First Base was British hard rock group Babe Ruth's biggest success, both in terms of popular and critical acclaim. This LP defined an interesting junction between hard rock and progressive rock. The two driving forces behind this album were guitarist Alan Shackloc, who wrote most of the material, and vocalist Janita Haan, who came out as the perfect balance between Janis Joplin and Robert Plant. The album contained "The Mexican," the band's classic song which also includes a theme by western soundtrack composer Ennio Morricone ("Per Qualche Dollaro in Piu"). Other highlights include the powerful rock number "Wells Fargo," the sweet-and-sour "Black Dog" (with nice piano work by Dave Punshon), and a surprising rendition of Frank Zappa's "King Kong." The strings and oboe arrangements in "The Runaways" don't work as well, but at least they don't get pompous. With its long songs (six to eight minutes) and lush arrangements, First Base seduced both the hard rock and the progressive rock crowds. The album cover was painted by Roger Dean, who illustrated many Yes albums. ~ François Couture, All Music Guide Tracks :
1. Wells Fargo
2. Runaways
3. King Kong
4. Black Dog
5. Mexican
6. Joker
Progressive Euro-rockers Babe Ruth inhabit the same country AA bands as Renaissance and Illusion, but they tend to lean more towards R&B and less towards the classical aspects. Amar Caballero has a little of both, along with good ol' rock & roll. Here, they cover the Capitols' "Cool Jerk," and do a fine job of it, too. Other highlights include "Lady" and the lengthy title cut. If you can sink your teeth into music that has a rock edge tinged with classical leanings, all wrapped up in a thin coating of R&B, then check out Babe Ruth's Amar Caballero. It will be rewarding. ~ James Chrispell, All Music Guide
Tracks :
1. Lady
2. Broken Cloud
3. Gimme Some Leg
4. Baby Pride
5. Cool Jerk
6. We Are Holding On
7. Doctor Love
8. Amar Caballero:
- a. El Caballero De La Reina Isabella
- b. Hombre De La Guitarra
- c. El Testament De Amelia
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What absolutely killed me about Amar Caballero was its ECLECTICISM and AUDACITY. Wasn't anyone else BLOWN AWAY by all the American soul/R&B influences and bizarre blatant sexual subject matter??? I'm talking about a song about getting picked up and raped (Gimme Some Leg) and bisexuality presented with a heavy dose of Sly/Family Stone funk (Doctor Love)! How about the Tower of Power-esque horn section on Cool Jerk (what an absolute KILLER cover!!!) and Doctor Love? Lady: Was there ever a cooler (FREEZING) jazz tune ever written--whatever the hell the lyrics were about? Elusive, enigmatic and in your face: Babe Ruth. BRAVO!!!
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