Manfred Mann's Earth Band is a jazz/rock group formed in 1971 by Manfred Mann. The Earth Band's direction was very different from that of Mann's previous group, known simply as Manfred Mann. Mann made a conscious decision to move away from the pop-oriented three-minute format of his former group. The Earth Band was, from a pop perspective, almost deliberately contrary, but combined the stylistic approach of progressive rock with Mann's jazz-influenced Moog synthesizer playing and keen ear for melody.
Mann's interest in English 20th century classical music saw him adapt Gustav Holst's Planets Suite, garnering an unlikely UK hit with a version of the "Jupiter" movement, with lyrics added, entitled "Joybringer". 1973's The Good Earth album tapped into ecological concerns, a recurring theme in Mann's music in later years, giving away a free gift of a piece of land in Wales with each album sold.
The membership of the Earth Band was stable through their first six albums before becoming relatively informal; Mick Rogers originally performed lead guitar and lead vocal duties before being replaced by Chris Thompson on vocals and Dave Flett on guitar. Drumming duties were fulfilled by Chris Slade, who was later to be a member of AC/DC and Asia. Bass player Colin Pattenden, after leaving the Earth Band, became a sound consultant, running his own company designing and installing sound systems. There was much about the Earth Band that was potentially successful, but the contrariness of the band's approach and Mann's perfectionism meant that albums frequently came out with different track listings in different territories, or in alternative versions.
Because this tape is sealed new and we cannot inspect for play-ability, we offer no warranty or guarantees on how well this tape will perform once it is opened and removed from the cellophane package. Because this sealed new 8-track tape is very old, the foam pad and glue on the foil splice most often has a tendency to deteriorate over many years of time. Always inspect and replace if necessary those items before playing any sealed new 8-track tape, or damage to the tape and player may occur.
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