Fate Decides
J. Collins | 07/11/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This second "two in one" CD (the other being for "French Kiss" and "Three Hearts") completes the reissue of Bob Welch's solo catalog on Capitol Records. While it isn't as seamless or solid as the first compilation, it has many tuneful and fascinating moments."The Other One" was released in '79, roughly nine months after "Three Hearts." The difference between the two albums is fairly profound; where "Three..." was a collection of straightforward Pop-Rock tunes geared for radio/danceclub play, "The Other One" is a more introspective album that ups the Rock quotient at the expense of sweet melodies and vocal harmonies. The results are mildly captivating, if not always successful. The first single (and lead-off cut), "Rebel Rouser" is a fairly traditional rock number though the massing of guitar lines never sinks the production. "Watch The Animals" supplements moody, atmospheric music with an apropos lyric about premonition and danger. Guitarist Todd Sharp contributes "Hideaway," a short but satisfying rock ditty custom made for FM radio. The remake of (Fleetwood Mac's) "Future Games" is a remarkable improvement over the original; Welch's understated reading and gorgeous arrangement is so appealing that you'll hardly notice half the original lyrics are missing."Oneonone" is a spirited instrumental that features Roger Voudouris on accoustic guitar. "Don't Let Me Fall," the album's second (unsuccessful) single has a pleasant minor key melody, but Welch's crooned vocals and the AM radio-contempo sound are lackluster. "Old Man Of 17" closes "The Other One" on a wistful note and a thoughtful lyric."Man Overboard," released in the Fall of '80, has a much broader appeal, between the universal sentiments of the lyrics and the Rock/New Wave production. Despite the anti-conspicuous consumption theme of the title track, this isn't so much a concept album as it is a period piece. The addition of synthesizer fills and Marty Jourard's (The Motels) incendiary saxophone playing gives Welch's original songs a big push in the right direction.The focus on Rock guitar is softened slightly, so that the Pop appeal of these melodies isn't lost in the mix. "Justine," "Nightmare," and "Reason" are fairly direct Rock tunes, unfailingly catchy. "B666" is an adventurous track, like an excerpt from a Rock theater show or a Hammer horror film. "The Girl Can't Stop" is the brightest highlight in this album, combining a (slightly cliche) tale of Hollywood sellout with a dynamic rhythm track and razor-sharp instrumentation. The only two clunkers here are the failed single, "Don't Rush The Good Things," and the unconvincing/apathetic album closer, "Those Days Are Gone."Welch definitely had the right idea when it came to releasing albums...that is, the shorter the time between releases the better his chances of fan recognition and success. But perhaps the distinctive sheen of his first two Capitol albums was wearing on him; some critics regarded those efforts as little more than Rock Bubblegum. The moody, low-key sound of "The Other One" failed to give Welch a memorable hit, and for all it's adventurous arrangements, "Man Overboard" nearly sank without a trace. The transition between these two albums on one CD is quite noticeable, though not particularly jarring. Despite some well-considered and/or moving performances on "The Other One," the real reason to buy this CD is "Man Overboard." The latter album has the feel of a "comeback" record, in which Welch pulls out all the stops to put forth his take on (then) contemporary Rock and New Wave.This CD is a 50-50 choice for music fans who are unfamiliar with Welch, or who only know him from his days with Fleetwood Mac. Longtime fans should feel relatively assured that this CD is a requisite addition to their music library.-Mic"
Track Listings (20) - Disc #1