STINGRAY - 1976

January 2009, I find myself writing about an album that today has reached 33 years.

After the previous album "Jamaica say you will" which was not very successful the year before, "STINGRAY" was released. An album that marks a crucial point for Joe, the musical vein he loved the most but was little exploited, reggae.

This album takes advantage of many historical and still common collaborations. Among the most prominent names are:
Eric Clapton, Peter Tosh. Two names that give a lot of meaning to the album itself. Firstly, the friendship with E. Clapton and then the music of Peter Tosh, as I said before... very familiar to Joe.
From the very first listen, we manage to perceive a note of jazz in the album, a good mix of sounds and rhythms.
Finally, with this album, we can define a genre for the new Joe, after the Mad Dog... past.

Track Listings

1. The Jealous Kind - Joe Cocker, Bobby Charles
2. I Broke Down - Joe Cocker, Matthew Moore
3. You Came Along - Joe Cocker, Bobby Charles
4. Catfish - Joe Cocker, Bob Dylan
5. Moon Dew - Joe Cocker, Matthew Moore
6. The Man in Me - Joe Cocker, Bob Dylan
7. She Is My Lady - Joe Cocker, George Clinton
8. Worrier - Joe Cocker, Matthew Moore
9. Born Thru Indifference - Joe Cocker

10. A Song for You - Joe Cocker, Leon Russell 


The standout tracks are:
"CatFish" for its very slow and sinuous sound...
"The Man in me" for the more significant participation of Peter Tosh and Joe's great interpretation in his favorite musical genre...
"She is my lady" for Joe Cocker's great interpretation...
"A Song for You" the last track of the album truly moving....

Once upon a time, tracks were crafted for the album, and I must say that this is a complex album, meticulously crafted and therefore perfectly aligns with Joe Cocker in his studio perfection and at the same time in the greatness of live performances.
I stop here in the review, unfortunately, I've only been listening to this album for a few years, its CD release is very scarce, and not being very "old," I can't be precise in saying what "STINGRAY" managed to offer in 1976. For this reason, I stop and suggest purchasing and listening to this album so exquisite and passionate, never monotonous and tiring. GREAT JOE...  

Tracklist and Lyrics

01   The Jealous Kind (03:51)

Girl, don't be angry if I seem rude
Each time we meet
A boy that you once knew
[??] just to be so close to you

It's just that I'm so afraid
Someone might steal you away, I'd lose my mind
So please forgive me for the way I act sometimes
I'm the jealous kind

If you only knew where I lived
And didn't mind
[?] can't you see [??]
That I'm losing my mind

I want you all to myself
I don't want you shackin' with nobody else
I can't help it if it's the way I act sometimes
Because I'm the jealous kind

You know I love you girl

Just one more thing now,If you only knew
How much it hurts me just to hear you say
How, when we first met
I can't think that those were the good old days

Why must you hurt me so
I can't stand it no more, I'm tryin'
So please, I can't control these tears in my eyes
Lord I'm the jealous kind

I love you baby
You know you've got me baby

You know I'm the jealous kind

02   I Broke Down (03:29)

03   You Come Along (03:50)

04   Catfish (05:24)

(Dylan/Levy)

Lazy stadium night
Catfish on the mound.
"Strike three," the umpire said,
Batter have to go back and sit down.

Catfish, million-dollar-man,
Nobody can throw the ball like Catfish can.

Used to work on Mr. Finley's farm
But the old man wouldn't pay
So he packed his glove and took his arm
An' one day he just ran away.

Catfish, million-dollar-man,
Nobody can throw the ball like Catfish can.

Come up where the Yankees are,
Dress up in a pinstripe suit,
Smoke a custom-made cigar,
Wear an alligator boot.

Catfish, million-dollar-man,
Nobody can throw the ball like Catfish can.

Carolina born and bred,
Love to hunt the little quail.
Got a hundred-acre spread,
Got some huntin' dogs for sale.

Catfish, million-dollar-man,
Nobody can throw the ball like Catfish can.

Reggie Jackson at the plate
Seein' nothin' but the curve,
Swing too early or too late
Got to eat what Catfish serve.

Catfish, million-dollar-man,
Nobody can throw the ball like Catfish can.

Even Billy Martin grins
When the Fish is in the game.
Every season twenty wins
Gonna make the Hall of Fame.

Catfish, million-dollar-man,
Nobody can throw the ball like Catfish can.

05   Moon Dew (05:53)

06   The Man in Me (02:43)

07   She Is My Lady (04:37)

08   Worrier (03:16)

09   Born Thru Indifference (06:15)

10   A Song for You (06:25)

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