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

: : Angel Station : :

Manfred Mann have been around it seems, forever. I became familiar with their music in the 1970s, sometimes referred to as their classic progressive period. This album is the last of their 70s output and what a way to end the decade (although they really have no weak albums from this era). This is likely my favourite Manfred Mann album. Angel Station was released in a time when progressive rock seemed to fall out of favour with the public. Punk rock had lost its drive and the British New Wave movement had started with a vengeance. This is not their most progressive album, but it is certainly worthy of your time. It has everything a prog rock aficionado could want: killer synth solos from the master himself, nice guitar courtesy of Steve Waller, and the definitive voice of Chris Thompson, who happens to have one of the best voices in rock. But its the magnificent keyboard work by Mann that really shines here. If this intrigues you read on.

This is a very versatile album. That is, it is not restricted to people who only like one genre of music. It should appeal to fans of classic rock, pop, progressive/art rock and even new wave. There are no weak songs in this collection and the album has a nice seamless flow, no songs feel out of place, they are as they should be. The album opens with “Don’t Kill It Carol” a song originally written by Mike Heron and features heavily processed vocals, driving bass, a sing-along chorus, crystalline electric piano and stellar synths courtesy of Mann.

Another favourite is “You Angel You”, a Bob Dylan tune done to perfection. Opening with beautiful synth playing this song holds your attention from the very beginning with an infectious melody that will keep you coming back for more. Chris Thompson really puts his stamp on this one, singing with real conviction.

My personal favourite is “Waiting For The Rain”. The melody is very strong and Thompson perhaps gives his best vocal performance. The violin solo around the four minute mark is stunning. I can assure you there are many more memorable moments on this disc. Also of importance is the crystal clear production, which is particularly impressive as this album is 28 years old. It is important to note this is the re-mastered version released in 1999. Recommended for music lovers who appreciate melodic and/or progressive rock. A must purchase!

Rating: 9.25 (out of ten)
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf

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: : 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)