No Dice [Digipak] by Badfinger (CD, 1970)

Geoff Emerick; Mike Heatley (Reissue); Andy Davis (Reissue)

Apple Records

5099990580727

9050127303

Badfinger

CD

1970

No Dice [Digipak]

57 mins 31 seconds

Rock

Audio Remasterers: Sam O'Kell; Steve Rooke; Guy Massey. Liner Note Author: Andy Davis . Recording information: Abbey Road; Trident Studios, London, England. Photographer: Richard DiLello. Discovered by Paul McCartney and signed to the Beatles' Apple Records, Badfinger was, for many fans, the next best thing to the Fab Four. But even if the band did start as a Beatles wannabe, it eventually forged a successful power-pop style of its own. NO DICE, Badfinger's second album, exhibits a confident band with strong, melodic pop songs and a diminishing Beatles influence. Bandleader Pete Ham, with his distinctively tense vocals and guitar lines, carries the band through well-constructed melodies, well-conceived harmonies, and edgy instrumentals. The track list includes a few genuine killers. "No Matter What," a compact gem that recalls the melodic innocence of the early Beatles, may be the band's apex. "Without You" is the band's original version of a quirky power ballad that Harry Nilsson would soon turn into a pop smash. The five extra tracks included with this reissue offer a variety of treats. The fiery "Get Down" displays a hard, bluesy edge and searing lead guitar, while "Friends Are Hard to Find" is all tight, gentle harmonies. These are welcome additions to Badfinger's great, underrated catalog.

Rolling Stone (12/2/70, p.52) - "...One of the best records of the year....great rockers...and gorgeously done pop rock and roll....Don't miss them..." Uncut (p.120) - 3 stars out of 5 - "[B]y NO DICE they hit their stride..." Record Collector (magazine) (p.90) - "The real Badfinger stood up on NO DICE, a more consistent yet maybe even more Beatles-esque affair."

EMI

John Kurlander; Richard Lush

Stereo

1

USA