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British Lions — British Lions
(Think Like a Key TLAK1161, 1978/2023, 2CD)

by Henry Schneider, Published 2024-09-12

British Lions Cover art

It is 1978 and out of the remnants of Medicine Head (John Fiddler) and Mott the Hoople (Buffin, Overend Watts, and Morgan Fisher),  British Lions was born and lasted about a year. They toured Britain extensively as support to Status Quo and AC/DC, but were more successful in America. They released two studio albums, their self-titled debut and Trouble with Women, with little commercial success in the UK. Trouble with Women was rejected by RSO and then by Vertigo, leading to the group disbanding in 1979. It is small wonder why: British Lions summed up the doldrums of rock in the late 70s, as can be seen on the studio tracks on their debut. In spite of Morgan Fisher’s excellent keyboard chops, the album leaves me falling flat. The album feels like the band is just trying too hard to be relevant at the end of the classic rock period, the result being that it has no lasting value. This double CD reissue consists of the original album, restored by Prof. Stoned, four demo tracks, and their 1978 live performance at the Old Waldorf in San Francisco. What you hear on the studio album are ties back to Mott the Hoople’s “All the Young Dudes,” elements of Meatloaf and Bo Diddley, and hints of Bruce Springsteen. The only track worthy of notice on the studio album is the slow burn “Big Drift Away” that ultimately grabs you by the throat with Morgan’s wild piano playing. The demo tracks do not add anything to the release, and in point of fact two of the demos, “Can’t Get Over You” and “Long Distance Love,” sound like Stevie Nicks era Fleetwood Mac rejects that do not fit in with the rest of the music on this reissue. In contrast, the British Lions were a far superior live band, which they could not capture in the studio. They do sound like they are trying to fill the absence of Ian Hunter. The only saving grace is Morgan Fisher and his keyboard arsenal. The raw energy of the band and Fiddler’s vocals can be a bit overwhelming. Some of the high points from the concert are “Love Now,” “Break This Fool,” the surprising drum solo in the middle of “Booster,” and the “Medley:  So You Want to Be a Rock n Roll Star / It’s Only Rock n Roll / Pretty Vacant” where the sonic distortion butchers The Byrds’ classic song only to be saved by Morgan inserting the “Tequila” riff and ultimately his jazzy tinkling on the ivories. This must have been an extremely exhausting experience for both the British Lions and the audience. Not sure if this album was worth reissuing, but if you are a fan of late 70s classic rock, you might find it album of interest.

Filed under: Reissues, 2023 releases, 1978 recordings

Related artist(s): Morgan Fisher, British Lions

More info
http://www.thinklikeakey.com/release/412456-british-lions-british-lions-roaring-edition

 

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