Owl By Andrea By Sadek

BAD COMPANY - "Rough Diamonds" (1982) by Philou


Swan Song ...

Bad Company has trouble adjusting to the 80 and wait three long years for Paul Rodgers, Simon Kirke , Boz Burrell & Mick Ralphs do we find the successor of "Desolation Angels" .

Their sixth album, "Rough Diamonds" out in August 1982 as its predecessor , it was recorded in Surrey, England the studio Ridge Farm. Self-produced by the four musicians, he remains the band's latest album in its original configuration.

Listening to this record, we are still disappointed sacrament from previous productions of the group. Despite a hit single "Electricland" of Paul Rodgers that quite a hit in the U.S. charts, the rest does not really take off, it is soft and lack of energy. The Bad Company seems tired, burnt out and Rough diamonds are not found much in this album ...

Well, stressing a bit, we still appreciate "Painted Face" , under which Paul Rodgers is doing a lot on lead guitar, "Cross Country Boy " quite nervous with brass insured by the inevitable Mel Collins and also funkysant " Downhill Rider with even Paul Rodgers holding the guitar. Besides, we notice that the guitar Mick Ralph s is removal throughout the album and British guitarist seems to freewheel, not at all powerful.
While the group tries to resurrect its glorious past by tapping into the British Blues of the 60s with energy and conviction, it does unfortunately emerges as a lame blues "Nothin 'On The TV" .....
The quartet is experiencing a major crisis, and during the recording sessions, and Paul Rodgers Boz Burrell come to blows. Peter Grant, their manager, inconsolable since the death of John Bonham no longer active group and are endless tour, internal tensions and failure (deserved) of the (disappointing) new album that would not even reach the Top 25 in the U.S., will slowly because of this legendary band q ui will separate quietly.

Boz Burrell (RIP), Paul Rodgers, Simon Kirke and Mick Ralphs on stage ....

After years of silence, the band reborn from its ashes again in 1986 under the leadership of two former : Simon Kirke and Mick Ralphs , soon joined by bassist Boz Burrell . It Brian Howe , former frontman of Ted Nugent which will take the vacant place of Paul Rodgers , but that's another story ....





"Electric Land" the only title that will climb a little in the U.S. charts .. ..