Audio CD review:
Firefall - Luna Sea

Firefall - Luna Sea

Band: Firefall Title: Luna Sea Rating: Release Date: 1995-08-15 Media: Audio CD Tracks: 1: So Long - Firefall, Roberts, Rick 2: Just Remember I Love You - Firefall, Roberts, Rick 3: Sold on You - Firefall, Burnett, Larry 4: Someday Soon - Firefall, Roberts, Rick 5: Just Think - Firefall, Firefall 6: Getaway - Firefall, Burnett, Larry 7: Only a Fool - Firefall, Roberts, Rick 8: Head on Home - Firefall, Burnett, Larry 9: Piece of Paper - Firefall, Burnett, Larry 10: Even Steven - Firefall, Roberts, Rick 11: Tropical Night - Firefall, Roberts, Rick 12: Rainforest - Firefall, Bartley, Jock 13: Ya Never Know - Firefall, Burnett, Larry 14: Over You - Firefall, Roberts, Rick

Calm Seas, Tropical Nights About halfway through the Concert drummer Michael Clarke introduced his friend Rick Roberts and out to the stage with only an acoustic guitar the great man bounced. Way back in 1985 the Byrds Tribute Band arrived in Norfolk, Virginia for what turned out to be an Amazing Show. I was right down front and like a Eighties Booberoo, I yelled out "So Long", Rick turned my way, gave me a big smile and launched right into "Just Remember I Love You". . . Mouths dropped. All bloodshot eyes focused, Even the Waitresses shut up. Of a night of Amazing Music Rick Roberts shone through like a Diamond in a Coal Field. He could have ran for King of the Planet that night, he was that good. This was the first thing by this Group I had bought. The first Record "Firefall" had been a huge sucess and I had heard "Cinderella" & 'Mexico" on the Radio but I did bybass that record for some reason. In the summer of 77 I spotted record No. 2 "Luna Sea" in the record bin and picked this one up ($5. 99) I had not heard a note of this second release on the Radio yet. "So Long" is the opener and it's a stunner, this is a GREAT Rock song, this Band could Rock and this is the Proof. Over- looked as a single still it stands as one of the best pieces of Music Produced in the 1970's. I would have enjoyed to have had Firefall continue in this direction but it seems their Record Company was pushing them more to the Ballads which translated to big Radio Plays and Big Bucks. This is why Track Two, "Just Remember I Love You" was the Single from this record that is best remembered and it topped at No. 11 on the Pops Charts. Other songs overlooked at the time shine here such Larry Burnett's great rocker "Sold On You" in which Rick and Larry share the Vocals and twist the style and tempo back and forth (But Larry wins on this one, it's his song). "Someday Soon" yet another big ballad from Rick is Perfect, This was not a Single but it could have been. . . Another Gem. "Just Think" by Larry is Da Bluze and another showcase for some Great Guitar playing from a Band not remembered for this sort of thing. This was a Highlight on stage for Firefall Concerts of 77 & 78. . . Don't overlook what Larry brought to this band as he had the Fire and by the laughter at the end the band was having big fun here. "Getawy" continues in the Rock Mode as does "Head On Home" and "Only a Fool" & "Piece of Paper" are lighter acoustic pieces. The closer "Even Steven" has some silly Lyrics but it sure is a catchy Tune. . . Great Melody. This Rhino Release has added four Bonus Songs from "Tropical Nights" the Original planned 2nd Record that was scrapped mid way through when the concept was changed to "Luna Sea". The track "Tropical Night' sounds like it's right outta "Pet Sounds" (Beach Boys circa 1966) it's a sleepy Experimental number, Pretty but it seems unfinished. The instrumental "Rainforest" is very Classical and it is mixed right into a great Larry Rocker called "Ya Never Know". . . Whew, this is serious stuff here, No Kidding, Now I'm wondering if there is more of this project in the vaults and if it COULD be released. "Luna Sea" could be done up as an "Deluxe" 2 Disc Set. Let's hope. . . Oh, yeah there's the Roberts track "Over You" which is alot like "So Long" and it Bookends this version of "Luna Sea". For me "Luna Sea" & "Elan" are the two best Records from this Great Band, But I can't understand why there is not a Box Set (at least 4 CD's) for the "Firefaithfuls. . . . SIGH. . Good Effort from a Great Band However, the group is one of our finer ensembles from the 70s and 80s, so this album is worth the price. "Luna Sea" is not a great album, not one of Firefall's best (check out "Elan", "Undertow" or "Clouds Across the Sun" for their best). They even added some bonus tracks to make it so! "Just Remember I Love You" and "So Long" are the best cuts. All of the tunes, however, are listenable and good reminders of the fun 70s! Now, if they'd only get "Clouds Across the Sun" out in CD!. SOLID COUNTRY ROCK ALBUM What a pleasant surprise in discovering Firefall - a favourite Band of mine ever since. I first came across Firefall in 1986 when following the travels of one of my favourite artists at the time , Rick Roberts , who had been performing with The Flying Burrito Brothers. I`ve been lucky enough to acquire their first 7 almums on Vinyl over the years. I recently purchased their Greatest Hits on C D . Tracks on the album SOLD ON YOU - a real solid rocker, GETAWAY , HEAD ON HOME and PIECE OF PAPER are all Larry Burnett tracks which are very good. JUST REMEMBER I LOVE YOU is a brilliant song by Rick Roberts with support on backing vocals from Tim Schmit ( Poco and Eagles fame) which is the highlight of the album. As with their first album the name of Stephen Stills pops up in the Composer credits. So this their second album provides solid songs from both Larry Burnett and Rick Roberts who are supported by a great band comprising of Jock Bartley (ex Zephyr), Mark Andes ( ex Spirit ans Jo Jo Gunne ), Michael Clarke ( ex Byrds )who has since sadly passed away and David Muse ( currently I think with Marshall Tucker Band ) - quite a lineup - no wonder they produced such good music. However as good as this album is ,it doesnt have the same impact as their first ,which was excellent. You can see a complete list of all Firefall discography, or go back to the Firefall tabs