Frankie Miller

Reissues

ROCK CANDY Oh Frankie! Reissues of the first three albums by the Caledonian Rod, including previously unreleased tracks.

With a voice as soulful as Paul Rodgers and as raspingly rhythmic as Rod Stewart, Frankie Miller really should have been an international star.

Having signed to Chrysalis Records the previous year, the Glasgow-born singer’s 1973 debut Once In A Blue Moon

(6/10) is an earthy mix of originals and covers that saw him backed by pub rockers Brinsley Schwarz, with a Dr. John-esque I’m Ready the standout.

1974 follow up High Life

(8/10) is an entirely different proposition. Recorded in New Orleans with Allen Toussaint, it’s a funk-rock gumbo of the first order, Miller’s raw, razorgargling vocals contrasted with Toussaint’s super-slick arrangements, the latter’s supreme songwriting skills in evidence on Shoo-Rah and Brickyard Blues (later hits for Betty Wright and Three Dog Night respectively). Bafflingly remixed by Chrysalis prior to release, against both Miller and Toussaint’s wishes, it saw singer and label part company.

Miller then formed his own band for 1975’s The Rock (8/10).

Backed by the Memphis Horns and recorded in the shadow of San Francisco’s Alcatraz Prison (hence the title), it has a lastroll-of-the-dice feel, Miller by turns delivering scalding white soul (I Know Why The Sun Don’t Shine), melancholy blues (Bridgeton) and scorching funk rock (Ain’t Got No Money).

Now with revealing new essays and additional tracks, these reissues are a great place for the Miller-curious to begin.