• From: Cherry Hill, NJ
  • Registered: 2008-01-23
  • Posts: 24

Topic: Free- Tons of Sobs

Thank you Joe.

I've been listening to Free for a little while now, thanks to finding them through Joe's cover of "Walk in My Shadows". But I finally got my hands on a copy of their debut '68 release, Tons of Sobs. All I can say is wow. I got it yesterday and have listened to it in it's entirety, including bonus tracks about 7 or 8 times. It's absolutely amazing. So raw, real, and dark. Everything about it is soo unreal. I'm only 16, and am finally starting to really dig in to some really good, not very popular artists. I really love how Joe picks these relevently rare songs and opens the doors for exploring further.

My Music Myspace:
www.myspace.com/chrisbakernj

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2 Reply by hansamike (edited by hansamike 2009-08-05 21:48:47)

  • From: Norddeutschland
  • Registered: 2008-12-03
  • Posts: 1,458

Re: Free- Tons of Sobs

Are how very refreshing. A 16 year old espousing the virtues of one of the greatest debut albums ever. Your post prompted me to dig out my original gatefold vinyl copy and wallow once more in the magnificence of Free. Paul Kossof was at his most unrestrained on this album before becoming shackled somewhat by the Rodgers/Fraser songwriting axis.

That said there are still many high points to found in their back catalogue. Shame in those days an album was only 35 minutes or so. Try Fire and Water as well. The songs on there are just incredible. Not so raw as TOS but the writing is of a very high quality. It all went pear shaped not long after of course and Kossof was sadly lost at a ridiculous age.

Now of course, if Rodgers were to get his backside in gear, call Simon Kirke and Andy Fraser (who are just waiting for it) and then ring a certain JB we would have a band ready to do justice to these great songs once more. Would he be up for it? Oh yes, I think so. He was / is a fan after all

No Hits, No Hype.......................Classic Rock Jan 2012
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  • From: Colorado Springs-Colorado
  • Registered: 2008-07-04
  • Posts: 1,047

Re: Free- Tons of Sobs

I too have been hooked on Free. I can't find a bad song AT ALL. Rogers' voice is stunning we all know about Kossoff.

Fire and Water has some amazing tracks... I'd suggest that one.

-Eric

"It makes it sound like the amp is about ready to explode, that's because it IS about ready to explode." -Joe

"I've come all the way from Colorado... Long way from my home. Give me the hammer that killed John Henry..." The Ballad Of John Henry
  • Registered: 2008-02-14
  • Posts: 2,578

Re: Free- Tons of Sobs

Nice post Crispie! I agree with you that Tons of Sobs is a great album and Hansmike has summed up superbly about how Kossoff was unrestrained at the time. I was aware of Free since Alright Now was a hit again in 1990 due to a chewing gum commerical, but I only bough Tons of Sobs around 8 years ago. Their version of the Hunter is superb, I'm A Mover is a classic and yes of course Walk In My Shadows, I really liked that song, Luckily enough so did Joe! Of course the remastered version has extra songs on it including a very amusing version of BB Kings Waiting on You! smile
Fire & Water comes a close second smile

"The recently formed Edinburgh Blues Club has identified an appetite for the personal communication between musicians and audience that the blues long ago perfected." The Herald Newspaper (Scotland)
http://www.edinburgh-blues.uk
  • From: derby,england
  • Registered: 2007-11-19
  • Posts: 363

Re: Free- Tons of Sobs

classic album,hard to believe they were only 18/19 years old when they made it

steve

It's very far away
It take's about a half and a day to get there
If we travel by my uh, dragon fly
  • From: North Grafton, MA
  • Registered: 2006-04-23
  • Posts: 139

Re: Free- Tons of Sobs

This is one of the best CD's that I own, and I think it is Free's best CD IMHO.  The combination of Paul Rodgers and Paul Kossof on this one is haunting, powerful and amazing.  For me, this is the blues at it's best.

  • Registered: 2006-07-11
  • Posts: 1,247

Re: Free- Tons of Sobs

hansamike wrote:

Are how very refreshing. A 16 year old espousing the virtues of one of the greatest debut albums ever. Your post prompted me to dig out my original gatefold vinyl copy and wallow once more in the magnificence of Free. Paul Kossof was at his most unrestrained on this album before becoming shackled somewhat by the Rodgers/Fraser songwriting axis.

That said there are still many high points to found in their back catalogue. Shame in those days an album was only 35 minutes or so. Try Fire and Water as well. The songs on there are just incredible. Not so raw as TOS but the writing is of a very high quality. It all went pear shaped not long after of course and Kossof was sadly lost at a ridiculous age.

Now of course, if Rodgers were to get his backside in gear, call Simon Kirke and Andy Fraser (who are just waiting for it) and then ring a certain JB we would have a band ready to do justice to these great songs once more. Would he be up for it? Oh yes, I think so. He was / is a fan after all

First of all, Paul Kossoff meant a lot to Paul Rodgers.  And Rodgers and Fraser is what gave them all their great songs.  If you listen to Moonshine on "Free Live"  I don't know how you can think Paul Kossoff was held back. Free at its best was a live band.  That is where they really shone.  In fact, it was because Paul Kossoff didn't go all out all of the time that made him such a brilliant guitarist.

And Paul Rodgers has had a lot going on.  He just got finished with Queen and is reuniting Bad Co.
He also wants to spend time with his family and writing new songs.  Now I would love to see Free get back together but it is going to be different without Paul Kossoff.  Nothing more than I would like is to see Joe with Paul Rodgers but only if he is really going to play British Blues.  Only if he is really going to let himself go.  Otherwise there has been rumors Slash may be the one.

"Holy Toledo"  -  Bill King   "Just Win Baby" - Al Davis  "The Autumn Wind" - Steve Sabol
  • From: Cherry Hill, NJ
  • Registered: 2008-01-23
  • Posts: 24

Re: Free- Tons of Sobs

I wish their music was more available to access, but I like how they are so rare. I felt like I found a treasure chest when I finally got my hands on Tons of Sobs. But I'm definitely going to pick up Fire and Water asap... current most listened to track from TOS- "moonshine".

"Now of course, if Rodgers were to get his backside in gear, call Simon Kirke and Andy Fraser (who are just waiting for it) and then ring a certain JB we would have a band ready to do justice to these great songs once more. Would he be up for it? Oh yes, I think so. He was / is a fan after all" (hansamike)

-that would be unreal

My Music Myspace:
www.myspace.com/chrisbakernj

crisbie's Website

  • From: Norddeutschland
  • Registered: 2008-12-03
  • Posts: 1,458

Re: Free- Tons of Sobs

The RiverCat^-^ wrote:
hansamike wrote:

Are how very refreshing. A 16 year old espousing the virtues of one of the greatest debut albums ever. Your post prompted me to dig out my original gatefold vinyl copy and wallow once more in the magnificence of Free. Paul Kossof was at his most unrestrained on this album before becoming shackled somewhat by the Rodgers/Fraser songwriting axis.

That said there are still many high points to found in their back catalogue. Shame in those days an album was only 35 minutes or so. Try Fire and Water as well. The songs on there are just incredible. Not so raw as TOS but the writing is of a very high quality. It all went pear shaped not long after of course and Kossof was sadly lost at a ridiculous age.

Now of course, if Rodgers were to get his backside in gear, call Simon Kirke and Andy Fraser (who are just waiting for it) and then ring a certain JB we would have a band ready to do justice to these great songs once more. Would he be up for it? Oh yes, I think so. He was / is a fan after all

First of all, Paul Kossoff meant a lot to Paul Rodgers.  And Rodgers and Fraser is what gave them all their great songs.  If you listen to Moonshine on "Free Live"  I don't know how you can think Paul Kossoff was held back. Free at its best was a live band.  That is where they really shone.  In fact, it was because Paul Kossoff didn't go all out all of the time that made him such a brilliant guitarist.


RiverCat, you misunderstood my comment. The type of songwriting Rodgers/Fraser began to develop required less urgency and attack from Kossoff in the studio. Live, of course, was a different matter. He could express himself within the songs more freely. Its not just my opinion, Kossoff himself is quoted as saying as much. It frustrated him somewhat and that is widely known. 

I never saw Free live, but I caught Kossoff live with Back Street Crawler on a good night (for him) so I know what he could do. The drugs ruined his talent and the ego's in the band (Free) sapped his strength. Someone else made a good point though - they were SO young and just didn't have the management to keep it all under control. Rodgers says as much today and it was one of the reasons with Bad Company he signed with Peter Grant of Led Zeppelin fame, to ensure that the band were never exploited.

I have all the Free albums and I still love playing them. The music is timeless and is as fresh today as it was then. Only the other day I listened to 'Don't say you love me' from Fire and Water and marvelled anew at the Rodgers vocal performance. His is a wonderful talent and incredibly one he still has to this very day.

As for a reunion I believe they should do it. Yeah OK Slash would be a massive draw but I know who I would prefer to see on guitar. Someone who totally respects the music. But then thats me. I'm a Free purist. I don't want a reunion, I want a resurrection! That ain't gonna happen So JB would be my choice. As for reunions Rodgers understands the concept. If he can do it for Queen then I'm damn sure somebody can do it for Kossoff.

I wanna hear these songs live and so, I reckon, do thousands of others. Make it happen!

No Hits, No Hype.......................Classic Rock Jan 2012
  • Registered: 2008-11-12
  • Posts: 202

Re: Free- Tons of Sobs

There is a good Free tribute band playing the London circuit called Fire & Water - singer is Paul Cox - they also do Zeppelin stuff - check'em out on youtube....................

  • Registered: 2008-11-12
  • Posts: 202

Re: Free- Tons of Sobs

by the way, Fire and Water is a great album for budding guitarists to jam along to, as the riffs and solos are pretty simple - that album really kicked off Free's success with the hit single Alright Noiw, which still gets loads of airplay today - one of my alltime fave albums, for sure.........

  • From: Durham England
  • Registered: 2008-11-12
  • Posts: 87

Re: Free- Tons of Sobs

Fire & Water

Still my all time no1 favourite album

  • Registered: 2008-11-12
  • Posts: 202

Re: Free- Tons of Sobs

mmm - pretty incredible to think they were teenagers when Tons of Sobs was released in 1968 - Paul Kossoff was born in 1950, Paul Rodgers in 1949, but then it was a time when big UK bands like Zeppelin, Sabbath, Purple etc were just taking off............1968 to 1972 was an explosive period for rock music - I think Free disbanded in 1973

  • Registered: 2006-07-11
  • Posts: 1,247

Re: Free- Tons of Sobs

hansamike wrote:
The RiverCat^-^ wrote:
hansamike wrote:

Are how very refreshing. A 16 year old espousing the virtues of one of the greatest debut albums ever. Your post prompted me to dig out my original gatefold vinyl copy and wallow once more in the magnificence of Free. Paul Kossof was at his most unrestrained on this album before becoming shackled somewhat by the Rodgers/Fraser songwriting axis.

That said there are still many high points to found in their back catalogue. Shame in those days an album was only 35 minutes or so. Try Fire and Water as well. The songs on there are just incredible. Not so raw as TOS but the writing is of a very high quality. It all went pear shaped not long after of Icourse and Kossof was sadly lost at a ridiculous age.

Now of course, if Rodgers were to get his backside in gear, call Simon Kirke and Andy Fraser (who are just waiting for it) and then ring a certain JB we would have a band ready to do justice to these great songs once more. Would he be up for it? Oh yes, I think so. He was / is a fan after all

First of all, Paul Kossoff meant a lot to Paul Rodgers.  And Rodgers and Fraser is what gave them all their great songs.  If you listen to Moonshine on "Free Live"  I don't know how you can think Paul Kossoff was held back. Free at its best was a live band.  That is where they really shone.  In fact, it was because Paul Kossoff didn't go all out all of the time that made him such a brilliant guitarist.


RiverCat, you misunderstood my comment. The type of songwriting Rodgers/Fraser began to develop required less urgency and attack from Kossoff in the studio. Live, of course, was a different matter. He could express himself within the songs more freely. Its not just my opinion, Kossoff himself is quoted as saying as much. It frustrated him somewhat and that is widely known. 

I never saw Free live, but I caught Kossoff live with Back Street Crawler on a good night (for him) so I know what he could do. The drugs ruined his talent and the ego's in the band (Free) sapped his strength. Someone else made a good point though - they were SO young and just didn't have the management to keep it all under control. Rodgers says as much today and it was one of the reasons with Bad Company he signed with Peter Grant of Led Zeppelin fame, to ensure that the band were never exploited.

I have all the Free albums and I still love playing them. The music is timeless and is as fresh today as it was then. Only the other day I listened to 'Don't say you love me' from Fire and Water and marvelled anew at the Rodgers vocal performance. His is a wonderful talent and incredibly one he still has to this very day.

As for a reunion I believe they should do it. Yeah OK Slash would be a massive draw but I know who I would prefer to see on guitar. Someone who totally respects the music. But then thats me. I'm a Free purist. I don't want a reunion, I want a resurrection! That ain't gonna happen So JB would be my choice. As for reunions Rodgers understands the concept. If he can do it for Queen then I'm damn sure somebody can do it for Kossoff.

I wanna hear these songs live and so, I reckon, do thousands of others. Make it happen!


I'm a Free purist too.  Get off of Paul Rodgers back about a resurrection.  Don't put that on him like he doesn't want to do it.  He is not just a wonderful talent, HE IS ONE OF THE GREATEST VOCALIST THERE EVER IS. THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER PAUL RODGERS.  Don't just say this is about Paul Rodgers.  They did reunite when they were Free and you should know what happened.  Paul Rodgers incorporates a number of Free songs in his solo concerts.  Paul Rodgers is so talented he has been in a number of successful groups. 
He doesn't sit on his laurels.  He's not opposed to Free.  Just like I said, they just put Bad Co together for a short run.  He is entitled to be with his family.  He's been in the music business for 40 years.
He  wants to write more songs now. Maybe that will include some for Free if they ever get together.
Remember, Simon Kirke was not only in Free but was in Bad Co. as well.  And Andy Fraser has played with Paul at Woodstock.  Also Andy's health is a factor and I wish the best for him.

As far as the writing goes for Free, you need to have songwriters otherwise you will just do covers.
Paul Kossoff was free to write whatever he wanted to.  Mad props goes to Andy and Paul for writing all those massive songs for them.  Back Street Crawler let him do what he wanted to do.  I know what Paul Kossoff could do too and I know what happened within Free.  Like you said they were very young, extremely young and they didn't know how to handle all that happened.  The 4 belonged together, but Paul Kossoff had his problems.

I'd be there in a minute if Free were to happen because they all mean a lot to me, Paul, Andy, and Simon.  I hope they get the right guitarist if it ever were to happen.  I'd love it to be Joe.

"Holy Toledo"  -  Bill King   "Just Win Baby" - Al Davis  "The Autumn Wind" - Steve Sabol
  • Registered: 2006-07-11
  • Posts: 1,247

Re: Free- Tons of Sobs

Hello Hansamike,

I am sorry I came off a bit harsh.  It sounds like we are both HUGE Free fans. 

I just didn't want it to sound as if Paul Rodgers said anything negative about a Free reunion.  And they tried back in their heyday but you know what happened.  Paul Kossoff meant a lot to Paul Rodgers so it's probably something he really has to think about.  I know he mentioned Koss when he was doing PR + Queen.  He also has been in some different bands so that has some part with it as well.  He is not just famous for 1 band.  I hope like you, maybe Andy, Paul, and Simon would play together again and get someone they all feel comfortable with and would feel that special Kossoff vibe.  I would love Joe to be apart of that if he ever wanted to and would love to see what would happen.  I'd hope they would put "MoonShine" in the setlist.  That for me would just be stunning to see live. 

Maybe one day you might meet him and can ask about any plans for a Free Reunion?  If you ever do, please post it here because I would love to know.

So I hope everything is All Right Now smile

"Holy Toledo"  -  Bill King   "Just Win Baby" - Al Davis  "The Autumn Wind" - Steve Sabol

16 Reply by BBJ

  • BBJ
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  • From: Edinburgh
  • Registered: 2006-09-25
  • Posts: 299

Re: Free- Tons of Sobs

One of my great regrets is never having seen Free live. I've seen Paul Rodgers  with Jimmy Page in The Firm and twice on his own. For me, he's the greatest rock/blues vocalist ever to come out of the UK. I've always felt that Koss was greatly under- rated as a guitarist and is now getting the recognition for the fine player he was.

Two items worth looking at for anyone wanting to dig a little deeper are the 5 disc box set 'Songs Of Yesterday' and the book 'Heavy Load' by Dave Clayton and Todd Smith. They're pricey but worth it.

'Try as you might to keep a lid on a good time, you can't do it. When people want to have a good time....' - Billy Gibbons