PARIS paris ECS-40136

The Heavy Side of Bob Welch: Paris’ Debut ‘Paris’ (ECS-40136)

Today’s entry highlights the short-lived but potent power trio formed by Bob Welch after his departure from Fleetwood Mac. We are examining the 1978 Japanese Reissue of the self-titled debut album Paris, released on Capitol Records as part of the “Rock Greatest 1500” series with the catalog number ECS-40136.

A Hard Rock Supergroup

Before his massive solo success with French Kiss, Bob Welch formed Paris in 1975 to explore a heavier, hard rock sound reminiscent of Led Zeppelin. The lineup was a formidable “supergroup” trio, featuring former Jethro Tull bassist Glenn Cornick and former Nazz drummer Thom Mooney. The album is a cult classic of 70s rock, featuring heavy riffs on tracks like “Black Book” and the space-rock vibes of “Starcage,” offering a stark contrast to Welch’s softer hits like “Sentimental Lady.”

Japan Tour Commemorative Issue

Released in 1978, this pressing was marketed to coincide with Bob Welch’s solo popularity and activity in Japan (labeled as a “Commemorative Visit” release).

- Japan Tour Obi: This copy is particularly special because it includes the Japan Tour Obi, distinct from the standard series obi. These commemorative strips were often added to back-catalog releases when an artist toured Japan (in this case, capitalizing on Welch’s solo tour), making them highly collectible.
- Rock Greatest 1500: As part of this budget-friendly series, it was intended to introduce Welch’s heavier roots to his new pop fanbase.

Inclusions

The release comes complete with the Lyric Insert, providing a full look at this unique chapter in Bob Welch’s career.