BAD COMPANY/STRAIGHT SHOOTER ILPS 9304 (-75) UK

A true supergroup it was, collecting former members of band as Free, Mott The Hoople, King Crimson and managed by Led Zeppelin man Peter Grant. For more background check post on their eponimous debute.  That sounded much like a softer version of Free, radio friendly rock crowned by Paul Rogers vocals.  This is more of the same and in a way a perfect blend that could have satisfied about any seventies listener.  "Good Lovin' Gone Bad", "Deal With The Preacher" and "Wild Fine Women" rock'n'roll not far from from the signature Free sound. Further sweet ballads like "Anna" and "Call On Me", then topped by an almost prefect rock ballad - "Shooting Star" - concerning the deaths of Jimi Hedrix, Jim Morrison and Janis Joplin. All very well performed including cunning guitars and Rogers special voice. Presented just suitably soft - rather hard for the rock fans, but mellow enough for radio and ideal for car music. And it did very well, reaching top ten in a number of countries, including #3 in both UK and US. Not seen as any kind of classic album today, but at least I think it still provides good listening and then especially "Shooting Star".  Issued and reissued on vinyl and CD all over the world through the years, also 8-track and cassette. First US on Swan Song (SS 8413). EU 2015 2xCD on Swan Song came with 14 bonus tracks, including alternate versions, unreleased songs and a former B-side. Premiere UK had label as shown here in a matt cover with glossy picture inner.  (FDÄ*)