Widowmaker
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On paper, Widowmaker seemed no different than many mid-'70s British groups stitched together from their imploded rivals' ashes. Guitarists Huw Lloyd Langton and Ariel Bender (born Luther Grosvenor) had played in Hawkwind and Mott the Hoople, respectively. Singer Stephen Ellis was familiar from his Love Affair days; Daisley, from heavy-hitting rockers Rainbow; and Nicholls, from progressive folk band Lindisfarne. Such varying pedigrees couldn't fail to produce distinctive music, and this album is staggeringly diverse. The emphasis is on gut-busting blues-rock, as exemplified by "Such a Shame," "On the Road," and "Ain't Telling You Nothing," which also make effective use of tempo changes. Bender is the main songwriter, but he also dabbles in bumptious soul funk ("Shine a Light," complete with gospel-style vocal backups), plus folk-pop, too ("Running Free"). Langton's "Got a Dream" is another nice surprise, being a relaxed acoustic blues that naturally closes out the album. Ellis' contributions are less engaging: his "Leave the Kids Alone" is overwrought enough to beg for a fascist government's ham-fisted retort, and his strangled vocals wear thin after awhile. Still, even the missteps are delivered with conviction, and the depth of talent here is impressive. Save this album from a dollar bin if it pops up. Ralph Heibutzki, All Music Guide Tracks:
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Widowmaker|
Group Members: Bob Daisley Paul Nichols Ariel Bender Steve Ellis John Butler More >> Similar Artists: Spooky Tooth More >> |
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