Album of the Week 12/09

The album of the week this week is Badfinger’s Straight Up. Badfinger was one of the first bands to sign on the Beatles’ Apple Records. They are known for four hits. “Come and Get It”, “Day After Day”, “Baby Blue”, and “No Matter What”. That only tells a small portion of their musical story. I submit to you that 90% of their albums are great! I am focusing on this one because it was the first full album I got by Badfinger. They kind of represent the pop side of where the Beatles might have gone, had they stayed together..Maybe. All I know is that they are damn good songwriters and know their way around their vocals!


Let’s get to it!
1. Take It All-A great starter. Ringing piano to haunt you in it’s first notes, until this unbelievably catchy song invades your psyche!
2. Baby Blue-You all know this one. Not one note out of place. Not one sound imperfectly executed. One of the greatest songs of all time. I will not take discussion to the contrary
3. Money-This reminds me of something off an early Paul McCartney album, what a great tune! Perfect dual vocals, and it goes right into…
4. Flying- A perfect companion piece to the last tune. Beautiful vocals here. Perfectly blending the piano right into the guitars here.
5. I’d Die Babe- A sort of change of pace. More McCartney influence here. You know what? There’s nothing wrong with that.
6. The Name of the Game- This would be the 11 O’Clock number on this lp. Just a beautiful “epic” 5 minute plus tune. This is why we listen to music.
7. Suitcase- Normally this would scream “filler” but after the last song, I’m still in ecstasy, so I can dig it!
8. Sweet Tuesday Morning-Good acoustic tune here. Beautiful melodies. See? Everything doesn’t have to be all distortion for me!!!!!
9. Day After Day- Another MASSIVE hit, and with good reason. George Harrison played leads on this. Couldn’t ya tell? If you have never heard this song, I can’t help you!
10. Sometimes- A nice little rocker, kind of like a Monkees tune here. Bop till you drop!
11. Perfection-Just some Goddamn good songwriting here! They should be fly fishermen they’re so catchy!!
12. It’s Over- Another great riff and guitar/piano/vocal blend. What a great closer. This lp is so solid from top to bottom , it’s not even fair. I LOVE when albums give you a great song to close it out.

Well, that’s it! I’ll throw some of these songs on the playlist.
Other Great Badfinger lps:
1. Ass
2. No Dice
3. Magic Christian Music
4. Wish You Were Here
Enjoy!!!