Theme (album)
1988 studio album by Leslie West
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Theme is the fourth album by Leslie West,[1][2] released in February 1988 by Passport Records.[3] The album features bassist Jack Bruce and drummer Joe Franco.[4] It was produced by Leslie West and Paul Orofino, and the liner notes were written by Howard Stern.[5]
| Theme | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | February 1988 | |||
| Studio | Millbrook Sound Studios, Millbrook, New York | |||
| Genre | Blues-rock, hard rock | |||
| Length | 35:24 | |||
| Label | Passport | |||
| Producer | Leslie West, Paul Orofino | |||
| Leslie West chronology | ||||
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Content
The album takes its title from the track "Theme for an Imaginary Western", which West re-recorded at the request of Howard Stern.[6] It was first recorded by Jack Bruce on Songs for a Tailor and subsequently featured on Mountain's debut album Climbing!.[3] The album also features live versions of Jimi Hendrix's "Red House", and Willie Dixon's “Spoonful”.[7] The song "I’m Cryin'" features just Leslie West on guitar.[6]
Critical reception
Cashbox reviewer Gary Starr writes that the album "has the look and sound of one recorded during the late 60’s," that the music is "stripped-down, basic blues oriented rock in the tradition of the great 60’s power-trios," and that the performances are "loose and relaxed."[7] Steve Newton of The Georgia Straight describes "Theme for an Imaginary Western" as a "beautiful, inspiring tune, made even more so by the soulful vocals of Cream veteran Jack Bruce," and also highlights the song "I’m Cryin'."[6]
Track listing
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Talk Dirty" | Charlie Karp | 3:35 |
| 2. | "Motherload" | Leslie West, Joe Franco | 3:10 |
| 3. | "Theme for an Imaginary Western" | Jack Bruce, Pete Brown | 4:40 |
| 4. | "I'm Cryin'" | Leslie West | 3:02 |
| 5. | "Red House" | Jimi Hendrix | 4:58 |
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Love is Forever" | Leslie West, Corky Laing | 3:51 |
| 2. | "I Ate It" | Leslie West | 3:00 |
| 3. | "Spoonful" | Willie Dixon | 7:27 |
| 4. | "Love Me Tender" | Elvis Presley, Vera Matson | 1:41 |
| Total length: | 35:24 | ||
Personnel
- Leslie West — guitar, vocals
- Jack Bruce — bass, vocals
- Joe Franco — drums
- Alan St. Jon – keyboards, backing vocals
- Technical
- Les Katz – cover
- Ed McCarthy – photography
