Progarchives, the progressive rock ultimate discography
Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Solar Fire CD (album) cover

SOLAR FIRE

Manfred Mann's Earth Band

 

Eclectic Prog

4.01 | 405 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

Gatot
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
4 stars An album that colored my childhood ...

Well .. this is like a trip to the beautiful past days when rock music was well accepted by many people with different backgrounds and tastes - even those who loved pop and jazz, could also absorb the beauty of rock music. It was quite hot afternoon when I was approaching home at Madiun, east Java, Indonesia, I heard the guitar sounds in unique way with a bit of blues influence. I then I knew that it was my brother Jokky, who visited Madiun from Jakarta during his holiday. I then asked him what kind of music and he showed me a cassette tape that had MANFRED MANN's EARTH BAND "Solar Fire" label at its cover. And, the song that I just heard while I was approaching home was "Father of Day, Father of Night" which later I knew it became national hit in my country. Couple of years later after this album was released, there were many illegal radio stations who aired this song. So then, it was a rock hit even in small and suburb area of Madiun.

For years I know that this song is by Manfred Mann but I then realized that it's actually Bob Dylan's! I never be a great fan of Bob Dykan but I amazed with his creation because when it's rearranged it becomes great music. The beauty of this song is on the bluesy style and its killing guitar solo, played at exactly precise time. It's fabulous!!! The second track "In The Beginning, Darkness" (5:19) still elaborates the guitar solo but this time it's composed in classic rock style. "Pluto The Dog" (2:45) gives a chance to bass guitar to provide beats augmented with keyboard and drums.The title track "Solar Fire" is another excellent exploration of Manfred's keyboard work. This track was also famous in my country.

There is no such this as bad track featured in this album. The composition is all excellent for each song. The balanced work of guitar and keyboards is quite interesting. Mick Rogers' guitar work is excellent and it has characterized the music of Manfred Mann's Earth Band. Blues influence is the true nature of Manfred Mann's Earth Band music. In addition to the music, I also love the sonic quality of the CD which reminds me to the sounds of the 70s. What kind of sound? It's much focusing on "midrange" and clean basslines while treble is not that excessive. It's really very enjoyable album. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

Gatot | 4/5 |

MEMBERS LOGIN ZONE

As a registered member (register here if not), you can post rating/reviews (& edit later), comments reviews and submit new albums.

You are not logged, please complete authentication before continuing (use forum credentials).

Forum user
Forum password

Share this MANFRED MANN'S EARTH BAND review

Social review comments () BETA







Review related links

Copyright Prog Archives, All rights reserved. | Legal Notice | Privacy Policy | Advertise | RSS + syndications

Other sites in the MAC network: JazzMusicArchives.com — jazz music reviews and archives | MetalMusicArchives.com — metal music reviews and archives

Donate monthly and keep PA fast-loading and ad-free forever.