Child of the Novelty / Maxoom / Strange Universe

I was and am still a huge Hendrix fan.When I was young...back in the early 70's, when these first 3 albums were originally released...I dismissed them as nothing more than a cheap ripoff of a great legend, but I remember thinking the mastering was exceptional. But I listened to them several times, giving them the benefit of doubt. I ended up selling the albums cheap.Present day...40 years later...Have relistened to this CD of the same first 3 albums. i grabbed this in a used bin several years ago....Listened to it and then put it on the shelf. Just pulled it out again....to give it altherlisten....My stand hasn't changed a bit.Great mastering....but it amazes me that Frank Marino has managed to stay around as long as he did ...simply by ripping off Jimi Hendrix. He has the voice and the chops.....or at least compitent enough to fool the average listener....But he is definately no Jimi Hendrix.....at very best, he is a Hendrix wannabe.....Bare in mind, Jimi created that sound first.....all Frank had to do was imitate him.The bottom line is....Frank Marino thinks he is the reincarnation of Jimi Hendrix....if you really want to hear great Hendrix...Then stick to Hendrix albums.I am very sure my review will enrage the Frank Marino fanbase. If that be the case, so be it.

An unashamed tribute to Jimi Hendrix, each of these albums has something to offer. Masterful guitar work from Frank Marino and songwriting skills that rival his hero make these a wonderful retreat from the drivel that is called "Classic Rock" these days. While this is not for the average fan of that old school rock and roll, fans of the complete Hendrix records (meaning those that listen to more than the hits) will admire Marino's handling of the musical style Jimi created. Having three complete albums to choose from, the highlights would include "Talkin' 'Bout a Feeling", "A New Rock and Roll", "Buddy", and "Strange Universe" though there are plenty of others. If you like Hendrix, Robin Trower, and Marino's later offerings, you would probably find something in this as well. Lukewarm fans of the genre should probably just settle for the radio, you might find this too mentally taxing.

I saw Frank Marino twice. First time at the FOX theater in ATl. (A great live recording available on CD) and I was hooked. I hate that most people always compare him to Jimi Hendrix, but I have to admit when you close your eyes and become "one with the music" I sometimes forget I'm not listening to Jimi. This was a surprisingly good recording for a multi-album offering.

My older sister gave me a vinyl copy of California Jam 2 as a Christmas gift when I was about 16 years old. That was my first exposure to Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush but it left a good impression. Over the years I've searched for their albums but with the exception of "the world anthem" and their greatest hits my search was empty untill I browsed for them on Amazon. Needless to say I've purchased several to date and this is one.The sound on these albums are fantastic. My only complaint would be how the second album is split. Half on dusk one half on disk two. Under the circumstances that's a minor irritation I can live with

Mahogany Rush is one of those bands that says "I'm so cool & have such good musical taste"! You bring Mahogany Rush out when friends come over. Jimi Hendrix, Robin Trower, Stevie Ray Vaughan ... and Mahogany Rush. Nuff said!

If you're a fan of 1970's stadium stoner rock, this is for you! Frank Marino is a great musician and a fabulous guitarist. His singing on his first 3 recordings (included in this package) was not the best, and vacilitated between sounding like Hendrix or Bob Dylan. It's hit or miss, but never horrible, just kinda meh. But his playing and his band have always delivered.

I enjoyed this album. A lot of good stuff on here

This is a good starter cd, to get to know what Frank M.& Mahogany Rush are about. Frank sounds a lot like Jimi Hendrix,on these first three albums. He is a big influence on my guitar playing. If you like Hendix,you will love these first three albums. Frank is still around and has new albums out. Can get information at Amazon.com.

This is a reasonably priced 3 on 2 set comprising Franks' 1st 3 albums,i spent years tracking these down on vinyl and eventually got them for £18 each at a record fayre in the 80's,aah those were the days.So here's what you get:MAXOOM (1973) *** This release certainly did nothing to alleviate the hendrix clone jibes(why was he never compared to Robin Trower? ha ha) as the great mans influence can be felt everywhere.Time hasnt been kind as this sounds quite dated but there are some moments to savour,'Magic Man','Funky Woman ' & 'Boardwalk Lady' would all allude to the laid back jazz/funk area that Marino would develop more fully in later years,'Blues' as the title would suggest was just that with some beautiful playing whilst 'New Beginning' kept the rock alive .CHILD OF THE NOVELTY (1974) **** A massive jump forward this is where my interest begins,the songs and playing are more developed and you can tell,'Talk About A Feelin' would go on to be a live favourite while the title track and A New Rock n Roll highlighted that Frank was at ease playing different styles,special mention for the superb laid back Chains of SpaceSTRANGE UNIVERSE(1975) ***** From the opening moments of 'Tales...' thru to 'Strange Universe' this is a magnificent album,why its never held up with the other greats from '75 i'll never know.Songs like 'Tales...,'King Who Stole..,'Once Again and 'Moonlight Lady all highlight the laid back funky,jazzy moments that Frank excells at.While heavier moments can be found on 'Satisfy your soul', 'Tryin Anyway' and 'Dear music' While the title track itself features frank at his hypnotic best,i love this disc, so will you.All in all this is a decent repackaging of these discs and although i would have preffered a informative booklet it should be looked at as value for money.

much underrated guitarist

This is the very start of Mr. Frank Marino's greatness. Here is the early works that grew to even greater works. These very early recordings are a must for anyone that grew to love Frank Marino's body of work. Cheers.

The brilliance of Mahogany Rush is sadly over-looked. During the mid-70s, these guys were bigger than the other Rush. A Canadian band blowing away the massive audience at Cal Jam 2? It happened with the sheer ferocity that only Mahogany Rush can deliver. This compilation is the first three albums from their storied career, and it represents a highly experimental period for the band. However, it is not inaccessible for those who wish to enjoy some excellent musicianship.

3 cds on 2 of a teenage Frank developing his style.Each cd is enjoyable and Franks playing is enthusiastic and unrestrained.