Thursday, October 19, 2006

Ben

"Ben" 1971





















Ben's self-titled debut has the dubious honour of being widely rated as one of the weakest albums released on the Vertigo-swirl label. Although I can think of even more obvious candidates for that claim (especially Daddy Longlegs' utterly dreadful "Oakdown Farm" comes to mind), Ben's album had indeed serious flaws. But things sounds actually quite promising at first listen. Here are lengthy multi-part suites, excellent musicianship and an overall very appealing early 70's, very jazzy progressive rock sound with lots of flute, sax, keyboards and guitar. But closer inspection of the material on the album reveals that you've been cheated. All of the four tracks are made up of tiresome extended jams and solos that are built around themes and melodies that are all too simple and barely half-written at best. The closer "Gismo" demonstrates this problem best, and goes on for nearly 12 minutes without ever coming close to a good or memorable idea. "Gibbon" is probably the best track on the album, but even this one is also hampered by the same problems as the rest, although to a less extent. The opener "The Influence" is pointlessly divided into seven movements that all sounds the same, and "Christmas Execution" is made up of repetitive, unimaginative and uninspired riffs that goes nowhere. Too bad such good musicians with a sound like this would waste it all on such weak material as this album offers. ~vintageprog.com

9 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Finally a honest review!
Thanks

19 October, 2006 20:27  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

WOW !!! Thanks a million!!!

19 October, 2006 21:53  
Blogger Redtelephone66 said...

Great Site, how about Graham Bond "Majick"
Heckstall-Smith "Story Edend" Alex Harvey with HAIRBAND

19 October, 2006 22:28  
Blogger Reidar said...

The review doesn't promise anything good. But, to me it sounds very good... after first listen :)
Maybe i'll be disapointed after more listenings.

20 October, 2006 18:01  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

you have a Daddy Longleg Oakdown Farm 1971

from darknest Italy

21 October, 2006 00:44  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sorry but I have to disagree with the review: it's a good record in the genuine Vertigo mood.
Thanks
Pier

26 October, 2006 15:01  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

link dead, please! please! can u reupload this one! Just now found your great blog. LOVE IT! thanks

17 December, 2007 06:35  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

THANKS for the reup!!!

PZ NL

28 April, 2008 20:16  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Could You please reup Ben, there is no link anymore.
Thanks a million

09 February, 2010 05:19  

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