Hello again my bronies. It's time again! The review where the music is hit and miss and my thoughts don't matter. I thought about changing things up again. Maybe searching through my stacks of records for something that people might want to know about. I have plenty of popular albums, ones that are mentioned quite often elsewhere in the forums. Once I got to my stacks I took one look and my mind was made up.

Nnnope.

Too lazy. Besides, all of the popular albums have been done a million times already. Maybe I have some hidden gems deep in here, maybe I have a pile of shit. Only one way to find out...

The album that has made it's way to the top of the stack is... The Roaring Silence by Manfred Mann's Earth Band!!! (applause). Yeah, I meh'd as well. OK interbutts, what can you say about this one?

Huh, I expected more. It was released in August 1976, it features a new lead singer, and had a number 1 hit. That's about it. Ok, what I know about it is that it was released twice. Once in August 1976, the second time was sometime in 1977. Why? They had another hit single. Their next album wasn't due for another year so they just tacked it on to this one and reissued it. That means most vinyl copies are the reissue, which is what I have. Next up, my thoughtful art insights.

This cover can't be serious. It has to be making fun of art. This cover reminds me of the King of the Hill episodes that involve art and art accessories. It's just too stupid. It's an ear, with a mouth in the hole. The title of the album and the band's logo is carved into what I can only assume is some poor bastards head. But that's not what I find hilarious. The ear and mouth is just too perfect. You know some asshole out there thinks it's a deep statement on war or famine or... Screw it. I'm bored. Moving on!. The original covers were a peach color. The reissues are bluish grey, and has the names of it's 2 singles in full tacky funkadelic colors on the top. Back cover! 5 circles. Each one with the face and name of a band member carved into it. A bunch of black letter saying who, what, when, where, why. That's it. Lame ass back cover and an artsy front cover. If you're one of those art types, you may like an original copy on your way. Otherwise, leave it on the shelf. Let's pop this fucker in and see what we got.

Blinded by the Light: Ho yeah! Wrapped up like a douche! I don't care what anyone says, that's the real lyric right there! I love this song. I didn't know this was a Springsteen song for many years. On a related note, I have exactly 0 Springsteen albums. I have never and probably never will like his music. He can write well, but can't perform. The exact same goes for Bob Dylan. FYI. Oh, I forgot they made a single cut of this song. I'm listening to the full version. Lots of intrumental stuff. I think I hear some words buried deep in the mix. They're back. Two lead vocals at the same time, some crazy shit here. Hey Manfred Mann finally said something.

Singing the Dolphin Through: Weird name for a song, I usually have bad luck with that. Random wiminz singing the title over and over. Come on now, that's enough. There we go, actual lyrics now! And now back to the title again. Sigh. I can't tell what's more annoying. The repeating title or the sonar ping that keeps going off when they sing it. I think I get it. You know, dolphins and sonar. Wait, I am overthinking this. I don't think this song is even about a damn dolphin. What else can I do? They keep repeating the same thing over and over. Sexophone? OK now, something different! Nope, it's back. Screw this song.

Waiter, There's a Yawn in my Ear: Another weird ass song name. Let's hope this goes well. Yeah, I know. Some strange organ sounds, really strange. The beat has been established! Still organ and hi hat. Some more drums added, but still just organ. I'm thinking this might be an instrumental. Nothing wrong with that. Guitar finally showed up, with a solo. Guitar's gone. Organ and snare now. Guitar's back. Either play or don't, make up your damn mind! OK, random crowd cheer faded in and out. It was better than I expected, but nothing I would put on my phone. Alright, let's flip it!

The Road to Babylon: Starts of with a choir. Not in Engish I see, great way to start this off. Oh, good groove with the bass and drums fade in. It's about war and fighting. Can't go wrong there. Fire! Sing about fire: automatic +1 interbutts. Guitar solo isn't too shabby, lots of bends and shit. This is actually going pretty well. Breaking it down a bit for the main guitar solo, sounds pretty good. Back to the verse! Swords, helmets, and glorious cleansing fire! Dafuq?! The song just stopped! Whatever, I'd seriously check this one out!

Spirit in the Night: This song just sounds like a warm muggy summer night. Is that an orchestra? Indeed. Come on, guitar and violin showdown, come on. It's a love song, but with edge. Short but pretty good, deserving of a single.

This Side of Paradise: Wind chimes? I hate wind chimes. Kind of disco-y. It's about that time in music history, it's possible. Scratch that, it's synth rock/pop. Damn, I was kind of hoping it was disco. I really just can't get into this one. It's not that it's bad, it's just mediocre. It's better than the dolphin song but I wouldn't want it on my phone. Pass.

Starbird: Another choir start. Jazzy drums and bass, alright. Screeching lead guitar, me likey. This thing is full blown electric jazz. I'm liking this one. Hey! There's words now. They're singing about a phoenix, but calling it a starbird. And it just ends quickly. It began good, but fall flat at the end.

Questions: Sad and longing vocals, mmkay... They answered my questions with question? What kind of shit is that? If someone did that to me I'd kick them in the head. This is getting kind of schmaltzy. All brooding and sad sounding. This song is as dense and meaningless as the stupid ass cover. At least it was short.

Well, I've heard worse. The two singles are worth a listen and there are a couple hidden gems in there too. There's also a couple stinkers too. But that's to be expected on an LP. Prices, right... ... Uh... This stupid ass book doesn't list it! What a load! Well it gives $12 for a near mint copy of another album on the Warner Bros. label like this is. So let's go with that. Should you buy it? 3 questions:

Am I a fan of Manfred Mann?

Am I a fan of classic rock?

Is it cheap?

Yes to number 1? It's a must have. Yes to number 2? Combine that yes with another before you buy. Yes to number 3? Get it if it's really cheap, otherwise combine that yes with another before you buy. It's a solid album with 2 hit singles, but the other songs just don't hold up as well. I found mine in the bargain bin and it's worth the buck I paid. OK, I'm out.