Moss

I guess we are doing the nice first?


Album Title: Thoughts of Emerlist DavJack
Year: 1967

Ok, to start off I have never been a big fan of the Nice. I certainly don't dislike them but they have never been a band I have eagerly sought out. Part of that is I have never really been an ELP fan either. But to be fair I have not dug that deeply in the catalog. I know there is a Nice box set out that is running about $300 that is comprehensive so maybe someday. I just think there were other bands that did it better although to be fair, the Nice may have got there first so deserve some kudos. But I much prefer Fever Tree, early floyd, small faces, etc... Never been a big fan of that big Emerson organ sound.

This is an album that is clearly of it's time, especially something like the title track with the bah, bah, bah poppy stuff. To me the best song on here could be Bonnie K because it rocks. But again, I think Steppenwolf did this stuff better so why spend much time on the Nice? I think Rondo just gets boring after awhile although the musicianship is there. I like War and Peace better and again I think that it's a bot rocker/bluesier sounding so I'm showing my bias. And Emerson really kills on that one.

I sound more negative about this record than I mean to. It's a good listen in the right mood. It gets kudos for taking some chances (something like Tantalising Maggie for instance), for have a good variety, great musicians. I just think Emerson tends to over dominate on everything he is on. I never seem to hear much subtlety from him. He never seems to step back and let others shine. But like I said, I have somewhat avoided his work so am not speaking with much knowledge here, just an impression that could be wrong.

I do like that their name comes from Steve Marriotts term for being high.

Rating: 7/10