Rock on

Rock On and Humble Pie albums were a major rock influence for me in my late teens, and what a mighty group the Pie were in their day. Nobody could touch them when these guys were kicking rock arse and especially on the classic Rock On. A perfect match of rock cred to Marriot and Frampton who complimented each other impeccably on vocals and rock attack attitude so well, they were rock brothers from different mothers those two.With a country flavour thrown in on a few tracks to show some of their roots, only enhanced that rock edge that won them leagues of fans everywhere they played live. I have over the years had this album in my music collections in both album and now cd format and it is without doubt a favourite set of songs. I have recently upgraded my cd to the Japanese print of this album which I do find a lot warmer and richer in sound to the inferior other pressings. So I recommend spending a bit more for total ear candy satisfaction of the Japanese print, it's worth it. Go for it.

One the finest bands of players that rock music could hope to have within it's ranks...Humble Pie. Steve Marriott, Peter Frampton, Greg Ridley and Jerry Shirley. A hard rock band that could blend in country, jazz, folk, honky tonk, blues,R & B and soul, as needed, anytime, anywhere."Rock On" was the last studio recording by The Pie that included Pete as a member {"Rockin' The Fillmore" the fantastic live double LP of Pete's last tour, would follow this.} This 1971 recording was one of The Pie's best because of the selection of songs presented here capture the band in it's best light. "Shine On" Pete's great song is here, and it was a staple of his solo concerts for years after, this version is 'heavier' than how Pete would perform it later, and this version is full of muscle and might, it is THE version. "Sour Grain" thumps and rocks and contains a little soul, a taste of what later Pie would do a lot more of a few years later. "79th & Sunset" is a welcome to the Honky Tonk for these english country boys, when HP goes in this direction, they sound like the funkiest boys on the back forty. "Stone Cold Fever" is flat-out hard rock, and as this version is great, it is only a taste of what The Pie would be live on The Fillmore record, "Fever" is great, great rock music with one of those classic riffs that drives it along."Rolling Stone" is next, and here is another song that would grow so much bigger on stage, another classic Pie track. "A Song For Jenny" opens side two, it's a pretty acoustic song for a friend of Steve's, again the country influence slides in here, the Soul Sisters, are dropped into this for some stone soul funk, and then it's into Pete's: "The Light" a melodic rocker with his tasty lead playing featured over the funk groove laid underneath it all. "Big George" is writen and sung by Greg, and it's a thumping-beat tune, but as it's not bad, it is the weakest track on this record."Strange Days" with it's jazzed-out piano riff brings us back up into real Pie territory, like the best works of another great band: Traffic, "Days" is classic Pie. Steve, is in charge here with this one, another great HP number, the lead guitar, {Steve? Pete?} is tasteful and controlled, like in a murder mystery before you find out who the killer is. To close "Rock On" is: "Red Neck Jump" another Steve tune that brings us back to the Honky Tonks, there's a bit of funk and fire mixed right into this: 'Jump' as it contains a bit of 1950's jive, to send us home.There is more of what Steve is about, featured on: "Rock On" over the lighter and jazzier influences of Pete. And as he could see the direction that Humble Pie, was headed for, this would be Pete's last record as a member of the band. The stage act would become about the hardest of any outfit of it's day. NOBODY could follow Humble Pie on stage, they were just too good! The studio recordings would really explore soul, funk and R & B after Peter's departure from the group. It was all about to change, after this.Four Stars!!!

As many other reviewers have said so passionately, this album is SO great that it should be considered a crime to not have it in your music collection.With two albums in the can, all of the hard work in the studio and on the road paid off for Humble Pie when they released their third studio album, "Humble Pie" [1970]. They developed a sound that rivaled the huge stars of their day. I'm sure there were many bands that didn't look forward to following the Pie after one of their blistering live sets. Humble Pie had finally 'arrived' and were ready to lay waste to the rock scene. Then....They merely topped themselves as "Rock On" was unleashed upon the public. I find it hard to describe in words just how essential this album was then, and even more so now. With the release of this album, Humble Pie rose to the apex of the rock scene and didn't look back. The "Rock On" tour inspired the highly regarded "Performance: Live at the Fillmore" album considered by many to be one of the greatest live albums recorded... Ever."Rock On" is a MUST HAVE album. It is a classic that has withstood the test of time. It is a masterpiece of sonic art.However, Humble Pie wasn't quite finished amazing their fans.... Their story does continue...This review is of the 2007 pressing by Universal Japan; which is a 'mini-sleeve' replica of the original album. It is a 24bit Remastered CD with obi, original album artwork, and SUPERIOR sonic quality. This is THE definitive edition/pressing of this classic LP. If you can possibly purchase this edition, it is highly recommended you do so. Your ears will thank you.

This is to the best of my knowledge not an original master remaster. Having said that it is however taken from a good tape source. The sound quality is good and even through out the CD. It sounds every bit as good as the original release on vynal. Maybe even a bit better. The bottom end base tones and seperation is acceptable, not exceptional but acceptable. If your looking for audiophile sound quality and enhancements. Well you should probably go for the Japanese remaster version. But you will pay dearly for it. If you just want a good copy of this album at a reasonable price I recomend this one. I think you will enjoy it.The band is in top form on this album. This is the last studio release featuring Peter Frampton and he does some amazing giutar work on this record.

If you like Humble Pie, you already know this album, you've got a few years on you, and you might even be British. If not, take a good listen. I have a few younger friends with eclectic tendencies who were pleasantly surprised by Humble Pie and were particularly fond of this album. Of course, you kinda have to like the funky, bluzy, rocky thing with an occasional bit of raunchy.