Jerusalem

Jerusalem were a young hard rocking band from the UK that caught the attention of a one Ian Gillan, who agreed to help produce what would be their only album. What exactly was Ian Gillan's role in this amazing album? Well, he did own the studio where it was recorded, and he did pen the liner notes. The production is pretty raw and particularly heavy for the time (1972). The songs are fantastic even if the playing isn't always perfect, but as Mr. Gillan states in the liner notes, "As they are young and a bit green, they don't follow many rules, so their material is almost crude-but still immensely powerful in content." This statement implores the reader to consider the age and experience of the band before passing down any harsh criticisms. I think it's unecessary, Jerusalem were great despite their age or lack of experience. He goes on, "I believe that, whenever possible, the work of writers and players in their formative stages should be recorded before inhibition and self consciousness set in, before fire and aggression die down, and while they are still absorbing influences and doing things which others might consider uncool. Most important though, before the develop that self-imposed rigidity which afflicts so many. I hope none of these things happen to Jerusalem, we'll have to wait and see, this album is just in case. I hope you like it as much as I do." Well, Mr. Gillan, I do. Here