The classic self-titled album by Angel gets a 50th anniversary re-issue. Hard to believe that it is half a century since it was originally released back in 1975.
A remarkable slab of pomped and progged up hard rock from a band who promised so much yet were probably stymied to some extent by their marketing image which not even a spectacular, overblown stage show could overcome.
The legend has it that Angel were discovered by none other than Gene Simmons from Kiss.
Gene apparently then calling the boss of Casablanca Records (Kiss were with Casablanca at the time) pretty much insisting Angel were signed – though crucially never allowed to tour or share a stage with Kiss as Gene thought Angel were far better musicians. I’d say he was correct…..!
Comprising of the punchy guitar of Punky Meadows, melodic bass of Mickie Jones, the huge voice from Frank DiMino, soaring keyboards and synth from Gregg Giuffria and the crisp drumming from drummer Barry Brandt their self titled debut was and remains a classic.
Tower is an, er, towering opener and perhaps the song Angel became best known for. The weird, atmospheric synth bleeps and sounds which Giuffria cojours and the gentle lead in to the vocals before building up the crescendo when the song truly kicks off in with the riff working along with the keyboard swirls and DeMino’s soaring vocal and the impossibly infectious hook and chorus.
Such a memorable song and a true statement of intent. Over the rest of the album, Angel showed their chops to maximum effect and had the something different to offer how they merged the hard stuff with the pomp/prog leanings.
Here is Tower:
Not a duff sone or any filler here. In particular the punchy Rock & Rollers, the glorious sweeping Mariner, hook-laden Sunday Morning and the glorious On & On.
Truly one of the finest debut albums and one which should be in your collection of not already.
This 50th Anniversary reissue doesn’t have any bonus tracks or additional material – so for that reason I’d suggest you go for the version which also comes with the follow-up album titled Helluva Band as a double CD.
>> ANGEL/HELLUVA BAND ON AMAZON <<
Despite Angel having the ability, it didn’t translate in to huge sales. After Helluva Band came the also excellent On Earth As It Is In Heaven. After that came White Hot which saw a change in style to a more radio friendly direction hoping for the big hit single, probably in an attempt to up sales. Both these albums also in a double:
After one more studio throw – Sinful in 1979 – that’d be it for Angel bar the “live” album issued in 1980.
There would be a few reformation attempts here and there which came to little until 2019 or thereabouts when original members Frank DiMino and Punky Meadows got things together as Angel once again releasing (so far) two albums.
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