Badfinger Straight Up CD

STRAIGHT UP is Badfinger's best-known album and perhaps the definitive example of their sparkling brand of Beatles-influenced pop. Expertly produced by George Harrison and Todd Rundgren, this 1972 album spawned two hit singles (both written by group leader Pete Ham): the romantic ballad "Day After Day" (Badfinger's only gold record) and "Baby Blue," a soaring power pop classic that is still regularly played on rock radio. Most people remember Badfinger for those two songs, but the 10 other tracks on STRAIGHT UP are equally impressive.

Less rock-oriented than their previous album NO DICE (although guitarist Joey Molland contributes several excellent high-energy rock songs like "Sometimes" and "Suitcase"), the majority of STRAIGHT UP consists of gentle, melodic songs like Molland's folkish "Sweet Tuesday Morning" and superb Pete Ham compositions like the epic existentialist ballad "Name Of The Game." Now reissued with alternate versions of five of the album's songs and a rare single version of "Baby Blue," STRAIGHT UP sounds better than ever and is an essential addition to any rock fan's music collection.

Recording information: Abbey Road, London, England (1971); Air Studios, London, England (1971); Command Studios, London, England (1971).

Badfinger: Joey Molland (vocals, guitar); Pete Ham (guitar); Tom Evans (bass instrument); Mike Gibbins (drums).

Additional personnel: George Harrison (slide guitar); Leon Russell (piano).

Q (6/93, p.115) - 4 Stars (out of 5) - "...Poignantly written, brimming with mature melodies and bracing verse/chorus interplay, STRAIGHT UP is one not to miss. More complete than their other long-play selections and resplendent with previously unheard gems, it's quality stuff..."
NME (Magazine) (6/5/93, p.34) - "...A stone cold beauty of an album....an impossibly good album....Love it like your mother..."

Average Rating: (4.5 out of 5 stars) 

 a great listener>
A majority of this album being produced by George Harrison plays a major role in defining Badfingers "beatles" style play. They are tasteful, musical, and catchy...with some great numbers. Day after Day and Baby Blue are two outstanding tracks, which I can never hear enough of.....the rest is all great stuff....definitely a good purchase!
Submitted by Classic Rock Fanatic (Georgia)
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 Just about the best there is!!
Their 3rd album is one of my two favorites of Badfinger. It includes my favorite song, "Baby Blue." On here also is the mega-hit "Day After Day," but that is not all!! There are plenty other very memorable songs. You will love this CD from the very first listen.
Submitted by John Huggins (Dallas, Texas)
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