Prog4you.com - Progressive Rock Review - Manfred Mann’s Earth Band

Band/artist: Manfred Mann’s Earth Band
Title: Solar Fire
Released: 1998
Label: Creature Music

Track Listing:
1. Father of Day, Father of Night
2. In the Beginning, Darkness
3. Pluto the Dog
4. Solar Fire
5. Saturn, Lord of the Ring Mercury, the Winged Messenger
6. Earth, the Circle Part 2
7. Earth, the Circle Part 1
Bonus Tracks:
8. Joybringer
9. Father of Day, Father of Night (edited version)
Total Time: 43:37

: : Solar Fire : :

Manfred Mann’s Earth Band should need no introduction to fans of progressive music. Solar Fire, originally released in 1973, is a true classic of 70s progressive rock. At this stage in their career, Mick Jones handled most of the vocals and lead guitar, of which there are plenty of tasteful licks on this cd. Eventually he would be replaced by Chris Thompson on vocals who helped further redefine Manfred Mann’s sound. This is a wonderful cd that all fans of progressive music owe it to themselves to hear.

Manfred Mann has a real knack for covering other artist’s songs and Solar Fire is no exception. The album opens with “Father of Day, Father of Night” originally written by Bob Dylan and is the longest track. This is a killer song. Mick Jones absolutely shines with some fantastic guitar playing and Manfred Mann’s keys whether in the background or in the spotlight are always tasteful. I should also note that Jones has a very good voice, different than Thompson’s but effective nonetheless.

This album has quite a bit of instrumental interplay which is where Jones and Mann really seem to shine. Mann’s keyboards and Jones guitar effectively play off one another making for an engaging listen. Just listen to the title track and you will quickly hear what I mean. Even though this album is well over 30 years old, Mann’s keyboards still sound fresh and are not dated whatsoever. The instrumental highlight has to be “Saturn Lord of the Ring Mercury, the Winged Messenger”. Jones’ guitar playing while quite jarring at times is also very melodic. The ambient section is very progressive sounding with Mann creating a variety of sounds.

This cd is a definite must. Filled with different soundscapes and textures and wrapped in a science fiction theme there is a lot here to like. Whether you like classic rock, acid rock or progressive rock, this is a no-brainer. Go get it!

Rating: 9 (out of ten)
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf

: : Visit the Artist’s Website : :

: : Discography : :
2006 (2004)
Mann Alive (1998)
Soft Vengeance (1997)
Plains Music (1991)
Masque (1987)
Criminal Tango (1986)
Budapest Live (1984)
Somewhere In Afrika (1982)
Chance (1981)
Angel Station (1979)
Watch (1978)
The Roaring Silence (1976)
Nightingales And Bombers (1975)
The Good Earth (1974)
Solar Fire (1973)
Messin’ (1973)
Glorified Magnified (1972)
Manfred Mann’s Earth Band (1972)
Chapter Three Vol. 2 (1970)
Chapter III (1969)