Bad Company were one of the biggest rock bands in the world in the mid-'70s, and their first single "Can't Get Enough" and was an international smash, reaching #5 in the US. Yet for some reason, Classic Rock Radio in Australia has forgotten both Bad Company and their song. So, we’re taking a look back at the awesome power and simplicity of their debut hit and beyond.
Formed in 1973, Bad Company were one of the first rock supergroups. Frontman Paul Rogers and drummer Simon Kirke had come to the fore as teenagers in Free; both were 19 in 1969 when they recorded the classic "All Right Now", a song that would set a template for bluesy hard rock in the '70s and beyond. Rogers was one of the most soulful singers on the scene, and Kirke knew the power of simplicity and how to deliver a monstrously fat groove. Guitarist Mick Ralphs was similarly schooled in simplicity and was a lynchpin of the legendary Mott The Hoople, Ian Hunter's riotous UK rockers who, after four unsuccessful albums, finally hit paydirt on the eve of splitting when David Bowie gifted them "All The Young Dudes" in 1972. Bass player, Boz Burrell may have come from King Crimson, but he was all about simplicity as well; indeed he had joined King Crimson in 1971 as a vocalist found he needed to replace their departing bass player as well, and only started playing then.
If ever there was a band born for stardom, this was it, and with Led Zeppelin's manager Peter Grant looking after business and a deal with Zeppelin's Swan Song label in hand immediately, they just needed the right song to start with the biggest of bangs. "Can't Get Enough" was that song. Reminiscent of Free's "All Right Now" in tempo and ease of groove, and with a weighty heft owing much to recent Mott The Hoople classics like "Jerkin' Crocus' and "Drivin' Sister," "Can't Get Enough" was a powerful statement. Catchy and cocky as hell, but simple enough to make AC/DC sound like the Mahavishnu Orchestra or someone, it surely had an impact on a young AC/DC and their mentors Vanda & Young, who'd been experimenting with the power of spacious riffing since the Easybeats recorded "Good Times". The simplicity and space in "Can't Get Enough" - like "All Right Now", it sounded something like a louder version of the Stones' "Honky Tonk Women" stripped of twang - was something not often heard in 1974, but it made an impact.
The AC/DC guys weren't the only musicians in Sydney paying attention. "Can't Get Enough" would feature in the Ted Mulry Gang's set for a while early-on – drummer Herm Kovac was a big Simon Kirke fan – while popular locals Finch – the band that bass player Mark Evans joined after leaving AC/DC - used it as something of a template as well. Years later Finch guitarist Bob Spencer – who later went onto Skyhooks, the Angels and these days plays in Rose Tattoo – would name Bad Company's self-titled first album as his all-time favourite.
That album was indeed a fine one. While "Can't Get Enough" was the undoubted highlight, it featured other easy-going rockers like "Movin' On" and "Ready for Love" and the soulful ballad "Don't Let Me Down". The whole thing sounded great too; the less-is-more effect used to perfection and the full-bodied and natural sound providing a hugely satisfying warmth and tone. The band's second album Straight Shooter was also powerful, and included two more huge hits in "Feels Like Making Love" and "Shooting Star."
Have a listen here to the official audio of "Can't Get Enough" to hear the song to full effect, then check out some killer live performances of some other early Bad Company faves.
“Can't Get Enough”
“Ready For Love”
“Bad Company”
“Feel Like Makin' Love”
“Good Lovin' Gone Bad”
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