REVIEWS ALBUM REVIEWS BACKLESS - Eric Clapton - RSO RS -1-3039 - Producer: TWO FOR THE SHOW - Kansas - Kirshner PZ2 35660 - Glyn Johns - List: 7.98 Producer: Kansas - List: 13.98 On the heels of his top selling "Slowhand" album, this veteran Due to the success of its last two albums ("Leftoverture" and guitarist/vocalist/composer has emerged with another striking "Point Of Know Return") this midwestern progressive rock out- work which spotlights his moderately -paced, refined rock num- fit has established itself as a major recording attraction and bers. Clapton several years ago largely shifted from his hard - concert draw. This live two -record set captures the group's rock stance to a more controlled yet resonant delivery, and this energetic, hard -rocking onstage delivery, providing a power - LP continues in this vein. Spearheaded by the charted single, packed souvenir for Kansas' legion of fans. Including such re- "Promises," "Backless" also contains "Watch Out For Lucy" cent hits as "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Dust In The Wind," plus "Roll It," a stinging rocker which features the vocals of the LP also features lengthy renditions of many of Kansas' Marcy Levy. earlier compositions. FEEL THE NEED - Leif Garrett - Scotti Brothers/Atlantic SB PLAYIN' TO WIN - Outlaws - Arista AB 4205 - Producer: 7100 - Producer: Michael Lloyd - List: 7.98 Robert John "Mutt" Lange - List: 7.98 Leif Garrett bounds from teenage heartthrob to disco sensa- "Playin' To Win" expands upon the guitar -oriented tion with his first Scotti Brothers release. "Feel The Need" progressive southern rock sound which helped establish this features "I Was Made For Dancing," which presents three Florida band's stronghold on AOR and pop stations across the minutes of frenetic dancing fun that is too engaging to worry Union. On exhibit is the sextet's obvious love for playing and listeners about its overly familiar hooks. Garrett and producer singing, particularly on "You Are The Show," where the Out- Michael Lloyd have created a solid collection of new and laws' acknowledge its loyal audience. Already the #2 Most Ad- reworked favorites guaranteed to re -deliver hardcore Leifsters ded album on FM this week, watch for that audience to and capture older music lovers as well. Disco and pop 40. acknowledge back with chart bullets. KNIGHT Buddah BDS 5714 Producer: MISS GLADYS - - READY TO ROLL - Thelma Houston - Tamia T7 -361R1 - Tony Macaulay - List: 7.98 Producers: Hal David and Greg Wright List: 7.98 many years with the Pips, Gladys Knight's - After successful Producer Hal David has most assuredly given this album his first solo effort will most assuredly garner her extensive chart magic touch.Thetight, elegant production compliments the fine A Better Than activity and airplay. Though the disco single, "It's vocal ability of Thelma Houston, taking her to the height of her it is the album's Good Time" did enjoy some chart success, artistic ability. From the smooth melodic ballads to the forceful be the most to mood -making ballads which should appealing uptempo tunes, this album spans the gamut of every radio for- pop following. The the songstress' mainstream, -oriented mat. Although Houston was beginning to be known primarily as gospel/MOR sound of "Sail Away/Freedom For The Stallions" a disco artist, this LP displays her versatile musical talent. and "I'm Comin' Home Again" are the outstanding cuts here. SMOKIN' - Smokey Robinson - Tamie T9 -363A2 - LOU REED LIVE TAKE NO PRISONERS - Arista AL 8502 - Producer: William "Smokey" Robinson List: 9.98 Producer: Lou Reed - List: 11.98 - Has- Recorded last May at his Roxy engagement in Hollywood, this On the heels of his critically acclaimed album, "Street two -record set exquisitely captures the intense, soulful energy sle," and a highly successful tour, Lou Reed has released this New which Robinson delivers in concert. The album should please two -record set which was recorded at the Bottom Line in "I Robinson fans of all ages, because the material here features a York. This LP includes such recent tracks as the controversial Reed solid sampling of both his classic Miracles numbers as well as Wanna Be Black" and "Street Hassle," plus such early his more recent solo tunes. Standout tracks on the LP include "I classics as "Sweet Jane" and "Walk On The Wild Side." Unlike Second That Emotion," "The Agony And The Ecstasy," and his previous two live albums, this LP displays a more sensual, "The Tears Of A Clown." unified sound that effectively captures the street -wise intensity of Reed's current band. SARAH DASH - Kirshner JA 35477 - Producers: W. Gold, J. Siegel. G. Knight and G. Allan - List: 7.98 HIS BEST - Paul Anka - United Artists UA-LA922-H - On her first solo since leaving the soul trio Labelle, Producers: Various - List: 7.98 Sarah Dash has concocted an album which should appeal to Containing seven of his most famous studio compositions both a disco and pop audience. The key to this effort is the stirr- and three cuts recorded live in Japan, this greatest hits package ing, high -soaring vocals of Dash, plus the crisp arrangements of reaffirms Paul Anka's creative skills as a contemporary pop- Leon Pendarvis. "Sinner Man" boasts a propelling dance beat, rock/easy listening singer/songwriter. "His Best" features such while other numbers such as "You" and "I Can't Believe" display Anka standards as "My Way" and "(You're) Having My Baby," Dash's ability to perform tender ballads. Overall, a promising, as well as such works as "The Times Of Your Life" and "Let Me frequently satisfying endeavor. Try Again." This LP should be a strong Christmas seller. LEGEND Poco ABC AA -1099 Producer: Richard San- - - - GREEN LIGHT Cliff Richard Rocket BXL1-2958 ford Orshoff List: 7.98 - - - - Producer: Bruce Welch List: 7.98 Yes, Virginia, this is a brand-spankin' new Poco album and it - A pop hero from London to Lima since 1958 and a one -hit is a good feelin' to know. Spearheaded by group veterans Rusty wonder in the U.S. since 1976, Cliff Richard now graces these Young and Paul Cotton, "Legend" finds this year's Poco shores again with his third Rocket album. Utilizing the compos- downplaying its trend -setting "city 'n' western" stance in favor of ing and back-up vocal talents of Tarney/Spencer and ex - a truly beautiful, fragile MOR tonality which never bores as Shadow Bruce Welch once again as producer, Richard creates those Poco harmonies soar. A more than commendable return. an album that deftly shifts from an intensity last heard via Roxy "Boomerang," "The Last Goodbye" and "Legend" the top cuts Music ("She's A Gipsy," and the title cut) to wonderfully uplifting on this splendid effort. featured ballads ("Start All Over Again"). 1969 - CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL - Fantasy CCR-69 - Producer: John Fogerty - List: 9.98 STREAMLINE - Lenny White - Elektra 6E-164 - Producers: Fantasy Records has re -issued this group's first six albums in Larry Dunn and Lenny White - List: 7.98 the form of three two -record sets which should revive interest in Ex -Return To Forever drummer Lenny White digs from a the Creedence catalog. All three repackages contain top-notch multi -format stockpile of rocking fusion chops on this Larry material, ranging from such early hits as "Suzie Q" and "Proud Dunn -produced release. Let the jazz traditionalists cringe as Mary" to later classics like "Up Around The Bend" and "Have White works wonders on star tracks like "Lady Madonna" You Ever Seen The Rain." The "1969" set may possibly be the (guest vocal by Chaka Khan) and his unashamedly bashing "12 strongest, featuring the songs of "Green River" and "Willy And Bars From Mars;" what matters most is that this music is good The Poor Boys." and will open the ears and minds of new listeners raised on mainstream rock, jazz, and R&B product. PARTNERS IN CRIME - Bandit - Ariola SW 50042 - Producer Matthew Fisher - List: 7.98 WELCOME TO THE CLUB - Richard Kerr - A&M SP -4721 - This is the type of rock 'n' roll music which some feel is Producer: Christopher Bond - List: 7.98 specifically geared for instant acceptance by America's AOR An established songwriter who has composed material for outlets. Charlie, Prism, Fotomaker (its latest), Foreigner and Barry Manilow, among others, Richard Kerr launches his solo countless others are cited as examples of this supposed trend. recording career with this album. "Welcome To The Club" Bandit steals from all of these yet manages to fence their showcases Kerr's talents as an effective pianist, singer, and musical booty in such a way that it emerges as both innocuous most importantly, as a composer of uplifting, accessible pop - and inoffensive to even, say, Elvis Costello fans. For FM for- rock selections. Backed by an array of studio musicians, this LP mats. contains such tunes as "I Can't Afford That Feeling Anymore" "I It All." For MOR and pop formats. PRONTO MONTO - Kate & Anna McGarrigle - Warner Bros. and Feel BSK 3238 - Producer. David Nichtern - List: 7.98 NEW MOON RISING - Lisa Lawalin - Monument MG7630 - With its third album, the Canadian McGarrigles continue to Producer Fred Foster - List: 7.98 evocatively perform its original pop/folk compositions. The "New Moon Rising" marks the debut of Lisa Lawalin, a former twosome has received extensive critical praise since its debut Miss Georgia and a skillful vocalist in the adult contem- album a while back, and "Pronto Monto" is sure to win ac- porary/pop vein. Lawalin possesses a caressing, pleasant claimation as well as hopefully establish a wider pop audience voice which capably handles this collection of lush ballads and for the duo. Evenly divided between intimate ballads and affec- affectionate upbeat tunes. Produced by Fred Foster, this album tionate upbeat tunes, this LP includes "Oh My Heart," "Come includes such tracks as "Your Love," "Steppin' Stone" and a Back Baby" and "Side Of Fries." rendition of the '60s Motown classic, "Dancing In The Street."

Cash Box/November 11, 1978 17

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