The Sad Story of a Great Band,5 out of 5 Stars
It's almost worth giving this best of Badfinger five stars on the merits of the band's tragic history. Badfinger was probably the best, most talented band that the hapless Apple Records discovered. Paul McCartney was their guardian angel, handing them "Come and Get It." George Harrison was so awed by the song "Day After Day" that he volunteered his lead guitar skills. The late Harry Nilsson scooped up "Without You" and made it his signature song. Both power-pop and classic rock lovers have embraced Badfinger's best with equal devotion.
Yet the band became the victims of unscrupulous management. Money earned in the 70's while scoring top ten records vanished in litigation and alleged thievery. All the while, the band made great albums for Apple and Warners, all but defining what would be called power-pop. With this best of CD leading off with a triple score of "No Matter What," "Day After Day" and "Baby Blue," it's tough to argue against how amazing Badfinger was. Containing three superb songwriters in Pete Ham, Joey Molland and Tom Evans, they were able and willing to make songs that encompassed all the group's voices. It makes such lesser known tracks like "Maybe Tomorrow" or the free-wheeling "Rock of All Ages" stand out, as well.
Broke and despondent, Pete Ham finally gave up and committed suicide in 1975, Evans followed in 1983. Molland was reduced to laying carpet for a living in the mid-70's even as their music was played on classic rock stations. And it's obvious; these guys were classicists in the best sense. The remastering on this CD makes the sounds crisp and clear, bringing out the fine harmonies Badfinger had, as well as the tight song structures that made the songs so appealing. Even the late stuff, like "Love Time" or "When I Say" have the uniquely Beatlesque feel about them (and practically beg for rediscovery). A unique band with a heartbreaking story, and a stunning musical legacy, "The Best Of Badfinger" is an essential celebration of music that maintains its greatness once the final scene had been recorded.
2 comments:
Thanks for the review Tim. I love Badfinger and have all of the vinyl LPs. Are there any songs here from the posthumous releases? I have not heard them but have read some good reviews. The story of their career is indeed one of the tragedies of rock'n'roll.
Naw - I would have liked that myself. But "Airwaves" and "Say No More" are neglected on this set. It's Apple and WB music only.
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