albums405

ALBUMS

Under exposed

Rory Gallagher: 'Photo-Finish' (Chrysalis CHR1170)

TWO YEARS must have seemed like eternity to Rory Gallagher devotees, waiting for the release of 'Photo-Finish'. At the outset, recording took place in California, but due to Rory's dissatisfaction and his eventual decision to split the current band, there were subsequent setbacks.
albums405

Rory Gallagher: no classics

The platter, which was ultimately cut in Cologne, West Germany, is no more than average and makes me wonder if it was worth waiting for. That doesn't mean I don't like it, merely disappointed in a guitarist who has become progressively better over the past decade, but fails to go one step further this time around.

There are some fine numbers, especially 'Shadow Play', which kicks off the second side. Here is Rory, delivering some exceptional soloing, though sadly not matched elsewhere on the album. A fairly raw, live sound has been attained, seen on tracks like 'Shin Kicker: and 'Brute, Force And Ignorance', and there are Johnny Winter traces present. Apart from 'Shadow Play' and possibly 'Fuel To The Fire', the last song, there aren't really any Gallagher classics.

Perhaps a live album, with cuts culled from the past three studio efforts, should be contemplated.
+ + + STEVE GETT

Note: The + + + is a rating used by the publication.
This one means "Give it a spin".....(Basically giving it a 3 on a scale of 5.) john g.

This article comes from the October 7, 1978 issue of Record Mirror
reformatted by roryfan

To Join

The Loop
Mailing & Discussion List email roryfan at roryfan@comcast.net

Back to main RoryON!! page

Back to Articles page

Back to previous article

Forward to next article

405
added 8/7/09