More appreciation for Mr. Chaplin. I have been exploring his catalouge of solo work and his contributions to other people's albums over the years. An undeniably talented chap and underappreciated. If you are a fan of his voice or any of his songs with the BB and you haven't looked at his other work, you are cheating only yourself. He has written some great music over the years with a consistent high level of quality, including a brief stint with Brian in 2003, detailed below. If anyone has other recommendations for some great BC work I may have missed, please post!!
Between Us by Blondie Chaplin:
If you don't already own this 2005 CD, it is stellar - pick it up!! A mostly acoustic outing with fine vocals and super lyrics. Very simple and honest production and comes alive with heart and soul - a real testament to his talent. I get alotta miles outta this one - a great 'Sunday morning' album, if you know what I mean. Available only from BigkarmaRecords.com
Figmets by Anton Fig :
Nice 2003 comp album with many guest appearances including Mr. Chaplin and a fella named Brian Wilson. Blondie contributes 3 compositions, all with his own lead vocal. Hand on My Shoulder is a fine song with background vocals and harmonies provided by Brian. There is also a track hidden at the end of the album with Brian's vocals from this song isolated. Definately worth picking up for the Blondie/Brian song but the other two BC songs are his usual high quality work. Nice story of how Brian came to be involved here:
http://www.antonfig.com/brianwilson.htmFragile Thread by Blondie Chaplin - (unreleased):
Excellent 2001 album with fine production. Probably his finest work with some great lyrics. Pick it up if you can find it. There has been consistent talk of a legitamite release but nothing yet. What a shame the album was finished and with such a fine production and then never released. It's the Devil's world...
Ostrich Man by Skollie:
Skollie was a trio with Chaplin, Anton Fig and Keith Lentin - all from Capetown, South Africa. This album was released only in South Africa in 1992 and is oh so hard to find. Solid Chaplin with rockin' songs and lyrics tailored toward the longtime strife of South Africa, but still pertinent to all of us.
Cryin' Heart Blues by Rick Danko:
For a real Beach Boys/Brian Wilson sounding tune, check out Blondie's vocal w/piano only demo Cheating Heart. I swear I can almost hear Carl singing this every time I put it on. It's a real shame Danko sang on the finished version which also appears on this album as Blondies demo is clearly superior. Blondie contributes to this album with a total 3 compositions, 2 of which he sings lead on, and his usual fine guitar/bv work. Worth the price alone just for Blondie's songs but overall this is a good and very listenable album with unreleased tracks dating from 1977-1978. Includes several live tracks with Blondie on guitar and a jammin' live version of the hard rocking Java Blues!!
Blondie Chaplin by Blondie Chaplin:
From my glory days in 1977 and still a jam. I look at it as an exstension of The Flame catalouge with Ricky Fataar handling drumming duties and Chaplin playing all other instruments. Solid little rocker album with a cupla cool, weird sounding guitar solos and great vocals.
In the Groove - Anton Fig VHS:
This drummimg instruction video by Anton Fig includes the live and smokin' performances of 3 songs with Skollie, Blondie on lead vocal and guitar. One of these tracks is off of Ostrich Man and the other two are sadly unreleased but I really doubt studio versions could match these smoking hot performances. Simply fantastic live jams with outstanding Chaplin vocals and great guitar solos. An ultra rare glimpse at Skollie live and must have for real fans - at any price!! I already own my backup copy and wouldn't give either up for the world. Sure wish I knew how to transfer VHS audio to CD...
Some live Blondie footage for further appreciation:
Flames 2000 reunion:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=HQjhHEVWTSY&mode=related&search=Lawyers Guns and Money:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=0sLyaXbTAeMSail on Sailor:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=wLB1bZmVuXU&mode=related&search=Flames%20Flame%20Beach%20Boys%20Blondie%20Chaplin%20Ricky%20Steve%20FataarLong Time Coming:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=wLB1bZmVuXU&mode=related&search=Flames%20Flame%20Beach%20Boys%20Blondie%20Chaplin%20Ricky%20Steve%20FataarGeorge Bush serenade:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=V6u04SuGHNMLuxury:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=eaLfSilYiv0
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