Down To Earth
by Nektar
Artist:
Nektar
Label:
Passport Records
Catalog#:
PPSD 98005
Format:
Vinyl
Country:
United States
Released:
1975
| Tracklist | |||
| A1 | Astral Man | 3:13 | |
| A2 | Nelly The Elephant | 4:52 | |
| A3 | Early Morning Clown | 3:21 | |
| A4 | That’s Life | 6:49 | |
| B1 | Fidgety Queen | 4:04 | |
| B2 | Oh Willy | 3:58 | |
| B3 | Little Boy | 3:01 | |
| B4 | Show Me The Way | 5:55 | |
| B5 | Finale | 1:34 | |
Credits
Backing Vocals – Kenneth Cole (tracks: 3. 7), P.P. Arnold (tracks: 3, 7)
Bass, Vocals – "Mo" Moore*
Choir – Chipping Norton Mandies (tracks: 2, 9)
Drums, Percussion – Ron Howden
Effects [Special], Technician [Sounds] – Dieter Dierks
Engineer – Barry Hammond
Guitar, Lead Vocals – Roye Albrighton
Keyboards, Vocals – "Taff" Freeman*
Lighting [Visual Minority], Other [General Hassles] – Mick Brockett*
Producer – Nektar, Peter Hauke
Saxophone [Tenor/baritone] – Chris Mercer (tracks: 2, 5, 6, 9)
Saxophone [Tenor] – Steve Gregory (tracks: 2, 5, 6, 9)
Trombone – Chris Pyne (tracks: 2, 5, 6, 9)
Trumpet [1st] – Butch Hudson (tracks: 2, 5, 6, 9)
Trumpet [2nd] – Ron Carthy (tracks: 2, 5, 6, 9)
Tuba – Stephan Wick (tracks: 1)
Tuba [Bass] – Phil Brown (10) (tracks: 1)
Vocals [Duet] – P.P. Arnold (tracks: 8), Roye* (tracks: 8)
Voice [Ringmaster] – Bob Calvert* (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 5)
Written-By – Freeman*, Moore*, Howden*, Albrighton*
Notes
Recorded at Chipping Norton Studios, England, March/April 1974.
Remixed at Dierks Studios, Germany, April/June 1974.
Strawberry Bricks Entry:
Like most of their albums, down To earth saw Nektar back in the UK at Chipping Norton Studios to record, with producer Peter Hauke in tow. The album revolves around the concept of a circus; Nektar's music was often more in sync with their German counterparts, as Grobschnitt offered a similar concept right around the same time. This time however, the band ditched much of their previous trappings to create a very original, if not classic album. The lively "Astral Man" glibly sets the stage; these British ex-patriots may have been taking a stab at their countrymen's otherworldly opuses, or a little of their own. But whatever the pretense, they deliver a perfect slab of art rock. The album's highlight is the killer riff of "Nelly The Elephant". The band rides the groove hard and heavy, complimented perfectly with Robert Calvert's ringmaster recitation and a massive horn section. The Yes inspired "Early Morning Clown" and lively "That's Life" are a little more reflective, but no less effective. "Fidgety Queen" features another big arrangement, and even adds a little funk to the equation, while "Oh Willy" simply rocks out. No unnecessary frills or fills here, Nektar leave the excess off of the album, presenting their most consistent and accessible work. The production throughout is clean and uncluttered, Mo Moore's bass high up in Dieter Dierks' mix. "Show Me The Way" closes the album in suitable style, with Roye Albrighton delivering a fine vocal and some excellent guitar work. As he would later remark, the album was their Magical Mystery Tour and I'll agree: the nine tracks on the album are a more than worthy descendant. The album again charted in the US, reaching No. 32. The single "Astral Man" even managed the lower reaches of the Top 100.
