There is a brand new video from BADFINGER’s Head First, which was officially released (CD & vinyl) nearly 50 years after its recording.
“Keep Believing”, another classic Pete Ham cut, follow video releases for “Moonshine”, featuring Tom Evans & Bob Jackson sharing lead vocals, and the Mike Gibbins ballad “Back Again”.
One of the best (well, my favorite) and most surprising recent releases. Check it out if you haven’t!
Admittedly I am a late BADFINGER fan. I did not grow up while the band was active, but only got in to them casually years ago with a ‘Best of Badfinger‘ CD. I was so oblivious that some 20+ years ago I contacted Bob Jackson and sent him questions pertaining to his time with the David Byron Band in the early 80, (I am a huge Uriah Heep fan), and the Badfinger connection didn’t dawn on me at the time! Years later, and after the Best of CD, I started picking up Badfinger albums; I liked them, but when I picked up Wish You Were Here, and put it on – I was hooked! The previous hits were good, but this whole album I loved. In 2019 I had tickets to see Uriah Heep in Ohio for 3 nights in a row, but instead, the day before I came down with a virus and was put in the hospital for nearly a week. So, I had my wife bring in my laptop so I could write, and for a few days I researched further and wrote a retrospective on Badfinger. After that I picked up more CDs, reissues….and the 2 CD version of Head First. The songs on that 2 CD release were not the intended properly mixed album, but I enjoyed the songs! So, back to the album….
Head First was to be the follow up to the I’ll fated Wish You Were Here. A strange time for the band. Remember, back in those days many bands were expected to come up with new albums every 8 months or so, and many classic albums were recorded remarkably in short periods of time (the first Black Sabbath album for example). So, while Badfinger’s manager was stealing the band’s money from Warners, the band were thrown into a mess, with their central figure – Pete Ham, leaving. Bob Jackson (a keyboard player) was auditioned and joined. Pete Ham returned, and briefly there was a 5-man line-up. At the end of a UK tour Joey Molland left, and Badfinger was back to being a 4 piece. During this time Warners pulled Wish You Were Here from the shelves and filed lawsuit against the band (and manager) for missing money. The band’s manager (who took the money), hurried Badfinger back to the studio to record a follow up, which the band did in less than 2 weeks. But the lawsuit brought the band to a halt. In all this Pete Ham saw no way out and hung himself. The band was effectively done. Sure, there were Badfinger albums released in 1977 and 81, with a couple of originals, but it wasn’t even close without Pete Ham. Tom Evans would also kill himself. In 2000 Head First was released as a 1 and 2 CD set, featuring the songs recorded during that brief 2-week period. Since then, reissues and Pete Ham archives tapes have been released, as well as more recently a collection of Tom Evans demos.
A few months ago came the surprise news that an official version of Head First was to be released (on vinyl and CD). And well, although I’ve had access to listen to this online (to review) I really prefer a physical copy of an album to get into, and this was one I’ve been very excited to receive since it’s announcement, as I’m sure many longtime Badfinger fans have been as well. So, first off is the packaging…Head First comes in a glorious gatefold cover featuring the shot of the lion roaring on the front and the apartment pic on the back, with the track listing. The inner gatefold includes bandmember photos along with track by track performance credits on one side, and more photos of bandmembers along with pics of various correspondence, contracts, and letters pertaining to Head First. Inside (aside from the LP), there’s a 12-page colored booklet with lyrics, more photos, and more credits pertaining to this release. So, the packaging alone is first class, and one can enjoy this album old school – while looking through the jacket, booklet and reading the lyrics.
The album itself contains the same songs, albeit not exactly in the same order, as the 2000 CD release. But here, you get a proper mix, amazing sound. Maybe it’s me, but Head First, like Wish You Were Here, sound like they were ahead of their time in many ways, and for me, well beyond the band’s previous albums, like it’s hard to believe this was all recorded over 50 years ago. But Head First is the final missing piece of the Badfinger puzzle. The songs here, recorded quickly are all impressive, varied, with all 4 members contributing to the writing and lead vocals. The lead off track “Lay Me Down” is upbeat, catchy, with great harmonies throughout, a fantastic production, written and sang by Pete Ham. This (to me) would’ve been an obvious hit single! (And lo and behold this one was issued as the first video / single from this release!). Tom Evans contributed 2 cuts to what became side 1 – the more pop driven “Hey Mr Manager” and the rocking “Rock ‘N’ Roll Contract”: both songs dealing with the band’s situation at the time – “Hey Mr Manager” taking aim at the band’s corrupt manager Stan Polley. (Then) new guy Bob Jackson contributed perhaps the heaviest and most progressive tune here with “Turn Around”, featuring his lead vocals, and a cool mix of guitar and Hammond organ (if anyone’s heard the Indian Summer album from ’71, it is a heavier album, featuring plenty of Hammond organ and Bob’s vocals, a noteworthy comparison, but “Turn Around” is one of my favorites here). The first side also includes Mike Gibbins acoustic ballad “Back Again”, another gem, highlighted by the band’s harmonies, synths, and a harmonica solo from Pete Ham.
Side 2 opens with a classic Pete Ham song, “Keep Believing”, kind of a mid-tempo, almost ballad tune, with piano and slide guitar. I’ve read Ham wrote the song as a message to departed band member Joey Molland. “Moonshine” is another on the lighter side, and one of 2 that features Evans and Jackson sharing lead vocals; the other being “Passed Fast”. Both are enjoyable and memorable tunes. the latter co-written by Evans, Gibbins, and Jackson with Evans & Jackson sharing lead vocals, while the former is co-written by Evans & Jackson, and it’s another standout on here. “Rockin’ Machine” is another Mike Gibbins number that is very different, kind of a country-ish styled singalong/pub feel to it. The album ends with a re-edited mix of Pete Ham’s short instrumental “Saville Row”, which has added synths from Bob Jackson.
Overall, just a thoroughly excellent release, in so many ways. A must for any Badfinger fan (obviously), but also highly recommended to fans of classic rock. Bob Jackson deserves a lot of credit (and thanks) for his efforts to get this album done and out properly, after so many years. Well worth it!
LINKS:
https://www.facebook.com/BadfingerOfficial
Badfinger’s Long-Lost Album “Head First” Set For Release in 2024, Fully Mixed and Mastered and On Vinyl For the First Time
HEAD FIRST: 50th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL EDITION
In an exhilarating announcement for music aficionados and rock historians, the iconic British band Badfinger is proud to unveil the forthcoming release of their long-lost album “Head First” scheduled for 2024 – exactly 50 years after its original recording. This historic release features Peter Ham’s final studio recordings and marks a significant milestone in the band’s legacy, bringing forth an album that has been shrouded in mystery for decades.“Head First” will be released on vinyl on December 13, 2024 on Y&T Music (CD TBA).With hits such as “Come and Get It,” “No Matter What,” “Day After Day,” and “Baby Blue,” Badfinger has long been recognized as a formidable force in the power pop and classic rock genres of the 1970s
A Historic Recording…Originally laid down in 1974 at The Beatles’ renowned Apple Recording Studio on Savile Row, London, “Head First” encapsulates a transformative era in Badfinger’s storied career. The sessions for “Head First” took place during a tumultuous period for the band, marked by personal struggles and external challenges, which ultimately led to the album being shelved. For years, only a rough mix survived, with the master tapes thought to be lost. However, the recent rediscovery of the original multi-tracks has allowed for a meticulous mixing and mastering process, breathing new life into this long-hidden masterpiece. The release promises to provide fans with an authentic glimpse into the creative spirit of Badfinger during one of their most artistically rich periods.
A Landmark Release for Fans and Collectors…The official release of “Head First” is not just an addition to Badfinger’s discography; it represents a rediscovery of a pivotal moment in rock history. The album features tracks that showcase the band’s raw energy and emotive songwriting, resonating with both long-time fans and a new generation of listeners. The newly mastered sound highlights the band’s musicianship in an unprecedented way, revitalizing their enduring legacy.Bob Jackson, the sole surviving member of the lineup, expressed his excitement: “On behalf of my bandmates – Pete, Tommy, and Mike – I am thrilled to say, ‘We did it, guys!’ This marks the culmination of a 50-year journey and it’s an honor to complete the vision we had all those years ago. The last piece of the puzzle is finally in place.”
The Songs:
Lay Me Down
Hey Mr Manager
Turn Around
Back Again
Rock ‘N’ Roll Contract
Keep Believing
Moonshine
Rockin’ Machine
Passed Fast
Savile Row (2024)
Badfinger’s music continues to captivate audiences around the world, and the release of “Head First” is set to be one of the most anticipated musical events of 2024.
| Badfinger Legend Tom Evans Rare Home Recordings “I Am Myself” Available On Y&T Music June 5, 2024! |
“I Am Myself” is a collection of never-before-heard home demo recordings by Liverpool’s Tom Evans, bassist and co-lead singer of the iconic power pop group Badfinger. It will be released as a limited-edition CD by Y&T Music and available on all streaming platforms on June 5, 2024 to celebrate what would have been Tommy’s 77th birthday.
Like his Badfinger bandmate Pete Ham, Tom Evans was a prolific songwriter; he gave the quartet many of their greatest ‘deep cuts,’ including “Money,” “It’s Over,” “Believe Me” and “Blind Owl.” Evans and Ham co-wrote “Without You,” which went to No. 1 for both Harry Nilsson and Mariah Carey, and is considered by many to be one of the greatest pop ballads of all time.
He sang lead on “Come And Get It,” Badfinger’s smash hit debut, written and produced by Paul McCartney; his soaring tenor voice made “Maybe Tomorrow,” recorded for the Beatles’ Apple Records when they were still calling themselves The Iveys, an international sensation.
Among the 21 tracks on “I Am Myself,” two went on to be recorded by The Iveys/Badfinger: “Fisherman,” and “No Escaping Your Love”.
Performed mainly on acoustic or electric guitar, with frequent vocal and instrumental overdubs, the album’s freewheeling musicality, lyrical playfulness and clever song-construction showcase Tommy’s songwriting talents at an early period in his musical career.
“I Am Myself” came to be after a long review of material. While reviewing Iveys demo recordings, Tom Brennan discovered that there was more than enough material of Tom Evans’ solo recordings to put together a robust album. Before Brennan could even present the idea, mastering engineer Kevin McElligott proposed the idea of a Tom Evans solo album. McElligott felt strongly that the time was long overdue for Tommy’s demos to have a formal release: “Such a supremely talented singer/songwriter who struck an emotional chord within so many. I felt a real strong responsibility to Marianne, Stephen and the Badfinger community to bring these songs out sounding as best they can. This is just the beginning of hopefully many more releases. It’s an honor for me to sit down and work on these tracks. I do hope everyone enjoys this release.” Everything just came together like it was meant to be. Badfinger historian Dan Matovina made the initial digital transfers. The recordings were then compiled & edited by Tom Brennan, and restored & mastered by Kevin McElligott.
Stephen and Marianne spent time listening to these songs during the process of putting this project together, as well as contributing photos to this album. Tim Boyle gave permission to use some of his pictures for this project and was excited to hear about a new Tommy album, as he is an Evans family friend and worked closely with the band as a booking agent and an assistant for many years.
Released with the full support and cooperation of the Evans Estate, “I Am Myself” is a limited edition of 1,000 CDs. An art print of a rare early photo of Tom is included.
Earlier in 2024, Y&T Music issued “Gwent Gardens,” a collection of unreleased demo recordings by the late Pete Ham.
“I AM MYSELF” TRACK LISTING:
1. Hello
2. I Am Myself
3. Our First Night Together
4. Water Lily
5. Goldfish
6. How Does It Feel (original demo)
7. Honey Lovin’ Ways
8. Uncle C
9. I Should Have Loved You (original demo)
10. Fisherman (original demo)
11. Dancing Girl
12. I Don’t Want The Bother
13. Handsome Malcolm
14. In My World Of Yesterday
15. No Escaping Your Love (original demo)
16. Good Times Together
17. The Leaves
18. Stay By Me, Baby
19. A Simple Song
20. Wine, Women And Song
21. I Am Myself (reprise)
To purchase: https://www.amazon.com/I-Am-Myself-Tom-Evans/dp/B0D49ZFQ7X/
For more information:
https://www.badfingerlibrary.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@TomEvansSolo
www.ytmusiconline.com
Outsider Rock 