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1. Manny Charlton - 2 years ago

"Every Nazareth fan will know the name of Manny Charlton.
Since his exit from the band we all love 17 years ago, Manny has been a busy boy. Apart from a rather prolific output of solo albums over the last decade, (this one is no.6) Manny has toured and recorded albums with two other bands and also has produced a number of artists.
All Charlton's solo efforts have their moments and there have indeed been some great moments. These days the word "great" gets overused but it certainly does apply to the following : 'Strength Of Strings' from the last album. 'My Fathers Eyes' which can be found on 'Say The Word'. One could reel off great song after great song, such is the quality of Manny's back catalogue.
The last two Charlton albums, Sharp along with its punchier cousin Re-Loaded were fine efforts. Americana Deluxe is even better. None of the songs in my opinion which appeared on the Sharp albums could be labelled fillers but 'Americana Deluxe' is the sound of an artist who has stepped up a gear. Art mentioned he thought this album shows Manny in a new dimension. I agree with that. When it finally hits you just how good this album really is, you find yourself revisiting it whenever you get a chance to put it on!
If you thought you had already heard the best of what Manny is capable of
then prepare to be suprised. It is not only Manny's overall best album yet - everything is just of a much higher quality. The production, vocals, Steve's percussion, not to mention the guitar playing which is simply stunning.
The album kicks off with a track which I'm sure we are all familiar with by now, 'Freedom's Child'. A good choice to start with but to be honest, this album has so many stand outs and so many strong songs, Manny must have been spoilt for choice.
'The Sea Of Love' is one of my faves here. Tremendous intro. It really moves me. I have heard other artists sing this but Manny really makes it his own. The vocal is rich and full of emotion. Ditto, for the guitar playing. Again, many fans will be familiar with this gem already as it is available to hear as a rough mix in the jukebox over at the official Manny Charlton site.
'Tusk' is a famous Fleetwood Mac song. I must admit I was a wee bit skeptical when I saw this amongst the tracklisting. The Re-Loaded album saw Manny put his own stamp on another Mac classic 'The Chain' and as good as it was, Tusk sees Manny really make the song his own. It strikes hard at the imagination and smacks of vibrancy. And a cool bassline to boot...for best results crank up your hi-fi!
'I Worry Too Much' - One thing I love about this album is how exciting the songs are and their arrangements. This one is no exception. Inventive percussion followed by some quirky, dynamic guitar playing make for an energetic build up. Mike made an interesting observation in his review that this tune reminded him of Stone Crazy from Bravado. I can see what he means. The vocal is quite similar.
'Salty Salty' is one most Nazareth fans scattered around the world will know. The original had a gritty almost dirty rocking sound largely down to Pete's driving bass line. This is a new arrangement. Its cool how Manny again makes the song his own but at least two tunes which could have been on Americana Deluxe, one being 'The Letter' (which can also be heard on Manny's Jukebox) did not make the final tracklisting for whatever reason but if Manny were to ignore revisiting old Nazareth songs for once, then other songs would quite likely be included. This is not a criticism, more of a view to hearing other material. Manny doesn't have anything to prove regarding old Naz songs, but hey he seems to enjoy re-working them so fair play to the dude!
'I Don't Have To Crawl' is another one of my personal favourites here. I consider it to be amongst Manny's premier solo output. I believe Emmy Lou Harris also recorded this number. I have never heard her version, if I ever get the chance I will check it out someday but to be honest I pretty much regard these as Manny's songs. The vocal here is absolutely superb.
'Its Been Emotional' is a punchy sounding rocker. Consistent power chords and Steve's pounding drums really keep the song together. Manny sounds like he's having lots of fun with this one.
'Some Love Somebody' is one of the best tracks on the album. Neat percussion and Manny's guitar arrangements are as always, very compelling. I also love the chorus. Makes for an excellent sing-a-long.
'Desolation Road' - I never liked the Nazareth version. Rather dull and to my ears didn't work too well. Manny's new version is a vast improvement. I hardly recognised it as the same song until I heard all the lyrics. Manny chooses a somewhat dirty tone for the bass and it makes the song work.
'Danko/Manuel' is quite simply terrific. I get the feeling this song is very precious to Manny. I'm unsure whether Manny double tracks his vocals or if its a harmony with Mr. Froese but it's a very emotive moving performance regardless. I must also give Manny's guitar playing a mention. It is in a word - awesome.
'Crutch' is another great one. I like the sound of Steve's drums and with Manny throwing in a variety of different guitar parts all over the place, Crutch makes for a good album closer.
So there we have it boys 'n' girls. Like I said above Americana Deluxe is Manny's most accomplished solo effort yet. A total artistic triumph with so many stunning songs. Can Manny top Americana Deluxe? We will see, but in the meantime I hope everybody who purchases it, enjoys listening to it as much as I have.
So get comfy, take a good headshit, hell treat yourself to a few good single malts and prepare to be sucked into the magical world of Manny Charlton once again..."

2. Manny Charlton - 2 years ago - Manny

Manny Charltons first solo cd after being fired from Nazareth.
This cd reflects who was the master behind Nazareths hard edge.
Well worth the coin if you can find it for sale. If you cannot find it in your local cd shop then goto Manny Chartons website and buy it direct from the man himself. Stop by and chat with
him on his forum.
http://www.mannycharlton.com

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