An absolute gem
Friendlycard | Norfolk, UK | 07/19/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you've heard the Alan Parsons Project's epic 'Turn of a Friendly Card' album, you've already heard Chris Rainbow's superlative vocals. Chris is also well known both as a vocalist (Camel as well as the Project) and as a producer (Runrig et al), but it is less well known that he released three superlative solo albums in the 1975-79 period, of which this is the first (the others being 'Looking Over My Shoulder' and 'White Trails').
These albums deliver a summer-tinged, Beach Boys-esque sound with spot-on backing and perhaps the best British rock-pop vocals that I've ever heard. One's first reaction is to think "yes, this is how things were in the '70s....". The reality is that the Chris Rainbow albums soar far above both their era and their genre.
This CD is a limited edition, vinyl-sleeve production, and the beautiful remastering job gives it all and more of the atmosphere that it possessed on vinyl. Of the nine tracks on this CD, only four have appeared on the various compilations, most of which are now difficult to find anyway.
I've waited a long time for this album to appear on CD. In fact, it's been at the top of my 'got it on vinyl, want it on CD list' for years.
This is a limited edition CD and, based on past history, Chris Rainbow CDs are almost instant collectibles, so if you're attracted by this, get it whilst stocks last.
The Turn of a Friendly Card"
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1