LN UK 77
Solid Rock Records not-numbered (2024)
>>> For LP and CD images, scroll down! <<<
The "LN
UK 77" album was released on 2CD and 2LP (two separate LP's) as the result
of a crowd funding initiative by Charles
Norman (started: Nov. 15, 2023). This initiative also included a CD titled
"The Clown Jewels" (outtakes from the tour), which
could be ordered as an addition to your "LN UK 77" album order.
Also available were hand written lyrics, PDF-files with
photo's, lyrics and concert promotions, etc. The goodies were delivered to
people's doormats c. February/March 2024.
I didn't opt
in the first time, as I felt this was yet another live show and even though
this was recorded professionally, it was
just one
more in the endless stream of releases that we've seen coming from Larryland
for decades. Since Larry Norman's
passing it all calmed down, but the deja vu feelings were creeping all over
me again. This also happened with the previous
live album ("One Night In Norway"), that I did buy. I couldn't push
myself again. But...
In September
2024, all of the above offerings became available again through the Solid
Rock shop. These were the
remainders of the crowd funding initiative (though the CD's were repressed).
All items were priced slightly higher than before
and this time I felt like buying all (almost all) stuff... that's how it goes.
The live recordings
were made in London, during Larry Norman's 1977 world tour, and he played
a solo set (the first LP/CD)
and one accompanied by the Alwyn Wall Band, including Norman Barrett (the
second LP/CD). This is a professionally recorded
live set, enjoyable
for sure, but ALL songs are familiar for those who have been following Larry
Norman a tiny bit more than
average - and these were the consumers this whole action was aimed at, of
course. It's a fan release in the first place.
The two separately
issued 180 grams LP's come in a simple, single slip covers with inserts. The
A-side label of the 'band'
album was used for the 'solo' album as well. This error was described by Charles
Norman on a sheet that came with the
albums. I think the artwork of the labels a total mismatch with the covers
and the area these recordings are from. Another
odd detail is that the Solid Rock mouth-logo is missing the three crosses
and it's printed upside down (on the back
covers of both albums - see images below - and on one of the CD cases).
The LP's feature
10 songs each, the CD-version offers 8 more tracks; 14 tracks per CD, though
most extra tracks are spoken;
"I Hope I'll See You In Heaven" and "The Great American Novel"
are the only extra songs.
The sound of
both albums is remarkably good. The solo album gives a good impression of
the fun and intimacy of a Larry
Norman concert in the 1970's, including personal favourites like "Pardon
Me", "Nightmare #71" and "Be Careful What You Sign".
The band album features the Alwyn Wall Band and especially Norman Barrett
adds much to the quality the band delivers,
though, honestly speaking, I would have preferred American musicians and especially
Jon Linn. Most of the time, Larry Norman
worked with local artists during his tours abroad, which must be considered
a concession. That said, the band featured here is
probably among the the best Larry Norman worked with. The Alwyn Wall band
released just one LP, titled "The Prize", in 1977,
which coincidentally was the very first album I ever bought. I sold my UK
copy to Larry Norman himself once (in a batch of
several albums he chose from my Discogs store or whatever - I don't remember)
and later I acquired the US pressing of
"The Prize". Larry Norman wasn't involved, but Norman Barrett was
there, as he was a member of the Alwyn Wall Band at
the time. Like I said before: all songs on "LN UK 77" are familiar
and of course, that's a bit of a bummer. But well... at least it
shows our man at the top of his creativity and in full charisma. That's definitely
worth something. My preferred songs on the
Band album include "Deep Blue", "The Rock That Doesn't Roll"
(I never previously heard a convincing version of this song after
its appearance on "In Another Land") and "Let That Tape Keep
Rolling". Note that the last two songs on the album are solo
recordings again, where Larry Norman sings "Rachael And Me" and
"Strong Love, Strange Peace", accompanying himself
on piano.
"The Clown
Jewels" CD features 'outtakes from the '77 UK tour recordings', probably
not only recorded in London (or not at
all). The spine of the CD cover reads: "LN UK 77 - Disk Three".
Most titles can also be found on the 2LP/CD set, except
"Soul On Fire".
***
Song listings
LP 1:
UFO
Sweet Song Of Salvation
Thank You England (spoken)
Reader's Digest
Pardon Me
Moses In The Wilderness
Nightmare #71
Be Careful What You Sign
The Outlaw
I Wish We'd All Been Ready
LP 2:
Why Sould The Devil...
Deep Blue
Shot Down
Song For A Small Circle Of Friends
If God Is My Father
The Rock That Doesn't Roll
It's Only Today That Counts
Let That Tape Keep Rolling
Rachael And Me
Strong Love, Strange Peace
CD 1:
Introduction
U.F.O.
Sweet Song Of Salvation
Thank You England (spoken)
Reader's Digest
Pardon Me
Kiwis And America (spoken)
The Great American Novel
Angry Preachers (spoken)
Moses In The Wilderness
Nightmare #71
Be Careful What You Sign
The Outlaw
I Wish We'd All Been Ready
CD 2:
Why Sould The Devil...
I Hope I'll See You In Heaven
Deep Blue
Talking - Rumours (spoken)
Shot Down
Song For A Small Circle Of Friends
If God Is My Father
The Rock That Doesn't Roll
Talking - Pressure (spoken)
It's Only Today That Counts
Let That Tape Keep Rolling
Talking - Encore (spoken)
Rachael And Me
Strong Love, Strange Peace
CD 3
(The Clown Jewels):
UFO
Soul On Fire
A Shaggy Dog Story (spoken)
If God Is My Father
I Hope I'll See You In Heaven
Why Should The Devil...
Let Mistakes Keep Rolling
Deep Blue
Shot Down
H10 (spoken)
Small Circle Of Friends
The Rock That Doesn't Roll
We Really Shouldn't Worry (spoken)
It's Only Today That Counts
Personnel:
Larry Norman: piano, guitar & vocals
Alwyn Wall: guitar
Norman Barratt: lead guitar
Tony Hudson: bass guitar
Phil Holmes: keyboards
Nick Brotherwood: drums
***
Dead wax: 277826E1/A (note the incorrect label: the label of the 'band' LP is used for the 'solo' LP as well)
Dead wax: 277826E2/A
Dead wax: 277828E1/A
Dead wax: 277828E2/A
