"Flash" - 1971 to Present

Here's the band rehearsing/jamming on a Flash classic, "Manhattan Morning" from their third album.  It was reprised on the new CD...

Jolly good show!  

Edited by sherrynoland - July 28 2013 at 17:20

Did anyone get it right without looking?  

The acoustics in this place are dreadful, there's a terrible echo-cho-cho-o-o-o we just can't get under control.

Two new Flash tracks on the radio in Poland.  You can listen here...


Edited by sherrynoland - August 21 2013 at 03:25

sherrynoland wrote: Excellent!  I'm glad you like it.  It's getting good reviews.  I posted a few on the Prog News forum Flash thread. Like all the Flash albums, there's a lot to listen to and it was made to last.  Over time, you may want to get a hard copy.  The sound is even better. Here's an interview that was published yesterday: http://www.musicnewsnashville.com/resurrected-prog-rockers-flash-rock-again

Precisely what I went and did - downloaded the album yesterday. I have to say I'm impressed - definitely like it!

It's been a while since I last heard 'Psychosync', but I seem to remember that they faded 'Dreams Of Heaven' out just when Peter Banks was just starting his guitar solo (in other words, missing out virtually all the second half of the track). Is there a version with the entire track included?

sherrynoland wrote: Happy New Year from Colin and Ray! Flash just signed with Cleopatra Records and the new CD is scheduled for a March release date.  At last!

 

Vibrationbaby wrote: You might want to give TheTwo Sides Of Peter Banks from 1973 a listen if you haven't already. Then Focus guitarist Jan Akkerman is featured as well as other members of Flash, John Wetton from King Crimson as well as Phil Collins. Very diverse musically. Flash without vocals sometimes.

Steve Hackett also played on the album, and the Flash members were drummer Mike Hough and Ray on bass.  In my opinion, Pete never did as well on his own as when he played with Yes and Flash.  He's brilliant on guitar, but needs the writing, singing and arranging talents of others to help showcase his talent.  Which leads to a second point --

moshkito wrote: ....you have to stand up for yourself and not worry about the critics ... and in this case YES became the darlings because they got more famous, and your band and that other one (Badger?) ... could not get one iota of credit or respect.   And still don't.   Maybe there is a reason for the curse around Yes, and all the hatred and rip-offs and stories and problems and what not? Sherry? Peter? ... have you both not said ... good riddance a couple of times? ... I would have!   And to the critics? ... if you worry about the critics, your music is over ... turn out the lights!...

Cursed or not, Yes has done well to keep going all these years.  Chris Squire should get the credit for that.  As for their material, writing is always key and Anderson gets most of the credit (or blame in later years) for that.  In order to PROGRESS, Yes will need some damn good writing going forward.  We'll see...

You're right, Moshkito, there is a time to say, "Good riddance" and that's exactly what Flash said to Pete, as did almost everyone who has ever worked with him.  He's brilliant, and fiercely independent, which is admirable.  He's also so troubled that its impossible for him to deal with the conflicts that inevitably arise in any relationship.  He can be very mean and nasty, vindictive and treacherous.  Incredibly destructive.

As for Flash getting credit and respect, it was their own youthful, impetuous fault that they blew off Flash instead of valuing what they had done enough to buckle down, replace Peter and carry on (they should have talked to their friend, Chris Squire!).  It was a lesson hard learned, and is why I think it's so wonderful that Ray and Colin are together again making great music - sort of like Phoenix rising from the ashes!  A chance to redeem themselves.  And though they broke up too quickly to have established great fame, the fact that they're remembered at all and have had their albums reissued several times over the years is a measure of the credit and respect they've been given by loyal fans.