review by thomas

The master of the mini-moog, Manfred Mann, came up with a new band after his last jazz heavy group, again he named it after himself. “Messin’ “ was their third album. The sound that I associate with Manfred Mann’s Earth Band were beginning to establish itself – heard in its prime on the title track and “Cloudy Eyes” among others. Their sound was a rock foundation with heavy use of keyboards. They would often play this style in long numbers; sometimes jammish in nature, sometimes more progressive. They were also famous for their many covers, notably on Dylan. On “Messin’ “ we have three of them: “Black and Blue”, “Mardi Gras Day” and “Get Your Rocks Off”. The latter written by Dylan. Only the first one sounds good. “Buddah” was another strong song while “Sadjoy” doesn’t make it. “Black and Blue” is a bluesy Australian “work song” that avoids the blues stereotypes pretty good but sometimes it falters on its way. The title track offers heavy guitar riffing and layers of keyboards with multi-vocal choruses and an extended instrumental part where every member could stretch out. This is not MMEB:s most progressive album, they were to come after this one, so you should check out “Solar Fire” or “Nightingales and Bombers” first and if you fancy them, then you might as well fancy this one.