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Post by cameron on Aug 29, 2019 0:06:39 GMT
The latest track from "Resurgence" - "I'm Comin' Home" is now up on Allan's official YouTube channel. It's the album closing track, and in typical style of the Hollies' and Allan's solo work, the last track on the album is rather grand. Allan obviously still has that ear for a catchy melody and great chord progressions, he's got such a great style of songwriting. His vocals start subdued and quiet, but his voice seems to grow and grow in strength and confidence throughout the song. There's some powerful backing vocals, which complement the track beautifully. The lead acoustic guitar line is reminiscent of "I Look In Your Eyes" from his 1973 LP "Headroom", with an equally scene-setting backing track, that builds up gradually from virtually nothing; layering percussion, guitars and more backing vocals as the song progresses, keeping you engaged as the listener. One thing I don't like is the really naff drum machine sound on this particular track, it needed something sharper and more confident sounding, it's a relief when the hand-claps take over and provide that sharper sound. I'm not a fan of the bass tone either, which is a kind of thin sound that coincidentally the Hollies still use on their studio albums too. It just needs fattening up a bit to make it sound more contemporary. Both "Journey Of Regret" and "Long Cool Woman's Back In Town" manage to avoid that muted/thin bass sound. That's more of a mixing/production issue though, no real fault of Allan's. But those two small issues don't detract from another superb, if not completely different song from Allan's new solo album. I think it's at this point, based on the three released tracks alone, I can safely surmise that Allan's solo efforts continue to succeed in their quest to eclipse the Hollies' studio albums since around 1978
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Post by cameron on Aug 29, 2019 0:33:20 GMT
Also on Allan's official channel is the official audio for "Long Cool Woman's Back In Town", which has been yo-yoing on and off YouTube for a few weeks now on various other channels.
This one is the song that's going to grab Hollies fans for obvious reasons with the song's link to the Hollies' 1971 hit "Long Cool Woman (In A Black Dress)". The lead riff is actually a variation on the original LCW riff, with the guitar following the same 12-bar blues progression. But for some reason, this completely avoids being a cliched cash-in on Allan's original hit. Lyrically, it's more enchanting than the original song, with the thought-provoking refrain "sometimes the right way is the wrong way to go" forming the main chorus. The tale of "Long Cool Woman" has gone from the object of desire from an observer's point of view to this new tale of her notoriety. It's an interesting and clever progression on the original idea.
Musically, it's catchy and the production is great. It's got a great rolling tempo and great natural sounding drums. Allan pitches in with some fantastic wailing harmonica, which really adds to the track. But I can't go on much further without discussing his FABULOUS vocals. He sounds youthful, energetic and this could almost be mistaken for being recorded years ago. That iconic voice is alive and well in this song, and it really showcases how Allan really does still have it. I think because this song avoids Allan's lower vocal register, it doesn't show his age so much. This song is easily my favourite so far.
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Post by JamesT on Aug 29, 2019 5:47:25 GMT
A great couple of tracks. Don't you just love the harmonica on LCW's Back In Town?
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Post by thejanitor on Aug 29, 2019 12:58:18 GMT
I'm Comin' Home is great! Can see why Allan nearly named the album after it. đ Personally reminds me of something from Paul McCartney's Egypt Station album, but with the spirit of some of the slower ballads from Distant Light thrown in.
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Post by allanangel on Aug 30, 2019 17:33:03 GMT
The latest track from "Resurgence" - "I'm Comin' Home" is now up on Allan's official YouTube channel. It's the album closing track, and in typical style of the Hollies' and Allan's solo work, the last track on the album is rather grand. Allan obviously still has that ear for a catchy melody and great chord progressions, he's got such a great style of songwriting. His vocals start subdued and quiet, but his voice seems to grow and grow in strength and confidence throughout the song. There's some powerful backing vocals, which complement the track beautifully. The lead acoustic guitar line is reminiscent of "I Look In Your Eyes" from his 1973 LP "Headroom", with an equally scene-setting backing track, that builds up gradually from virtually nothing; layering percussion, guitars and more backing vocals as the song progresses, keeping you engaged as the listener. One thing I don't like is the really naff drum machine sound on this particular track, it needed something sharper and more confident sounding, it's a relief when the hand-claps take over and provide that sharper sound. I'm not a fan of the bass tone either, which is a kind of thin sound that coincidentally the Hollies still use on their studio albums too. It just needs fattening up a bit to make it sound more contemporary. Both "Journey Of Regret" and "Long Cool Woman's Back In Town" manage to avoid that muted/thin bass sound. That's more of a mixing/production issue though, no real fault of Allan's. But those two small issues don't detract from another superb, if not completely different song from Allan's new solo album. I think it's at this point, based on the three released tracks alone, I can safely surmise that Allan's solo efforts continue to succeed in their quest to eclipse the Hollies' studio albums since around 1978 I agree with almost everything you've said, Cameron. This song is superb! I respectfully disagree with your opinion of the drum sound. To me, it mimics perfectly the excited heartbeat of one who is Comin' Home. I can't wait to hear the whole album.
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Post by romany on Sept 2, 2019 19:19:49 GMT
Iâve ordered my copy at amazon.de. Itâs announced to be delivered on 6th of september in germany.
Iâm very exited to see.
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Post by romany on Sept 6, 2019 13:48:45 GMT
Just had a first listen to Resurgence. It feels like Allan Clarke has never been had a break. Itâs mostly country influenced with some rockers and some slower songs. The CD has a nice inlet with the lyrics and some photos. Just a short overview: (2) You broke my heart: Rocking country music - well done
(3) The door is slowly closing: Could have been a track on âLegendary heroesâ. Really strong vocals.
(4) Iâll just keep on walking: Nice midtempo country style song with strong harmonica
(5) Iâm only sleeping: Strong ballad - perfect for Mr. Clarke
(6) Heart of Stone: Fast rocking song.
(7) I donât know the reason: Very strong song with good lyrics (âLocked inside this maze of confusion Seems like IâM always flying blindâ)
(8) Donât let me down: GREAT Itâs the 1974 song from the HOLLIES album in a modern style with s very intensive AC and a violin.
Just love the album. His grandson Sam played guitar on some tracks. Sorry, now I have to listen again and ..,
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Post by cameron on Sept 6, 2019 15:48:18 GMT
I'm a bit disappointed that it's been released elsewhere before the UK! But I guess the Hollies/Allan Clarke have maintained a consistent high profile in Germany. Thanks for your review Romany, I cannot wait to hear the album now!
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Post by allanangel on Sept 6, 2019 16:37:59 GMT
Thanks for the review and information, Romany. I cannot wait to get my copies. It will be agony waiting for delivery on this side of the pond!
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Post by moorlock2003 on Sept 12, 2019 4:36:34 GMT
Also on Allan's official channel is the official audio for "Long Cool Woman's Back In Town", which has been yo-yoing on and off YouTube for a few weeks now on various other channels. This one is the song that's going to grab Hollies fans for obvious reasons with the song's link to the Hollies' 1971 hit "Long Cool Woman (In A Black Dress)". The lead riff is actually a variation on the original LCW riff, with the guitar following the same 12-bar blues progression. But for some reason, this completely avoids being a cliched cash-in on Allan's original hit. Lyrically, it's more enchanting than the original song, with the thought-provoking refrain "sometimes the right way is the wrong way to go" forming the main chorus. The tale of "Long Cool Woman" has gone from the object of desire from an observer's point of view to this new tale of her notoriety. It's an interesting and clever progression on the original idea. Musically, it's catchy and the production is great. It's got a great rolling tempo and great natural sounding drums. Allan pitches in with some fantastic wailing harmonica, which really adds to the track. But I can't go on much further without discussing his FABULOUS vocals. He sounds youthful, energetic and this could almost be mistaken for being recorded years ago. That iconic voice is alive and well in this song, and it really showcases how Allan really does still have it. I think because this song avoids Allan's lower vocal register, it doesn't show his age so much. This song is easily my favourite so far. Correction; "Long Cool Woman" was a hit in 1972.
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Post by romany on Sept 15, 2019 15:21:58 GMT
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Post by Tony Wilkinson on Sept 15, 2019 18:16:29 GMT
I have a problem.......!! Is it just me..........? But I so love what we have had from Allan with these recordings that it just seems to overide all his earlier work, i'm really loving this new sound........
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Post by johnt on Sept 16, 2019 8:29:56 GMT
I have a problem.......!! Is it just me..........? But I so love what we have had from Allan with these recordings that it just seems to overide all his earlier work, i'm really loving this new sound........ Same here, Tony. And your new photo even looks like Allan!!
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Post by allanangel on Sept 16, 2019 16:25:16 GMT
I have a problem.......!! Is it just me..........? But I so love what we have had from Allan with these recordings that it just seems to overide all his earlier work, i'm really loving this new sound........ For me, it just adds another dimension to this amazing man. He is so incredibly talented! I am in awe of his song writing ability. His unique voice is still there. The unique expression of a song is still there. He still has it all. Allan Clarke is the best ever!
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Post by Deleted on Sept 19, 2019 14:40:16 GMT
My signed CD apparently arrived today...though as I'm on holiday several hundred miles away, I won't be listening to it until monday!
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Post by Tony Wilkinson on Sept 19, 2019 14:58:41 GMT
My signed CD apparently arrived today...though as I'm on holiday several hundred miles away, I won't be listening to it until monday! Mine too, played it, loved it straight away, exceeds all my expectations, just brilliant...
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Post by allanangel on Sept 19, 2019 17:04:54 GMT
My signed CD apparently arrived today...though as I'm on holiday several hundred miles away, I won't be listening to it until monday! Mine too, played it, loved it straight away, exceeds all my expectations, just brilliant... Aaaarrrrggghhhh! It is agony waiting for it to be shipped. I received notification it left Amazon's hands today. Cannot wait to get it!!!!
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Post by Stranger on Sept 19, 2019 20:16:21 GMT
Some nice videos added to Allan's YouTube channel including a chat with his grandson and one with Francis Haines. I've never seen him so enthusiastic in an interview. Obviously really enjoyed making the record.
My copy has shipped too!
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Post by cameron on Sept 20, 2019 12:29:17 GMT
Not stopped listening to it all day! What a superb album. And a real mixed bag of material too. Allanâs voice is consistently strong and I actually think the initial âJourney Of Regretâ didnât showcase just how strong his vocals still are. The remake of âDonât Let Me Downâ is an easy favourite already too.
Well done Mr Clarke, youâve made a lot of fans very happy with this superb record.
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Post by Tony Wilkinson on Sept 20, 2019 13:01:13 GMT
Not stopped listening to it all day! What a superb album. And a real mixed bag of material too. Allanâs voice is consistently strong and I actually think the initial âJourney Of Regretâ didnât showcase just how strong his vocals still are. The remake of âDonât Let Me Downâ is an easy favourite already too. Well done Mr Clarke, youâve made a lot of fans very happy with this superb record. The brilliant 'Don't let me down'......
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Post by Tony Wilkinson on Sept 20, 2019 13:04:03 GMT
*** ALL tracks now officially on youTube........!!
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Post by thejanitor on Sept 20, 2019 14:33:33 GMT
Just finished my first listen - excellent stuff! đ My favourite tracks would have to be You Broke My Heart, I'm Only Sleeping and the final three in a row. I'm particularly very impressed with how creative Allan has got with the imagery in his lyrics on all of the songs also! đ
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Post by JamesT on Sept 20, 2019 19:39:05 GMT
An incredible album. I don't mind saying, but I shed a tear or two at just how wonderful the tracks in this collection are. I had high hopes from what I'd heard prior to release, but upon a complete listen after a busy week at work, it was a truly sublime experience. I hope that this is not only a return to recording, but also live performance for Allan. These tracks are simply too good to be restricted to a recorded release.
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Post by paul71 on Sept 21, 2019 6:46:01 GMT
I haven't had a chance for a complete listen yet, but the tracks i heard make me think that this is the true Allan. Perhaps in the Hollies he was stifled at times with Tony and Bobby playing it 'safe' with ballads and tinny 80s pop. I liked the rocky direction from 71- 75 they occasionally went with. Tip of the iceberg is a great track for example. I hope Allans got more songs in him.
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Post by johnt on Sept 22, 2019 8:47:21 GMT
I've just listened to my copy and it's absolutely brilliant. It's made my day!
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