DIAMONDS AND COAL

I started to listen Welsh band Man albums from the beginning this year, because they're coming into Finland to Progfeast-happening next week together with Soft Machine and Colosseum. Before I had heard only their song 'Babe I'm Gonna Leave You' that came from the radio in the eighties. It didn't wake my interest towards them then. Anyway I think they were quite popular in Finland at seventies, they even made 12 gig tour in Finland at 1976. The members of the group have changed a lot during the years. This was the first album without any original members. Micky Jones son George took his place, when Micky fell seriously ill and died in 2010. Also original member Deke Leonard left and his place was taken by Martin Ace's son Josh. At the moment Martin Ace is only longtime member, he become into band in it's third album.

The title song is boogie that starts album in a very cheerful and bright way. Very great guitar melodies in it! The song carries it's over 8 minutes length fully. 'All Alone' continues into very straight rock direction, but it's much more mediocre than starting song. 'Freedom Fries' is again longer and also more interesting song. It has some sixties instrumental guitar music feeling in it, but also acoustic guitar in the back. 'Twistin the Knife' is very boring stadiumrock piece. Reminds Bryan Adams. Luckily direction changes in 'Man Of Misery'. It starts with acoustic guitar, but grows slowly into sad ballad. Maybe little bit Bon Jovi into this. 'Welsh Girl' is quite typical country rock song, not bad, but maybe repeating too much it's title. Country rock direction continues in 'Thank God It's Not Miss Cathy'. 'Teddy Boys Picnic' is short rock`a`billy piece. 'When You Got Someone To Hold' is very beautiful ending to this album with it's interesting chord changes.

Man seems to be quite typical sixties/seventies band, that made it's best albums in 1971-1974. But these all their after reunion albums have been good with relaxing feeling, quite easy listening albums. I believe Man is those bands to whom people discuss endlessly 'is it prog or not'. I think they're been from the beginning connected to roots music much more than progbands like Pink Floyd, Genesis or Yes. I believe they have been soul mates to the bands like Hawkwind or Pink Fairies. I don't believe they will become my big favorites, but anyway I am going to listen rest of their albums, maybe I will surprise with some album, who knows?