Frampton Comes Alive
Frampton Comes Alive!jettisoned Peter Frampton out of relative commercial obscurity into the bankrolls of success. The album sold millions on the strength of two melodic singles--the rocking "Show Me the Way," and the slower, romantic "Baby I Love Your Way." In traditional 1970s form, the double album also had the prerequisite concert signature song. In Frampton's case it was the lengthy "Do You Feel Like We Do." Introducing Frampton's "talking guitar"--which was nothing but a primitive version of a voice modulator--the song became his calling card, complete with his marathon guitar solo and big rock ending. There's also an iffy version of the Stones' "Jumping Jack Flash," that is basically disposable. In terms of "sides," the double album manages to turn in at least one and a half sides essential to Frampton's rock and roll legacy. The rest is mediocre at best. --Steve Gdula