In 1977 the world was introduced to the first appearance of Legs Diamond. Lead guitarist Roger Romeo, vocalist Rick Sanford, Drummer Jeff Poole, Keyboardist/guitarist Michael Prince and bassist Michael Diamond originally released their debut album on Mercury Records.
In hindsight the debut sounds like a typical 70's rock record. The production from Derek Lawrence is typical of the era. The vocals are sometimes layered and Michael Prince lays a Doors alike keyboard on several songs. The music could be categorized somewhere between
Deep Purple and Boston.
Basically "Legs Diamond" is a great Rock N' Roll record.
Stage Fright is the album's standout track with hooks, drenched guitars and a big chorus.
Deadly Dancer is irresistible and oozes youthful energy plus a "we are ready to conquer the world" attitude.
The debut album was succeeded by "A Diamond is a Hard Rock" the following year and it goes with the debut being a solid consistent record, but it lacks the hit singles. The ballad
Woman is the best song, which proves Rick Stanford as a powerful and diverse singer.
In 1979 "Fire Power" saw the light of day. "Fire Power" is a bit more commercial and contains a re-edition of
You've lost that Loving Feeling and a splendid version of Tommy Bolin's
Teaser, which has all the elements of the original combined with Stanford's pipes.
Album highlights are the boogie rocker
Chicago with a cool bar piano from Michael Prince and
Underworld King.
Help Wanted is the most commercial song clearly cut for radio. The commercial approach considers keyboards in favor of Roger Romeo's guitars and songs like
Come with Me sounds more like Electric Light Orchestra than Legs Diamond.
Legs Diamond was desperate for success and used outside writers on "Fire Power". They were also on a new label, self managed and in 1980 Legs Diamond's frustrations led to a break up.
All 3 CDs are re-mastered and reissued by Diamond Records. They all sound powerful despite the music being a bit dated.
Written by
Michael Sunday, October 5, 2008
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