Ten Years After - Positive Vibrations (1974) 12" Vinyl LP Album
Blues-Rock Classic That Captures the Spirit of the 70s
Released in 1974, "Positive Vibrations" captures Ten Years After's blues-rock energy on a 12-inch vinyl LP. Fronted by the iconic guitarist Alvin Lee, the album showcases their signature sound - electrifying guitar riffs, soulful vocals, and driving rhythms. Expect both original tracks like the title song and "Nowhere to Run" alongside a scorching rendition of Little Richard's "Going Back to Birmingham." Whether a longtime fan or new listener, this vinyl promises a dose of classic rock power.
In the landscape of 1970s rock music, Ten Years After's "Positive Vibrations" stands as a testament to the band's enduring talent and ability to capture the spirit of the era. Released in May 1974, this 12" vinyl LP album from Germany not only marked a significant chapter in the band's discography but also left an indelible mark on the music scene of its time.
Commercial Success:
"Positive Vibrations" was a commercial success, garnering attention not only in Germany but also internationally. The album showcased Ten Years After's evolution in sound, blending their blues-rock roots with elements of progressive and psychedelic rock. The fusion of these musical genres contributed to the album's broad appeal, attracting a diverse audience.
During its release period, the album received positive reviews from music critics, praising the band's musical proficiency and Alvin Lee's distinctive guitar work. The captivating energy of tracks like "Nowhere to Run" and "I Wanted to Boogie" resonated with listeners, propelling the album up the charts and solidifying Ten Years After's position as a formidable force in the rock genre.
Musical Contribution:
"Positive Vibrations" encapsulates the band's ability to experiment with different musical styles while maintaining a cohesive and engaging sound. The album opens with the electrifying "Nowhere to Run," setting the tone for a musical journey that spans blues-infused rock, intricate instrumentals, and soulful ballads. Alvin Lee's virtuosic guitar playing takes center stage, supported by the tight rhythm section of Leo Lyons (bass), Ric Lee (drums), and Chick Churchill (keyboards).
The title track, "Positive Vibrations," is a standout piece that encapsulates the optimism and free-spirited atmosphere of the 1970s. The band's dynamic interplay and Lee's soulful vocals contribute to the uplifting vibe that permeates the album. "Stone Me" and "Without You" showcase the band's versatility, exploring different moods and textures.
What Sets It Apart:
"Positive Vibrations" distinguishes itself through its seamless integration of various musical influences and Ten Years After's willingness to push boundaries. The album reflects the band's maturity and growth as musicians, departing from the straightforward blues-rock of their earlier works. The incorporation of progressive elements and intricate arrangements demonstrates a commitment to artistic exploration.
Moreover, the production quality of the album, especially evident in the vinyl format, enhances the listening experience. The warm analog sound and the tactile feel of the 12" vinyl contribute to the overall charm of "Positive Vibrations," offering a nostalgic journey for audiophiles and collectors alike.
Music Genre:
Blues Rock, Psych Acid Rock Music
Album Production Information:
Produced by Alvin Lee
Recorded at Space Studios.
Space Studios was a UK residency recording studio built by Alvin Lee in the barn at Hookend Manor, a historic manor house first constructed in 1580.
Upon Lee's departure to another studio location, the manor was acquired by Dave Gilmour and became the home of Pink Floyd, known as Hookend Studios.
Later, the property was purchased by Trevor Horn and Jill Sinclair, who fully refurbished the studio and renamed it Sarm Hook End. At the time, it housed one of the UK's largest SSL consoles—a 96-channel J Series frame with 80 modules. The manor residency included 14 bedrooms, a gym, and an in-house chef.
Horn subsequently acquired Chris Blackwell's Basing Street Studios in 1982, renaming it Sarm West Studios.
Sound Engineers Harold Burgan, Andy Jaworski.
Record Label & Catalognr:
Chrysalis 6307 533 (6307533)
Media Format:
12" Vinyl LP Gramophone Record
Year & Country:
1974 Made in Germany
Band Members and Musicians on: Ten Years After - Positive Vibrations
Band-members:
Alvin Lee
Alvin Lee (born Graham Barnes, December 19, 1944 – March 6, 2013) was an English rock guitarist and singer, best known as the lead vocalist and lead guitarist for the blues rock band
Ten Years After
. He was born in Nottingham, England and began playing guitar at the age of 13. In the late 1960s, he formed Ten Years After and the band released their first album in 1967. They gained international fame with their performance at the Woodstock festival in 1969.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Lee released several solo albums and collaborated with other musicians. He continued to perform and record with Ten Years After until his death in 2013. He was known for his powerful and rapid guitar playing and was considered one of the greatest guitarists of his generation.
Throughout his career, Lee received numerous accolades and awards, including being voted the third greatest guitar player of all time, by Classic Rock magazine, in 2004. He died of complications following a routine surgical procedure in 2013.
Leo Lyons
Leo Lyons (Real-name: Leo David William Lyons) an English musician and bassist, best known as a member of the British blues rock band Ten Years After. He was born on 30 January 1943, in London, England. He started playing bass guitar in the early 1960s and joined Ten Years After in 1967, replacing the band's original bassist, Chick Churchill. He played bass guitar, provided backing vocals and wrote some songs for the band. He was an important member of the band and played in all the band's albums until their disbanding in 1975 and played in reunion concerts later on.
Ric Lee
Ric Lee (Full-name: Richard Lee) an English drummer and percussionist, known as a member of the British blues rock band Ten Years After. He was born on October 19, 1945, in Birmingham, England. He started playing drums in the early 1960s and joined Ten Years After in 1967, replacing the band's original drummer, Dave Quickmire. He played drums and provided backing vocals for the band. He was an important member of the band and played in all the band's albums until their disbanding in 1975 and played in reunion concerts later on.
Chick Churchill
Chick Churchill (Real-name: Michael George Churchill) English keyboardist and pianist, best known as a founding member and original keyboardist of the British blues rock band Ten Years After. He was born on May 25, 1947, in London, England. He started playing piano and organ in the early 1960s and formed Ten Years After in 1966 with guitar player Alvin Lee, bassist Leo Lyons and drummer Ric Lee. He played keyboard, organ and piano and provided backing vocals for the band. He was an important member of the band and played in the band's first two albums, "Ten Years After" and "Undead" . He left the band in 1968 to pursue a solo career, and was replaced by keyboardist Dave Quickmire.
Ten Years After was one of the most popular and influential British blues rock bands of the late 1960s and early 1970s, and Chick Churchill was considered to be an accomplished keyboard player. He has also played in other bands and projects, but is mostly known for his work with Ten Years After. He continues to perform as a solo artist and with
Complete Track Listing of: Ten Years After - Positive Vibrations
Side One:
Nowhere to Run
Positive Vibrations
Stone Me
Without You
Going back to Birmingham
Side Two:
It's Getting Harder
You're driving me Crazy
Look into my life
Look me straight into the eyes
I Wanted to Boogie
Album Cover Photo Gallery of: Ten Years After - Positive Vibrations
Photo of Front Cover
Front Cover of 'Positive Vibrations' by Ten Years After (Vinyl Release)
The cover art features a dark, moody background with a surreal, multi-exposure effect, making the band members appear as though they are dissolving into shadows. The image consists of four musicians positioned in a slightly staggered formation. The lead member at the bottom left is more clearly defined, while the others progressively blur and fade, creating a ghostly, layered visual effect.
The album title, Positive Vibrations, is displayed in bold, uppercase red letters at the top, outlined with a subtle glow. The band's name, Ten Years After, appears on the right side in cascading, staggered text, diminishing in size as it moves diagonally across the cover. This typography enhances the hypnotic, psychedelic feel of the design.
The overall composition, with its hazy aesthetic and repeating text elements, reflects the progressive blues-rock sound of Ten Years After, giving the cover a distinctly vintage 1970s visual style.
Close-up Photo of Record Label
Vinyl Record Label of 'Positive Vibrations' by Ten Years After
This close-up image captures the center label of the 'Positive Vibrations' vinyl record, released in 1974 by Chrysalis Records. The label has a striking bright green background with bold black text detailing the tracklist and album information.
At the top, the album title 'Positive Vibrations' is displayed in bold black text, followed by the song titles and their respective durations. The songwriting credits indicate most tracks were written by Alvin Lee, with one cover song attributed to R. Penniman.
On the left side, the record number 6307 533 is printed in bold, accompanied by the German pressing details "Made in Germany." On the right side, the label features standard vinyl specifications, including the ST 33 marking, indicating a stereo 33 1/3 RPM LP, along with the GEMA logo, signifying copyright registration in Germany.
The lower section prominently showcases the Chrysalis logo in bright red, consisting of the brand's distinctive butterfly symbol above the company name. The contrast between the vivid green background and the red elements creates a visually engaging design, making the label instantly recognizable.
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Calling all blues-rock fans! Released in 1976, "Hear Them Calling" is a compilation on double LP vinyl, offering a retrospective of Ten Years After's electrifying career. Dive into their signature sound, featuring iconic tracks like "I'm Going Home" and "Love Like a Man," alongside electrifying live recordings. This collection captures both the studio mastery and raw energy that solidified Ten Years After's place in music history.
Released in 1974, "Positive Vibrations" captures Ten Years After's blues-rock energy on a 12-inch vinyl LP. Fronted by the iconic guitarist Alvin Lee, the album showcases their signature sound - electrifying guitar riffs, soulful vocals, and driving rhythms. Expect both original tracks like the title song and "Nowhere to Run" alongside a scorching rendition of Little Richard's "Going Back to Birmingham." Whether a longtime fan or new listener, this vinyl promises a dose of classic rock power.
TEN YEARS AFTER - Recorded Live (French & German Releases)
Chrysalis CTY 1049 , 1973 , France
The release of Ten Years After's "Recorded Live" captures the raw energy of the British blues-rock band across four European concerts. This double LP, released in 1973, features unedited recordings from Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Frankfurt, and Paris, showcasing the band's improvisational prowess and Alvin Lee's electrifying guitar work. Presented in a gatefold sleeve, this French edition offers a unique perspective on Ten Years After's captivating live experience. (59 words)
TEN YEARS AFTER - Rock and Roll Music to the World
Chrysalis 6307 507 / CHR 1009 , 1972 , Germany
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Ten Years After's "Stonehenge" is a landmark blues-rock album, released in 1969 on 12" vinyl LP with a gatefold cover. It features the band's signature sound, blending powerful vocals and guitar work with bluesy riffs and extended improvisations. The album explores themes of love, loss, and social commentary, solidifying their place as pioneers of the genre and influencing generations of musicians.
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"Die Weisse Serie" is a series of Classic Rock albums re-issued by the German Branch of Decca Records. Some of the bands in the "Weisse Serie" include David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, John Mayall, UFO and many others. This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.
