Hollywood Dream

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Artists: Thunderclap Newman.

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11 customer reviews.  4.5 out of 5 stars.

2000 reissue of classic album (originally issued in 1970) produced by Pete Townshend. Features the hit 'Something In The Air' and six unmarked bonus tracks, 'Something In The Air' (Single Version), 'Wilhelmina', 'Accidents' (Single Version), 'I See It All', 'The Reason' (Single Version) and 'Stormy Petrel'. 18 tracks in all. Also features the original cover art. Polydor.

When "Rolling Stone" magazine first reviewed "Hollywood Dream", it trumpeted the arrival of a new pop music genre: "rag and roll". Well, such lofty assertions never materialized, but lucky us, Thunderclap Newman created a wonderful one-of-a-kind album. The music could be described as "The Who Goes Ragtime" to mid-tempo timing, and if the tunes do remind one of The Who's early rhythm section, it's because Townshend himself plays the bass uncredited. But John "Speedy" Keen is the star here who, as the main writer, singer and multi-instrumentalist, gives Thunderclap's only release its whimsical, carefree feel. His consistent writing has dated elements, but it never devolves completely into hippy values. Andy Newman, the other talented multi-instrumentalist and sole surviving member, provides the disk's nostalgic movements, evoking an authoritative visitation of Hollywood's Gilded Age. The other star member, precocious Jimmy McCulloch, who at 15 years of age is already playing with the ferocity of those in established bands, provides Thunderclap's edge and keeps the disk driving at a good clip. This music is not psychedelic, but is definitely a product of its time. It's also one of the few albums from the time that isn't overtly dark and issue-laden. The lead single is the obvious standout, but I'd like to cherish the merits of "Accidents", "Open the Door, Homer", "The Reason", and "Hollywood Dream (instrumental)". It's a bummer that Thunderclap Newman only gave us a handful of live dates and a short list of studio recordings of the type of music that other bigger bands such as The Beatles and The Stones only hinted at. Buy this disk because it's tasteful music: a confident marriage of ragtime and hard pop that really works well together.

If this is a remaster, it's not a very good job. Very little improvement.
Playing it back to back against the 1991 domestic cd, the domestic original sounds almost as good.
On the other hand, the domestic version is pretty hard to find in good condition, so if you don't have this... Get it any way you can!

This album ranks in my top 5 CDs of all time. Every song is a classic and I guarantee that you'll be humming tunes from this effort for many, many days after listening to it.

Paul

This is really a great ablum all the way through. Even "Somthings.." B-side, "Wilhelmina" is a sleeper. I don't know if I like the single or album version of "Accidents" better. Even though both of the songs are technically the same, they are still two completely different songs. Floating around out there somewhere is a "Top of the Pops" episode (I believe its "Top of the Pops") of the band performing (1960's TV Lip syncing) "Something in the Air." Complete with 2 circular outside boarders (framing the band on stage) rotating in opposite directions, the outside reading: Thunderclap Newman and the inside reading: "Something in the Air" B/W "Wilhelmina." I hope that made some sense, if you were to see it, you'd understand.

thunderclap newman were a talented trio of musicians, whose sole album was produced by the who's pete townshend. speedy keen on drums and vocals, multi-instrumentalist andy newman (who played piano, saxophone, and evidentally about anything), and young guitar phenomenon jimmy mcculloch (who went on to play with paul mccartney's group wings), make a fine mix of talent on this album. keen's singing style is slightly reminiscent of pete townshend's, and it would seem that mr townshend had a heavy hand in things here, because this does feel something like a townshend solo record. the arrangements on these fine songs are fresh and inventive, very pleasing on the ears,and mcculloch's excellent guitar work has a rich tone to it that really stands out. "something in the air," is the song that most music fanatics will be familiar with; it is simply a classic anthem of its era. many fine songs here, though. "hollywood," "look around," and "wild country," are especially outstanding. i highly recommend this musical artifact from the early 70's.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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