Albums That Matter: Memories of Music that Made a Difference
by Anthony J.W. Benson

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Music has infiltrated my life in so many ways. And certain albums (and there are MANY) have made a significant impression on me—impacting my life in various ways. One of those seminal albums I can’t live without is Three Dog Night’s “Around the World with Three Dog Night”.

This is the band that, on previous albums, turned me onto the amazing songwriting talents of Bernie Taupin and Elton John, Paul Williams, Laura Nyro, Hoyt Axton, Harry Nilsson, Randy Newman and many more.

But this new LIVE album was more than a live version of their hits, of which there were many (Mama Told Me (Not To Come), Joy to The World, Black And White, Easy To Be Hard, An Old Fashioned Love Song, One, Never Been To Spain, Liar, Eli’s Coming, The Family Of Man, Out In The Country, One Man Band, Pieces Of April). There was a special vibrancy, a tactile feeling I experienced which rivaled and exceeded the many live performance of theirs I had the pleasure of attending.

This was a band who had three amazing lead singers—Chuck Negron, Cory Well and Danny Hutton—all in their prime during this tour throughout Asia and Europe. “Around the World with Three Dog Night”, their second live album (the first was “Live at the Forum”) showcased a band that really was locked in musically and knew how to really rock these popular radio friendly songs into a new heightened, more realized and rawer sound.

One the best tracks is a blistering version of “Midnight Runaway” featuring one of the, arguably, best rock vocalists ever in Chuck Negron. This is truly a remarkable live version of a non-hit featuring a powerhouse vocal. Check it out.

Other notable performances are of a little know song “Going in Circles”, from the movie soundtrack X, Y & Z., a beautiful song that really highlights the three part harmonies they are famous for.

Of course their are the obligatory rock concert drum and keyboard solos. Performed by Floyd Sneed (Drums) and Jimmy Greenspoon (Keys) these were far from obligatory performances, as they showcased two of music’s stellar musicians doing what they do best and taking these solo moments to new levels.

This album, had and still has, it all – the hits, amazing performances, the live experience and GREAT songs. (Plus a great well-designed double LP filled with behind the scenes and life on the road/concert photos)

What else could a kid (or adult ) ask for?

Whatever it is that hits you when discovering or listening to an album, new or old—the performance, the writing, the vibe, the songs, etc., certain albums have found their home with us and can never leave.

For me, “Around the World with Three Dog Night” is one of those special albums.

What’s yours?

© Anthony J.W. Benson/injoi Music 2009

From my earliest memories, I have been a fan of music. All types, all styles all decibel levels. It has always spoken to me in a way that I could hear a specific Aural Language that could always reach me—connect with me—thus creating a very life-long and special and deeply fulfilling interactive relationship.

As indicated elsewhere on this site, I have been involved with music for a very long time and have always been a champion for it and the unique individuals and groups that create it. It has been a consistent passion and pleasure of mine to turn others on to what has musically turned me on.

This music review blog is a rebirth of sorts (I have had previous columns in various publications) and its renews my interest to interest you the reader in what is currently catching my ear. I hope you enjoy reading this blog and more importantly the music it heralds. Stay tuned for my new reviews… In the interim you can read the Archives for older reviews

injoi,

Anthony