Heart's "Dog & Butterfly" - the Magic of a Far, Distant Fantasyland
"Dog & Butterfly" - One of the Greatest Hard Rock Albums of All-Time
Sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson are the creative, flaming spark behind hard rock legend Heart...and how much that shows on this album. It was 1978, and Heart was releasing their fourth studio album. The album provided a short rebound for the band, as it was certified double platinum and spend 36 weeks on the charts; peaking at number 17 on the U.S. Billboard 200. The album contained two hit singles; the blistering "Straight On" (#15) and the delicate, gorgeous title track (#34). But unlike Heart's previous albums, the material from "Dog & Butterfly" is immensely stronger from every standpoint, with Ann and Nancy involving themselves to a greater extent. The vocals and guitar work on this album are amazing. "Dog & Butterfly" totally blows my mind beyond words. From the rockin', bad ass, burning, and bluesy "Cook With Fire" to the eerie mystical power of "Mistral Wind", this album is perfection upon perfection.
"Dog & Butterfly" is of course divided into two parts. The Dog side, and the Butterfly side, which is referring to the fact of that equilibrium Heart has always had in their music. It is that need to have a side of hard-driving, kick ass Rock and Roll, and that delicate, sensitive, and sensual side...and this concept is reflected on this album.
Ann's vocals just cut like a well-honed knife right through the whole album...and Nancy's guitar skills and ability just shine like flashing diamonds on every track.
The album does kick-off with that kick ass track of "Cook With Fire", which certainly gets the feel of a whole Rock and Roll show and gets you going for an album filled with outstanding tracks. "Cook With Fire" melts into track two, the happy and boisterous "High Time" which likely sets the joyous mood that is essentially screaming out, "C'mon let's party!"
As the amazing "High Time" fades out...it moves on into the fun and playful "Hijinx." Ann's voice, is so filled with character on this song...really bringing its upbeat vibe to life.
Then "Hijinx" moves into "Straight On," a song about strength and perhaps - horniness. "Straight On" became the album's biggest hit and still remains one of Heart's most enduring songs.
This is where the album flips sides...it flips from Dog to Butterfly. The Butterfly side is my favorite part of the record, although I love the whole thing. This part of the album features the most beautiful love song of all-time, "Lighter Touch." "Lighter Touch" is possibly my favorite song off the album...I still cannot control my emotions on this one. Makes me all teary-eyed every time. "Nada One" is also a stand-out track which is very trippy and outstandingly gorgeous. Nancy's guitar work is just so beautiful on this song...and the harmonies are just to die for. Also an album favorite of mine.
"Nada One" moves into possibly the greatest Heart song of all-time, the mysterious and chilling "Mistral Wind." I cannot see how one cannot listen to this song without getting shivers up their spine! I mean, heavens....the mixture of delicate lyrics, hard-driving guitars, and passionate vocals just drives you crazy!!! A song that deals with love, inspiration, and insanity all that same time...still remains a fan favorite. I am so in love with that song!
There are three bonus tracks, all of which are all well done. They are a live version of "Heartless," an early version of the 1983 Johnny Moon, "Feels," and a small acoustic jam, "A Little Bit."
In an album that defines what true Rock and Roll really is...it sure takes you to that magical and far, distant fantasyland where dreams come true...that land where everything is ruled by Heart.
- Bright Light Girl, 2006
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