Frijid Pink/Defrosted by Frijid Pink

21 Jul

Written by Morrice Blackwell
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Frijid Pink typified late '60s Detroit rock. Their self-titled debut was a startling mixture of rock-blues-psychedelic music. A rocking electrifying version of "House of the Rising Sun" charted and garnered a lot of attention for the group. The album cover was a reflection of the culture and artwork of the rock ‘n’ roll times that were gathering a head of steam that would change the world of entertainment forever. I thought of Andy Warhol at first glance of the cover because of the color scheme with bold black and white images and the neon background, Warhol’s pictures were typically the opposite with the same affect.

Side 1 fondly reminded me of the group Cactus, with blues influenced rock and a lead vocalist with strong ruff-around-the-edges pipes built for hard driving white boy blues-rock. Side 2 was a continuation of many high-energy bursts of heavy-duty blues-rock guitar runs backed by a compelling rhythm section. This band brewed a powerful combination of psychedelic-blues-rock, the kind that made a person named Hendrix a legend.

Such a successful debut would be tough to top. Unfortunately, the ominous dark cloud of the sophomore slump beset this fine group. Although "Defrosted" was a good album, the energy and focus of the previous release are lacking and Kelly Green’s vocals seemed forced and too over the top. Somehow, the band lost their hungry edge on this album. Green indeed was a fine vocalist built for blues-rock but I think he tried to compensate for what was lacking on this album with his voice.

Note: The format is 180-Gram Vinyl LPs

Additional Info

Artist / Group Name: Frijid Pink
CD Title: Frijid Pink/Defrosted
Genre: Blues
Year Released: 2002
Reissue Original Release: 1970
Record Label: Akarma Records
Tracks: Frijid Pink Side One God Gave Me You Crying Shame Im on My Way Drivin' Blues Tell Me Why End of the Line Side Two House of the Rising Sun I Want to Be Your Lover Boozin' Blues Bonus Tracks: Heartbreak Hotel Music for the People Defrosted Side One Black Lace Sing a Song For Freedom I'll Never Be Lonely Bye Bye Blues Bonus Tracks: I Love Her Lost Son Side Two Pain In My Heart Sloony I'm Movin' I Haven't Got The Time Bonus Tracks: We're Gonna Be There Shorty Kline'
Musicians: Kelly Green(Vocals/Harmonica), Gary Ray Thompson(Guitar), Thomas Beaudry(Bass), Larry Zelanka(Keyboards), Rick Stevens(Drums);
Label Website: http://www.cometrecords.com
Rating: Four Stars