 |  | Journeyman, NOT mediocrity! |  |
I've always thought that Peter Frampton was one of those guys who was simply not cut out to be a superstar. Prior to his 15 minutes of fame with FRAMPTON COMES ALIVE, he was touring regularly on the mid-level concert circuit and putting out nice, solid but not particularly incendiary albums that sold respectably. And while I don't begrudge him the sucess that FCA gave him, the fallout from it--endless touring, bad management descisions and slapdash promotional work that left him little time to prepare a proper follow-up--managed to fry him and thoroughly deep-six his upward momentum. People choke with laughter now when they hear his name, but the truth is that a lot of those pre-FCA albums were solid pieces of work, not earth shattering but consistantly enjoyable.
SOMETHING'S HAPPENING is pretty much centered around Frampton jamming with his band. What makes the album work are the rhythms and the virtuoso playing as opposed to the songwriting, which is rather flaccid in the lyric department. Frampton is one of the best guitarists in rock and his playing here soars and glides rather than burns and scorches. By far the standout track here is the last one, "Sail Away" where the soaring really takes full wing: Frampton's playing is complimented nicely by some graceful piano work from the late Nicky Hopkins. But the whole album has that grace to it: Even the more hard-edged "Magic Moon (Da Da Da Da Da!)" has blunt but very apparent edges to it, not searing but specific.
Peter Frampton's next album, FRAMPTON, upped the ante on songcraft, but SOMETHING'S HAPPENING went a long way towards building a respectable foundation for his later sucess. Remains a great, endlessly playable album today, and, for me, playable out-ranks blockbuster any day of the week. January 28, 2002
| | | Experimental Frampton album featuring a memorable classic | |
After two solo albums which established Peter Frampton's brand of R&B flavoured soft rock, this third album was something of a departure, and a move into a less commercial and more individual style. The four-piece band of the 'Camel' album was now down to three, with Frampton taking over keyboard duties after the departure of Mick Gallagher - although session pianist Nicky Hopkins contributes to two songs. The general feel is rhythmic, rocky and raw, and the album is quite experimental in character, with vocals and instruments awash with studio sound effects, including a very early guitar synthesizer. It gives the impression of being deliberately unconventional, and certainly the contrast with the more 'poppy' and commercially successful subsequent album 'Frampton' is marked. However, this is not to devalue 'Something's happening', which features the original versions of some songs which later became high points of Frampton's hit 1976 live album, namely 'Doobie wah', 'I wanna go to the sun' and the title track. The lead guitar work is interesting throughout, and made a considerable impression on me when I first heard the record soon after its release, but far and away the highlight is the classic 'Waterfall', in which Peter plays some of his most lyrical guitar solos, and which I feel is one of the best tracks he has ever recorded.
July 18, 2001 | | The peak before the fall. | |
In the summer of 1974, at our beach house in Ortley Beach, NJ, this record was a fixture on the turntable. These fantastic Frampton tunes are so permanently etched in my mind and it is a real treat to have them now on CD. The recording quality on the original LP was a bit muddy and echoey and unfortunately to some degree the same is found on the CD. This would be the only reason I gave this disc 4 stars instead of 5, since each and every song is strong and memorable.
This disc finds Pete returning to more of a harder rock format as compared to his softer and mellower previous Camel release. The hooks and riffs on the entire disc are so unique and memorable as is of course Pete's guitar work. Hard to really pick a standout, but Doobie Wah, Golden Goose, Somethin's Happening and Sail Away are phenomenal.
I saw Pete live in concert both with the Pie and about 6 times during his solo career. Actually the last time I saw him come to think of it was Feb 14th 1976 at the Capital Theatre in Passiac, NJ. 7th row center. 25 years ago to the day!! I'll never forget it. He was great in his prime. Sorry to say however, after this release Pete's musical direction seemed to lead down more of a "pop" or "bubble-gum" path.
This disc, Wind of Change and Camel are all worth the purchase. February 15, 2001
I was lucky enough to be turned on to Frampton's music before FCA came out and this was my favorite studio effort. There's a bit of anger in his voice on some tracks and his guitar playing is multi-layered and excellent. Golden Goose, Magic Moon, and Underhand 3 of my favorite Frampton songs of all time and the rhythm section here is probably the best he ever had, very tight and funky. Nice keyboard work too. Very musical and energetic effort.
February 1, 2001| | | Somethin's Happening All Over Again (Deja Vu?) | |
When FCA came out, I was 16 and had already been playing guitar for ten years. The Beatles hooked me into RNR when I saw them on Sullivan. Frampton's sense of melody, both as a writer and guitar player hooked me once again. Somethin's Happening was the next Frampton album I bought after the live album. Although it is a great stand alone record (albiet less than perfect production) his talents shine through. But I almost wish I heard FCA *after* the studio albums, because the live versions of his songs are so damn incredible. I absolutely love the aural setting for "Waterfall".
December 7, 2000More reviews at Amazon.com ...
