Share the post "Album review: THE IDES OF MARCH – Play On (55th Anniversary)"
IOM Records/Wienerworld [Release date 16.08.19]
I am old enough to remember when ‘Vehicle’ by The Ides Of March was a radio hit back in 1970. It was a slice of jazz rock that chimed with other brass-led rockers of the time, notably Chicago and Blood, Sweat & Tears. I wouldn’t have known that the mainman was Jim Peterik later to find fame with Survivor and still very active today.
And it is evidently Peterik’s enthusiasm that has got three of the original band members together, whilst writing most tracks. As stated in the liner note, this album – celebrating their 55th anniversary – is the result of all the life lessons picked up from ‘seedy bars…greasy spoons…major concerts’ and the like. This is their first studio album since 2010′s ‘Still 19′.
The opening song and title track – ‘Play On’ – is a useful summary of the band’s ethos. ‘Vehicle’ is included as a vintage bonus track but the rest of the album is more diverse. ‘The Miracle’ and ‘First Day Of Your Life’ are closest in spirit whilst the band’s pre-’Vehicle’ legacy (captured on a string of sixties singles) is best represented by the close harmonies of ‘Song About Mary’ and ‘Too Far To Turn Around’.
What we do get is solid song construction (a given really with Peterik at the helm) and fine musicianship with the four original members supplemented by long-time keyboard player Scott May and a three-piece horn section. Peterik’s vocal style reminding of John Lawton, in fact the overall vibe is not dissimilar to Lawton’s Lucifer’s Friend incarnation.
There are guest appearances from Cathy Richardson (Jefferson Starship, vocals on ‘Blue Storm Rising’), Mark Farmer (Grand Funk, ‘Swagger’) and Joe Bonamassa livens up ‘The Cover Up’.
Yes, the lyrics and stylings might come across as old men rock and in parts evidently autobiographical but that’s not really the point. After 55 years the core of the band is still intact but with a renewed zest for recording and performance, and with every reason to celebrate a legacy and, moreover, an irrepressible spirit. ***1/2
Review by David Randall
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.
Latest session: Sunday 14 April
Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio
David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 7 April 2024.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 2 April 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.
More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 15 April 2024
ENMY The Ledge (FiXT)
KAROBELA Get Hard (indie)
KATH & THE KICKS Neptune (indie)
THE BEE TELLERS River Poem (Black Sand Records)
LAUREN FREEBIRD Like A Bomb (indie)
Featured Albums w/c 15 April 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023
14:00-16:00 KATARINA PEJAK – Pearls On A String (Ruf Records)
To see our Tweets you need to be logged in to a Twitter account
Popular (last 10 days)
Share the post "Album review: THE IDES OF MARCH – Play On (55th Anniversary)"
PDF - you can delete unwanted sections
