BABE RUTH

WHOOOAAA .!! Finally this band is added in this site. I have been thinking about the band about the prog-ness of its music for so long. And the result, I did not dare to propose it as a prog band because, I think, the music is best categorized as classic rock band altogether with Spooky Tooth, Blind Faith, Tea, The Mountain, etc. But it's now here, so I'd better give my words about this album.

I knew the band the first time through a compilation cassette by our local music magazine that was very popular in the seventies in my country: "Aktuil". The compilation cassette was titled "Rock Vibration" where the opening track (I remember vividly) was "Music Box" by Popol Ace. The Babe Ruth's song featured in this compilation was "The Duchess of Orleans". Wow man .!!! This track is really wonderful and I still like it very much even until today. It starts with a church organ sound followed with powerful vocal by Janita Haan in low register notes in a very melodic way. I bet you like it at first listen because the melody really sticks into your heart! The song moves slowly to higher register notes where the voice of Janita is similar with Geddy Lee's of Rush. The guitar solo is also stunning. I guarrantee that when you listen to this song, you will tend to repeat this song over and over. That what happens to me. I really love this song. It's a masterpiece and legendary song with brilliant composition, memorable melody that goes deep into your heart and it may produce some tears in your eyes (I used to call it in my locality language as "mbrebes mili"). Try it if you never heard the song. This song was the one that coloured my teenage years altogether with other melodic classic rock tunes like: "Hazy Colour" by Tea, "Late Again" by Stealers Wheel, "Sail Away" by Deep Purple, "Music Box" by Popol Ace, "Thank You" by Led Zeppelin, "The Wizard" by Uriah Heep, "Fanfare" by Earth and Fire, "Musician" by Silver, "Someone" by Grand Funk Railroad and even "I'd Rather Go Blind" by Chicken Shack. Oh man .. what a great memories !!!!

As far as "The Duchess of Orleans" it's a wonderful track but the overall album I will give three stars rating. The other tracks are good classic rock track, I would say. Keep on rockin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW