manfred mann's earth band

Manfred Mann’s Earth Band was the early-’70s outfit Manfred Mann put together after the jazz-rock experiments of Chapter Three—a lean four-piece that married prog-minded scope to his jazzy keyboard touch and Moog work, strong hooks, and a knack for reinventing other writers’ songs (especially Dylan, and later Springsteen).

Manfred Mann’s Earth Band (1972) is their self-titled first album, recorded in 1971 and released in early 1972 (Polydor in the U.S., Philips in the U.K.). It’s a rough-edged, groove-heavy blend of blues rock and early prog color, with Hammond and Moog leading the charge, mixing originals such as “Captain Bobby Stout,” “Tribute,” and “Prayer” with smart covers like Randy Newman’s “Living Without You,” Dylan’s “Please Mrs Henry,” and Dr. John’s “Jump Sturdy.”

Track Listing:

• A1 California Coastline 3:48
• A2 Captain Bobby Stout 6:57
• A3 Sloth 1:27
• A4 Living Without You 3:36
• A5 Tribute 5:32
• B1 Please Mrs. Henry 4:33
• B2 Jump Sturdy 4:49
• B3 Prayer 5:40
• B4 Part Time Man 3:04
• B5 I'm Up And I'm Leaving 3:07