#44
QUEEN SHEER — HEART ATTACK
If Queen II announced their arrival as an exciting rock band, Sheer Heart Attack was the band’s breakthrough. The irresistible single “Killer Queen” introduced the world to the theatrical camp of Freddie Mercury and propelled them up to #2 in the UK charts. There are still little progressive flourishes here and there—a piano break here, an extended Brian May guitar solo there—but this is the sound of a hard rock band with outstanding chops flexing its muscles. They were warming up for global domination with their next album/single one/two punch.
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#43
FLEETWOOD MAC — HEROES ARE HARD TO FIND
Heroes Are Hard To Find sees the song-writing shared entirely between Christine McVie (four songs) and Bob Welch (the other seven). This was the first album to make it into the US Top 40 and displays a slicker, shinier production.
After the catchy yet plaintive opening title track (Christine McVie, eternally searching for her hero) we have some atmospheric studio textures leading into Welch’s echoing, rolling “Coming Home”. There are more effects on “Angel”, both the guitars and some under-stated synth from Christine. “Bermuda Triangle” is a highlight. Christine’s “Come a little bit closer” does not really benefit from the addition of strings (what song does?). Bob’s “She’s changing me” and “Silver heels” are unremarkable songs about difficulties with women. Is he trying to balance the gender travails of Ms McVie? Who knows, but it is starting to get a bit tedious. A bit of that old mysterioso Welch magic bubbles briefly in “Born enchanter” before things reach a gentle wave-washed “Safe Harbour”. Safe is a good word to describe this album. Maybe that’s why Bob left at the end of 1974, paving the way for the recruitment of Lindsay Buckingham and his partner Stevie Nicks.
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#42
JACK BRUCE — OUT OF THE STORM
The restless, varied career of Jack Bruce is the stuff of an epic music doco. Working with everyone from Ardley (Neil) to Zappa (Frank), from Cream to Carla (Bley), Bruce was a highly regarded and sought after contributor to a vast number of musical projects. He did multiple things very well. On this solo album he is credited as follows: “all voices, piano, bass, clavinet, Fender piano, organ, harmonium and harmonica.” With lyrics by former Cream associate Pete Brown, this LP is an art rock affair, with moods ranging from the reflective (“Golden Days”) to the rocking (“Keep it Down”). Guitar parts are by the estimable Steve Hunter (who featured on Lou Reed’s live 1974 classic Rock ’n’ Roll Animal).
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#41
ERIC CLAPTON — 461 OCEAN BOULEVARD
In the years immediately following its August 1974 release, EC’s second solo album would have been in the highest stratum of any list compiled by your correspondent. Probably even a top twenty contender in a register of all-time favourites. I loved it and played it constantly. It’s hard to say whether my gradual disenchantment with the artist has contributed to a waning of affection, or if the sheer volume of music consumed over ensuing decades has watered down 461 Ocean Boulevard’s potency. That said, “Motherless Children” still rolls along like a well oiled train, and the gentle “Let It Grow” still soothes.
Do you have records for which your admiration has faded over time?
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vinylconnection.com.au 
Unfortunately, Clapton’s “Money and Cigarettes” album was once one of my favorites, and now I am ambivalent about it.
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Our connections and affections for albums are so multi-layered, aren’t they? I played EC Was Here not long ago and was surprised how much I enjoyed it (despite the horrendous cover!).
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A strong set, Bruce, as far as I’m concerned. “461 Ocean Boulevard” probably is my favorite Clapton album.
Queen to me are in a somewhat similar category like ELO – heavily produced/over-produced, yet undeniably catchy. “Killer Queen” and “Stone Crazy” are favorites.
Fleetwood Mac’s period in-between the Peter Green blues rock era and the pop rock period that climaxed with “Rumours” is intriguing. It’s almost like listening to three different bands! My knowledge of that in-between period remains spotty. While I definitely heard music off “Kiln”, “Future Games” and “Bare Trees”, I don’t think I can say the same about “Heroes Are Hard to Find.”
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461 is probably my favourite EC too, Christian. Despite the reservations!
Some time back I surveyed that middle Mac period. You might find it useful.
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Thanks, Bruce, I’ll check it your post. I just refreshed my memory by searching my own blog (which is sadly what I oftentimes end up doing to see how I’ve covered certain bands or artists in the past), and I’ve only briefly touched on Mac’s middle period. 🙂
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I didn’t mind that Creedence Clearwater Revival didn’t make it through to ’74
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Run their race, eh?
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overplayed!
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Thats my favorite Clapton album… I do like the rest but I would like to check out the Jack Bruce album more…I’ve only heard a few tracks from it.
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I would probably push Sheer Heart Attack up quite a bit, very strong record in my book.
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Can absolutely see that. How high, G? Top Ten?
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You know I like the Clapton album but I love the Bruce record. Dont think I’ve ever seen a take on it. The two Bruce’s comes through with a beauty.
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Thanks, CB. Jack’s career was so varied and bold. A genuine legend, right?
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“Genuine legend”? Absolutely!
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I discovered Sheer Heart Attack after getting sucked into Queen’s orbit by A Night At The Opera…I imagine that’s true of many others. Like Christian, I’m not familiar with Bob Welch-era Fleetwood Mac. I’m going to say that it *is*, indeed, possible for a song to be made better by strings, but I need to do some exploring first to make sure I have the best possible example(s). 😉 461 Ocean Boulevard is among my Clapton favorites (along with Slowhand, Journeyman and From The Cradle, his album of blues covers). I’d be interested to hear the cause(s) of your disenchantment with EC. Mine relates to his stance on matters of public health (i.e., vaccines) and not to his music. That said, I don’t listen to him as much these days, but when I do, the way he bends notes can still slay me.
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We are certainly in agreement on Journeyman; a fine album. As you surmised, more EC’s social attitudes/values that disappoint, though the music has become so bland. I was given ‘Old Sock’ from 2013. As musically appealing as old gym sock cologne.
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