PETER FRAMPTON
Frampton (A&M/UMG)
Reviewed by Bill Holmes

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Peter Frampton's self-titled record was released twenty-five years ago, his final studio album before Frampton Comes Alive changed everything the following year. Like on his three albums beforehand, his songs were a mixture of seventies laid-back pop, funky but moderate rockers and harmony-rich choruses. In parallel with bands like the Bob Welch-era Fleetwood Mac and the almost-Hotel California Eagles, Frampton's acoustic-based rock found a loyal audience among FM radio listeners despite going stride-to-stride with progressive rock, glam and the first gurgles of disco and punk. Frampton finally gave him his first Top Forty hit and his first gold record.

This collection, while not as vital as Frampton's Camel, still features hits like "Show Me The Way", "Baby I Love Your Way" and "Nowhere's Too Far For My Baby" along with two beautiful instrumentals ("Nassau" and "Penny For Your Thoughts"). Recorded in an old English castle, the sound has a decent punch, especially for a trio. And yes, that talkbox makes it's appearance on "Baby I Love Your Way", although nowhere near the extent that it would on the live record. (If you never want to hear a talkbox again, you're not alone.)

Unfortunately, Peter Frampton will forever be linked with both the excesses of his live record and the debacle of the "Sgt. Pepper" movie, and those too young to know better will stop right there. But Frampton was always a strong songwriter and ace guitarist who could spit out tasty acoustic licks or wail with the best of the arena rockers. One look at that Steve Marriott T- shirt he's wearing on the album cover should set that record straight once and for all.

© 2000 - Bill Holmes