Automatic Man Severely Neglected
James M. Cayon | Northampton, MA United States | 07/15/2006
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I know that this take on the Automatic Man story will likely irritate some of those familiar with both albums and disdainful of both songs in question, but the biggest question of all is how two astounding would-be singles in a row, "My Pearl" (from the debut) and "Give It To Me", simply didn't become Top 10 smashes in the late Seventies. I can only imagine it was due to Island not having the resources to promote either (this being, of course, pre-U2, although the label's primary roster of reggae artists gave them a steady stream of revenue). "My Pearl" consistently defies easy categorization and portends the (Glenn) Hughes / (Pat) Thrall sound nearly a decade early, as does to a lesser extent the slinky gift-of-the-Magi tale "Give It To Me", resembling, ironically enough, a cross between Rick James (who, of course, had a hit of almost the same exact name not too long after) and Steely Dan. That Island was so blase about this sonically innovative act (try.....earliest Ambrosia, fronted not by David Pack but Donald Fagen, jamming with the Brothers Johnson?) especially given their budding reputation as a cutting-edge label, remains one of those nagging music biz mysteries; while lead vocalist and composer Bayete's lyrics could be a bit clumsy and Thrall is really best known to mainstream audiences in tandem with Pat Travers for "Boom Boom (Out Go The Lights)", maybe Automatic Man were just TOO eclectic and a little before their time."
Impressive Sophomore Effort!!
O. J. Dean | Texas, USA | 09/05/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album lacks some of the musical creativity of the first Automatic Man album. The departure of bassist Doni Harvey (who now records innovative blues songs on his DoniMusic label) seemed to remove the funky bottom from the layered, spacey rock groove that the first album pioneered. Drummer Mike Shrieve's exit was also awkward, as it seemed that the band was originally formed to provide a showcase for his talents.
I felt that vocalist/keyboardist Bayete outshined the other musical geniuses in the band on its debut, and then continued to shepherd on with guitarist Pat Thrall (Pat Travers Band, Asia, Hughes/Thrall, Sly & Robbie) for this second effort. It's a continuation of its predecessor, but more synthesizer-driven and danceable ("Give It to Me", "Live Wire"). There were quicker breaks, unexpected bursts of loud guitar and change in tempo ("Here I Am Now"), and the trademark space-rock sound of their classic first album.
Great to find music with great catchy melodies, outstanding musicianship, and little or no gimmicks. Many thanks to Lemon Records for distributing this gem, and be sure to pick up the amazing debut effort from Automatic Man!
"
Give it a chance....
Jargonaut | Kansas | 10/09/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I own both Automatic Man Lp's. when I heard the first album I wasn't really that impressed ( giving new records a quick scan through), but the the more i listened .....the more I grew to love. Love grew like a wart on my nose and soon it was and still is one of my favorite albums. I even made a cd compiling both albums. Suffice to say all tracks fit on one cd ...except for one. If you loved the first album, the second is defiantly worth the purchase. A band of talented musicians who only released two albums is crazy! Full of great skill and progression, i believe it's a great follow up to the first album. Spacey and filled with catchy hooks. how could you deny? And if you haven't heard the first buy it as well. I'm not sure if the cd can compare to my scratchy well worn vinyl but who cares, it's a unique delve that most people don't even know about!"
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1