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Rating: I am Salàd. I'm back here in a gap of time I have between one explosion and another of criminal behinds (I have a particularly busy schedule these days). I've grown fond of talking about rock musical projects centered on superheroes that have not been successful. The album I'm talking about this time was released at the end of 1974; evidently, the mid-70s was a good period for this bizarre musical genre made up of musicals doomed to failure. The superhero in question is the third Flash in the history of comics, the unluckiest one, the one I find most endearing. After the DC Flash in red super-suit and yellow lightning, and the nobler Flash Gordon, here is the "fearless" Flash, dealing with the lustful zorg women.
I point out the album not because it contains particularly innovative musical ideas for the historical period in which it was released, but because it is an intriguing object from various perspectives. Its origins are lost in the mists of time, but they seem to be linked to proto ideas ‘Gorillaz’ and ‘Rocky Horror Show’ had by such Dave Pierce, lyricist, and Steve Hammond, guitarist, about whom I know absolutely nothing. The story of Flash Fearless, from the initial project, was to be told through three artistic products: a comic invented from scratch for the occasion by illustrator Paul Sample, an album, and a musical. Probably, the realization of a prologue (another proto-idea, this time like Star Wars) and a sequel were already planned. What remains of all this is this album focused on parts 5 and 6 of the story, and the comic inside it.
Another oddity is the involvement of a considerable number of great musicians of the time in its creation: John Entwistle, Alice Cooper, Keith Moon, Kenny Jones, Justin Hayward, and many others, but that did not prevent the minds behind the initiative from commercially sinking.
The backbone of the entire album is the bass of John Entwistle, the only musician to appear on all tracks, and he is probably the standout musical aspect that deserves to be highlighted. As usual, J.E. creates beautifully tasteful and original lines, which in the production phase have been even more highlighted than in Who's albums. In most tracks, he uses (I believe) a compressor and a fuzz that give his bass a wonderfully raw and aggressive sound. In general, the music is very pleasant, albeit smelling quite a bit of mothballs. The voices alternating in the various tracks are very beautiful (Elkie Brooks, Jim Dandy, Alice Cooper, James Dewar). Rock, Rock 'n' Roll, Funk, Country Rock, all strongly flavored with the 70s, and that's what's found on this album. The best tracks in my opinion are the two psycho rockabilly pieces featuring Alice Cooper on vocals (‘I'm Flash’ and ‘Space Pirates’) and the very peculiar ‘Sacrifice’, characterized by a strange sequence of chords, a slow and wavering rhythm, and choruses that create an atmosphere similar to certain pieces of ‘Hair’.
Well, that's all. Nobody will give a damn, but I've decided to make myself a costume. I opted for a green suit with a stylized lettuce on the chest, and my business is doing great. Now I'm off to confront the homicidal religious mantis. See you soon.
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