By Request: BABE RUTH - FIRST BASE/ AMAR CABALLERO – 1972/1973 2in1 (UK) heavy progressive

FIRST BASE:
DICK POWELL drms
JANITA 'JENNY' HAAN vcls
DAVE HEWITT bs
DAVE PUNSHON keyb'ds
ALAN SHACKLOCK gtr

First Base was British hard rock group Babe Ruth's biggest success, both in terms of popular and critical acclaim. This LP defined an interesting junction between hard rock and progressive rock. The two driving forces behind this album were guitarist Alan Shackloc, who wrote most of the material, and vocalist Janita Haan, who came out as the perfect balance between Janis Joplin and Robert Plant. The album contained "The Mexican," the band's classic song which also includes a theme by western soundtrack composer Ennio Morricone ("Per Qualche Dollaro in Piu"). Other highlights include the powerful rock number "Wells Fargo," the sweet-and-sour "Black Dog" (with nice piano work by Dave Punshon), and a surprising rendition of Frank Zappa's "King Kong." The strings and oboe arrangements in "The Runaways" don't work as well, but at least they don't get pompous. With its long songs (six to eight minutes) and lush arrangements, First Base seduced both the hard rock and the progressive rock crowds. The album cover was painted by Roger Dean, who illustrated many Yes albums.

AMAR CABALLERO:
JANITA 'JENNY' HAAN vcls
DAVE HEWITT bs
ALAN SHACKLOCK gtr
CHRIS HOLMES keyb'ds
ED SPEVOCK drms

Progressive Euro-rockers Babe Ruth inhabit the same country aa bands such as Renaissance and Illusion, but they tend to lean more towards R&B and less towards the classical aspects. Amar Caballero has a little of both, along with good ol' rock & roll. Here, they cover the Capitols' "Cool Jerk" doing a fine job of it too. Other highlights include "Lady" and the lengthy title cut. If you can sink your teeth into music that has a rock edge tinged with classical leanings, all wrapped up in a thin coating of R&B, then check out Babe Ruth's Amar Caballero. It will be rewarding.
1. Wells Fargo
2. Runaways
3. King Kong
4. Black Dog
5. Mexican/For a Few Dollars More
6. Joker
7. Lady
8. Broken Cloud
9. Gimme Some Leg
10. Baby Pride
11. Cool Jerk
12. We Are Holding On
13. Doctor Love
14. Amar Caballero (Sin Ton Ni Son) Medley: el Caballero de la Reina ...

Highly recommended!
Rip from CD 256@ (full artwork included)
Download links
http://link-protector.com/258888/
http://link-protector.com/258889/