Near The Beginning – VANILLA FUDGE**

Shotgun/Some Velvet Morning/Where Is Happening/Break Song

Part studio part live Near The Beginning returns Vanilla Fudge to lengthy self indulgent jams. It was to be their last US top twenty album. The last sentence of the final review is a questionable criticism. (US:16)

"Arguably their best, this one is straight hard rock, featuring good organ and guitar. Though I tend to gravitate toward the longer stuff, I didn't think the side two long track was the best thing on here, but it's still solid."

"Seen in perspective Near The Beginning might look a bit self-indulgent and a pointless sum of egos; and is not one of the Vanilla Fudge’s best albums, though it sounds heavier than your average 1969 'heavy metal' band."

"This is actually a pretty enjoyable release for the most part, even though things have the tendency to lapse into boredom from time to time. Like Appice's solo on Break Song. But when the band kick into gear it's quiet an experience. Plus dig that monster distorto bass."

"The merit of Near The Beginning was that it captured the feeling of a live and heavy performance with fireworks in the organ and, above all, the guitar, bass and drums solo. At this point, you'll understand why Carmine Appice was considered one of the most spectacular and powerful drummers in the world."

"It starts with an absolute killer version of Shotgun. It really blows you away. Their take on Some Velvet Morning is equally haunting and good, and Where Is Happiness is one of their better original tracks. The Break Song (recorded live) is a bit perplexing. It starts out great, keeps going, but then gets a little tired in the middle, but then picks up for a great finish."

"What made these guys interesting were their bizarre cover versions and this has two of the most bizarre: an over the top version of Junior Walker's Shotgun and their superb take on the Nancy Sinatra - Lee Hazlewood melodrama Some Velvet Morning. Good singing, good playing and a killer rhythm section. Folks that don't 'get' the Fudge take rock music a bit too seriously."