Search - Borderline :: Second Album

28 YEARS LOST

Robert J. Wittish | St. James, NY United States | 02/08/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The story alone is worth the price of the music.Borderline (the real, original "Borderline") released their first album "Sweet Dreams & Quiet Desires" to sizeable critical acclaim and infinitesimal record company support (what a shock!). It remained an unknown gem from late 1972 until about a year ago when a Japanese "boutique" or niche marketer re-released it. A small but dedicated following began to lament the loss of Borderline's never-released 2nd album, the master of which had actually been lost forever at United Artists. Apparently, an acetate copy was found. Now, after 28 years, it has been re-mixed, re-packaged, and initially-released. The re-mix has to be heard to be believed and the result is something that looks like a cd but is actually a time machine taking us back to visit a quirky little band of musical genius in the foothills of the Catskills working its Woodstock magic.For those who know "Sweet Dreams ...", we get a more sentimental, less rollicking Jim Rooney and the same wondrous instrumentation and arrangement. Leader Jon Gershen brings us his minor chords and haunting themes. Once again a wonderful assortment of guest musicians (the great David Sanborn, etc.) following more great arrangements, is provided. But what powers Borderline, for me, is the voice and writing of David Gershen. Listen 28 years later as he spins-out "Sonny Boy", "Song To Father", and then pounds the record industry (I assume) with "A Matter of Trust"."