Luna Sea

Way back in 1985 the Byrds Tribute Band arrived in Norfolk, Virginia for what turned out to be an Amazing Show.

About halfway through the Concert drummer Michael Clarke introduced his friend Rick Roberts and out to the stage with only an acoustic guitar the great man bounced. I was right down front and like a Eighties Booberoo, I yelled out "So Long", Rick turned my way, gave me a big smile and launched right into "Just Remember I Love You"... Mouths dropped. All bloodshot eyes focused, Even the Waitresses shut up. Of a night of Amazing Music Rick Roberts shone through like a Diamond in a Coal Field. He could have ran for King of the Planet that night, he was that good.

This was the first thing by this Group I had bought. The first Record "Firefall" had been a huge sucess and I had heard "Cinderella" & 'Mexico" on the Radio but I did bybass that record for some reason. In the summer of 77 I spotted record No. 2 "Luna Sea" in the record bin and picked this one up ($5.99) I had not heard a note of this second release on the Radio yet.

"So Long" is the opener and it's a stunner, this is a GREAT Rock song, this Band could Rock and this is the Proof. Over- looked as a single still it stands as one of the best pieces of Music Produced in the 1970's. I would have enjoyed to have had Firefall continue in this direction but it seems their Record Company was pushing them more to the Ballads which translated to big Radio Plays and Big Bucks.

This is why Track Two, "Just Remember I Love You" was the Single from this record that is best remembered and it topped at No.11 on the Pops Charts.

Other songs overlooked at the time shine here such Larry Burnett's great rocker "Sold On You" in which Rick and Larry share the Vocals and twist the style and tempo back and forth (But Larry wins on this one, it's his song). "Someday Soon" yet another big ballad from Rick is Perfect, This was not a Single but it could have been...Another Gem.

"Just Think" by Larry is Da Bluze and another showcase for some Great Guitar playing from a Band not remembered for this sort of thing. This was a Highlight on stage for Firefall Concerts of 77 & 78...Don't overlook what Larry brought to this band as he had the Fire and by the laughter at the end the band was having big fun here.

"Getawy" continues in the Rock Mode as does "Head On Home" and "Only a Fool" & "Piece of Paper" are lighter acoustic pieces. The closer "Even Steven" has some silly Lyrics but it sure is a catchy Tune...Great Melody.

This Rhino Release has added four Bonus Songs from "Tropical Nights" the Original planned 2nd Record that was scrapped mid way through when the concept was changed to "Luna Sea". The track "Tropical Night' sounds like it's right outta "Pet Sounds" (Beach Boys circa 1966) it's a sleepy Experimental number, Pretty but it seems unfinished. The instrumental "Rainforest" is very Classical and it is mixed right into a great Larry Rocker called "Ya Never Know"...Whew, this is serious stuff here, No Kidding, Now I'm wondering if there is more of this project in the vaults and if it COULD be released. "Luna Sea" could be done up as an "Deluxe" 2 Disc Set. Let's hope... Oh, yeah there's the Roberts track "Over You" which is alot like "So Long" and it Bookends this version of "Luna Sea".

For me "Luna Sea" & "Elan" are the two best Records from this Great Band, But I can't understand why there is not a Box Set (at least 4 CD's) for the "Firefaithfuls....SIGH.

This album is just as strong as their first outing, with standout tracks including So Long, Just Remember I Love You and Sold On You. It's a pity there are no sound bites to listen to, but if you liked the first album, just buy it! Try and find the Rhino re-issue with three bonus tracks and great liner notes.

In my opinion, internal squabbling, substance abuse and perhaps just plain lack of a break, prevented these guys from being as big as the Eagles. This album, along with the following Elan and Undertow albums are fantastic examples of songwriting craft, tight harmonies and superb musicianship. Get 'em all!!

Rick Robert's more softer tunes mixed with Larry Burnett's often edgier versions make this cd one that never becomes tiring. These guys can sing, and there is no tradeoff when the other takes the lead role. With the frequent addition of horns and flute, Firefall's sound is unmistakable and a breath of fresh air.