RSSRonnie Lane's Slim Chance [extended]
- Ronnie Lane's Slim Chance [A&M, 1975] B+
- Mahoney's Last Stand [Atco, 1976] B-
- Rough Mix [MCA, 1977] A-
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Consumer Guide Reviews:
Ronnie Lane's Slim Chance [A&M, 1975]
Whether moved by the propinquity of their own folk tradition or by some general attraction to the eccentric, English rockers are at ease with a sprightly sloppiness that is usually left to folkies in the U.S.--they know it's rarely enough to be "tight." On this solo debut Lane takes the Faces--not the Faces themselves, but their hang-loose playfulness--into the English countryside with saxophone, tambourines, an accordion, and a choir of communards. Whether undergoing his own reincarnation on "Stone" or coming on randy and rude in "Ain't No Lady," he sounds sweet and independent; he covers Fats Domino and Chuck Berry and "Brother Can You Spare a Dime." Luverly. B+
Ron Wood & Ronnie Lane: Mahoney's Last Stand [Atco, 1976]
Better moaning bottlenecks than singing strings, but soundtrack music is soundtrack music even when the movie remains invisible, and we all have access to more meaningful background noise. B-
Pete Townshend/Ronnie Lane: Rough Mix [MCA, 1977]
Meher Baba inspired psalmody so plain and sharply observed, maybe he was all reet after all. Three of Townshend's contributions--"Keep Me Turning," "Misunderstood," and an unlikely song of adoration called "My Baby Gives It Away"--are his keenest in years, and while Lane's evocations of the passing scene are more poignant on his Island import, One for the Road, "Annie" is a suitably modest folk classic. Together, the two disciples prove that charity needn't be sentimental, detachment cold, nor peace boring. Selah. A-