After the dissolution of Jellyfish, Roger Manning formed his new outfit, Imperial Drag, with lead singer/guitarist Eric Dover. Working with producer Brad Jones, the band released their self-titled debut in 1996 to the delight of Jellyfish fans. The sound of Imperial Drag doesn't veer far from the power pop of Jellyfish, although it isn't nearly as orchestrated as that band's final effort Spilt Milk. Instead, the sound is more, loose and opts for a garage-rock feel. Dover is a quality vocalist who bears more than a faint resemblance to Cheap Trick's Robin Zander, particularly on "Crosseyed" and the playful "'Breakfast' By Tiger." The lyrics, on which Dover is a co-writer, are the clever stuff that fans had come to expect from Manning. Highlights include the opener, "Zodiac Sign," a lyrical send-up of all things New Age, and the tentative love song "Illuminate," on which Dover proves himself capable of handling a ballad as well as the rockers. Imperial Drag is good, good stuff. -AMG
If you like "Imperial Drag" get it here!
Oh this is killer and if you haven't heard it yet, you're in for a real treat!!
ReplyDeleteYou are right. You don't want it to end!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments!
Many thanks for this - didn't even know this band featured Roger Manning. They can't have got much publicity
ReplyDeleteDon't suppose you have Jellyfish's Spilt Milk?
More of them at my blog...
ReplyDeletehttp://puppystrangler.blogspot.com/2008/03/imperial-drag-demo-tracks.html
This was just too clever for it's own good. Absolutely brilliant, but it probably flew over most heads. It's a shame most music buyers don't have a clue. A genuine lost classic.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea this even existed. A Wonderful ride! Thanks very much.
ReplyDeleteExcuse me King Size Mong Could you possibly post a link to download these demos? your blog doesnt work anymore. :(
ReplyDeleteSee - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demos_(Imperial_Drag_album)
ReplyDeleteCD1 - http://mir.cr/0QNIXLP4
CD2 - http://mir.cr/1P5SHOIW
There were also 5 exclusive tracks released in partnership with the also defunct notlame - http://www.notlame.com/weed.htm - page still up, media files long gone.
5 tracks - http://mir.cr/5VUMLQLW
Oh my goodness thank you so much for the links. :) I've been looking everywhere for these demos.
ReplyDeleteI have this album and always want to like it - but it sounds terrible. The first song is fine but I can only listen to 1/3 of each of the following song. Something went horribly wrong in the mixing or mastering. Maybe try a remix or remaster? I really want to like this album ... and I would actually love to listen to it in full.
ReplyDelete