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Salient. Victoria University Student Newspaper. Volume 38, Number 19. May 29 1975

Flash Fearless versus the Zorg Women Parts 5 & 6 Chrysalis L 35503

Flash Fearless versus the Zorg Women Parts 5 & 6 Chrysalis L 35503

In the mood for a little fantasising? Good, now conjure up a Rock dream, one where some of the most radically different musicians you can imagine start playing together - like Richard Nixon playing piano for the Stones, with Glen Rowling, sharing vocals with Mick Jagger on 'Street Fighting Man'.

Get the idea? O.K., here's another one; how about Justin Hay ward - you know, from the Moody Blues, those purveyors of cosmic purity and light - playing acoustic guitar for Alice Cooper-you known the guy who stamps on chickens and sings the delights of necrophilia - aided by resident Who loonies Keith Moon and John Entwhistle. Sounds outlandish, doesn't it?

What, you mean it's happened? Where? On 'Flash Fearless and the Zong Women' that's where. And there's plenty more intriguing names, like Elkie Brooks, Bill Bruford (ex-, yes, King Crimson), Jim Dandy, Mick Grabham (Procul Harem), Nicky Hopkins, the angelic Eddie Jobson, Kenny Jones (Faces), Thunder thighs, and others.

My first impression was that Chrysalis were after a quick buck with a mish-mash album from assorted heavy names. That has been known to occur. But in fact "Dash Fearless" etc. is apparently the musical base for a forthcoming Sci-Fi Staff Musical, which explains why all the songs are penned by some un-knowns called Steve Hammond, Dave and Bonnie Pierce and Rick Jones. And after a few listenings you gather that the lyrics do have a loose connection. Presumably the Vamperelia-type lady adoring the cover is the Queen of the Zorgs, who are giving our redoubtable hero. Flash Fearless, such a hard time.

Musically, the album covers a veritable galaxy of styles. There are the soul-shoutings of Elkie Brooks, Frankic Miller and James [unclear: Dewara] brilliant rock n' roll parody by John Entwhistle in 'To the Chop' (shades of La Guillotine), some synthesiser doodlings from Edir Jobson, the downhome drawling of Southern stud, Jim Dandy and the bravado of Alice Cooper: 'I'm an electrifying, crucifying harbinger of doom. I'm Flash!

As you'd expect, the musicianship throughout is impeccable. Especially worthy are the contributions from Mick Grabham (Procul Harem) and Robert Johnson (Steel eye Span) on lead guitars, and Nicky Hopkins on piano.

A few songs are of throw away class, but it remains a generally interesting album. And, who knows, maybe after this Richard, Glen and Mick may find a way to give us a treat.