MICK RALPHS – Take This!

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Mick Ralphs, guitarist with ‘Mott The Hoople’ and ‘Bad Company’ originally released ‘Take This’ in 1984 and this re-issue by Angel Air contains ten bonus tracks of previously unreleased material and working mix/demo’s of the original album…

…he is one hell of a guitarist and his album highlights his controlled but restrained style to perfection…

Ostensibly a rock album but with some blues roots showing this album is as valid today as it was in 1984 and is another excellent release by Angel Air. Interesting sleeve notes and an extensive discography make worthwhile reading.

Terry Craven, “Wondrous Stories”


..Angel Air have added ten bonus tracks to their reissue, including two unreleased songs (‘All Along The Nile’ and ‘Rock n Roller’), along with eight ‘working mixes’ of the album tracks. The working mixes are interesting, and some might argue are occasionally better than the finished versions. The working mix of ‘Give You My Love’ lacks the lead guitar, giving the song a completely different, hypnotic feel. The early version of ‘On The Run’ has a different vocal…that changes the track substantially.

“Just A Buzz”


Strangely overlooked at the time of release, the set was an excellent collection of solid rock, boasting some of Ralphs’ best guitar work in years, and some great songs as well. This package, however, goes way beyond the call of duty by serving up what amounts to an alternate version of the album, as ten bonus tracks unearth alternate takes, working mixes and a couple of out-takes, while the liner notes document not only the creation of Take This but also the rest of Ralphs’ career. An excellent package.

Jo-Ann Greene, “Goldmine” 15.1.99


…Mick Ralphs is a talented individual with a highly identifiable if not unique blues rock tone. His achievements are numerous and unquestionable…a cornerstone to two of the greatest British rock groups of the ’70s…it’s a welcome change to replace the original vinyl with a highly annotated package that includes extensive sleeve notes and no less than 10 bonus tracks!

Classic Rock, March-April 1999


…The guitar and voice blend in a way that makes this easy to listen to without being sappy…”When The Revolution Comes” is my personal favorite from the record. The guitar solo is the same one that SLASH played on every GUNS AND ROSES record. Ralphs should get royalties from him as well as most of the rest of those eighties guitarists…If you are a fan of MOTT THE HOOPLE or BAD COMPANY you may well feel that this is something that you must have. For everyone else, it is certainly a good place to start on the road to joining the previous group of enthusiasts.

“On The Record” Music America magazine


…showcases Mick’s talent as a writer of songs and not just a riff merchant…but the guitar playing on the album shows that Mick is still one of rock’s most tasteful players…As usual with Angel Air releases the packaging is great with the CD accompanied by a twelve page booklet with unreleased pictures and extensive liner notes…

Keith Smith, Two Miles From Heaven (May 1999)


…similar at times to Bad Company’s music, being quite melodic heavy rock though showing pop sensibilities.

Bernard Law, Wondrous Stories, December 2001

 

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