Newborn (album)
Encyclopedia
Newborn is the eighth album by James Gang
, released in 1975, and the only released on Atlantic Records
.
Guitarist Tommy Bolin
and singer Roy Kenner
left the band, and were replaced by guitarist Richard Shack
and vocalist Bubba Keith
. This album is notable for being perhaps the most boogie-based James Gang release and for featuring a cover of the Elvis Presley
classic "Heartbreak Hotel
".
Both Newborn and its follow-up Jesse Come Home have been reissued on one CD by Wounded Bird Records.
The album cover artwork features a reproduction of Salvador Dali
's "Geopoliticus Child Watching the Birth of the New Man"
in 1971."
James Gang
The James Gang was a rock band formed in Cleveland, Ohio in 1966. Though the band was not a huge commercial success, except in the Northeast Ohio area, the fame garnered by guitarist Joe Walsh has since made the group more notable.- History :...
, released in 1975, and the only released on Atlantic Records
Atlantic Records
Atlantic Records is an American record label best known for its many recordings of rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and jazz...
.
Guitarist Tommy Bolin
Tommy Bolin
Thomas Richard "Tommy" Bolin was an American-born guitarist who played with Zephyr , The James Gang , and Deep Purple , in addition to doing solo work...
and singer Roy Kenner
Roy Kenner
Roy Kenner is a Canadian singer and songwriter, most notable as the lead vocalist of Mandala in the late 1960s and as the lead vocalist of The James Gang during 1972-1974.-History:...
left the band, and were replaced by guitarist Richard Shack
James Gang
The James Gang was a rock band formed in Cleveland, Ohio in 1966. Though the band was not a huge commercial success, except in the Northeast Ohio area, the fame garnered by guitarist Joe Walsh has since made the group more notable.- History :...
and vocalist Bubba Keith
James Gang
The James Gang was a rock band formed in Cleveland, Ohio in 1966. Though the band was not a huge commercial success, except in the Northeast Ohio area, the fame garnered by guitarist Joe Walsh has since made the group more notable.- History :...
. This album is notable for being perhaps the most boogie-based James Gang release and for featuring a cover of the Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
Elvis Aaron Presley was one of the most popular American singers of the 20th century. A cultural icon, he is widely known by the single name Elvis. He is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll" or simply "the King"....
classic "Heartbreak Hotel
Heartbreak Hotel
"Heartbreak Hotel" is a song recorded by American rock and roll musician Elvis Presley. It was released as a single on January 27, 1956, Presley's first on his new record label RCA Victor. His first number-one pop record, "Heartbreak Hotel" topped Billboards Top 100 chart, became his first...
".
Both Newborn and its follow-up Jesse Come Home have been reissued on one CD by Wounded Bird Records.
The album cover artwork features a reproduction of Salvador Dali
Salvador Dalí
Salvador Domènec Felip Jacint Dalí i Domènech, Marquis de Púbol , commonly known as Salvador Dalí , was a prominent Spanish Catalan surrealist painter born in Figueres,Spain....
's "Geopoliticus Child Watching the Birth of the New Man"
Reception
Writing for Allmusic, critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine wrote of the album "The record was another collection of mediocre songs—a problem that plagued the band ever since the departure of Joe WalshJoe Walsh
Joseph Fidler "Joe" Walsh is an American musician, songwriter, record producer, and actor. He has been a member of three commercially successful bands, the James Gang, Barnstorm, and the Eagles, and has experienced notable success as a solo artist and prolific session musician, especially with B.B...
in 1971."
Track listing
All songs by Bubba Keith & Richard Shack, except where noted.- "Merry-Go-Round" – 3:05
- "Gonna Get By" (Bubba Keith, Mark Smith) – 3:59
- "Earthshaker" (Keith) – 3:48
- "All I Have" – 2:17
- "Watch It" (Keith) – 3:32
- "Driftin' Dreamer" – 3:31
- "Shoulda' Seen Your Face" – 3:46
- "Come With Me" – 2:30
- "Heartbreak HotelHeartbreak Hotel"Heartbreak Hotel" is a song recorded by American rock and roll musician Elvis Presley. It was released as a single on January 27, 1956, Presley's first on his new record label RCA Victor. His first number-one pop record, "Heartbreak Hotel" topped Billboards Top 100 chart, became his first...
" (Mae Boren AxtonMae Boren AxtonMae Boren Axton was known in the music industry as the 'Queen Mother of Nashville'...
, Tommy Durden, Elvis PresleyElvis PresleyElvis Aaron Presley was one of the most popular American singers of the 20th century. A cultural icon, he is widely known by the single name Elvis. He is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll" or simply "the King"....
) – 2:15 - "Red Satin Lover" – 2:17
- "Cold Wind" – 2:34
Personnel
- Bubba Keith – guitars, vocals
- Richard Shack – guitars, vocals
- Dale Peters – bass guitar, percussion, vocals
- Jim FoxJim Fox (drummer)Jim Fox is a musician best known as the drummer and organist of the James Gang, as well as the band's founder and its namesake. He is the only member of the group to appear in every incarnation of the band...
– drums, percussion, keyboards, vocals - Al PerkinsAl PerkinsAl Perkins is a Texas-born American guitarist. The Gibson guitar company called Perkins "the world's most influential Dobro player", and even began producing an "Al Perkins Signature" Dobro in 2001 - designed and autographed by Perkins....
– guitars - David BriggsDavid Briggs (American musician)David Briggs is an American keyboardist, record producer, arranger, composer and studio owner....
– keyboards - Kenneth Hamann – keyboards, synthesizer
- Don Brooks – harmonica
- George Ricci – cello
Charts
| Year | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 1975 | Pop Albums | 97 |