BAD COMPANY - STRAIGHT SHOOTER ( USA release ) 12" LP Vinyl Album

Bad Company's second album, Straight Shooter, was released in 1975 and is considered to be one of their best works. It was recorded at Gloucestershire Castle, a castle turned hotel, and features a number of hit singles, including "Feel Like Making Love" and "Good Lovin' Gone Bad."

But what makes Straight Shooter even more interesting is the fact that it was recorded in a castle. The band chose to record there because they wanted to create a unique and inspiring atmosphere for their music. And it worked. Straight Shooter is a classic album that is full of energy and passion

 

large hires photo of Album Front Cover  "BAD COMPANY - Straight Shooter (USA)"

Album Description:

On this web-page, we delve into the fascinating world of Bad Company's second studio album, "Straight Shooter", with a particular focus on its USA release. We'll also explore the background of this iconic album, recorded in the picturesque setting of Gloucestershire Castle, and introduce you to the talented musicians behind the magic.

The Making of "Straight Shooter":

In September of 1974, Bad Company embarked on a journey to create their sophomore album, "Straight Shooter". What makes this album even more intriguing is the location where it all came to life - Gloucestershire Castle. This historic castle, with its rich architectural heritage and tranquil surroundings, served as the backdrop for the band's creative process. Utilizing The Ronnie Lane Mobile Truck, Bad Company captured the essence of their music in this unique setting, which undoubtedly contributed to the album's distinctive atmosphere.

The Band-Members:

To truly appreciate the artistry behind "Straight Shooter", it's essential to acquaint ourselves with the talented musicians who crafted this masterpiece:

1. Paul Rodgers - Vocals, Piano, Guitar:
Paul Rodgers, known for his soulful and powerful vocals, played a pivotal role in Bad Company's signature sound. His ability to convey raw emotion through his singing, coupled with his skills on the piano and guitar, made him a standout performer in the world of rock music.

2. Mick Ralphs - Lead Guitar:
Mick Ralphs was the maestro behind the lead guitar, and his virtuoso playing style added layers of depth and energy to Bad Company's music. His memorable riffs and solos are a defining element of the band's sonic identity.

3. Boz Burrell - Bass Guitar:
Boz Burrell's mastery of the bass guitar provided the solid foundation upon which the band's songs were built. His grooves and impeccable timing ensured that Bad Company's music had a rhythm that was impossible to resist.

4. Simon Kirke - Drums

The Album Itself:

"Straight Shooter", released in the USA, is a treasure trove of Hard Rock and Blues-infused tracks. From the opening notes of "Good Lovin' Gone Bad" to the anthemic "Feel Like Makin' Love" and the bluesy "Shooting Star", the album showcases the band's versatility and songwriting prowess. Each track is a testament to Bad Company's ability to craft songs that resonate with fans across generations.

Music Genre:

  English Blues Rock, Prog Rock 

Album 
Production information:

The album: "BAD COMPANY - Straight Shooter (USA)" was produced by: Bad Company

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Ron Nevison

Ron Nevison is an esteemed American record producer and audio engineer, renowned for his exceptional work during the 1970s and 1980s. Born with an innate passion for music, Nevison dedicated his life to honing his craft and shaping the sounds of numerous iconic hard rock and rock albums. With an impressive resume that includes collaborations with legendary bands such as Bad Company, Thin Lizzy, UFO, Kiss, Heart, Ozzy Osbourne, and Led Zeppelin, Nevison's contributions have left an indelible mark on the music industry.

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Ron Nevison was born and raised in the United States, where he developed a deep fascination for music at an early age. His natural talent and unwavering dedication to his craft propelled him into the world of audio engineering and production. In the 1970s, Nevison emerged as a highly sought-after professional known for his remarkable technical skills, keen musical instincts, and ability to capture the essence of a band's sound.

Nevison's breakthrough came when he worked with the British rock band Bad Company on their eponymous debut album in 1974. The album achieved great commercial success and established Nevison as a producer to watch. Building on this triumph, he went on to collaborate with other notable acts of the era, including Thin Lizzy, UFO, and Kiss, solidifying his reputation as a master of hard rock production.

Throughout his illustrious career, Nevison consistently demonstrated his versatility and adaptability by working with artists across a wide spectrum of musical styles. He played a vital role in shaping the sound of Heart, contributing to the band's chart-topping albums like "Heart" (1985) and "Bad Animals" (1987). Nevison's meticulous attention to detail and ability to enhance the emotional impact of each track cemented his status as a producer of exceptional caliber.

One of Nevison's most notable collaborations occurred when he joined forces with the legendary Ozzy Osbourne, producing the critically acclaimed album "The Ultimate Sin" (1986) . Nevison's expertise brought out the raw energy and powerful dynamics that became synonymous with Osbourne's music.

Perhaps one of the most significant milestones in Nevison's career was his involvement with Led Zeppelin. He worked on the posthumous release "Coda" (1982) , skillfully preserving the band's signature sound while honoring their legacy. Nevison's technical prowess and deep understanding of the band's musical vision were instrumental in delivering an album that resonated with fans and critics alike.

Over the years, Ron Nevison continued to collaborate with numerous artists, leaving an indelible impact on the music industry. His ability to capture the essence of a band's sound, his unparalleled technical skills, and his unwavering commitment to excellence have earned him the respect and admiration of his peers.

Ron Nevison's contributions to the rock and hard rock genres have shaped the sonic landscape of the 1970s and 1980s. His work remains a testament to his talent and dedication, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire and influence aspiring musicians and producers.

This album was recorded at: Clearwel Castle, Gloucestershire, England,, September 1974 on Ronnie Lane's Mobile

Mixed at Art Studios, London

Cut at The Mastering Lab, Los Angeles

Album cover design: Hipgnosis

Hipgnosis was an English art group founded in 1968 by Storm Thorgerson, Aubrey Powell, and Peter Christopherson. The group was known for their innovative and creative album covers, which became iconic in the music industry. Hipgnosis worked with some of the most influential musicians of their time, including Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and Yes.

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The group's name, "Hipgnosis," was a play on the words "hypnosis" and "hip." They believed that their art had the power to hypnotize people and transport them to another world, which was reflected in their album covers. The group's style was surreal and often incorporated elements of fantasy, science fiction, and the occult. Their designs were highly detailed and often required extensive planning and preparation.

One of the group's most famous album covers was for Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of the Moon." The cover featured a prism refracting light into a rainbow, which became one of the most recognizable images in rock history. The design was so successful that it became synonymous with the band and their music. Another iconic design was for Led Zeppelin's "Houses of the Holy," which featured a group of naked children climbing on a rock formation. The image was highly controversial but helped to solidify the band's rebellious image.

Hipgnosis also worked with a number of other influential musicians, including Peter Gabriel, Black Sabbath, and Genesis. They designed the cover for Peter Gabriel's first solo album, which featured a photograph of Gabriel wearing a mask with only his eyes visible. The image became another iconic design and was later referenced in Gabriel's music video for "Sledgehammer."

The group's success continued into the 1980s, with designs for bands such as Scorpions and Styx. However, the rise of digital technology and the decline of album sales led to the group's decline. Hipgnosis disbanded in 1983, but their legacy lives on in the countless album covers they created.

Hipgnosis was not just an art group, but a collective of artists who had a significant impact on the music industry. Their innovative designs helped to define the visual style of rock music in the 1970s and 1980s. Their work was not just a complement to the music, but an essential part of the overall experience. They created a world that fans could enter into and lose themselves in, just like the music they were listening to.

Here is a web-page with a gallery of album covers created by Hipgnosis

Record Label Information:

  Swan Song SS 8413

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record

Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

  1975 Made in USA
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: BAD COMPANY - Straight Shooter (USA)
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Paul Rodgers - Vocals, Piano, Guitar
  • Mick Ralphs - Lead Guitar
  • Boz Burrell - Bass Guitar
  • Simon Kirke - Drums
Complete Track-listing of the album "BAD COMPANY - Straight Shooter (USA)"

The detailed tracklist of this record "BAD COMPANY - Straight Shooter (USA)" is:

  • Good Lovin' Gone Bad , written by Mick Ralphs 3:35
  • Feel Like Makin' Love , written by Paul Rodgers, Ralphs 5:12
  • Weep No More , written by Simon Kirke 3:59
  • Shooting Star , written by Rodgers 6:14
  • Deal With the Preacher , written by Ralphs, Rodgers 5:01
  • Wild Fire Woman , written by Ralphs, Rodgers 4:32
  • Anna , written by Kirke 3:41
  • Call on Me , written by Rodgers 6:03
High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover  "BAD COMPANY - Straight Shooter (USA)"
large hires photo of Album Front Cover  "BAD COMPANY - Straight Shooter (USA)"
Album Back Cover  Photo of "BAD COMPANY - Straight Shooter (USA)"
Album Back Cover  Photo of "BAD COMPANY - Straight Shooter (USA)"  
Inner Sleeve   of "BAD COMPANY - Straight Shooter (USA)" Album

Inner Sleeve   of "BAD COMPANY - Straight Shooter (USA)" Album

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Close-up Photo of "BAD COMPANY - Straight Shooter (USA)" Swan Song Records  Label
Close-up Photo of "BAD COMPANY - Straight Shooter (USA)" Island Records ( with Black label ) Label

Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash.

Index of BAD COMPANY Vinyl Album Discography and Album Cover Gallery

  Bad Company was an English rock band formed in 1973 that rose to fame as one of the flagship acts of the 1970s hard rock and blues rock movement. With their blend of bluesy guitar riffs, driving rock beats, and soulful vocal harmonies, Bad Company created a unique sound that set them apart from the rest of the rock bands of the era. Over the course of their career, Bad Company achieved great commercial success and critical acclaim, with numerous hit singles and albums that still remain popular to this day.

  The band was formed in 1973 by former Free frontman Paul Rodgers, guitarist Mick Ralphs, and drummer Simon Kirke. The three musicians had been looking for a new creative outlet after the break-up of their previous band and decided to form Bad Company as a new musical venture. They were soon joined by bassist Boz Burrell, and together they released their self-titled debut album in 1974. The album was an instant success, reaching #1 on the UK charts and #3 on the US charts. It featured several hit songs, including "Can't Get Enough," "Rock Steady," and "Bad Company," which became the band's signature song and is still one of their most well-known tracks to this day.

  Throughout the 1970s, Bad Company continued to release a series of successful albums, each of which built upon the band's blues-based hard rock sound. Their follow-up album, "Straight Shooter," was released in 1975 and was also a commercial success, featuring hit songs such as "Feel Like Making Love" and "Good Lovin' Gone Bad." The band's third album, "Run with the Pack," was released in 1976 and marked a departure from their earlier sound, as the band experimented with a more mainstream pop rock sound. Despite this, the album was still well received and features hit songs such as "Silver, Blue & Gold."

  Despite their commercial success, Bad Company faced several challenges throughout their career. The band experienced a series of personnel changes, with various members leaving and joining the group at different times. Despite these changes, the band continued to release new music and tour, and they remained one of the biggest and most popular rock bands of the 1970s and 1980s.

  Bad Company's music continues to be popular and relevant to this day, with their songs still receiving airplay on classic rock radio stations and their albums still selling well. Their blues-based hard rock sound has been highly influential, inspiring countless other rock bands in the decades since their formation. They are remembered as one of the defining bands of the 1970s hard rock movement and their music remains an important part of the rock canon.