Rare Bird

Label: Polydor
Country: UK
Released: 1974
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Release Overview

Rare Bird's fifth studio album, Born Again, was released in May 1974 under the Polydor label, catalog number 2383 274. This album marks the band's last effort before their disbandment in 1975. Recorded at Polydor Studios and Basing Street Studios in London, Born Again showcases an evolution in the band's sound. It features a blend of rock, funk rock, and blue-eyed soul, reflecting the influences of the era.

Musical Composition

The album consists of ten tracks that highlight the band's artistic growth. The opening track, "Body And Soul," sets a funky tone with prominent clavinet and synthesizer elements. Steve Gould's lead vocals and guitar work are complemented by Dave Kaffinetti's diverse keyboard arrangements, which include the Fender Rhodes and Hammond organ. Tracks like "Live For Each Other" and "Diamonds" display sophisticated melodic structures, while "Peace Of Mind" serves as a soulful ballad showcasing the band's harmonic prowess.

Recording and Production

Born Again was co-produced by Steve Gould, who also contributed to the album's composition. Andrew Curtis and Peter Rice joined him in the production process. The engineering team, consisting of Brian Humphries and Andy Curtis, played a crucial role in capturing the album's sound. The cover art features an illustration by Jan Mark and photography by Joe Gaffney, adding a visual element to the album's identity.

Track Highlights

Among the standout tracks, "Last Tango In Belulah" serves as a dramatic progressive rock finale, lasting 6:27 minutes. This lengthy composition encapsulates the band’s intricate arrangements and musical depth. Other tracks, such as "Harlem" and "Lonely Street," further illustrate the band's ability to merge various genres seamlessly. The album reflects a sophisticated blend of styles, appealing to fans of rock and soul alike.

Final Notes

Rare Bird's Born Again was issued on vinyl in the UK in May 1974.

Tracklist

A1	Body And Soul Written-By – CammWritten-By – Gould	3:10
A2	Live For Each Other Written-By – Ashton*	2:56
A3	Diamonds Written-By – KaffinettiWritten-By – KellyWritten-By – Gould*	4:08
A4	Reaching You Written-By – KaffinettiWritten-By – KellyWritten-By – Gould*	3:31
A5	All That I Need Written-By – KaffinettiWritten-By – KellyWritten-By – Gould*	3:58
B1	Redman Written-By – CurtisWritten-By – KaffinettiWritten-By – KellyWritten-By – HallWritten-By – Gould*	3:43
B2	Peace Of Mind Written-By – KaffinettiWritten-By – KellyWritten-By – Gould*	5:24
B3	Harlem Written-By – KaffinettiWritten-By – KellyWritten-By – CammWritten-By – Gould	3:23
B4	Lonely Street Written-By – KaffinettiWritten-By – KellyWritten-By – CammWritten-By – Gould	3:13
B5	Last Tango In Beulah Electric Piano – Steve GouldWritten-By – KaffinettiWritten-By – KellyWritten-By – Gould*	6:27

Credits

Art Direction – Vincent McEvoy
Bass [Fender] – Andy Rae
Drums, Percussion, Harmony Vocals – Fred Kelly
Engineer [Director Of Engineering And Inspiration] – Carlos Olms
Harmony Vocals – Kevin Lamb
Illustration – Jan Mark
Lead Vocals, Guitar, Bass [Overdubs], Producer – Steve Gould
Photography By – Joe Gaffney
Piano, Electric Piano, Clavinet, Organ [Hammond], Synthesizer [Korg], Harmony Vocals – Dave Kaffinetti
Producer – Andrew Curtis
Producer – Peter Rice