Badfinger


I've been listening to this album a lot lately, and it grows on me more and more everyday. While not regarded in the same class as Bafinger's Holy Trinity--"No Dice," "Straight Up," and "Wish You Were Here"--"Ass" is a remarkably good album, especially considering that it was initially rejected by Apple, which was in its death throes at the time. The songs are all of a high caliber, and even the weakest song on the set, the whimsical "Cowboy," is melodically compelling. I've always considered Badfinger one of the most underrated and undervalued bands in the history of rock. According to many, "Ass" was made when the band was in decline--when management problems, drugs, and stress within the band were exacting a heavy toll--but the more I listen to the album, the less I hear it that way. True, it's not going to make anyone forget the Big 3, but, with the right distribution and promotion, it easily could've been a hit album (as was the case with 1973's "Badfinger" and 1974's "Wish You Were Here"). But, as with most things in Badfinger's history, it all went wrong when it should've gone right. Which is a shame, because, as all of the Pete Ham--era recordings prove, these guys were superior musicians who deserved a far better fate. Guitar-based pop would not be the same without them. Maybe the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will recognize their achievements one of these years. It's about time someone did. Any other Badfinger fans out there?
hooper
Sns:

"Magic Christain Music" is a terrifc album. It's much more delicate, overall, than their later work, but tremendous nonetheless. It's their most Beatles-inspired album, I think. "Dear Angie" is one of my all-time faves.
Try out Magic Christian Music. Carry On Till Tomorrow, Walk Out In the Rain, Angelique, Knocking Down Our Home, Dear Angie, etc, etc,.... just about every song is awesome. I first heard this album as a soundtrack to the film, The Magic Christian, in 1970. Ringo Starr was lead actor! I just have to hear this album at least once a month. Too bad Pete Ham left us much too early.
Wildoats:

Actually, Lennon/McCartney did NOT write "No Matter What." That was a Pete Ham composition. You're probably thinking of "Come and Get It," Badfinger's first hit, which was written by McCartney.

Though it helped in the short-term, I think in the long term Badfinger's association with the Beatles was a hindrance to their legacy. They were never allowed an identity beyond their link to the Beatles, and I think that persists to this day. They were supremely gifted musicians--four talented singers AND songwriters, just like the Beatles--and, while I don't think they were as talented as the Beatles (who was?), they were pretty damn close. If a few things had gone their way--if they had had better management; if Pete Ham and Tom Evans hadn't committed suicide; if they had been allowed an identity beyond the Beatles--who knows what their legacy would be today. But, as it stands, they're widely (and erroneously) regarded as a decent little pop band that the Beatles helped discover and which had a few hits in the early '70s. There's so much more to their legacy, but few seem to care enough to look.
They were basically sponsored by the Beatles, and McCartney/Lennon wrote "No matter what." Badfinger was an alright group but to compare them to the Beatles is LOL. They played the same style of music as the early Beatles but had nowhere near equal talent whether it came to songwriting, singing, or musical growth. I do, however, prefer them to Oasis who I consider very overrated.
why was Badfinger always looked at as a cheap Beatles imitation? Hell Oasis was huge but not as in the groove as Badfinger. The new band Jet reminds me of Badfinger and the Faces duking it out
Great post! I played in a classic rock band up through the late 90's and we always included "No Matter What" and "Baby Blue" (I think we played it in C) in our club sets...real crowd pleasers. I remember people often coming up and talking about how Badfinger was one of their all time favorite bands. I agree that they should have a well deserved place in the RR Hall of Fame!
seger is rock's kenny rogers.. a little talent and a lot of luck....his best song was his first hit "ramblin' gamblin' man"....not even available on cd or lp......oh add t.rex,free,spooky tooth and mott the hoople to the waiting line.
Yes, I`m a fan of Badfinger, actually, you might want
to check out the band Savatage, They do an AWESOME
version of Day After Day.
The album is from 1985, Power Of The Night, I THINK,
or another one, from that time, I have it at home,
but I`m at work now. I`ll let you know.
Yeah, the hall just inducted Bob Seger ferchristsakes. I can't think of many people in rock less influential or important than Bob Seger.
i love badfinger, but the r&r hall of fame has so far overlooked such influential groups as the hollies,sly and the family stone,the moody blues,the move and procol harum..they'll have to take a number and wait i guess.
asdf: I think the original was written in B major, a relatively difficult key in which to play. IMO, try taking it up a half-step to C major to make it a breeze. Look at http://www.fretplay.com/tabs/b/badfinger/baby_blue-tab.shtml
My garage band is trying to learn "Baby Blue", but their studio recording of it is sharper than B and flatter than C which makes it awfully hard to play with. Does anybody have a good transcription of the chords in it? Sometimes I think we should just stick to Louie Louie, LOL. Thanks.
A very good band that I still enjoy today. They were definitely mismanaged and under appreciated in their time.Try- Best of Badfinger & Badfinger live at the Cleveland Agora .