Fine Album!
Morten Vindberg | Denmark | 05/13/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
""At Home" from 1969 is often regarded as the debut album of Shocking Blue. A fact is that an album was released in 1968 called "Beat With Us", but at that time their outstanding female lead-singer Mariska Veres had not yet joined. Besides Veres, guitarist Robbie van Leeuwen was they key member of the band. He wrote the vast majority of their recordings and he has a great skill of coming up with catchy guitar riffs. The mere sound of his guitar is always a pleasure to listen to.
"At Home" contains their world-wide hit-single "Venus", which alone makes this album essential; fortunately there are other great moments to go for. "California Here I Come" and "Long and Lonesome Road" are two classic Shocking Blue tracks and favourites among fans.
"I`ll Write Your Name Through the Fire" is a quieter song with an unusual beat, and a personal favourite of mine.
Interesting that Nirvana chose to record the band`s relatively anonymous "Love Buzz".
4 early B-sides are added a bonus-tracks; all solid; with "Hot Sand" and "Wild Wind" as the most memorable."
Great Harmonies
Fred Rayworth | Las Vegas, NV United States | 01/30/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I got an American version of this on Colossus in 70 and my copy doesn't match anything in their catalogue. However, this one is the closest and has all the great songs on it. Boll Weevil, California Here I Come, Long And Lonesome Road, and of course, Venus are beautiful songs and I can't find a single fault with them, as for the rest of the cuts too. This is not heavy music, but it is in a way hard pop, best I can describe. Whatever it is, Shocking Blue Rocks!
I was sad to hear of the passing of Mariska Veres recently. It is a real tragedy as she had one hell of a voice. Highly recommended.
"
Classic album!
Luminator | Florida, USA | 05/21/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is a classic album by Shocking Blue. We are lucky to have it available. Don't miss it!"