LN UK 77

Solid Rock Records not-numbered (2024)

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, but 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).

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 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.

***

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