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LYNYRD SKYNYRD
(UNITED STATES)
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SECOND HELPING
(1974)
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LABEL:
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GENRE:
ROCK
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TAGS:
Bluesy, Southern
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"Although the musical framework of 'Second Helping' remains very close to that of 'Pronouced...', this second album not only confirms Lynyrd Skynyrd's talent, but is also a logical follow-up that is as complementary as it is indispensable."
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4/5
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Less than a year after 'Pronounced...', Lynyrd Skynyrd are back in the studio to produce a long-awaited follow-up to their first opus. In theory, the task looks relatively difficult, but the Jacksonville septet's inspiration will come into its own on 'Second Helping'.
On paper, the team remains unchanged. Al Kooper is once again in charge of production, and seems to have succeeded in making the band feel much more confident during the recording sessions. A rumour has it that the bass parts on the first album were recorded by Ed King rather than the band's regular bassist (Leon Wilkeson couldn't bear to be locked away in a studio...). The result is a much more polished sound that adds a touch of genius to the compositions on 'Second Helping'.
If a track like 'Free Bird' brought respect and admiration to Lynyrd Skynyrd, this new opus would soon make its mark again, particularly with the introductory track 'Sweet Home Alabama', which was for a time the official anthem of this American state. With its pinched arpeggios and rock'n'roll chorus, this composition was to haunt the airwaves the world over. Fortunately, the other tracks are up to this new monument to Southern rock.
From the bluesy, melancholy ballad 'I Need You' to the ironic 'Workin' For MCA' and the muscular cover of J.J. Cale's 'Call Me The Breeze', Lynyryd Skynyrd is still in fine form when it comes to launching into rich, clear solos. The slide even takes a lion's share of the spotlight on the more country-tinged 'The Ballad Of Curtis Loew'. As for 'The Needle And The Spoon', its interpretation and conception reflect all the savoir-faire of Lynyrd Skynyrd, on the way to becoming an essential band in the "Southern Rock" sphere.
Although the musical framework of 'Second Helping' remains very close to that of 'Pronouced...', this second album, as well as confirming all the talent of the Southern combo, is logically a follow-up that is as complementary as it is indispensable. The entire content of this production proves that the Lynyrd Skynyrd style is now firmly in place. If 'Pronouced ...' propelled them to the forefront of the international scene, 'Second Helping' openly and confidently embarks on the road to consecration. - Official website
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TRACK LISTING:
01. Sweet Home Alabama (4:44) 02. I Need You (6:56) 03. Don't Ask Me No Questions (3:27) 04. Workin' For MCA (4:49) 05. The Ballad Of Curtis Loew (4:52) 06. Swamp Music (3:31) 07. The Needle And The Spoon (3:54) 08. Call Me The Breeze (5:10) 09. Don't Ask Me No Questions (single version - bonus) 10. Was I Right Or Wrong (démo- bonus) (5:33) 11. Take Your Time (démo - bonus) (7:29)
LINEUP:
Allen Collins: Guitares Billy Powell: Claviers Bob Burns: Batterie Ed King: Guitares Gary Rossington: Guitares Leon Wilkeson: Basse Ronnie Van Zant: Chant
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READERS
4.5/5 (2 view(s))
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STAFF:
4/5 (4 view(s))
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