Rough Edge: Bachman and Turner CD Reviews

BACHMAN & TURNER

"Live at the Roseland Ballroom NYC" (Eagle Rock Entertainment; 2012)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

Despite the fact they just released their self-titled Bachman & Turner album in 2010, the legendary pairing of Randy Bachman and Fred Turner have returned with a double-live CD. While this may not have been the greatest of steps for an up'n'coming band, the musical back catalog of these great musicians provides for plenty of great, classic, live rock'n'roll with "Live at the Roseland Ballroom, NYC."

Loaded with hits from Bachman Turner Overdrive, Grand Funk Railroad, and some of the new Bachman & Turner stuff as well, this is a terrific collection of live tunes by legendary musicians. The band sounds great, the music is crisp and well-recorded and, although there may be a track or two that doesn't quite gel, there are enough hits throughout to keep your head boppin' from beginning to end.

And a tip of the hat to Bachman and Turner for releasing a live rock'n'roll album the way it's supposed to be: in a two disc set!

Performing on the CD are: Randy Bachman (guitars, vocals); C.F. Turner (bass, vocals); Marc LaFrance (drums, percussion, vocals); Brent Howard Knudsen (guitars, vocals); Mick Dalla-Vee (guitars, vocals).

For more information, check out http://www.bachmanandturner.com.

"Bachman & Turner" (RBE; 2010)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

Legendary rockers Randy Bachman and Fred Turner return with this self-titled CD that is exactly what you hoped it would be.

On their first CD together in almost 20 years, Bachman & Turner (do I even have to mention that they were part of Bachman Turner Overdrive?) deliver a solid classic rock album, an album that's a throwback to the era of such hits as "Takin' Care of Business" and "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet." Perhaps even more interestingly, the CD isn't just a tribute to the band's hits era but to even earlier eras, often offering up a 60s and 70s rock and roll vibe.

The album is at its best when rocking its hardest but even the more vintage sounding stuff is still interesting, even if it can't help but be a little dated at times.

Performance-wise, everything sounds great. The vocals are strong and just rough enough, the songs are well-written and the music is tight and chunky, just the way you like it.

The CD's production seems a little hot at times, although I'm not sure that's a production problem or just a problem with my particular copy of the CD. Whatever the cause, it's not distracting enough to destroy the listening experience.

Bottom line: It's great to have Bachman & Turner together again and let's hope it's not another twenty years before we hear more.

For more information, check out http://www.bachmanandturner.com.

"Bachman & Turner" (RBE Music; 2010)

Reviewed by Snidermann

Two-thirds of the legendary Bachman Turner Overdrive -- Randy Bachman and Fred Turner -- have put together their first new release in over twenty years.

In the 70s, BTO had a string of hits and they continue to grace the classic rock FM radio market around the world with hits like "You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet," "Roll On Down The Highway," "Hey" and, of course, "Takin’ Care Of Business" (which happens to be in my personal top ten songs of all time). The new self-titled release is a collection of excellent songs done in the same style as the old BTO stuff, but with a fresh style while still maintaining the same old passion of the 70s material.

Check out some of the songs online at http://www.bachmanandturner.com and I have no doubt you'll be first in line to get your copy of this outstanding recording.

On "Bachman & Turner," the old magic is still there. It's great music done with style and the BTO mojo makes this recording a must for any fans of the original group -- just like me.

I find myself jazzing this recording in my head since I first spun it and I think I will just have to listen to it again right now. I've already lost track of how many times I have listened to this CD! It's that good!

BTO fans, I know you're out there. Get your copy of "Bachman & Turner" today. You will not be disappointed.

For more information, check out http://www.bachmanandturner.com.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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