A so-so review of this one and the last album by the band, except for a reunion many years later. Some very well-known players involved with this one. Bernie Marsden, Don Airey and Neil Murray were playing on this album.
Read on!
Babe Ruth: “Kid`s Stuff”
(Capitol E-ST 23739) 40 mins ***
By Hugh Fielder
BABE RUTH have had more than their fair share of traumas lately with the departure of singer Jenny Haan and bassist Dave Hewitt, but any fears that this was simply a `backs – to – the – wall – and – let’s – slog – it – out’ effort were dispelled after a first listen. They’ve taken the opportunity provided by the arrival of new singer Ellie Hope and bassist Ray Knott to re-set their musical sights. It’s a little tentative in places but the diet of heavy rock has been broken up by a more varied mixture that could bring them to the attention of an altogether wider audience. So, besides the straight-ahead rock numbers like the opening `Oh Dear What A Shame’ or the superb `Keep Your Distance’ with its catchy refrain and powerful guitar solo over a solid drum pattern, there’s a distinctly disco feel to songs like ‘Sweet Sweet Surrender’, the intriguing ‘Welcome To The Show’ which is in an altogether softer vein with string accompaniment and a chance for Steve Gurl to exercise his talents on the keyboard solo, ‘Nickelodeon’. It’s a bit difficult to assess Ellie Hope’s contribution to the band and she is clearly feeling her way with some of the songs and only on a couple (of which the aforementioned ‘Keep Your Distance’ is one) does she really get to grips with the material. While Ellie finds her niche it’s left to guitarist Bernie Marsden to carry the band through this record. Not only has he written most of the songs, he also sings a number of them. If his voice sometimes lacks the force necessary to sustain interest in the melody his guitar playing sparkles throughout whether the song rocks, funks or just bleeds a little. And he reveals a well-developed lyrical sense on the album’s most intriguing number, `Welcome To The Show’.
What holds the album back rather is a rather bland production which (with the exception of the guitar work) fails to put the band across with as much drive as they’re obviously capable of. I also wonder whether it mightn’t have been better to wait until Ellie was more acclimatised to the band before doing the album. But nevertheless there’s some worthwhile stuff to be heard on ‘Kid’s Stuff’ and Babe Ruth have not simply survived, they’ve progressed.
The original music paper this article came from (pictured at the top) is for sale!
Send me an e-mail if you are interested. Send it to: geirmykl@gmail.com
The offer should be 20 $ (US Dollars) to be considered. (This includes postage).
If you order several papers – contact me for a “special” offer.
We conduct the transaction through my verified Paypal account for the safety of both parties.
If you have a large collection of the following magazines, don`t throw them out, but contact me as I would be very interested in these: Creem, Circus, Hit Parader and Metal Edge.
If you have a music-related web-page where this fits – please make a link to the article. With credits to the original writer of the article from all of us music fans!
My Things - Music history for those who are able to read. 