May 22, 2011

MAGGIE BELL - SUICIDE SAL (POLYDOR 1975) Jap mastering cardboard sleeve + 2 bonus




Although critically feted in the U.K., Bell, both solo and with her former band Stone the Crows, never quite achieved the commercial breakthrough everyone had so expected. Always a bridesmaid, never a bride, Bell's recording career was punctuated by a sole Stone the Crows charting album. With that band's demise in 1973, the soul singer went solo, releasing the (again) critically acclaimed Queen of the Night album, with 1975's Suicide Sal following. A tougher, more energized set than its predecessor, Sal's electrifying live feel reflects the incendiary stage shows Bell and her new backing band had been playing in the intervening time between recordings. The two bonus tracks, recorded at a gig later that year, capture their live ferocity. Intriguingly, the funky, fiery title track, an homage to Bell's Aunt, a music hall star, is one of only two originals on this set. The second, the lavishly bluesy "If You Don't Know" was penned by band keyboardist Pete Wingfield, and boasts a guesting Jimmy Page on guitar. The storming "Coming on Strong" also has a Bell connection, being co-penned by ex-Crow Colin Allen and Zoot Money. The rest of the album comprises astutely chosen covers drawn from an eclectic selection of artists. One of the standouts is "It's Been So Long," a powerful gospel number written by the Pretty Things' Phil May, who not only rewrote some of the lyrics for Bell, but added his backing vocals to the song. Free's classic "Wishing Well" gets a sensational workout, while that band's offshoot Kossoff, Kirke, Tetsu & Rabbit's "Hold On" is taken to new emotive heights. From barrelling Beatles pop to the Sutherland Brothers poignant Gaelic ode, from ballads to hefty rock & roll, Bell struts across this set with style and such assurance, that even Aunt Sal must have been impressed. One of Britain's greatest soul singers, showcased at her best, this magnificent album also includes an excellent, expansive biography of this crucial artist.[allmusic]
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6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Mr.Georgie,
i can`t thank You enough for this album,but i am gonna try:

T H A N K S !!!!!!

What amazing and very underrated album!

Japan pressings are absolutely the best.

my fav from this blog are Eric Burdon - Everyone Of Us,Spirit of John Morgan and Meggie Bell.
Can You post Jap. pressing of Age Machine by Spirit of John Morgan?

thanks.

HSB DaveB. said...

Thanks!

Peace and SOUL...

Aguar said...

Saludos agregado a ENLACES http://enlacesaguar.blogspot.com/
pon también un link gracias

doughboy said...

This album cover reminds me of growing up. My father was into this record. I have to give it a listen!

Mr. Fresh said...

Maggie Bell's Wishing Well is great!

tanktop said...

Hello Georgie;
Much affection from Canada to Greece:)
You give out hours upon hours of happiness on your Site! THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.