Tag Archives: Swan Song Records

Music Monday: August 8, 2022

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to another edition of Music Monday.

Music Monday

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Nearly 50 years ago one of my favorite bands released their debut album. Bad Company’s self-titled first record came out in the summer of 1974. They were classified as a supergroup because all four members were once in other successful groups: drummer Simon Kirke and lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist & keyboard player Paul Rodgers were in the band Free; lead guitarist Mick Ralphs was in Mott The Hoople and bass player Boz Burrell was a part of King Crimson. All four members of Bad Co. were songwriters but Rogers & Ralphs handled the majority of that task. The band also had the distinction of being the first group signed to Led Zeppelin’s Swan Song record label.

The debut album was a #1 hit & was followed by five other records until Rodgers left the band in 1982. He returned a few times after that, staying for good in 2008. Kirke has been with the group all along. Sadly, Burrell died of a heart attack in 2006 and Ralphs left the band in 2016 due to medical reasons.

If there was an audio definition for the word “underrated”, I think any song by Bad Co. would suffice. The musicianship was top tier and Rodgers soaring powerful & distinct vocals put them in a universe all their own. Yet they have been snubbed by the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame for over 20 years and none of the members have ever received any type of British honor, either. I find both of those facts sad & disturbing.

They are part of classic rock royalty & are still one of the strongest most recognizable bands of the 1970’s. Today’s song is from their debut album & remains my top pick from that record. The music from this incredible quartet is intense, incredible and captivating while Rodgers’ voice elevates the entire experience to a stunning level. To quote the song, “Bad Company ’til the day I die”.

“Company
Always on the run
Destiny
Is a rising sun“.

Bad-Company-Promo-Shot-Web-559x359

Bad Company circa 1974 (L-R): Boz Burrell (bassist), Mick Ralphs (lead guitarist), Paul Rodgers (lead vocalist) and Simon Kirke (drummer). (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Bad Company: “Bad Company” (1974, written by Simon Kirke and Paul Rodgers).

Stay safe and well.

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Let’s Take A Moment Day 413

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Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

May blog 2021

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are still facing a serious situation but a new year gives us hope for the new days, seasons, opportunities & moments ahead. Still, music is something that will never change for me. It is my refuge, the most comforting part of my life & the one thing I consistently count on. So until a more normal semblance of life returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

In May 1974 Led Zeppelin established their own company, Swan Song Records. A month later, the self-titled debut album by Bad Company was released on that label. It hit #1 on the albums chart for one week in September of that year.

If there was anyone who had not already heard the unbelievably soulful powerful voice of lead singer Paul Rodgers when he was a member of Free, they were about to be completely enraptured by his talent & the musicianship of the band as a whole. Today’s song was the album & the label’s first single. It was released in August 1974 & became a Top Ten hit later that year.

“Well it’s late and I want love
Love that’s gonna break me in two
Don’t hang me up in your doorway
Don’t hang me up like you do“.

Led Z

Bad Company

Top: Led Zeppelin circa 1974 (L-R): John Paul Jones, Robert Plant, John Bonham and Jimmy Page. Bottom: Bad Company circa 1974: Boz Burrell, Mick Ralphs, Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Bad Company: “Can’t Get Enough” (1974, written by Mick Ralphs).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.