Badfinger: No Matter What – Revisiting The Hits is a full-length album featuring A-list artists collaborating across a wonderful array of songs from Badfinger. As the first band signed to the Beatles’ Apple Records, Badfinger came to the fore in the early 70s with hits like the Paul McCartney-penned “Come and Get It,” “No Matter What,” “Day After Day,” “Baby Blue,” and the ballad “Without You,” which has been covered by nearly 200 artists and was a massive hit for both Harry Nilsson and Mariah Carey.
Mark Stein’s wailing organ and distinctive voice blasts through “No Matter What,” while Rick Wakeman’s deft piano playing leads “Come and Get It.” We get Ian Anderson’s light flute trilling, Terry Reid’s vocal, and the Manchester String Quartet mining “Day After Day.” Sonny Landreth’s wailing slide on “Suitcase,” and Albert Lee’s acoustic noodling on “Sweet Tuesday Morning” mark two of the best guitar playing moments of the record. They are a breath of fresh air in the mix of songs.
A slightly jazzy, simple, and sly “Without You” is the last number on Badfinger: No Matter What – Revisiting The Hits. Todd Rundgren, who produced Badfinger at one point in their career, doesn’t manage any vocal gymnastics on his version — not that he could the way Nilsson or Carey manage on theirs — but it’s a cool read of the hit. And it’s a unique way to end an eclectic collection that pays tribute to a very special band.
~ Ralph Greco, Jr.
