Audio CD review:
Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Chance

Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Chance

Band: Manfred Mann's Earth Band Title: Chance Rating: Release Date: 16 May, 2000 Media: Audio CD Tracks: 1: Lies (Through The 80s) 2: On The Run 3: For You 4: Adolescent Dream 5: Fritz The Blank 6: Stranded 7: Hello I Am Your Heart 8: No Guarantee 9: Heart On The Street 10: A Fool I Am (Single B Side) 11: Adolescent Dream (Single Version) 12: Lies (Through The 80s)(Single Version) 13: For You (Single Version)

Customer Reviews New Mann for the 80's If you remember them from the 60's, then you're probably familiar with "Do-Wah-Diddy" or "The Mighty Quinn". Anybody who has heard of Manfred Mann knows at least one of the songs by the group: "Blinded by the Light", a remake of a somewhat boring Springsteen song. The lineup of the group changed a bit on this album, but the sound hasn't really changed - bouncy keyboards, clear vocals, and just generally enjoyable songs from an age when everything wasn't about screaming nonsense into a mike. Probably the next best known song from Manfred Mann's Earth Band is "For You". . . another remake of a Springsteen original. And just like "Blinded by the Light", Mann takes the song and pumps it full of energy, adding jumping keyboards and an upbeat tempo. This album is worth it just for the song "For You" (once you've heard the bouncing keyboard riffs, you won't be able to forget them) - but there are several others on it worthy of attention, especially "Lies (Through the 80's)". If you like Manfred Mann, if you like what they do with sometimes bland Springsteen originals, if you like their original works, then you'll definitely want to grab this album. The extra tracks on this particular album are all 'singles versions'. . . the edited down songs you may have heard on the radio at one time or another; the album isn't worth it for just those tracks, unless that's exactly what you're looking for. But it is definitely worth it for everything else. One of Manfred Mann's Best. I saw The Earth Band on its tour for this LP, at the Freiheitshalle in Hof, Germany when I was stationed there in 1980. "Chance" brings back a lot of memories for me. As the previous reviewer noted, Chris Thompson was only on a few tracks because he had left the band while they were recording "Chance. " Shortly before the tour, Thompson rejoined Mann, which made the show very enjoyable. "Chance" might be my favorite Manfred Mann album, perhaps tied with "Out of Afrika. " The LP/CD features one of the band's most memorable melodies, "For You," a penetrating love song featuring a hero fighting hopeless battle to save his beloved. The opening number is the very powerful "Lies (through the 80's), a forecast of things that were to be, which listening to now is almost like going back a quarter of a century in a time machine (and those cruise missiles do indeed "think as they fly"). Other notable numbers are "Stranded," "On The Run," and a song sung by the band's leader, "Adolescent Dream. ". Solid Mann Chris Thompson only sings on three of the tracks, but alas, this is Mann, he pulls it off with aplomb. The 1980 release "chance" finds Mann with a new set of musicians backing him in the studio. Nine quality tracks are offered with standouts being 'Lies (through the 80's)', 'For You' (a Springsteen tune), and 'Stranded'. Thats just my opinion for the moment because I really like "Hello, I am your heart' and 'No guarantee'. As usual Mann's keyboards are phenomenal as is the production. Manfred's ability as an arranger as well as keyboardist shines again on this release. Another in a string of high quality Earth Band efforts. . You can see a complete list of all Manfred Mann's Earth Band discography, or go back to the Manfred Mann's Earth Band tabs