Record Reviews

BABE RUTH ~ BABE RUTH / STEALIN` HOME BGO 491 (Barcode: 5017261204912) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1975 Released: 2000 3rd and 4th albums by UK group Babe RuthFind albums by this artist, which marks a change in their musical direction towards more conventional Rock material, but still quite interesting. On the third album they again changed the keyboards player (Steve GurlFind albums by this artist) and by the time the fourth album was recorded, the founder / guitarist Alan ShacklockFind albums by this artist left, replaced by Bernie MarsdenFind albums by this artist (future WhitesnakeFind albums by this artist member). Following these two albums, the group recorded their fifth album "Kid`s StuffFind albums with this title", before disappearing from the surface. Although there is nothing innovative or groundbreaking here, this is still good Classic Rock, made when Rock was alive, which means it can´t be bad. Definitely worth investigating!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

BABE RUTH ~ FIRST BASE / AMAR CABALLERO BGO 382 (Barcode: 5017261203823) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1972 - 1974 Released: 1998 1st and 2nd albums by UK Prog outfit Babe RuthFind albums by this artist, named after the American baseball star of the same name, founded by guitarist Alan ShacklockFind albums by this artist and including singer Janita HaanFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Dave PunshonFind albums by this artist, bassist Dave HewittFind albums by this artist and drummer Dick PowellFind albums by this artist (Powell and Punshon were replaced on the second album by Ed SpevockFind albums by this artist and Chris HolmesFind albums by this artist respectively). Although relatively obscure, the band was amongst the best and most interesting UK outfits at the time. The first album had quite strong Jazzy influence (especially on the great version of Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist´s "King Kong"). All band members were excellent instrumentalist and the albums are full of great solos, especially by the guitarist. Haan was also quite unusual as vocalist, with a good dynamic range from whisper to scream. The material (written almost entirely by Shacklock) is excellent and withstands the test of time beautifully. Some tracks on both albums include elaborate orchestral arrangements, expanding the sound and musical scope of the compositions. In retrospect these two albums are hidden gems of the period and surely deserve the attention of every Prog fan. Wholeheartedly recommended!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend