33 years on
D. Chisholm | Oxons; UK | 02/08/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Over the past ten years, I have been replacing my rare and well-worn vinyl with CDs and I really didn't think there was a hope that this album would ever come out. It was a one-off which I discovered at the time west coast American music was on a real high. It sounded like the very best of The Eagles and America blended together with a touch of soul - and frankly, it still feels very good.
I've found out very little about Bonaroo; as far as I can establish, they came together for only one album and this was it - but it left an impact on me I can never forget. In the UK, it took ten years to locate a replacement vinyl copy which I burned to CD-R while waiting and hoping for the unlikely prospect of it surfacing for the first time on commercial CD. I finally found it here last week and it has just arrived - I am ecstatic!
I know very little about the band, other than this being the self-titled debut album by Bonaroo and is very rare and special. A real jewel in the crown of west coast music from the mid-seventies.
As for the music, let me put it this way - it has beautiful harmonies layered on light summery acoustic riffs. The album is full of melodies which are unforgettable. This is a breathe of fresh air on the sunniest day.
'Dream On' remains one of my all-time favourite songs; 'Sally Ann' should have been as big a hit as any Eagles classic; the lead guitars by Winkelman and Weems in 'Don't Tread On Me' are every bit as good as Joe Walsh - but this album is worth the purchase for the sheer beauty and class of 'Melody Maker' which I am finally able to enjoy as it sounded in the studio, without the clicks and pops of vinyl.
I had forgotten how much I love this album and it will be played for years to come. If you love Joni, Lightfoot, Chapin, The Eagles and especially America, buy it - don't even think twice."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1
