell'
Iron Maiden 'Number of the Beast'
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post #6 of 113
8/26/09 at 12:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Judas Booth View Post
Isn't it, though?

I should also mention that Dio really finds his voice on this album. He stretches his range to the limits and hits some truly chilling notes, especially on STARGAZER. It's really no surprise that Tony Iommi snatched him up after the split with Ritchie Blackmore; I actually prefer the Dio era Black Sabbath to the Ozzy era.
I do too, not only are the albums with Dio great (well, Dehumainizer is ok), but his voice is just so much more pleasent to listen to than Ozzy's.

And I agree with you about Stargazer, I would say that is easily one of the best rock/metal songs ever written.
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post #7 of 113
8/26/09 at 12:29pm
Thread Starter 
Dio's first two solo albums ('Holy Diver' and 'Last in Line') are fantastic as well.

He's also one of the nicest guys that you could ever hope to meet. He's gracious and friendly to all of his fans and is a true class act. Can you believe that the guy is 67?????
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post #8 of 113
8/26/09 at 12:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Judas Booth View Post
Isn't it, though?

I should also mention that Dio really finds his voice on this album. He stretches his range to the limits and hits some truly chilling notes, especially on STARGAZER. It's really no surprise that Tony Iommi snatched him up after the split with Ritchie Blackmore; I actually prefer the Dio era Black Sabbath to the Ozzy era.

If you like Rainbow 'Rising', check out:
Deep Purple 'Machine Head'
Rainbow 'Long Live Rock 'n' Roll'
Black Sabbath 'Heaven and Hell'
Iron Maiden 'Number of the Beast'
From my perspective, Deep Purple In Rock is the better entry point, and better overall album. I'd even take Fireball over Machine Head. (Scap that: forgot which record had Space Truckin') See also, of course Made In Japan.

Dio era Sabbath over Ozzy?
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post #9 of 113
8/26/09 at 12:57pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fat Elvis View Post
From my perspective, Deep Purple In Rock is the better entry point, and better overall album. I'd even take Fireball over Machine Head. (Scap that: forgot which record had Space Truckin') See also, of course Made In Japan.
'Machine Head' has:
HIGHWAY STAR
LAZY
SMOKE ON THE WATER
SPACE TRUCKIN'
I'm sorry, but that's about as definitive a collection of Deep Purple songs as anyone could want.
'Made in Japan' is one of the great live albums of the 1970s. It really is a must listen for any fan of Deep Purple.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Fat Elvis View Post
Dio era Sabbath over Ozzy?
Absolutely, without any hesitation at all. 'Heaven and Hell' is, in my opinion, the best Black Sabbath album.
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post #10 of 113
8/26/09 at 12:59pm
Hell yes Dio Era over Ozzy, for my money Heaven and Hell is far and away their strongest work.
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post #11 of 113
8/26/09 at 1:39pm
Fireball over Machinehead? From what fucked-up alternate reality are you from?

And yeah, Heaven and Hell is still the best Sabbath album ever made. Oddly enough, I never listened to Rainbow, even if I'm familiar with Dio solo or Dio/Sabbath. Time to listen!
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post #12 of 113
8/26/09 at 1:42pm
Thread Starter 
Martin...let me get this straight: you like Deep Purple's 'Machine Head', Black Sabbath's 'Heaven and Hell', and solo Dio, and you've NEVER listened to ANY Rainbow?

My friend, you are in for a real treat.
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post #13 of 113
8/26/09 at 1:52pm
I'll be honest, the only Rainbow I know is the single "Street of Dreams". I had no idea Dio was ever in the band, so now I'm even more curious about this.
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post #14 of 113
8/26/09 at 2:02pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Richard Dickson View Post
I'll be honest, the only Rainbow I know is the single "Street of Dreams". I had no idea Dio was ever in the band, so now I'm even more curious about this.
That's Joe Lynn Turner on STREET OF DREAMS off of the 'Bent out of Shape' album (Rainbow's 7th studio album and last of the 1980s).

The singers, in order, were:
First 3 albums: Ronnie James Dio
4th album: Graham Bonnett
5th through 7th albums: Joe Lynn Turner

Bonnett was Ritchie's first attempt at a more commercial sound. That album yielded the hit song 'Since You Been Gone' and the minor hit 'All Night Long'. Bonnett was a drunk and proved to be unreliable in concert (plus he lacked the vocal range to perform Dio's songs effectively), so Ritchie fired him. Turner came on board and the band went even more commercial. In addition to 'Street of Dreams', the Turner era yielded 'Stone Cold', 'Jealous Lover', and 'I Surrender'.

Ritchie disbanded Rainbow and rejoined Deep Purple for 10 years. He left Deep Purple again and formed a new version of Rainbow with singer Doogie White, releasing an album in 1997 that didn't cause much of a stir. Nowadays, Blackmore tours with a new band called Blackmore's Night that I'm not familiar with.

eta: It should be mentioned that the first Joe Lynn Turner era album, 'Difficult to Cure', is a really strong effort.
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post #15 of 113
8/26/09 at 2:09pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Judas Booth View Post
Martin...let me get this straight: you like Deep Purple's 'Machine Head', Black Sabbath's 'Heaven and Hell', and solo Dio, and you've NEVER listened to ANY Rainbow?

My friend, you are in for a real treat.
Nope. But I'll give it a shot tonight!
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post #16 of 113
8/26/09 at 2:10pm
I encourage most posters to skip my remarks, but I did agree to participate, and it'd be hypocritical of me not to offer my honest thoughts:

I had forgotten how hard I have to grit my teeth to listen to Dio sing about his goddam wizards and bleeding eyes (let's not even get into the whips and chains). I'm sorry, but I simply can't hear a shred of genuine human experience in any of this: it's all post-Tolkien wank that would be understandable in an introverted adolescent, but is just plain embarrassing from grown men.

Musically, by the time this album came out, bands like Blue Oyster Cult and (of course) Deep Purple had already taken this form from innovation to self-parody, and everything in their wake continues to remind me why Spinal Tap was so necessary.

Swear to god I'm trying to keep an open mind, and ears, but so far nothing is causing me to revisit my opinion on this band, or their ilk.
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post #17 of 113
8/26/09 at 2:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Judas Booth View Post
Nowadays, Blackmore tours with a new band called Blackmore's Night that I'm not familiar with.
Their Christmas album is a horror that simply cannot be believed until you hear it. I've never explored further.
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post #18 of 113
8/26/09 at 2:18pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeb View Post
I encourage most posters to skip my remarks, but I did agree to participate, and it'd be hypocritical of me not to offer my honest thoughts:

I had forgotten how hard I have to grit my teeth to listen to Dio sing about his goddam wizards and bleeding eyes (let's not even get into the whips and chains). I'm sorry, but I simply can't hear a shred of genuine human experience in any of this: it's all post-Tolkien wank that would be understandable in an introverted adolsecent, but is just plain embarrassing from grown men.

Musically, by the time this album came out, bands like Blue Oyster Cult and Deep Purple had already taken this form from innovation to self-parody, and everything in their wake continues to remind me why Spinal Tap was so necessary.

Swear to god I'm trying to keep an open mind, and ears, but so far nothing is causing me to revisit my opinion on this band, or their ilk.
HERETIC!!!!

Just kidding, of course. Honestly, your criticism of Dio and his 'Dungeons and Dragons' inspired lyrics is valid, but he was (and still is) guilty of that over his entire recording career, not just with Rainbow. I tend to tune those lyrics out for the most part and just listen to his incredible voice and how it interacts with the music. If you're already a fan of Dio, you won't have a problem with the lyrics here.

I must disagree with your criticism of the music itself, however. The band is in top form, producing music that is the equal of the best work from Deep Purple. To each their own, though.

It would be a boring world if everyone liked the same music.
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post #19 of 113
8/26/09 at 2:45pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Judas Booth View Post
HERETIC!!!!


I must disagree with your criticism of the music itself, however. The band is in top form, producing music that is the equal of the best work from Deep Purple.
The problem I have is that the music operates within such a constrained set of stylistic cliches that it never tells me anything that its predecessors hadn't already, and at a time when it was newer and fresher.

Doubtless, part of that is a question of chronology: listening to both Rainbow and Deep Purple at the remove of several decades, the differences may seem marginal. But at the time, Rainbow just felt to me (and still does) like a continuation of a style that had already run its course.
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post #20 of 113
8/26/09 at 2:53pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeb View Post
The problem I have is that the music operates within such a constrained set of stylistic cliches that it never tells me anything that its predecessors hadn't already, and at a time when it was newer and fresher.

Doubtless, part of that is a question of chronology: listening to both Rainbow and Deep Purple at the remove of several decades, the differences may seem marginal. But at the time, Rainbow just felt to me (and still does) like a continuation of a style that had already run its course.
Quite a bit of this style of music was getting played out by this point; alot of bands were producing albums that, quite frankly, sank under their own weight (Yes, in particular, is really guilty of this), but 'Rising' has alot of energy and sounds really fresh. The first 4 songs are get in, get out affairs that don't overstay their welcome. The last 2 songs, while over 8 minutes in length, provide enough drive and momentum to justify their existence. Rather than get bogged down, the album chooses to rock.
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post #21 of 113
8/26/09 at 4:30pm
Thread Starter 
Regarding Supertramp ‘Breakfast in America’:

Up until the release of this album, Supertramp was pretty much considered to be a minor progressive rock band with a limited following. They had dallied with mainstream success with individual songs off or prior albums, but none of them really broke through into anything major. ‘Breakfast in America’, their 6th album, was released in 1979 and changed everything for the band. A commercial and critical success, it spawned 4! hit singles and catapulted them to international superstardom for a very brief period of time.

Track listing:
1. Gone Hollywood
2. The Logical Song *
3. Goodbye Stranger *
4. Breakfast in America *
5. Oh Darling
6. Take the Long Way Home *
7. Lord is it Mine
8. Just Another Nervous Wreck
9. Casual Conversations
10. Child of Vision

* released as singles

This is their heaviest sounding album (heavy for them, anyway), with some strong guitar and bass work giving the sounds a darker undertone. Rick Davies (the lower ranged singer) uses an electric piano throughout to interesting effect (indeed, this is really the first album to fully utilize the capabilities of this instrument ), and Roger Hodgson (the higher ranged singer) brings some interesting and varied guitar work throughout.

There really isn’t a bad song on the album. In addition to the 4 singles, GONE HOLLYWOOD, OH DARLING, JUST ANOTHER NERVOUS WRECK, and CHILD OF VISION are very strong songs that could potentially have received radio airplay. LORD IS IT MINE and CASUAL CONVERSATIONS are good filler and provide nice transitions between numbers, but they aren’t essential listening in my opinion.

After this album, the band got lighter and poppier with their output (IT’S RAINING AGAIN being a prime example of their later, terrible output) until tensions between Hodgson and Davies forced Hodgson to leave the band and form a solo career.

It’s a great album from start to finish.
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post #22 of 113
8/26/09 at 5:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeb View Post
The problem I have is that the music operates within such a constrained set of stylistic cliches that it never tells me anything that its predecessors hadn't already, and at a time when it was newer and fresher.

Doubtless, part of that is a question of chronology: listening to both Rainbow and Deep Purple at the remove of several decades, the differences may seem marginal. But at the time, Rainbow just felt to me (and still does) like a continuation of a style that had already run its course.
I have to admit Rainbow is well out of my wheelhouse, but my reaction is similar to Jeb's. I just don't get what makes this album particularly noteworthy. It just sounds like a 70s metal album. For all I know, it's the quintessential 70s metal album, but even if it is, it would be exemplary of a genre that generally all kind of sounds the same, as far as I'm concerned.

I do admire that the first few songs get right to the point, but that point involves Dio's falsetto and guitar solos that probably appeal solely to fans of technical ability, so it's largely lost on me.
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post #23 of 113
8/26/09 at 6:30pm
I might have to recuse myself on Breakfast in America. That album hit at a time when I was DJ'ing at a fairly tightly-formatted Top 40 station, and I got to the point of wishing outright mayhem on the next person that even showed me the album cover, much less played me any of the hit singles.

But I'll give it a listen tomorrow...
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post #24 of 113
8/26/09 at 6:50pm
I gave Breakfast in America another spin. It's been years since I've listened to it and it is definitely one of those albums you take for granted. I forgot how many great tracks were in there, just one after another. I still sing along with the singles when they're on, but I completely forgot about Oh Darling which I used to love. There were a couple of other songs in there that made me say "That's riiiiiight" when they started. I guess they just slip away from you after a few years.

For me, this is an album by a band that sounds complete. Everyone was in their place and they really achieve the sound and themes they were reaching for. The album doesn't become excessive or showy either, which it easily could have become.

Very good choice. On to Rainbow.
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post #25 of 113
8/26/09 at 7:57pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeb View Post
I might have to recuse myself on Breakfast in America. That album hit at a time when I was DJ'ing at a fairly tightly-formatted Top 40 station, and I got to the point of wishing outright mayhem on the next person that even showed me the album cover, much less played me any of the hit singles.

But I'll give it a listen tomorrow...
1979 pretty much belonged to Supertramp. Even though it's a great album, I honestly don't blame you for your reluctance to listen to it AGAIN.
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post #26 of 113
8/26/09 at 10:22pm
Gave Rising a listen to today.

My honest take: I simply couldn't fashion any sort of reaction or enthusiasm while giving it a spin. 'Starstruck' is the gem by far. There's a gargantuan of cool guitar licks thanks to Blackmore, but he's played much more powerful, gritty stuff via Deep Purple.

On a side note, I LOVE Deep Purple's Machine Head. One of those albums that never gets old, and seems to age better as time passes.

When I saw Judas' picks, I was much more eager to listen to Supertramp, who I've been meaning to give a thorough listen to for awhile now. I just kinda knew Rainbow would be hard to swallow for me, aesthetically speaking.

Supertramp here I come...
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post #27 of 113
8/26/09 at 11:42pm
Listening to Rising right now. Loved the synth intro on Tarot Woman, otherwise I'm afraid I might have to concur with Dave and Jeb. Granted this isn't my usual cup of noise, but this project obviously demands open ears. I'm a fan of guitar wankery and even though I'm usually a lyric snob I can get past the Dungeons and Dragons stuff; it's not inherently sillier than 'The Hazards of Love' or even 'Piper at the Gates of Dawn' after all. Ultimately it does just feel like a fairly generic example of the genre though and as cool as some of the lead guitars and drums are the rest of the mix, particularly the bass guitar is a little lacking in punch. As for Dio's voice, I suppose he's good at what he does.
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post #28 of 113
8/27/09 at 3:59am
I've never listened to either of these albums so it was kind of a treat to hear them for the first time.

As far as Rainbow Rising goes, it's a solid listen but it really feels like sub-par Deep Purple, you can easily imagine Ian Gillan singing for this band (quite possibly with better lyrics), Blackmore's guitar riffs are some of his best, fast and furious, the opening riff on Stargazer is up there with the best of his DP stuff, that drum intro is also pretty damn sweet. As a fan of seventies hard rock, this kind of hit the sweet spot but it sounds too similar to DP.

I'll preface the following comments by saying I've heard Supertramp songs on the radio and elsewhere but never really listened to their albums (even though my parents have it in their record collection) so listening to this was a real surprise, it's a great pop rock album, the opener 'Gone Hollywood' has a nicely flowing piano riff, it sounds like a Bee Gees number mostly. I really liked 'Goodbye Stranger' (didn't PTA use it in Magnolia) and 'Breakfast in America' (I remember listening to this one as a kid) and 'Take the long way home'. It's a shame alot of their hits have been overplayed because there are some wonderful gems on this album. Great pick Judas.
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post #29 of 113
8/27/09 at 8:08am
Seems like I can't add much to the discussion here, so i'm gonna have to agree about Rainbow not really being my cup of tea.

I know a couple of people that would probably go nuts for it, but I honestly prefer the Deep Purple stuff and can hear it breaking through from time to time. If nothing else, it made me want to dig out my Deep Purple albums. Stargazer is pretty great though.

From a technical standpoint, I totally get it. Its just a breed of music that doesn't move me.

Supertramp, on the other hand, I kind of loved and I don't know why I haven't got into their stuff earlier, cos its pretty much up my street. Were they not that big over here, or something?

The Logical Song is probably the most familiar one for me, but I just like the whole sound. Its not that deep, but its just really well put together and nothing outstays its welcome. Good stuff.

Judas - great idea for a thread and great first picks.
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post #30 of 113
8/27/09 at 10:15am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ben Thomas View Post
Supertramp, on the other hand, I kind of loved and I don't know why I haven't got into their stuff earlier, cos its pretty much up my street. Were they not that big over here, or something?
For some reason they never really made it over here, I'm not sure why. They've got that popular sound but nobody seems to mention them when talking about 70's rock music. Weren't they pretty much superstars in the US?

My uncles were massive fans though and got me into them and loads of other 70's rock bands at an early age. Can't really add anything here that hasn't already been said, they're awesome.
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post #31 of 113
8/27/09 at 10:54am
I wouldn't say they were massive in the US, at least not until Breakfast in America. They were modestly successful here both before and after that album, but Breakfast remains their career highpoint as far as sales goes.

And "Take the Long Way Home" may be one of my favorite songs of all time.
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post #32 of 113
8/27/09 at 10:55am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rusty Oysterburger View Post
For some reason they never really made it over here, I'm not sure why. They've got that popular sound but nobody seems to mention them when talking about 70's rock music. Weren't they pretty much superstars in the US?
I'm really not joking when I tell you that Supertramp OWNED the US in 1979.

I checked out some sales figures last night, and it seems that 'Breakfast in America' has sold around 18 million copies since its time of release. It's still a monster.

I'm glad that many of you guys that are hearing it for the first time in its entirety are enjoying it. I wasn't too concerned about this one going over well with you guys: it's that good.
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post #33 of 113
8/27/09 at 11:10am
Just finished my second listen through and yep, I love it.

Went for a pint with my dad at lunch and what was playing in the pub? Goodbye Stranger.
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post #34 of 113
8/27/09 at 11:28am
Thread Starter 
If 'Breakfast in America' has put you on a Supertramp kick, you may want to check out 'Crime of the Century' as your next album. It has many strong cuts on it, including SCHOOL (my personal favorite Supertramp song). 'Even in the Quietest Moments', the album that precedes BiA, is pretty solid as well.
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post #35 of 113
8/27/09 at 11:52am
Can someone recommend a place to listen to RISING online? I've been looking for it but no luck so far. I have BREAKFAST IN AMERICA. Thanks!
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post #36 of 113
8/27/09 at 12:03pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Parker View Post
Can someone recommend a place to listen to RISING online? I've been looking for it but no luck so far. I have BREAKFAST IN AMERICA. Thanks!
I know that most (if not all) of the songs have been uploaded to youtube. You'll also find alot of the Rainbow songs performed live by Rainbow and solo Dio.
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post #37 of 113
8/27/09 at 12:27pm
Just gave Rising it's first listen. I definitely liked moments, but overall it's not quite for me either, which is quite strange since I'm a huge hard rock fan. The technical artistry is extremely impressive, but it's just a bit grandiose for my tastes and not helped by Dio's 70's falsetto.

Supertramp's up next, and I'm really looking forward to it because haven't yet heard one of their albums.
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post #38 of 113
8/27/09 at 12:35pm
Thread Starter 
Regarding Rainbow and Dio: For me, Rainbow is the perfect merger of the best of Deep Purple and the best of Dio-era Black Sabbath...that will either appeal to you or turn you off, so I totally understand why quite a few of you aren't caring for it. I'm a big fan of the little man with a big voice, so that gives anything with Dio on it an edge in my book.

I happen to love this album (and I'm certainly not the only one), but I will totally understand and respect anyone who finds it to be 'not their cup of tea'.
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post #39 of 113
8/27/09 at 12:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Judas Booth View Post
I know that most (if not all) of the songs have been uploaded to youtube. You'll also find alot of the Rainbow songs performed live by Rainbow and solo Dio.
I hadn't thought of that. I'll check it out. Thanks!
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post #40 of 113
8/27/09 at 12:58pm
So, done with Rising. It's pretty much what I expected. I liked it. Not great, but I can't really bitch about Dio's tendency to sing fantasy stuff, as it's his trademark. I however doesn't beat Heaven & Hell nor Machine Head.
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post #41 of 113
8/27/09 at 1:08pm
Never been a huge Dio fan. His vocals have always been more of a distraction to the music. I was weened on classic rock radio as a teenager, so tunes like 'Holy Diver' and 'Rainbow in the Dark' will forever be engraved in my brain, for better or worse. Those two tunes have got sentimental value, so they usually get a pass from me. And they do rock, no doubt about it.
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post #42 of 113
8/27/09 at 1:44pm
Re: Breakfast in America. I tried. Honest, I tried.

For the sake of argument, let's just put my reaction down to massive overexposure at the time.
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post #43 of 113
8/27/09 at 1:49pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeb View Post
Re: Breakfast in America. I tried. Honest, I tried.

For the sake of argument, let's just put my reaction down to massive overexposure at the time.
Not a problem; I've killed a few albums in my time as well.

Can you properly describe just HOW big this album was to the people who are just now discovering it? I was only 9-10 and I remember it pretty well, but you were working at a radio station at the time and should have a really good perspective on its HUGENESS.
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post #44 of 113
8/27/09 at 2:08pm
It was big, certainly, but no Saturday Night Fever, in the sense of dominating radio and general public consciousness. It was one of several multi-hit-single albums that year from people like Billy Joel, Donna Summer, ELO, Chic, Sister Sledge, etc.
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post #45 of 113
8/27/09 at 2:27pm
Apropos of almost nothing, poking around Rhapsody just now, I see that Deep Purple has released a live album from a '74 show in San Diego that I'm pretty sure I was at. Doesn't sound too bad for the period.
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post #46 of 113
8/27/09 at 6:32pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Parker View Post
Can someone recommend a place to listen to RISING online? I've been looking for it but no luck so far.
http://www.lala.com/#album/432627039259233992
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post #47 of 113
8/27/09 at 7:56pm
Thread Starter 
And here's 'Breakfast in America':
http://www.lala.com/#album/432627039260938458
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post #48 of 113
8/27/09 at 8:19pm
Yeah, I know other services were listed above, and I haven't tried them, but I heartily endorse Lala. Even if you don't use the library feature (and it took me a while to bother uploading/matching my iTunes library, but I did and now access it via Lala almost every day at work), it's just super handy for sampling albums you're interested in, both old and new.

I'll give Breakfast in America a listen tomorrow. My kneejerk reaction to Supertramp and the specific singles on the album is less than positive, but it's been a while since I've heard those songs, and maybe they make more sense in context.
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post #49 of 113
8/27/09 at 8:24pm
Unfortunately Lala's not available outside the US.
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post #50 of 113
8/27/09 at 9:14pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt M View Post
Perfect, thanks. I was finding them on YouTube, but I like that Lala puts them all together.

I first tried Lala a year ago and was kind of annoyed by it, but they've made some good changes since then...

It's funny to see all of your names listed next to the "previously listened." Hehe...

ETA: Listening to Rainbow reminds me of this. Enjoy! I can't believe it's not a joke...
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  • CHUD Album of the Month: Rainbow RISING/Supertramp BREAKFAST IN AMERICA
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