DO YOU LIKE IT HERE NOW, ARE YOU SETTLING IN?

I'm settling in, and wondering how this gets described as space rock or psych ... a few songs are drawn out, but spacey is not the word that would best describe them. Indeed, having recently set up an arrangement with my local second record shop, I am happy that I can now borrow these so-called "lost treasures", instead of buying them. The ones I like, I buy, the ones I don't, I bring back. In return, any info I gather about these old albums, I share with the shop's owner. Some have commented on the psych elements & tempo changes.I will simply say that they seem more from a lack of knowing what to do than a specific intent. Pass if you're not an unconditional fan of early 70s fourth tier hard(ish) rock.

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Posted Saturday, July 21, 2007 | Review this album | Report (Review #129693)

Wales x West Coast hippie prog

My first Man album turns out to be a very satisfying experience. The band hailed from Swansea and while never exactly a household name, managed to release many acclaimed works in the 70s. While the album has an English psych-rock vibe it also draws comparison to the West Coast sounds, reminding me of bands like the Airplane and Spirit. It was recorded very quickly and features guests Dave Edmunds and Pete Ham, not surprising, as there are some Badfinger attributes here via the combination of good songs and economical, occasionally blistering rock. Man seemed to have a good sense of humor and an imaginative songwriting style, not unlike Stackridge, but they were much more rocking. This album features many grooving bluesy-psych jams with two lead guitarists who peel off some hot solos. The drumming is also pretty tight and interesting. The vocals are passable hippie rock vocals, nothing to write home about there. "Angel Easy" has a real Grateful Dead vibe. "All Good Clean Fun" gets high-minded with some crazy time changes and absurdist vocals. The highlight of the album is the creative take, lots of twists and turns worked into what would otherwise be just a period jam. I can't say if this is the definitive Man album since I have not heard the others, but it certainly worked as an album to get me interested in hearing more. Quite good.

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Posted Tuesday, November 22, 2011 | Review this album | Report (Review #573207)

I understand this group being on here but I'd say this is more mainstream rock than pure prog. I like the description hippie prog I read in one of the reviews and they really remind me of the songs I've heard from the somewhat contemporary band Phish. I really like this album and I think this ... (read more)

Report this review (#2036659) | Posted by WFV | Wednesday, September 19, 2018 | Review Permanlink

Exclusive - Discovered in Wales - The World's First Edible Pot Noodle You know, I'm caught on the horns of a Dalai Lama with this album. To wit, how can such a hirsute gaggle of smoking enthusiasts capable of this stunning masterpiece have produced precisely squat of discernible merit before or s ... (read more)

Report this review (#1326796) | Posted by ExittheLemming | Sunday, December 21, 2014 | Review Permanlink

This is the album, as far as I'm concerned where the mighty Manband found their definitive sound. For an album apparently written and recorded in a fairly short space of time, it contains so many textures, so much variety and great performances by all. This line up boasted 4 of the 5 members a ... (read more)

Report this review (#112079) | Posted by kingdhansak | Wednesday, February 14, 2007 | Review Permanlink

I wonder if this is underrated or just seldom rated (i thought this band was popular). First I must say this is rather perfect, compact album. This compact disc has symphonical smooth parts and folky, little canterburyish rhytms, but basically it's rock (and hard rock) - but very melodious. ... (read more)

Report this review (#76909) | Posted by progressive | Tuesday, May 2, 2006 | Review Permanlink

"Be good to yourself.." would probably be Man's definitive album, but "Do you like it here..."efirmly remains my favourite and most played Man Album. Even what seem to be the more quiet of songs take the listener through a mystical musical journey of alternating rhythms and riffs. Taking the ... (read more)

Report this review (#69539) | Posted by | Thursday, February 16, 2006 | Review Permanlink

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