For me, it's their first three or so albums, but I have huge respect for the band even during the time and records I stopped following. So many people think of them for their massive hits, but those first three LPs are full of excellent, jazzy, funky, spiritual jams. 'Bad Tune' alone is like an enormous roar, and when the drums hit in the second half, it's powerful enough to cause a seismic shift.
Great read! I also had the pleasure of seeing them live in Brussels—it was my second-ever concert (Stevie Wonder was my first). I was 16, and it was an unforgettable experience. Aside from AC/DC (and Beyoncé), our concert lists are pretty similar! 😃
My No. 1 Desert Island Disc as they used to say. I actually saw the movie on TV and loved it!!! Harvey Keitel was excellent as a record business rebel who dupes the label into putting out EWF. It had a Carpenters type band the label obsessed over as they ignored the more deserving act. It's a deep dive into the reality of the music business. For me a template to strive for in the future. The record aimed much higher than music biz exploitation film soundtrack and easily achieved that feat. I still love every track: A side through B side. The Kalimba has never ever been better used. A masterpiece to dream away a hot city afternoon staring out the window dreaming and knowing the world is a better place than you think. "You've got to love you and all the beautiful things around you." Maurice gives the world a good talking to. "Pickup on 101" was my favorite of the music exploitation sub-genre starring Martin Sheen and Lesley Ann Warren with a great Jack Albertson as the hobo for sheer delight in the hippie gone music biz road epic. Two movies that made me a better man. Later renamed Where the Eagles Fly. Equally bad as That's the Way of the World but in the best possible way. TTWOTW lives on way beyond celluloid dreams. Listen!
I’ve been an EWF fan since 1978, when I first heard “Fantasy” on the radio. Unbelievable band - and this album is indeed a marvelous encapsulation of their magic. Thanks for giving it and them their due!
I’m a big fan of EWF and I’m so jealous you got to see them live! Thanks for letting us experience, albeit vicariously, a bit of that greatness.
It’s my pleasure—thanks Andres!
Bought this album when it came out.
Thanks for reading and commenting Steven! :)
For me, it's their first three or so albums, but I have huge respect for the band even during the time and records I stopped following. So many people think of them for their massive hits, but those first three LPs are full of excellent, jazzy, funky, spiritual jams. 'Bad Tune' alone is like an enormous roar, and when the drums hit in the second half, it's powerful enough to cause a seismic shift.
Excellent vibes for sure, thanks Michael! 😊
These guys were HUGE during that era! The public and critics seemed to love them.
Still do :)
Great read! I also had the pleasure of seeing them live in Brussels—it was my second-ever concert (Stevie Wonder was my first). I was 16, and it was an unforgettable experience. Aside from AC/DC (and Beyoncé), our concert lists are pretty similar! 😃
Game recognize game 😎 thanks for reading and sharing!
My No. 1 Desert Island Disc as they used to say. I actually saw the movie on TV and loved it!!! Harvey Keitel was excellent as a record business rebel who dupes the label into putting out EWF. It had a Carpenters type band the label obsessed over as they ignored the more deserving act. It's a deep dive into the reality of the music business. For me a template to strive for in the future. The record aimed much higher than music biz exploitation film soundtrack and easily achieved that feat. I still love every track: A side through B side. The Kalimba has never ever been better used. A masterpiece to dream away a hot city afternoon staring out the window dreaming and knowing the world is a better place than you think. "You've got to love you and all the beautiful things around you." Maurice gives the world a good talking to. "Pickup on 101" was my favorite of the music exploitation sub-genre starring Martin Sheen and Lesley Ann Warren with a great Jack Albertson as the hobo for sheer delight in the hippie gone music biz road epic. Two movies that made me a better man. Later renamed Where the Eagles Fly. Equally bad as That's the Way of the World but in the best possible way. TTWOTW lives on way beyond celluloid dreams. Listen!
Great insights and recommendations as always Steve! Much appreciated. :)
I’ve been an EWF fan since 1978, when I first heard “Fantasy” on the radio. Unbelievable band - and this album is indeed a marvelous encapsulation of their magic. Thanks for giving it and them their due!
Yessir! “Fantasy” is a timeless banger. Thanks Dan :)
Made my day - I’m listening again.
Brilliant song -