"Straight Shooter" was recorded at Gloucestershire Castle (a castle turned hotel) again with The Ronnie Lane Mobile Truck in September of 1974.
In the autumn of 1974, against the backdrop of the picturesque Gloucestershire Castle, Bad Company embarked on a musical pilgrimage that would give birth to their iconic "Straight Shooter" 12" vinyl LP album.
The Setting:
Gloucestershire Castle, a majestic castle turned hotel, served as the unlikely but inspired venue for Bad Company's creative endeavor. In September 1974, the band, consisting of Paul Rodgers, Mick Ralphs, Boz Burrell, and Simon Kirke, gathered within the castle's historic confines to channel their musical energies. The decision to record in this unique location was a nod to the band's desire to infuse their music with a sense of grandeur and timeless resonance.
The Ronnie Lane Mobile Truck:
A pivotal player in this historical musical saga was The Ronnie Lane Mobile Truck, a state-of-the-art mobile recording studio. This innovative studio on wheels allowed Bad Company to capture the raw essence of their performance on the spot. The decision to employ this mobile marvel added an adventurous and dynamic element to the recording process, giving the band the flexibility to experiment and create in unconventional spaces.
Creative Alchemy:
As the band settled into the castle's atmospheric embrace, the creative alchemy began. Building on the success of their self-titled debut album, Bad Company aimed to push musical boundaries while staying true to their blues-rock roots. The collaborative spirit within the band, fueled by the unique energy of Gloucestershire Castle, sparked a songwriting process that birthed some of the band's most enduring tracks.
Recording Highlights:
"Straight Shooter" emerged from the recording sessions as a testament to Bad Company's evolution as a musical force. The hauntingly beautiful "Feel Like Makin' Love" and the introspective "Shooting Star" were among the gems forged within the castle's stone walls. The chemistry between Rodgers' soulful vocals, Ralphs' masterful guitar, Burrell's pulsating bass, and Kirke's dynamic drumming reached a zenith during these sessions, giving each track a distinctive and powerful sonic signature.
Challenges and Triumphs: Recording within the historic castle presented its share of challenges, from technical hurdles to the quirks of a non-traditional recording space. Yet, it was precisely these challenges that fueled the band's determination to create something extraordinary. The result was an album that not only met but exceeded expectations, solidifying Bad Company's reputation as rock royalty.
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. 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, the legendary British art design group, revolutionized album cover art for rock music. Explore their iconic visual creations on our website, featuring a vast collection of their innovative designs for Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and many more. Here is the web-page with a gallery of album covers created by Hipgnosis |
Album Production information: Produced by Bad Company |
Record Label & Catalognr: Black Label Island Records ILPS 9304 |
Media Format: 12" Full-Length Vinyl LPAlbum weight: 250 gram |
Year 1975 |
Band Members and Musicians on: Bad Company Straight Shooter |
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Complete Track Listing of: Bad Company Straight Shooter |
The Song/tracks on "Bad Company Straight Shooter" are
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Album cover photos of : Bad Company Straight Shooter |
Photo of Front Cover |
Photo of Album's Back Cover |
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Photo of Album's Inner Cover |
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Close-up Photo of Record Label
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Note: the above pictures are actual photos of the album and allow you to judge the quality of cover. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. |
Transport yourself to the rock 'n' roll energy of the late 70s with BAD COMPANY's "Burnin' Sky" (1977 Germany). This 12" Vinyl LP Album, recorded at Chateau d'Herouville, France, exudes timeless vibes.
Learn more"Run with the Pack" was recorded in September 1975 in France, utilizing The Rolling Stones Mobile Truck, a renowned mobile recording studio. This allowed the band to capture their performances with authenticity and a raw energy
Learn moreIn 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.
- Straight Shooter (1975, Island Records) - Straight Shooter ( 1975, Swan Song Records)