By Logan Fairchild
Sept. 29, 1972, saw the release of rock band Manfred Mann’s Earth Band’s latest album, “Glorified Magnified.” Odds are you’ve heard this band before and didn’t realize it. Their most famous song, a cover of Springsteen’s “Blinded by the Light,” was a mega-hit, but they have plenty of other works to be revered.
Manfred Mann was an English rock band formed by their South African leader, Manfred Mann. The band was initially created in 1971, just one year before the release of this album, but took a short four-year break between 1987 and 1991. To this day, they are still performing.
“Glorified Magnified” is their second studio album and, in my opinion, is an absolute banger. Solid, heavy rock that can undoubtedly make you groove. The first song, “Meat,” is not necessarily the cream of the crop when it comes to lyrics, but the melody and rhythm will immediately draw you in. The occasional use of a duck quack throughout the song really highlights the chaotic essence. Mick Rogers’ guitar sings in a way almost reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix, wherein the lyrics don’t matter because the guitar is telling you the story.
Another highlight on the album is “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue,” originally written and performed by Bob Dylan in 1965. It is a song about coming to terms with changes in your life. Mann’s version adds a little more rock ‘n roll, stepping further away from Dylan’s original folk version, yet still ends up as the mellow track on this album. It is an absolutely beautiful addition to this album.
The final song I’ll mention is “Our Friend George.” A rocker that kicks in with a killer guitar riff and a keyboard solo towards the end. The lyrics are self-explanatory, but the hard beat and Rogers’ cutting guitar make this song stand out.
All in all, it’s a great album without a single bad song. It’s no wonder this band is still around 51 years later. And with this being the 50th anniversary of “Glorified Magnified,” there is no better time than now to check it out!
