Bernie Marsden Working Man
It's a bittersweet task being asked to review this album. You see, Bernie Marsden was the reason I picked up a guitar. Those early Whitesnake albums and gigs are still some of my favourite experiences and there was something instantly likeable about him and the songs he wrote just struck a chord with me (pun intended). Turns out Bernie lived fairly local to me to I was lucky enough to meet him and see him play some intimate locally advertised gigs several times. He noticed that a friend of mine who also lived near him had ordered a signed copy of his book, so he just popped round with it himself. A nice touch I thought.
In the wake of Bernie’s passing, the music community has shown an incredible outpouring of love. Planet Rockstock has renamed its main stage The Bernie Marsden Stage in his honor and the Steelhouse Festival will pay tribute with the opening night dubbed #Berniefest. Bernie's special connection with the Steelhouse Festival is evident, as his performances and guest appearances over the years have consistently garnered widespread adulation from the Steelhouse faithful.
...anyway this isn't an obituary it's an album review... Bernie Marsden: Working Man
First play through, I thought that the 12 brand new Bernie penned tracks were good. The kind of songs that are timeless... they could appear on compilations from 70s, 80s right up to 2020's and not sound of place. I've no idea how he managed that!
Second play and I'm loving some of these, possibly his best work outside of Whitesnake.
Being Famous is a beauty of an opening track about life on the road.. Midtown brings to mind those other UK rock stalwarts Thunder.
Longtime immediately made me think of the old Cat Stevens "Father and Son" track.
Invisible is a fantastic songs that grows in stature each time it's played - possibly my favourite track on the album, although the bluesy Bad Reputation might be a contender (If Bonamassa doesn't cover this on his next album there's going to be trouble)
I'm not going to list them all out here, suffice to say that there is not a duff track on here. They are all just nicely crafted, timeless songs comprising of some tasteful guitar and heartfelt vocals.
The limited first pressing of the LP & CD comes with a special, bonus disc of 10 more new recordings including some alternate interpretations of Whitesnake classics.
Working Man' stands as a testament to Bernie Marsden's enduring creativity, showcasing his songwriting and recording prowess at its peak until the very end.
Bernie Marsden's 'Working Man' album will be released posthumously and will be available on all platforms from December 8th, 2023.
Fans can secure their copy of 'Working Man' and enjoy additional perks by pre-ordering the album, which comes with special Bernie Marsden collector's cards. As an added bonus, pre-orders also enter fans into a drawing for a chance to win one of five signed lithographic prints. order now at https://berniemarsden.tmstor.es/.
Bernie Marsden – Working Man
Limited Edition Double CD
Disc One
1 Being Famous
2 Midtown
3 Longtime
4 Invisible
5 Son I've Never Known
6 Steelhouse Mountain
7 Working Man
8 Valentine's Day
9 Savannah
10 Bad Reputation
11 You Know
12 The Pearl
Disc Two (Bonus Disc)
1 Look At Me Now
2 Midnight Believer
3 Who's Fooling Who
4 Just Don't Have The Time
5 Foolish Day
6 Here I Go Again
7 Ain't No Love In The Heart of The City
8 Til The Day I Die
9 Time Is Right For Love
10 Come On In My Kitchen
Limited Edition Double LP
Side A
1 Being Famous
2 Midtown
3 Longtime
4 Invisible
5 Son I've Never Known
6 Steelhouse Mountain
Side B
1 Working Man
2 Valentine's Day
3 Savannah
4 Bad Reputation
5 You Know
6 The Pearl
Bonus LP
Side C
1 Look At Me Now
2 Midnight Believer
3 Who's Fooling Who
4 Just Don't Have The Time
5 Foolish Day
Side D
1 Here I Go Again
2 Ain't No Love In The Heart of The City
3 Til The Day I Die
4 Time Is Right For Love
5 Come On In My Kitchen
Limited Edition Double CD
Disc One
1 Being Famous
2 Midtown
3 Longtime
4 Invisible
5 Son I've Never Known
6 Steelhouse Mountain
7 Working Man
8 Valentine's Day
9 Savannah
10 Bad Reputation
11 You Know
12 The Pearl
Disc Two (Bonus Disc)
1 Look At Me Now
2 Midnight Believer
3 Who's Fooling Who
4 Just Don't Have The Time
5 Foolish Day
6 Here I Go Again
7 Ain't No Love In The Heart of The City
8 Til The Day I Die
9 Time Is Right For Love
10 Come On In My Kitchen
Limited Edition Double LP
Side A
1 Being Famous
2 Midtown
3 Longtime
4 Invisible
5 Son I've Never Known
6 Steelhouse Mountain
Side B
1 Working Man
2 Valentine's Day
3 Savannah
4 Bad Reputation
5 You Know
6 The Pearl
Bonus LP
Side C
1 Look At Me Now
2 Midnight Believer
3 Who's Fooling Who
4 Just Don't Have The Time
5 Foolish Day
Side D
1 Here I Go Again
2 Ain't No Love In The Heart of The City
3 Til The Day I Die
4 Time Is Right For Love
5 Come On In My Kitchen
NR
Photo used with thanks and credited to Adam Kennedy.
