Man - Slow Motion (1974) [FLAC] {Remaster Bonus Tracks}
Released in October 1974 'Slow Motion' was recorded on familiar territory at Rockfield Studios near Monmouth between July and September that year. The band are stripped down to a four-piece again following the departure of Malcolm Morley at the end of their previous tour of the USA. Rehearsals and writing again took place at Clearwell Castle in Gloucestershire, as they had for 'Rhinos, Winos and Lunatics'. This time however instead of the excitement and optimism of a new band, the group were suffering from what Micky Jones described as "Post American blues", and rehearsals took place in a strange atmosphere with everyone in an odd mood. Deke Leonard also recalls the period with mixed feelings; "The American experience had scratched some profound psychological itch in our souls and each of us had discovered what we were looking for. But, as with any profound itch, scratching only provides temporary relief; the itch returns, now inflamed. We felt displaced and after the wide open spaces we felt mildly claustrophobic."
There is undoubtedly a touch of urban blight which infuses 'Slow Motion' with a more negative vibe than previous releases. Deke Leonard admits being diverted; "Do you know the way you just lose sight of the big picture and you start going down little alley-ways and all that? I started going down this really morbid alley-way which is full of death, disease and real black images." Half the songs seem to be complaints of various descriptions. The tale of Micky and his wife having their possessions stolen from their car whilst on a holiday in Italy is related in 'You Don't Like Us'. In 'Rock And Roll You Out' Deke takes a dig at Pandora's in Swansea, having been denied admission for wearing jeans; "I think it's kinda funny 'cause I made you loads of money, Now you don't want to know me 'cause I'm dirty as coal".
The album has been described as Man's 'Sergeant Pepper' but it's difficult to see the association and perhaps 'Revelation' would more accurately draw the comparison. Despite the doubts that have dogged the album it remains an interesting release. The arrangement for 'Grasshopper' called for plenty of strings, and Ken Whaley recalled the session; "It was a great experience seeing a full orchestra in Olympic Studios putting on the strings - at the command of a bunch of freaks like us!" The two ballads, 'Grasshopper' and 'Rainbow Eyes' were contributed by Deke and Micky respectively, and serve to lighten the blend. A personal favourite is the often overlooked 'One More Chance' a slice of typical Leonard morbidity full of broken-legged dancers, rainy days, crucifictions, and its delightfully paranoid hook-line "I need a knife in every back". Thankfully the duelling guitar solos suggest it's not meant to be taken too seriously.
The cover was designed by the late Rick Griffin, an american artist whose work had been featured on numerous West Coast sleeves, most notably those of Quicksilver Messenger Service. As with several previous Man sleeves the end result wasn't quite what had been expected. Griffin was given only the title to work with and came up with a design that prominently featured the Mad magazine character Alfred E. Neuman, holding a fish from which the water was dripping off as though in slow motion. Mad magazine objected, and the painting was narrowed down to just the fish. The UAG prefix to the record's catalogue number shows that it was originally to be released in a gatefold sleeve, but with the reduction in scale there seemed little point. The full painting can be seen in Roger Dean's 'Album Cover Album', but remains another lost opportunity. Deke remains philosophical as always; "It was done purely as a test for Griffin really, to put him through his paces. He's a very weird chap, we met him and he's got hair growing out of his face in funny places and he's very quiet."
Originally released in 1974, Slow Motion was another classic album in the catalogue of Welsh rock legends, Man. Touring extensively to support the record, Man delivered a stunning series of concerts and made a triumphant return to the USA early the following year. As part of Esoteric s reissue programme of the MAN catalogue we are proud to present the re-mastered album and with a selection of studio out-takes and four previously unreleased live tracks recorded in California in May 1975. With superbly re-mastered sound and lavish booklet with notes by Man s Deke Leonard, this is yet another essential release for fans of Man.
Hard Way To Die / Grasshopper / Rock And Roll You Out / You Don't Like Us / Bedtime Bone / One More Chance / Rainbow Eyes /Day And Night / Previously unreleased bonus tracks- Grasshopper (First Mix) / Rock And Roll You Out (First Mix) / Hard Way To Die (B-Side Of Single) / Somebody's Calling (Live 1975) / Many Are Called, But Few Get Up (Live 1975) / a hard way to live (live 1975)
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