Atomic Rooster - 'Headline News' (Blueprint) 3 1/2 stars
Mike Reed | USA | 06/15/2006
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Originally released in 1983, as this was Atomic Rooster's last studio album. Some say that in reality, it's a solo effort by organist / group founder Vincent Crane. Either way, the music here is good, plus I also thought it was solid. Totally holds it's ground. Might not be 'as good' as some of Rooster's earlier works, but it's still a nice pick. Tracks I was digging the most were the title cut "Headline News", "Dance Of Death", "Future Shock" and the hard-hitting "Watch Out!". Overall, a decent heavy rock reissue."
Rooster's finale
Burritoman "USA" | Pennsylvania | 04/29/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Although "Headline News" is an Atomic Rooster album, and the last studio one, some fans consider it more of a Vincent Crane solo album. But that's not really important; call it what you will. What is important is the music. Here Crane goes for a largely electronic recording; lots of synths and flourishes. So the overall sound as well as more than a few of the lyrics bears little in common with Rooster's previous work. That's a good thing, as the late Crane was in search of new and exciting directions in which to take his artistry. The songs are excellent, especially "Hold Your Fire', 'Time', 'Dance Of Death' and 'Metal Minds'-- four absolute Rooster classics. The atmosphere on the album is all it's own, and is best listened to late at night where the meanings of the songs hit most forcefully; at any rate, "Headline News" is not meant for background music. This cd demands attentive listening, and is best appreciated using headphones.
One common complaint is the less than perfect sound quality - "Headline News" was a low budget production and it has always sounded this way, it's not an issue with the cd mastering.(So this is a must-have cd for any Atomic Rooster collection, as well as just a great album for any serious music fan. If this is your first Rooster purchase, follow it up with the superb 2-cd set "Heavy Soul", which compiles Rooster's '70's material, and the reissue of the 1980 album "Atomic Rooster". There's much more, but these make a definitive Rooster collection.
But back to "Headline News". John Du Cann was not involved with this album, while Paul Hammond was, along with various guests including Crane's very talented wife Jeannie and David Gilmour. (Of course, the final Atomic Rooster guitarist extraordinaire Bernie Tormé is here.) Du Cann's absence goes a long way in explaining why the album is often viewed somewhat dismissively or referred to as a Crane solo album. This release certainly was Vincent Crane's vision, his late career masterpiece, and his final real statement.
As such, "Headline News" may very well be the truest of all Atomic Rooster albums.
Highly recommended."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1