TERRY REID "ROGUE WAVES"

Artist: Terry Reid
Album: Rogue Waves
Company: Capitol
Catalog: SW 11857
Year: 1978
Genre: rock
Grade: *** (3 stars)
Condition: VG+ cover / VG+ LP
Comments: --
Quantity available: 1
Price: $30,00

The first time I've had two entries for an artist -

Continuing his corporate wanderings, 1978's "Rogue Waves" found Terry Reid signed to Capitol.  If you were counting, this was his fourth label as a solo act.  Co-produced by Reid and Chris Kimsey the set's always struck me as a frustrating mixture of Reid originals and poorly chosen covers (including two boneheaded remakes of Phil Spector - Ellie Greenwich - Jeff Barry penned chestnuts).  As mentioned earlier, Reid certainly had some performance limitations, but to my ears he was one of rock's unsung performers.  His voice may not have been the most striking, or original instrument out there, but he had a unique skill in hitting a tone that combined pain and a raw 'pay-you-back-with-interest' edge.  The album certainly got off to a killer start with the scorching Reid-penned rocker 'Ain't No Shadow'.  Equally attractive were 'Stop and Think It Over', the soulful ballad 'Believe In Magic' and 'Bowangi'.  Less impressive were the bland title track, the previously mentioned covers, and a plodding cover of The Left Banke's 'Walk Away Rene' (note the song title was actually 'Walk Away Renee' - the extra 'e' is missing).   Elsewhere anyone know why an accomplished guitarist like Reid bothered to hire a new lead guitarist in the form of Doug Rodrigues?  Needless to say, with audiences flocking to punk, new wave, and disco, Reid found himself hopelessly out of tune with the buying public.  The album sold next to nothing (perhaps explaining why most remaining copies are marred by cut out holes, or notches.) 

 

"Rogue Waves" track listing:
(side 1)   

1.) Ain't No Shadow   (Terry Reid) - 3:57
Opening with some ringing guitars 'Ain't No Shadow' sounded like a good Rolling Stones rocker.  Yeah, Riley's scratchy voice wasn't great, but given how good this tune was, who cared?   One of the best rockers he ever wrote.   In the UK the song was released as a single:

- 1976's 'Ain't No Shadow' b/w 'Bowangi' (Capitol catalog number CL-16071)    rating; **** stars

2.) Baby I Love You   (Phil Spector - Ellie Greenwich - Jeff Barry) - 4:04

Slowing it down and giving it a heavy, molten feel may have seemed like a good idea, but in terms of execution ...  well this was one of those efforts that should never have left the initial planning stages.  rating: ** stars

3,) Stop and Think It Over   (Terry Reid) - 3:45

Always loved the combination of Reid's strumming acoustic guitar and Doug Siomos's big drum sound.  The best blue-eyed soul tune Reid ever wrote ?   Wonderful song.    rating:**** stars

4.) Rogue Waves   (Terry Reid) -  5:58

Pretty, but somewhat meandering ballad ...  The big problem with this one came in the form of Reid's strained voice.  Like many singers, when he tried to power his way through a tune, he had a tendency to become shrill and irritating.  The song (or a version of it), still remains in Reid's concert repertoire.  YouTube has a clip of a solo 2014 performance at The Cluny, Newcastle-upon-Tyne:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wxe1dUUwoSs      rating: *** stars

5.) Walk Away Rene   (Sansone - Calilli - Ian Brown) - 4:24

Another questionable decision - I grew up with the Left Banke original and Reid's slowed down, molten arrangement managed to strip away most of the original's Baroque charm.   He also sounded extremely sharp and shrill on this one.   rating:: ** stars

(side 2)

1.) Believe In Magic    (Terry Reid) - 6:49

I've always loved the way Reid managed to strum funky little riffs out of the air, but the real winner on 'Believe In Magic' came in the form of Lee Miles stunning bass work.  In contrast to some of the other tunes on the album, this track showcased what a good singer he could be.  rating: **** stars

2.) Then I Kissed Her    (Phil Spector - Ellie Greenwich - Jeff Barry) - 4:59

The opening martial drumming was unexpected, making me wonder if I'd stumbled into a Scottish wedding by mistake ...  Another miscalculation, Reid's hyper-aggressive arrangement sounded like Slade on speed.   rating: ** stars

3.) Bowangi   (Terry Reid) - 4:29

Reid and company at the bar band best ...  Anyone who doubted Reid's credential as a first-rate guitarist needed to check this one out.   Yeah, the tune sounded a bit like warmed over Rod Stewart and the Faces, but when Reid added the bell-like solos, the song rose to a totally different level. rating: **** stars

4.) All I Have To Do Is Dream    (Boudlleaux Bryant) - 5:39

Nice acoustic cover of the old Boudlleaux Bryant classic.  Thankfully Reid didn't subject the song to his molten rock-styled remake.   rating: *** stars

 

 

In the early 1990s the BGO label reissued most of Reid's catalog including this collection on CD format (BGO catalog number BGOCD140).

 

For anyone interested, Reid has a nice website at:  http://www.terryreid.com/

 

but given how good this tune was, who cared?   One of the best rockers he ever wrote.   In the UK the song was released as a single: