"Affinity" 1970
The self-titled album by this short-lived outfit displays a lot of potential, which if not wholly successful has an individuality separating them from their more jazzy and progressive peers. If Linda Hoyle's talent for fusing the vocal traits of Bessie Smith, Grace Slick, and Sandy Denny together semi-successfully is the defining point, then Lynton Naiff's pounding Hammond workouts fall somewhere between the exceptional and the overdone. With the addition of John Paul Jones' fine brass arrangements, which are to the fore throughout, a very soulful feel reminiscent of the latter work of Julie Driscoll with the Brian Auger Trinity is created. And the album's variety of moods sustains interest throughout. "Coconut Grove" (the Lovin' Spoonful song) is given a similar slow treatment to Donovan's diversions into jazz on Sunshine Superman, notably "The Observation," while a heavier element is supplied by a few heavy Hammond numbers, with a take on Dylan's "All Along the Watchtower" being the most impressive. Although over 11-minutes long, some complex progressive organ work similar to Caravan's David Sinclair is displayed, preventing it from becoming predictable. A forlorn baroque Harpsichord interpretation of the Everly Brothers' "I Wonder if I Care as Much" adds a haunting quality to the set with Jones' string arrangements and Hoyle's vocals working hand in hand, and "Mr. Joy" allows the young singer to pay patronage to her heroin Grace Slick, in which the Jefferson Airplane comparisons can really be heard. At times overambitious. And a plethora of cover versions given the progressive treatment instead of Affinity originals is a major let down. But as an early work of post-'60s progression, this album is a pleasurable experience recalling the days when musicians and singers really worked hard at what they did. ~ Jon 'Mojo' Mills, All Music Guide
01. I Am And So Are You
02. Night Flight
03. I Wonder If I'll Care As Much
04. My Joy
05. Three Sisters
06. Coconut Grave
07. All Along The Watchtower
08. Eli's Coming *
09. United States Of Mind *
10. Yes Man *
11. If You Live *
12. I Am The Walrus *
13. You Met Your Match *
14. Long Voyage *
15. Little Lonely Man *
*Bonus Tracks
Sample pic: 1, 2
Download link in comments.
The self-titled album by this short-lived outfit displays a lot of potential, which if not wholly successful has an individuality separating them from their more jazzy and progressive peers. If Linda Hoyle's talent for fusing the vocal traits of Bessie Smith, Grace Slick, and Sandy Denny together semi-successfully is the defining point, then Lynton Naiff's pounding Hammond workouts fall somewhere between the exceptional and the overdone. With the addition of John Paul Jones' fine brass arrangements, which are to the fore throughout, a very soulful feel reminiscent of the latter work of Julie Driscoll with the Brian Auger Trinity is created. And the album's variety of moods sustains interest throughout. "Coconut Grove" (the Lovin' Spoonful song) is given a similar slow treatment to Donovan's diversions into jazz on Sunshine Superman, notably "The Observation," while a heavier element is supplied by a few heavy Hammond numbers, with a take on Dylan's "All Along the Watchtower" being the most impressive. Although over 11-minutes long, some complex progressive organ work similar to Caravan's David Sinclair is displayed, preventing it from becoming predictable. A forlorn baroque Harpsichord interpretation of the Everly Brothers' "I Wonder if I Care as Much" adds a haunting quality to the set with Jones' string arrangements and Hoyle's vocals working hand in hand, and "Mr. Joy" allows the young singer to pay patronage to her heroin Grace Slick, in which the Jefferson Airplane comparisons can really be heard. At times overambitious. And a plethora of cover versions given the progressive treatment instead of Affinity originals is a major let down. But as an early work of post-'60s progression, this album is a pleasurable experience recalling the days when musicians and singers really worked hard at what they did. ~ Jon 'Mojo' Mills, All Music Guide01. I Am And So Are You
02. Night Flight
03. I Wonder If I'll Care As Much
04. My Joy
05. Three Sisters
06. Coconut Grave
07. All Along The Watchtower
08. Eli's Coming *
09. United States Of Mind *
10. Yes Man *
11. If You Live *
12. I Am The Walrus *
13. You Met Your Match *
14. Long Voyage *
15. Little Lonely Man *
*Bonus Tracks
Sample pic: 1, 2
Download link in comments.
posted by Lizardson at 8:27 PM
10 Comments:
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I LOVE IT! I have not seen this anywhere except in my LP rack since the day I bought it when it was originally released. What a surprise. Keep up the great work!
Old Rocker from Kansas
You can't really go wrong if it's on Vertigo can you ? Not if you're as old as me anyway... thanks a lot!
This is more of a general comment (although I did just download 'Affinity and greatly appreciate it). Your blog is absolutely magical! I just discovered it and have come across albums I thought I would never find or hear again. I buy whenever possible, of course, but most of what you have on here is exremely hard to find. I occasionally play music with In Gowan Ring (whose new project is called 'Birch Book') and we are honoured to have material on your site accompanied by a wonderful review. Thank-you very much for all of your time and efforts... the music you provide here really should be heard.
www.ingowanring.com
www.birchbook.com
This is a terrific blog that is opening up my already large ears. Would it be possible to re-up Yonin-Bayashi - '73 Yonin-Bayashi?
Thanks for so much.
Wow! Probably the best cover of any 3 for a buck album I ever found (I miss those days!!)- thanks for the scans especially.
That the album was any good was a bonus. I suspect they were a lot better live than the album showed, but it's even more interesting now than it was then.
Again, thanks!
WAY TO GO!
This was an excellent band - and Linda Hoyle's solo album was very good, also.
Thanks for posting! My CD only has two extra tracks - great upgrade.
Another rock group that should have been much bigger than they commercially achieved, like Paris and Family. There is not justice in this world.
Thanks a million for your efforts! You are doing a incredible work.
About this CD, all the bonus tracks wass released by the Akarma label as a compilation album, ("If you Live", Akarma 215, 2002)with both sides of their "Eli's Coming" single, with early demos and material intended for the group's abandoned second album.
Also it's achievable another compilation, called 1971-72, ("1971-72", Angel Air 145, 2003) with Vivienne McAuliffe in replacement of Linda Hoyle. This is a collection of previously unreleased demos and outtakes.
absolutely fabulous album I've bought in 1970 - great organist as talentuous as Jimmy Smith or Brian Auger if you see what I think
respect man !
like panos1 said, that belongs to "my personnal collection" ... and it's a very important more than 10000 LP & CD
this one like a diamant "shine(s) on brightly" ( Procol Harum )
salut à tous, a french frog !
... vive le champagne
This Can Only Be Good...It Was a Good Time.
Zed.
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