Rock Archeologia

Dave Lambert - Framed (1979 Polydor) 

Artist: Dave Lambert
Album: Framed
Label: Polydor
Catalog#: PD 1-6193
Format: Vinyl, LP, Promo
Country: US
Released: 1979
Genre: Rock
Duration: 00:42:19

• Guitarist Dave Lambert's long-running career began with the pop psych/proto-prog band Fire; recording one not-so-hot but collectable Procol Harum-ish LP 'The Magic Shoemaker' in 1970. Joining up with The Strawbs in 1972, his influence can be felt during the bands best period on classic albums like 'Hero and Heroine', 'Ghosts' and my personal favorite but much-maligned 'Deadlines'. That 1978 album with its clever Hipgnosis sleeve would be The Strawbs major label swansong and the last with Lambert, at least temporarily.
• Intentional or not 'Framed' released later the same year was an extension of 'Deadlines' flirtation with the pop progressive format. While overlooked by radio and record buyers, the set was produced by Spencer Proffer and features movers and shakers John Entwistle and former Wings drummer Denny Seiwell on several tracks. Most of the tunes are co-writes between Lambert and Proffer and if you've never heard Dave's voice imagine Daryl Braithwaite or Terry Slesser and you'll have a pretty good idea what to expect. Bands like Manfred Mann's Earth Band and Spooky Tooth are obvious influences on the opening 'Take A Little Bit Of My Life' which was rightly chosen as a single, too bad no one played it. Those of you who know and admire Boxer's 1979 'Bloodletting' album will find solace in 'Remember Me, All Ways' and the arty 'Dorian' although the second side holds the musical sweet spots. Lightweight and radio-ready 'Welcome To My Dream' is a pleasant diversion before peaking with 'So Lucky'; an inventive and ambitious cut dripping with luscious 10cc vocal arrangements while the pre-neo proggy closer 'Crystal Virgin' could have easily dovetailed on any late '70s Strawbs slab 'o plastic.
• Lambert returned to The Strawbs fold late in the 1980's and remains with the band today. 'Framed' has never been on CD which is surprising although from what I gather some hardcore Strawbs fans don't care for the album, something I really can't understand but it's their loss as this is a fine collection and worth owning.

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 • Side One:
A1. Take A Little Bit Of My Life 04:25
A2. Framed 04:40
A3. Remember Me, All Ways 05:45
A4. Dorian 04:25
A5. This Is My Neighbourhood 03:59
 • Side Two:
B1. Welcome To My Dream 04:06
B2. So Lucky 05:12
B3. White Night 03:48
B4. Crystal Virgin 05:45

   Produced by Spencer Proffer for The Pasha Music Organization
   Engineer : Larry Brown
   Second Engineer : Spencer Proffer
   Assistant Engineers : Daniel Lazerus, Duane Baron & Drew Bennett
   Recorded at The Pasha Music House, Hollywood, 
   California & Arnakata Studios, London
   Mixed at The Pasha Music House, Hollywood
   Mastered by Bernie Grundman at A&M Studios, Hollywood, California
   Arrangements & Basic Tracks Arrangements : Dave Lambert & Spencer Proffer
   Basic Tracks Arrangements : Tom Hensley
 

Musicians:
Backing Vocals – Phil O'Kelsey, Randy Bishop
Bass – Leland Sklar, John Entwistle
Clavinet – Tom Hensley
Drums – Denny Seiwell
Guitar – Dave Lambert, Richard Bennett
Percussion – Larry Brown
Piano – Robbie Buchanan, Tom Hensley
Producer – Spencer Proffer
Vocals – Dave Lambert

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