MANFRED MANN'S EARTH BAND - WATCH Switzerland SWISS 12" LP VINYL ALBUM

"Manfred Mann's Earth Band's 1978 masterpiece, 'Watch,' intertwines studio sophistication and live energy, showcasing their progressive rock prowess. From the mesmerizing synthesizers in 'Drowning on Dry Land/Fish Soup' to the raw dynamism of live tracks like 'Martha's Madman,' the album's fusion of genres earned critical acclaim. 'Watch' endures as a timeless classic, immortalizing the band's innovative spirit and influence in progressive rock history."

 

large album front cover photo of: MANFRED MANN'S EARTH BAND WATCH

"Watch" Album Description:

Manfred Mann's Earth Band, a progressive rock powerhouse, left an indelible mark on the music scene with their 1978 studio album, "Watch." This iconic release not only showcased their musical prowess but also reflected the band's ability to experiment with different genres, creating a sonic masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences decades later.

Background on Manfred Mann's Earth Band

Before delving into the creation of "Watch," let's rewind to the origins of the band. Formed in 1971 by South African musician Manfred Mann, the Earth Band was a unique fusion of progressive rock, jazz, and blues. The band's lineup underwent changes over the years, but its core members, including Manfred Mann, remained dedicated to pushing musical boundaries.

The Making of "Watch"

"Watch" marked a significant chapter in the Earth Band's discography. The album, released in 1978, featured a blend of studio and live tracks, showcasing the band's versatility and dynamic performances. The intricate musical arrangements and thought-provoking lyrics contributed to the album's critical acclaim and enduring popularity.

Studio Magic

The studio tracks on "Watch" demonstrated the band's meticulous approach to crafting music. From the hypnotic beats of "Drowning on Dry Land/Fish Soup" to the evocative storytelling in "Chicago Institute," each song reflected the band's commitment to musical innovation. The album's sound was characterized by synthesizers, complex arrangements, and Mann's distinctive vocals, creating a sonic landscape that transported listeners to new realms.

Live Energy

In addition to the studio recordings, "Watch" featured live tracks that captured the Earth Band's electrifying performances. The inclusion of live material added a raw, unfiltered energy to the album, showcasing the band's ability to mesmerize audiences in a concert setting. Tracks like "Martha's Madman" and "Davy's on the Road Again" exemplified the Earth Band's stage presence and the symbiotic relationship between the musicians and their audience.

Critical Reception and Legacy

"Watch" received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising the album's musical complexity and the band's innovative approach. The fusion of rock, progressive elements, and jazz influences solidified the Earth Band's reputation as pioneers in the progressive rock genre.

Decades after its release, "Watch" continues to be celebrated by fans and critics alike. The album's enduring legacy speaks to the timeless quality of the Earth Band's music and its ability to transcend generational boundaries.

Music Genre:

 Progressive Rock 

Album Production Information:

 The album: "MANFRED MANN'S EARTH BAND - Watch" was produced by: Manfred Mann's Earth Band

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Laurence Latham, Rick Waiton, Edwin Cross

This album was recorded at: Work House, Old Kent Road, London, 1977

Album cover design from original painting Michael Sanz

Album cover photography: Pat King

Record Label Information:

 Bronze 25 862 XOT
Packaging: Gatefold (FOC) cover design with artwork / photos on the inside cover pages

Media Format:

 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram  

Year & Country:

 1978 Made in Switzerland
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: MANFRED MANN'S EARTH BAND - Watch
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Chris Hamlet Thompson
  • Dave Flett
  • Pat King
  • Chris Slade
  • Manfred Mann
Complete Track-listing of the album "MANFRED MANN'S EARTH BAND - Watch"

The detailed tracklist of this record "MANFRED MANN'S EARTH BAND - Watch" is:

    Side One:
  • Circles
  • Drowning on dry land / Fish Soup
  • Chicago Institute
  • California
    Side Two:
  • Davy's on the road again
  • Martha's Madman
  • Mighty Quinn
Manfred Mann's Earth Band: The Vinyl Collection - A Discography of Their Essential Albums

Band Description:

  Manfred Mann's Earth Band is a progressive rock band that was formed in the early 1970s. The band's music is characterized by a fusion of different genres, including rock, jazz, blues, and classical music. The band's founder, Manfred Mann, was already an established musician in the 1960s, having had several hit singles with his previous band, Manfred Mann.

  History

  Manfred Mann's Earth Band was formed in 1971, after Manfred Mann's previous band disbanded. The original lineup included Manfred Mann on keyboards, Mick Rogers on guitar and vocals, Colin Pattenden on bass guitar, and Chris Slade on drums. The band's debut album, "Manfred Mann's Earth Band," was released in 1972 and included a cover of Bruce Springsteen's "Blinded by the Light," which became a hit single.

  The band released several successful albums in the 1970s, including "Solar Fire," "The Good Earth," and "Watch." In 1976, Chris Thompson replaced Mick Rogers as the band's lead vocalist. The band's popularity waned in the 1980s, and they went on hiatus for several years.

  In the 1990s, the band reformed and began touring again. They released several new albums, including "Soft Vengeance" and "2006," which received critical acclaim. The band continues to tour and perform to this day, with Manfred Mann as the only original member still in the band.

  Musical Style

  Manfred Mann's Earth Band's music is characterized by a fusion of different genres. The band's early albums had a progressive rock sound, with long instrumental sections and complex arrangements. Later albums had a more pop-oriented sound, with shorter, more accessible songs.

  The band's music also incorporated elements of jazz, blues, and classical music. Manfred Mann was known for his use of the synthesizer, which gave the band's music a distinctive sound. The band also had a reputation for their live performances, which often featured extended improvisations.

  Influence

  Manfred Mann's Earth Band had a significant influence on the music industry, particularly in the 1970s. Their fusion of different genres inspired other musicians to experiment with new sounds and styles. The band's cover of "Blinded by the Light" brought them mainstream success and helped popularize Bruce Springsteen's music.

  The band's use of the synthesizer also had a significant impact on the music industry. The synthesizer became a popular instrument in rock music, and many other bands began incorporating it into their music.

Vinyl Records Discography: