"Round And Round: Progressive Sounds Of 1974" by VARIOUS ARTISTS – Featuring Renaissance, PFM, Man, Keith Christmas, Barclay James Harvest, Gravy Train, Procol Harum, Robin Trower, Gong, Peter Hammill, SAHB, Camel, Caravan, Hawkwind, Neutrons, Be Bop Deluxe, Traffic, Hatfield & The North, Refugee, Todd Rundgren's Utopia, Daryll Way's Wolf, Stackridge, Jethro Tull, Nektar, Kayak, Strawbs, Greenslade, Jack Bruce (of Cream), Kevin Ayers and Quicksand (June 2023 UK Esoteric Recordings 4CD 51-Track Compilation in a Clamshell Box Set with Paschal Byrne Remasters – Part of the Underground/Progressive Sounds Of Series of 3CD and 4CD Box Sets for Each Year from 1968 to 1975) - A Review by Mark Barry...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/ROUND-PROGRESSIVE-SOUNDS-1974-CLAMSHELL/dp/B0C28G7VJ6?crid=3DS8J0OOD0R4W&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.6I67F8dl6c3f3LW4gci8hg.9zPeC_onL6Sh09Z4s1YztVCPYW0_SSVOCvDKw7QQzP0&dib_tag=se&keywords=5013929483194&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1737030765&sprefix=5013929483194%2Caps%2C90&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.95fd378e-6299-4723-b1f1-3952ffba15af&linkCode=ll1&tag=mabasreofcdbl-21&linkId=c677e7e51416af756560c1da39bf03c0&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

RATINGS:

Overall: ***

Presentation: ***

Audio: **** to *****

"…City In My Head…"

Maybe I'm getting old. I was so looking forward to this. But if I'm truthful – and as evidenced by this 51-Track 4CD Clamshell Box Set from Esoteric Recordings of the UK - 1974 Prog Rock was not nearly as sexy as my addled spaghetti-looped spongiform excitedly remembers it (and I lived for this stuff back then).

The other downer is of course licensing rights - which I presume Esoteric was not able to get – thereby denying us big guns some of which went all the way to No.1 or Top 10 at least (a very big deal back in the day). Commercial and scene-monster albums like "Crime Of The Century" by Supertramp, "Relayer" by Yes, "Hamburger Concerto" by Focus, "The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway" by Genesis, "From The Mars Hotel" by The Grateful Dead, both "Red" or "Starless And Bible Black" by King Crimson, "Hergest Ridge" by Mike Oldfield, "Country Life" by Roxy Music, "Journey To The Center Of The Earth" by Rick Wakeman (of Yes) and "Phaedra" by Tangerine Dream – all AWOL. And there are other odd omissions (admittedly less well-known artists) like Fruupp, Tempest, Wally, Seventh Wave, Nucleus with Ian Carr, Soft Machine, Matching Mole or even the two Gryphon albums on Transatlantic Records – not here either. 

And if we are going to get Rock Artists with a slightly Proggish twinge like Budgie and Robin Trower (love both tracks, they lift proceedings considerably) – then how about Wishbone Ash or Jeff Beck or T. Rex or 10cc or Trapeze or even Fusion and Keyboard Experimental people like Billy Cobham and The Mahavishnu Orchestra or the future-transformative Kraftwerk and their "Autobahn"? They all fit in my book. But do we need crap like the Traffic album or doubling up of album tracks when other artists could have been highlighted. Anyway, let us deal with what we do have, because there's lots to discuss (that is good) and not just decry…

UK released Friday, 30 June 2023 - "Round And Round: Progressive Sounds Of 1974" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Esoteric Recordings ECLEC42831 (Barcode 5013929483194) is a 51-Track 4CD Compilation in a Clamshell Box Set with 4 Mini LP Style Card Sleeves, a 48-Page Colour Booklet that plays out as follows:

CD1 (76:07 minutes):
1. Freefall – CAMEL (5:54 minutes) - from their second studio album "Mirage" – released March 1974 in the UK on Decca/Gama Records SML 1107 – featuring Peter Bardens and Andy Latimer – see also Track 5 on CD 4 from the same LP

2. Negative Earth – BARCLAY JAMES HARVEST (5:32 minutes) – from their fourth studio album "Everyone Is Everybody Else" released June 1974 in the UK on Polydor 2383 286 and September 1974 in the USA on Polydor PD 6508) – more BJH see also Track 12 on CD2

3. Skating Away (On The Thin Ice Of A New Day) – JETHRO TULL (3:58 minutes) – from their seventh studio album "WarChild" - released October 1974 in the USA and UK on Chrysalis Records CHR 1067 (same catalogue number for both countries). This song also appeared on their "M.U. Best Of Jethro Tull" hits album in January 1976 – see also Track 11 on CD2 from the same "WarChild" LP

4. Flying – QUICKSAND (4:23 minutes) – from their debut and only album "Home Is Where The Heart Is" – released February 1974 in the UK on Dawn Records DNLS 3056 – featured James Davies - later with Alcatraz in 1977 on United Artists)

5. Didn't Feel Lonely Till I Thought Of You – KEVIN AYERS (4:11 minutes) – from his sixth album "The Confessions Of Dr. Dream And Other Stories" - released May 1974 in the UK on Island ILPS 9263 - Featuring Guitars by Mark Warner (of Quantum Jump) and Sam Mitchell (of Uncle Dog) with Solo by Ollie Halsall (of Patto), Percussion by Rupert Hine and Vocals by Doris Troy, Rosetta Hightower and Joanne Williams

6. Black September - DARRYL WAY'S WOLF (4:50 minutes) – from the album "Night Music" – released November 1974 in the UK on Deram SML 1116 – features John Hodkinson of IF on Vocals, John Etheridge of Soft Machine on Guitar with Darryl Way on Keyboards and Violin – see also Track 11 on CD3 from the same LP

7. Son Of "There's No Place Like Homerton" – HATFIELD AND THE NORTH (10:13 minutes) – from the debut album "Hatfield And The North" – released March 1974 in the UK on Virgin V 2008 – Keyboards by Dave Stewart – for more Hatfield And The North – see also Track 8 on CD3

8. Jets At Dawn – BE-BOP DELUXE (7:19 minutes) – from the debut album "Axe Victim" – released June 1974 in the UK on Harvest SHVL 813 – written by and featuring Bill Nelson

9. Keep It Down – JACK BRUCE (3:42 minutes) – ex-60ts power trio Cream, from his fourth solo album "Out Of The Storm" – released November 1974 in the UK on RSO Records 2394 143 – features Steve Hunter (of Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels and Lou Reed fame) on Guitars, Jack Bruce on Vocals, Bass, Keyboards and more with Lyrics by Pete Brown (of Battered Ornaments)

10. Foothills – KEITH CHRISTMAS (4:00 minutes) – from his fourth album "Brighter Days" – released October 1974 in the UK on Manticore K 53503 – Guests include Greg Lake of ELP and Pete Sinfield of King Crimson (both Produced, Greg Lake for Foothills, Manticore is Emerson, Lake & Palmer's Label), Neil Hubbard of Juicy Lucy and Kokomo on Guitars, Ian McDonald of King Crimson and Centipede on Piano, Pete Solley of Paladin on Keyboards, Ray Warleigh of The Keef Hartley Band on Saxophone, Henry Lowther on Trumpet and more – see also Track 1 on CD3 from the same LP

11. Virgin On The Ridiculous – CARAVAN (6:53 minutes) – from the album "Caravan & The New Symphonia" – released April 1974 in the UK on Deram SML-R 1110 – featuring Pye Hastings and Arrangements by John Bell and Martyn Ford – see also Track 3 on CD4 from the same LP

12. Master Builder – GONG (6:20 minutes) – from the album "You" – released October 1974 in the UK on Virgin V 2019 – featuring Steve Hillage, Hi T. Moonweed and Pierre Moerlen – see also Track 10 on CD4 from the same album

13. Hero & Heroine (Early Mix Version) – STRAWBS (3:24 minutes) – original version from their seventh album "Hero And Heroine" released February 1974 on A&M SP-3607 (USA) and April 1974 on A&M Records AMLH 63607 (UK) - featuring Dave Cousins, Dave Lambert, John Hawken (ex-Nashville Teens and Renaissance), Chas Cronk and Rod Coombes (ex-Stealers Wheel) – This Early Mix Version Appears To Be PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED – see also Track 4 on CD2 (another Early Mix Version)

14. God Speed The Plough – STACKRIDGE (5:30 minutes) – from the album "The Man In The Bowler Hat" – released February 1974 in the UK on MCA Records MCG 3501 (released as "Pinafore Days" in the USA on Sire SASD-7503 with two different tracks neither of which apply to this box) – features Andy Davis, Keith Gemmell and Mike Evans – see also Track 8 on CD2 from the same LP

CD2 (78:34 minutes):
1. Fidgety Queen – NEKTAR (4:08 minutes) – from the album "Down To Earth" – released October 1974 in the UK on United Artists UAG 29680 – features Roy Albrighton on Guitar and Lead Vocals, Taff Freeman on Keyboards and Vocals with Guest Vocals from Bob Calvert of Hawkwind – see also Track 12 on CD3 from the same LP

2. Tapeworm – PETER HAMMILL (4:22 minutes) – from the album "In Camera" – released August 1974 in the UK on Charisma CAS 1089 – Hammill (of Van Der Graaf Generator) plays all instruments except drums – for more PH see also Track 7 on CD4 from an album earlier in that year

3. Staircase To The Day – GRAVY TRAIN (7:31 minutes) – from the album "Staircase To The Day" – released July 1974 in the UK on Dawn DNLH 1 – features Norman Barrett and John D. Hughes – see also Track 5 on CD 3 from the same LP

4. Round And Round (Early Mix Version) – STRAWBS (4:46 minutes) - original version from their seventh album "Hero And Heroine" released February 1974 on A&M SP-3607 (USA) and April 1974 on A&M Records AMLH 63607 (UK) - featuring Dave Cousins, Dave Lambert, John Hawken (ex-Nashville Teens and Renaissance), Chas Cronk and Rod Coombes (ex-Stealers Wheel) – This Early Mix Version Appears To Be PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED – see also Track 13 on CD1 (another Early Mix Version)

5. Zoom Club – BUDGIE (9:53 minutes) – from their fourth studio album "In For The Kill" - released June 1974 in the UK on MCA Records MCF 2546 – featuring Burke Shelley, Tony Bourge and Pete Boot

6. I Can't See Where The Light Switch Is – STEVE SWINDELLS (3:22 minutes) – from the album "Messages" – released May 1974 in the UK on RCA Victor LPL1 5057 – features Danny Thompson of Pentangle on Double Bass

7. Joie De Vivre – GREENSLADE (8:27 minutes) – from their third album "Spyglass Guest" – released August 1974 in the UK on Warner Brothers K 56055 - featuring Dave Greenslade [ex Chris Farlowe and The Thunderbirds and Colosseum], Dave Lawson [ex The Web and Samurai], Tony Reeves [ex Colosseum] with Andrew McCullock [ex King Crimson and Fields] - and guests Andy Roberts [ex Everyone, Plainsong and Grimms], Clem Clempson [ex Bakerloo, Champion, Colosseum and Humble Pie] with Graham Smith from String Driven Thing

8. The Last Plimsoll – STACKRIDGE (4:32 minutes) - from the album "The Man In The Bowler Hat" – released February 1974 in the UK on MCA Records MCG 3501 (released as "Pinafore Days" in the USA on Sire SASD-7503 with two different tracks neither of which apply to this box) – features Andy Davis, Keith Gemmell and Mike Evans – see also Track 14 on CD1 from the same LP

9. Mother Russia – RENAISSANCE (9:21 minutes) – from the album "Turn Of The Cards" – released July 1974 in the UK on BTM Records BTM 1000 – features Annie Haslem on Vocals and John Taut on Keyboards  – see also Track 2 on CD4 from the same LP

10. Dream Gerrard – TRAFFIC (11:05 minutes) – from their seventh studio album "When The Eagle Flies" – released September 1974 in the UK on Island Records ILPS 9273 – features Steve Winwood and Jim Capaldi – see also Track 9 on CD3 from the same LP

11. Bungle In The Jungle – JETHRO TULL (3:37 minutes) - from their seventh studio album "WarChild" - released October 1974 in the USA and UK on Chrysalis Records CHR 1067 (same catalogue number for both countries). This song also appeared on their "M.U. Best Of Jethro Tull" hits album in January 1976 – see also Track 3 on CD1 from the same "WarChild" LP

12. Mockingbird (Live) – BARCLAY JAMES HARVEST (7:30 minutes) – from the 2LP set "Live" – released November 1974 in the UK on Polydor 2683 052 – featuring John Lees on Guitar and Vocals, Wooly Wolstenholme on Keyboards and Vocals with Les Holroyd and Mel Pritchard on Bass and Drums – for more BJH see also Track 2 on CD1

CD3 (77:11 minutes):
1. Brighter Day – KEITH CHRISTMAS (6:17 minutes) - from his fourth album "Brighter Days" – released October 1974 in the UK on Manticore K 53503 – Guests include Greg Lake of ELP and Pete Sinfield of King Crimson (both Produced, Greg Lake for Foothills, Manticore is Emerson, Lake & Palmer's Label), Neil Hubbard of Juicy Lucy and Kokomo on Guitars, Ian McDonald of King Crimson and Centipede on Piano, Pete Solley of Paladin on Keyboards, Ray Warleigh of The Keef Hartley Band on Saxophone, Henry Lowther on Trumpet and more – see also Track 10 on CD1 from the same LP

2. Scotch Corner – MAN (9:09 minutes) – from their eight album "Rhinos, Winos And Lunatics"- released May 1974 on United Artists UAG 29631 in the UK - featuring Deke Leonard, Malcolm Morley, Mickey Jones, Ken Whaley and Terry Williams 

3. Exit – MAN (1:16 minutes) – as per Track 2

4. The World Became The World – PFM (4:48 minutes) - Italian Prog Group initially called Premiata Forneria Marconi – shortened to PFM – from the album "The World Became The World" – released June 1974 in the UK on Manticore K 53502 – see also Track 9 on CD4 from the same LP

5. Starlight Starbright – GRAVY TRAIN (4:27 minutes) - from the album "Staircase To The Day" – released July 1974 in the UK on Dawn DNLH 1 – features Norman Barrett and John D. Hughes with Pete Solley of Paladin on Keyboards as a Guest – see also Track 3 on CD2 from the same LP

6. Drunk Again – PROCOL HARUM (4:32 minutes) – Non-LP Track from March 1974 UK 45-single on Chrysalis CHS 2032, B-side of "Nothing But The Truth" – written by Gary Brooker with Lyrics from longtime PH-associate Keith Reid

7. Ritt Mickley – REFUGEE (4:55 minutes) – from their Debut and only Album "Refugee" – released April 1974 in the UK on Charisma Records CAS 1087 - featuring Bassist Lee Jackson and Drummer Brian Davison (both ex-The Nice) with Keyboardist Patrick Moraz - later with Yes for "Relayer"

8. Let's Eat (Real Soon) – HATFIELD AND THE NORTH (3:17 minutes) – Non-LP Track, November 1974 UK 45-single on Virgin VS 116, A-side

9. Graveyard People – TRAFFIC (6:07 minutes) - from their seventh studio album "When The Eagle Flies" – released September 1974 in the UK on Island Records ILPS 9273 – features Steve Winwood and Jim Capaldi – see also Track 10 on CD2 from the same LP

10. Trust In The Machine – KAYAK (6:08 minutes) – from their debut album "Kayak" – released October 1974 in the UK on Harvest SHSP 4036 – featuring Max Werner on Keyboards, Johan Slager on Guitars, Cees Van Leeuwen on Bass and Pim Koopman on Percussion

11. The Envoy – DARYLL WAY'S WOLF (6:29 minutes) – from the album "Night Music" – released November 1974 in the UK on Deram SML 1116 – features John Hodkinson of IF on Vocals, John Etheridge of Soft Machine on Guitar with Darryl Way on Keyboards and Violin – see also Track 6 on CD1 from the same LP

12. Early Morning Clown – NEKTAR (3:24 minutes) - from the album "Down To Earth" – released October 1974 in the UK on United Artists UAG 29680 – features Roy Albrighton on Guitar and Lead Vocals, Taff Freeman on Keyboards and Vocals with Guest Vocals from Bob Calvert of Hawkwind – see also Track 1 on CD2 from the same LP

13. Living In The World Today – THE NEUTRONS (6:13 minutes) – from the album "Black Hole Star" – released September 1974 in the UK on United Artists UAS 29652

14. The Psychedelic Warlords – HAWKWIND (6:51 minutes) - from their fourth studio album "Hall Of The Mountain Grill" – released September 1974 in the UK on United Artists UAG 29672 – features Dave Brock, Nik Turner, Del Dettmar and Lemmy (later of Motorhead)

15. Adventures In A Yorkshire Landscape – BE-BOP DELUXE (3:25 minutes) - from the debut album "Axe Victim" – released June 1974 in the UK on Harvest SHVL 813 – written by and featuring Bill Nelson

CD4 (77:43 minutes):
1. Utopia Theme – TODD RUNDGREN'S UTOPIA (14:30 minutes) – from the album "Todd Rundgren's Utopia" - released October 1974 in the USA on Bearsville BS 6954 and November 1974 in the UK on Bearsville K 55501. "Utopia" (aka "Utopia Theme") was recorded live at The Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia in November 1973 - the rest of the album is studio

2. Black Flame – RENAISSANCE (6:26 minutes) – from the album "Turn Of The Cards" – released July 1974 in the UK on BTM Records BTM 1000 – features Annie Haslem on Vocals and John Taut on Keyboards  – see also Track 9 on CD2 from the same LP

3. Mirror For The Day – CARAVAN (4:31 minutes) – from the album "Caravan & The New Symphonia" – released April 1974 in the UK on Deram SML-R 1110 – featuring Pye Hastings and Arrangements by John Bell and Martyn Ford – see also Track 11 on CD1 from the same LP

4. Bridge Of Sighs – ROBIN TROWER (5:04 minutes) – ex-Procol Harum - from his second solo studio album "Bridge Of Sighs" - released April 1974 on Chrysalis CHR 1057 – features James Dewar of Stone The Crows on Vocals and Bass – album also produced by Matthew Fisher of Procol Harum

5. Lady Fantasy – CAMEL (12:45 minutes) - from their second studio album "Mirage" – released March 1974 in the UK on Decca/Gama Records SML 1107 – featuring Peter Bardens and Andy Latimer – see also Track 1 on CD1 from the same LP

6. Paradox – HAWKWIND (5:29 minutes) - from their fourth studio album "Hall Of The Mountain Grill" – released September 1974 in the UK on United Artists UAG 29672 – features Dave Brock, Nik Turner, Del Dettmar and Lemmy (later of Motorhead)

7. Red Shift – PETER HAMMILL (8:13 minutes) - from the album "The Silent Corner And The Empty Stage" – released February 1974 in the UK on Charisma CAS 1083 – Hammill (of Van Der Graaf Generator) plays Guitars, Keyboards and Bass - Guest Guitar by Randy California of Spirit – for more PH see also Track 2 on CD2 from an album later in that year

8. Anthem – THE SENSATIONAL ALEX HARVEY BAND (aka SAHB) (7:44 minutes) – from their third studio album (as SAHB) "The Impossible Dream" - released October 1974 in the UK on Vertigo 6360 112 – features Zal Cleminson on Guitar, Hugh McKenna on Keyboards with Vicki Silva on Backing Vocals

9. Just Look Away – PFM (4:04 minutes) - Italian Prog Group initially called Premiata Forneria Marconi – shortened to PFM – from the album "The World Became The World" – released June 1974 in the UK on Manticore K 53502 – see also Track 4 on CD3 from the same LP

10. A Sprinkling Of Clouds – GONG (8:57 minutes) - from the album "You" – released October 1974 in the UK on Virgin V 2019 – featuring Steve Hillage, Hi T. Moonweed and Pierre Moerlen – see also Track 12 on CD1 from the same album

The Four Mini LP Card Sleeves are pretty (a slightly altered carousel image on each) but not really indicative of what's going on inside. And on initial glance the 48-Page Booklet is stuffed to the gunnels with info – mostly the written word (see photos). But it's oddly unsatisfying because (for instance) when the hugely experienced compiler John Reed ran Sanctuary (John has done literally hundreds of CD reissues across the last three decades) – even their fold-out inlays for a lesser-known musical hero like say Long John Baldry or Alexis Korner or Andy Roberts had collages of relevant photos because that gave you a feel for the release and the artists and especially the period involved. The visuals, in short. 

Despite MARK POWELL (Compiled and Annotated by) pouring on the learned-factoids - there is barely a single photo for each artist – a handful of LPs pictured – no ticket stubs – no concert posters from the trades – no memorabilia - fan involvement – it’s all a bit dry frankly and strangely passionless. Then when you read the scholarly text – you find that each is a career summary of the band/artist that barely deals with the actual track on the box – like these are generic biogs prepped in advance that can be slotted in when needed. Bluntly – where's the feel for Prog Rock or 1974? 

Others have also complained (as I said earlier) about two-tracks to most artists from the same album - when the name-net could and should have been thrown wider. The PASCHAL BYRNE Remasters are excellent throughout though – Esoteric has been reissuing these names in 2 and 3 and 4CD Extended Editions for years now – so each listen is a full-on 24-bit digital transfer from original tapes - full of details revealed and oomph where needed. To the actual music…

Peter Bardens and Andy Latimer profile Camel's second album "Mirage" in two places – the Track 1 guitar-driven "Freefall" on CD1 and a popular choice in "Lady Fantasy" over on CD4 (Track 5). This doubling-up for bands and their 1974 albums happens a lot (Jethro Tull, Keith Christmas, Renaissance, Caravan, Be-Bop Deluxe, Hawkwind, PFM and so on) – with Barclay James Harvest and Peter Hammill (of Van Der Graaf Generator) both having different albums in 1974 - while Hatfield And The North get an album and a stand-alone 45 - Procol Harum just a rare B-side. I would admit that CD1 only truly comes alive for me with the brilliant "Skating Away (On The Thin Ice Of A New Day)" from Jethro Tull – it and that other single "Bungle In The Jungle" from their "WarChild" album impressing mightily (gorgeous Audio on both – Steve Wilson ahoy). 

There was a white label LP dated December 1973 for the lone Quicksand album "Home Is Where I Belong" on Dawn Records - but it did not appear until February 1974. From South Wales and on the go since 1970 – the first two minutes of their "Flying" initially sounds more like tripping in 1967 (if you know what I mean) as the treated vocals float from speaker-to-speaker. If you are on a first listen - then little will prepare you for Ollie Halsall of Patto letting rip as warbling-notes guest guitarist on the brilliant Kevin Ayers track "Didn't Feel Lonely Till I Thought Of You". Peppered with relationship disintegration, drug addiction references and its Hell - his Island Records debut album "The Confessions Of Dr. Dream And Other Stories" has always been a masterpiece to me and I wish Esoteric had included even one of the Parts of the title track from Side 2 (but alas). Time to calm things down with the surprisingly lovely "Black September" – Darryl Way and his band Wolf producing a memorable melody that in so many ways has little to do with Prog Rock. 

Time for some ten-minute marathons – Hatfield And The North (took their name from a road sign on the M1 that I used to see on the way up to the Holyhead Ferry) and their "Son Of "There's No Place Like Homerton"" being proper out-there Keyboards and Horns Prog – a sort of Colosseum meets Greenslade saunter through moods – up and down and back again (lovely Remaster too). I know Bill Nelson and his power trio Be-Bop Deluxe is not for everyone – radio singing love songs as soldiers come home across fields in their "Jets At Dawn" track from the admired "Axe Victim" debut on Harvest Records. Ex-Cream Bassist Jack Bruce gives us "Keep It Down" – a clumsy Funk-Rock brute that is done for by badly echoed guitar that makes it feel terribly dated. Keith Christmas gives us "Foothills" - the better of two tracks from his "Brighter Days" album – the title track being awful over on CD3. "Foothills" is essentially a David Crosby of CSNY vibe done to Acoustic Guitar and superb Synth soloing – a bit of a discovery. The Caravan track "Virgin On The Ridiculous" is live and yet has superb audio – a pretty song that I know deep-core Canterbury fans admire. Steve Hillage and his teapot men of Gong strike with the first of two Trippy workouts - "Master Builder" from "You" – the kind of Virgin Records LP that got traded a lot and was the very epitome of an adventurous pocket-money splash. CD1 goes out with Strawbs and Stackridge – Dave Cousins going all Marillion vocals with a different mix of "Hero & Heroine" – a tad heavy-handed if you ask me. Stackridge were always a band with a great name and album titles, but damn if it wasn’t difficult to sell their records because their identity confused most punters. The Folkish Piano, Violin and Flute of "God Speed The Plough" is an accomplished instrumental that ends CD1 with gorgeous audio and a touch of compositional wild. 

Most of us could probably do without the silly German-Vocal rant at the beginning of the Nektar inclusion "Fidgety Queen" that opens CD2 – best program it to the opening guitar riff at 24-seconds which is wickedly good - even if the dodgy on-the-make lyrics make you wince and the whole thing feels like a ham too far. Peter Hammill of Van Der Graaf Generator fame gets number two in the equally clumsy "Tapeworm" – posturing Euro Rock I could do without. Things mellow with Gravy Train and their Genesis sounding (Flute and Acoustic of Foxtrot) "Stairway To The Day" while we get another Early Mix Version of a Strawbs cut that gives the Box Set its name "Round And Round" – heavy emphasis on the synth and guitar. I like it actually – Cousins singing of ever-spinning wheels while the boys Rock out in that Strawbs way behind him. 

I love all things Budgie – a power-trio from Wales who were on MCA Records from 1971. They were Rawk-Rock – gritty and grimy (produced by Roger Bain of Black Sabbath fame) – but often engaged in long tracks that required Guitarist Tony Bourge to go off into clever tangents that could be construed as slightly Prog. "Zoom Club" is one of those stretches from their fourth studio album "In For The Kill" and you can so hear why Metallica covered one of their songs. I suspect for Progsters this Budgie guitar whig-out will be fun and a welcome respite from all the po-faced seriousness. Things soften considerably with Steve Swindells and his soft Clifford T. Ward-ish "I Can't See Where The Light Switch Is" – a rather lame song that is not helped by unmemorable vocals despite Danny Thompson of Pentangle plucking some lovely Double-Bass support (never could sell that LP). A hundred times better is Greenslade showing just how accomplished they had become with their fourth and best album on Warner Brothers "Spyglass Guest". Their Side 2 opener "Joie De Vivre" unfortunately has Bassist Dave Lawson on Vocals (Dave Greenslade on Keyboards) which was always their weakness despite the prettiness of the eight-minute trek - and worse - the seriously beautiful instrumental that closed Side 1 of the LP called "Siam Seesaw" is AWOL here – that song alone would have benefitted this Box Set greatly by its presence.

Stackridge offer us Rock vaudeville with "The Last Plimsoll" – a bad business tale of third parties and smarties doing things that ranker while Renaissance contemplates history with their piano-dramatic "Mother Russia". The lacklustre seventh Traffic album on Island Records "When The Eagle Flies" was a one-pound no-no for years when I worked the racks at Reckless Records. But at least the ambling "Dream Gerrard" offers moments of their former magic in those Steve Winwood funky keyboard fills – but of course – like so much of their seventies output - overstays its welcome – only two and half minutes in - starting to feel decidedly like LP filler to get them to the finish line. The last two on CD2 – Jethro Tull and the live Barclay James Harvest are not particularly interesting either – despite the improved audio.

CD3: "Brighter Day" is supposed to be some Funky jab at Mental Health problems of the nation but only ends feeling strangulated and hammy. Welsh band Man offer us two in a row from their popular "Rhinos, Winos And Lunatics" album of 1974 on United Artists – one a nine-minute opus "Scotch Corner" followed by a pointless one-minute Outro called "Exit". The guitarists in the band get to let rip on "Scotch Corner" sounding not unlike a twin-guitar-battling Wishbone Ash. Italian Prog-balladeers PFM had the cache of Manticore Records to promote them – a label owned and associated with Prog-Rock superstars Emerson, Lake & Palmer. Their "The World Became The World" borrows a lot from Procol Harum (who appear a few tracks on) while Gravy Train get their second outing with the wind-and-synths guitar chug of "Starlight Starbright" sounds uncomfortably like Spinal Tap at times. 

Non-LP Procol Harum B-side "Drunk Again" is a surprisingly raucous affair – boogie from the kings of Mellotron melodramatics. Future Yes keyboard whizz Patrick Moraz (replacing Rick Wakeman) was in Refugee before the Yes epic "Relayer" beckoned later that eventful year. Heavy bass synth notes crank out a funky jagged beat ala Greenslade for "Ritt Mickley" – but I found their stuff accomplished for sure but outside the endless soling - strangely soulless. Despite the witty lyrics, The Hatfield And The North stand-alone 45-single is too slight for my tastes while the second Traffic cut "Graveyard People" feels like a sloppy Steve Winwood trial run for "Arc Of A Diver" but not in a good way. CD3 hits us with more Euro sounds with Kayak – but honestly, I found the Darryl Way entry hard work. Far better is the acoustic lovely melody from Nektar called "Early Morning Clown" – a welcome respite. The guitar chug of the Neutrons speaker-to-speaker "Living In The World Today" track sets up the listen for more of the same by Hawkwind and Be-Bop Deluxe – the Hawk Lords sounding like Neanderthals waking up with hangovers while Bill Nelson of Be-Bop Deluxe is their sedate probationary office talking through their problems.

CD4 opens with a barnstormer I love – the live "Utopia Theme" from Todd Rundgren and his band of the same Utopia name. Recorded live in November 1973 in Atlanta (the only track on the album that is live, all the rest is studio), I cannot imagine how the audience took all its brand-new 13-plus minutes in – but they did. And during superb synth and guitar breaks (ala King Crimson) challenging them throughout – applauded loudly - because they caught the great riffage and knew it was an accomplished piece of Prog Rock even if it was 'A True Wizard' new. There are more clever ideas and unexpected musical breaks in this beast than there are in Rush songs – and I mean that as a compliment (lyrics from it title this review). 

Renaissance and Caravan offer us more sedate Canterbury-scene pieces in "Black Flame" and "Mirror For The Day" - the latter being live also (from their "Caravan And The New Symphonia" album). Renaissance always had that pretty melody thing about them and their acoustic-gorgeous "Black Flame" reflects that - Annie Haslem on warm Lead Vocals with John Taut providing tasteful Piano and Harpsichord accompaniment - all of it in beautiful Remastered Audio. Strings and Mood open the live Caravan offering "Mirror For The Day" - a deliciously accomplished piece of music - morning has come again - here comes that song again. It's almost Pop in certain places - Lady backing singers following the ebb and flow. Fantastic Rock is my description of Robin Trower's breakthrough album "Bridge Of Sighs" which was subject to a 50th Anniversary 3-Disc Chrysalis Box Set of its own in May 2024. Here Powell smartly offers us the very-Hendrix drifting-Prog riffage of the title track "Bridge Of Sighs" - James Dewar (formerly of the mighty Stone The Crows) giving us Soul-Rock Lead Vocals while Reg Isidore locks in that Drumming backbeat. It's a welcome Rock-ish intrusion that swishes to its end on a sea of wash-me-clean melodramatic Mellotron. 

Always a popular tune on "Mirage" - Camel stump up "Lady Fantasy" from their second Deram album - so 1974 Prog with its Guitars vs. Keyboards in-yer-face combo. I can remember when mid-Seventies Hawkwind was considered to be a bit of a joke - a droning guitar band already past their sell-by-date. Second offering from them is "Paradox" - Brock and Turner and Lemmy giving it some of their distinctive chug from their underrated "Hall Of The Mountain Grill" album on United Artists (how I loved that gatefold artwork and inner sleeve). They recorded it 'live' 26 January 1974 on the Pye Mobile unit and its raw almost pre-Punk guitar energy is the point. I know some have no time for it but I can tell you now (from Reckless Records sales experience) - Hawkwind have diehard admirers who will swear by this up-yours wall of Space Rock sound and will duel you to the death to prove it. After such an assault, we need some semblance of calm - no such luck. Peter Hammill's inner weird comes a-slinkering in with "Red Shaft" - all echoed Vocals - Sax jabs - and shimmering Percussion sounds atop doomy lyrics - yikes.

We romp to the end of CD4 with Drums and Fife from the greatly missed Oliver Reed of Scottish Rock - Alex Harvey. His Sensational Alex Harvey Band (SAHB) gives us one of those uneasy and unnerving builders he and his pirate-troupe were so good at - a history tale from "The Impossible Dream" album on Vertigo - Harvey's wild almost shouting vocals complimented by a painted-faced Zal Cleminson on Guitar while Hugh McKenna bashes those piano keys. It isn't as good as most everything on "Tomorrow Belongs To Me" - his genuine breakthrough album in 1975 - but it is a reminder of why we loved him and his band in the Seventies - fun and strangely moving too. Time to contemplate and trip out for the last two - Italy's PFM give us the pretty acoustic plaintive ballad "Just Look Away" - while Steve Hillage's Gong goes straight for the drugged-up keyboard jugular with "A Sprinkling Of Clouds" - a fantastic trippy instrumental that is off on a hand-painted teapot to a Universe near you for six minutes with a tie-dye teeshirt as your captain (yum yum).

Even with two outtake mixes from a band I loved (Strawbs) - I would admit - I was unusually disappointed by "Round And Round...1974" (hence the 3-star rating). 

But make no mistake - both novices and old-hands should cop that there's lots to love here, loads to discover and bluntly, Esoteric Recordings are to be worshipped for keeping that side of this ever-inventive (yet once maligned) music genre alive. Here's to the bearded next one...

Underground Sounds Of / Progressive Sounds Of CD SERIES

Clamshell Box Set Compilations from Esoteric Recordings of the UK

Individual 3CD and 4CD Sets by Various Artists for the Years 1968 to 1975

Mark Powell Compilations / Paschal Byrne Remasters / 48-Page (or more) Booklets

(James Collins Remasters for 1975 only)

Underground Sounds Of for 1968-1971 

Underground and Progressive Sounds Of for 1972

Progressive Sounds Of for 1973, 1974 and 1975

1968 - "Revolution: Underground Sounds Of 1968"
22 February 2019 UK 52-Track 3CD Box Set on Esoteric Recordings ECLEC32662 (Barcode 5013929476202)

1969 - "Banquet: Underground Sounds Of 1969"
25 June 2021 UK 52-Track 3CD Box Set on Esoteric Recordings ECLEC52752 (Barcode 5013929476585)

1970 - "Taking Some Time On: Underground Sounds Of 1970"
30 July 2021 UK 57-Track 4CD Box Set on Esoteric Recordings ECLEC42767 (Barcode 5013929476783)

1971 - "Breakthrough: Underground Sounds Of 1971"
18 November 2021 UK 54-Track 4CD Box Set on Esoteric Recordings ECLEC42779 (Barcode 5013929477988)

1972 - "Blowing Free: Underground and Progressive Sounds Of 1972"
24 June 2022 (delayed from 27 May 2022) UK 55-Track 4CD Box Set on Esoteric Recordings ECLEC42799 (Barcode 5013929479982)

1973 - "Wind Of Change: Progressive Sounds Of 1973"
13 Jan 2023 (delayed from May 2022) UK 48-Track 4CD Box Set on Esoteric Recordings ECLEC42823 (Barcode 5013929482395)

1974 - "Round And Round: Progressive Sounds Of 1974"
30 June 2023 UK 51-Track 4CD Box Set on Esoteric Recordings ECLEC42831 (Barcode 5013929483194)

1975 - "Ring The Bells And Sing: Progressive Sounds Of 1975"
30 August 2024 UK 46-Track 4CD Box Set on Esoteric Recordings ECLEC42883 (Barcode 5013929488342) – Mastered by James Collins

"Open Your Heart: The Island Recordings 1972-1976" by JIM CAPALDI [of Traffic] – Features Three Albums "Oh How We Danced" (February 1972 Solo Debut after Traffic), "Whale Meat Again" (June 1974) and "Short Cut Draw Blood" (June 1975) Plus Five Bonus Non-LP 45-single Sides and a DVD with Concert Footage from November 1975 and March 1976 – Features Paul Kossoff of Free, Guitarists Pete Carr and Chris Spedding, Steve Winwood of Traffic and Blind Faith, Dave Mason, Chris Wood and Rebop of Traffic, Barry Beckett, Jimmy Johnson, David Hood and Roger 'The Hawk' Hawkins of The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, Backing Singers Sue & Sunny and many more (March 2020 UK Esoteric Recordings 3CD+1DVD Clamshell Box Set with Mini LP Repro Artwork Card Sleeves and Remasters from Original Island Records Master Tapes by Paschal Byrne) - A Review by Mark Barry...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Open-Heart-Island-Recordings-1972-1976/dp/B083XVYPL4?crid=38YSH4MW2IW5I&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.FU8ZhyaSUMQbz9bulpBudA.rTGuEsvNRY-O3zlEXz8peAtxqPrkaI59SaCdNTXpd_Q&dib_tag=se&keywords=5013929481282&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1730749172&sprefix=5013929481282%2Caps%2C77&sr=8-1&ufe=INHOUSE_INSTALLMENTS%3AUK_IHI_3M_AUTOMATED&linkCode=ll1&tag=mabasreofcdbl-21&linkId=da1f87bc06dc6c891128d1ccaf86dfc1&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

RATINGS:

Material *** to ****

Presentation ****

Audio *****

"…Short Cut Draw Blood…"

In hindsight, so many reviewers in the 00s, 10s and 20s have been kind and generous in their praise to the music of Jim Capaldi. I mention this in late 2024 because when I was growing up and buying these sorts of albums between 1972 and 1975 – the general viewpoint was different. 

Some of his Island records album had good moments – but most were ordinary and even poor despite the stellar line-ups of guest musicians I have outlined below. And he has never had the best of voices either. Most of his Traffic compatriots were on the LPs alongside luminaries like Paul Kossoff of Free, Jess Roden of Bronco, ace axeman Chris Spedding, the Muscles Shoals House Band and even occasional inspiration from Viv Stanshall of The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band. But one look at auction sites and you will see hundreds of these albums on sale for under a pound and unfortunately even less. 

But – and this is the big but here – since the release of the June 2011 Universal 4CD Book Set "Dear Mr. Fantasy: The Jim Capaldi Story" (covering his music from 1964 to 2004) and now this - "Open Your Heart: The Island Recordings 1972-1976" – both sets beautifully 24-bit Digitally remastered by PASCHAL BYRNE from original tapes – it is time for me to bury my growing-up prejudice and re-listen. 
There is much to like here – rediscover too. None are masterpieces by any stretch of the imagination – but with that visual element too which I had not seen before – time to buckle up, grab the Bic Razor and draw chin-blood again. Oh How We Danced indeed – here are the heartfelt details…

UK released 27 March 2020 - "Open Your Heart: The Island Recordings 1972-1976" by JIM CAPALDI on Esoteric Recordings ECLEC 42712 (Barcode 5013929481282) is a 3CD+1DVD Clamshell Box Set (Three Albums Plus Five Bonus Tracks and Concert Footage from 1975 and 1976 on the DVD) that plays out as follows:

CD1 "Oh How We Danced" (40:57 minutes):
1. Eve [Side 1]
2. Big Thirst
3. Love Is All You Can Try
4. Last Day Of Dawn
5. Don't Be A Hero [Side 2]
6. Open Your Heart
7. How Much Can A Man Really Take
8. Oh How We Danced
Tracks 1 to 8 are his debut solo album (after Traffic) "Oh How We Danced" – released February 1972 in the UK on Island Records ILPS 9187. Produced by JIM CAPALDI and CHRIS BLACKWELL – the Band included Steve Winwood of Traffic and Blind Faith on Organ and Guitar, Jimmy Johnson (Guitar), David Hood (Bass) and Roger Hawkins (Drums) of The Muscle Shoals House Band, Dave Mason, Chris Wood and Rebop Kwaku Baah of Traffic, Paul Kossoff of Free on Guitar, Barry Beckett on Keyboards, Rick Grech of Traffic, Blind Faith, Ginger Baker's Airforce and Family, Trevor Burton and Jim Gordon and more

BONUS TRACK:
9. Going Down Slow All The Way (March 1972 UK 7" 45-single on Island Records WIP 6127, Non-LP B-side to "Eve")

CD2 "Whale Meat Again" (47:13 minutes):
1. It's Alright [Side 1]
2. Whale Meat Again
3. Yellow Sun
4. I've Got So Much Lovin'
5. Low Rider [Side 2]
6. My Brother
7. Summer Is Fading
8. We'll Meet Again
Tracks 1 to 8 are his second studio album "Whale Meat Again" – released June 1974 in the UK on Island Records ILPS 9254. Produced by JIM CAPALDI – the band included Pete Carr, Jimmie Johnson and Bubs White on Guitars, Barry Beckett and John "Rabbit" Bundrick on Keyboards, Chris Stainton of The Grease Band, Steve Winwood and Rebop Kwaku Baah of Traffic with the Muscles Shoals House Band

BONUS TRACK:
9. Tricky Dicky Rides Again (June 1973 UK 7" 45-single on Island Records WIP 6165, A-side (Non-LP). The B-side in the UK was the album track "Whale Meat Again", however, in the USA it was issued and credited (March 1973) as "Tricky Dickie Rides Again" on Island Records USA IS 1216 with "Love Is All You Can Try" from the debut album as its flipside

CD3 "Short Cut Draw Blood" (56:21 minutes):
1 Goodbye Love[Side 1]
2. It's All Up To You
3. Love Hurts
4. Johnny Too Bad
5. Short Cut, Draw Blood
6. Living On A Marble [Side 2]
7. Boy With A Problem
8. Keep On Trying
9. Seagull
Tracks 1 to 9 are his third solo album "Short Cut Draw Blood" – released June 1975 in the UK on Island Records ILPS 9336. Produced by JIM CAPALDI, CHRIS BLACKWELL and STEVE SMITH – the band featured Jess Roden of Bronco, Chris Spedding, Pete Carr, Paul Kossoff of Free, Pete Yarrow of Peter, Paul & Mary and Jimmy Johnson on Guitars, Barry Beckett on Keyboards, Ray Allen on Saxophone, Chris Stainton of The Grease Band, Steve Winwood, Gerry Conway of Fotheringay, Chris Wood and Rebop Kwaku Baah of Traffic, the Muscles Shoals House Band and more

BONUS TRACKS:
10. Sugar Honey (October 1975 UK 7" 45-single on Island Records WIP 6246, Non-LP B-side to "Love Hurts")
1

1. Talkin' About My Baby 
12. Still Talkin'
Tracks 11 and 12 are the Non-LP A&B-sides on an April 1976 UK 7" 45-single on Island Records WIP 6299 (no US issue)

DVD (NTSC, All Regions)
Jim Capaldi Band 
18 November 1975 - BBC TV – The Old Grey Whistle Test

Intro by Bob Harris
1. Short Cut, Draw Blood
2. Goodbye Love

Band featured:
Jim Capaldi on Guitar and Lead Vocals, Steve Winwood on Piano, Pete Bonas on Lead Guitar, Kiki Gyan on Organ, Ray Allen on Saxophone, Rosko Gee on Bass, Remi Kabaka on Drums and Percussion with Phil Capaldi on Percussion and Backing Vocals

Jim Capaldi and the Space Cadets
10 March 1976 – Live at the BBC Television Theatre in London
For the BBC TV programme – The Old Grey Whistle Test

Intro by Bob Harris
1. Low Rider
2. Love Hurts
3. Goodbye Love
4. Elixir Of Love
5. Boy With A Problem
6. Short Ends
7. Talkin' About My Baby
8. Keep On Trying
Band featured:
Jim Capaldi on Guitar and Lead Vocals, Pete Bonas on Lead Guitar, Kiki Gyan on Organ, Ray Allen on Saxophone, Rosko Gee on Bass, Remi Kabaka on Drums and Percussion, Phil Capaldi on Percussion and Backing Vocals with Ralph Richardson on Steel Drums

The small Clamshell Box Set contains four Mini LP Repro Artwork Card Sleeves with Picture CDs inside – three albums and a DVD. The card sleeves are named after the Box set and therefore don’t really reflect the original artwork as it was (as per the photos provided), and their rears have other photos than the original releases (none are gatefolds and any inners plus info is now in the booklet). The 28-page booklet helmed by PAUL MINKKINEN is a pleasingly in-depth affair – colour photos – repros of those lovely cartoons on the inner sleeve of "Whale Meat Again" that reflected each song title – the band-photos of "Oh How We Danced" (Paul Kossoff either asleep or stoned) - album-by-album credits in the closing pages alongside reissue credits (no lyrics though). Capaldi would go on to eleven more albums, but as Minkkinen points out, most fans gravitate towards these Seventies Funk-Rock and Soft-Rock moments accompanied by many buddies from Traffic, The Grease Band and even Fotheringay. A lovely inclusion too is the Bonus 45-single sides. 

But for me – re-hearing records I never really rated – the best news is the amazing Audio clarity on offer here. PASCHAL BYRNE has had his Engineer name on wads of Cherry Red UK reissues especially for their Esoteric Recordings label offshoot. I made immediately not for the obvious hit "Love Hurts" but for a Funk Rock gem I have loved for nearly fifty years - "Low Rider" – and wowser is the response. These were well-crafted and well-recorded albums and the sheer Funkiness of The Muscle Shoals House Band that he used - Jimmy Johnson on Guitar, David Hood on Bass with Roger "The Hawk" Hawkins on Drums and Barry Beckett on Keyboards – made the rhythm section feel like they were in the pocket - on Average White band tablets. The strings are admittedly overdone in places, but overall – the Audio is first class – clear and alive like you would want it. To the music…

His February 1972 debut album (after Traffic) "Oh How We Danced" opens on the slightly-weedy "Eve" – a mid-tempo woman-child tune. Far better is the slow ballad blues of "Big Thirst" – a co-write with Dave Mason - everyone hoping for a miracle to drive away the pain. Barry Beckett provides Soulful Organ, Sue and Sunny lady backing vocals, Dave Mason a Harmonica solo while Paul Kossoff of Free makes a first appearance on Guitar. Things turn to Piano Bop (Barry Beckett) with "Love Is All We Can Try" where both vocally and musically Capaldi sounds another Island Records fave – Bryn Haworth (Steve Winwood picks electric guitar in your left speaker). Side 1 ends with the acoustic-frantic "Last Day of Dawn" – Kossoff getting guitar funky while Rebop of Traffic and Roger Hawkins with David hood of The Muscle Shoals House Band give the backbeat a Funk.

The six-minute "Don't Be A Hero" opens Side 2 – again a mellow Capaldi telling us not to be sad – and while the musicians do him proud (both Kossoff and Mason on Guitar with Mason soloing) – his weak vocals kind of sink its epic build up and sway (sounds so good though). The song that entitles the Box Set "Open Your Heart" reunited Steve Winwood (Organ and Vocals) with fellow Traffic pal Chris Wood on Electric Sax which Rick Grech hits those soft Bass notes. Wood plays Flute on "How Much Can A Man Take" while sessionman legend Trevor Burton plays Bass and again Kossoff staying in the Rhythm Section background throughout. A good tune but again his voice kind of does for any impact. The LP finishes with a fast one – the Piano and Bass pulsating beat of "Oh How We Danced" where (finally) Kossoff gets to let rip on a guitar solo while The Muscle Shoals Horns get brassy in the mix. A good album then, rather than great. The piano-ballad Non-LP B-side "Going Down Slow All The Way" is excellent and you wonder why it did not get on the LP instead of the weaker "Eve".

Album number two - the wittily entitled "Whale Meat Again" arrived June 1974 – a full two-years after the debut – but the band remained roughly the same. I rate it much more than the starter album. Side 1 opens with a sort of happy-go-lucky Caribbean Island vibe in "It's Alright" that nicks some of its Acoustic moments from a famous George Harrison song on Abbey Road. Both Pete Carr (on Lead) and Jimmy Johnson have loads of guitar moments on the Blues Rock swagger of the album title track "Whale Meat Again" – a destruction of the environment angry song anchored by Ian "Rabbit" Bundrick on Keyboards while The Muscle Shoals Horns get classy halfway through. "Yellow Sun" is the big seven-minute ballad for Side 1 that sees Pete Carr switch to Dobro Slide while Jimmy Johnson handles the Guitars and Chris Stainton of The Grease Band plays mellow Organ. Barry Beckett on piano (comes in about the three-minute mark) rounds off a classy line-up on the undoubted LP highlight. The band gets Funky with the backbeat for "I've Got So Much Lovin'" – a downtown LA bopper that is abided by Lady Singers echoing most lines. Could have been a good single too but Island UK chose "It's All Up To You" b/w "Whale Meat Again" for the July 1974 45-single (which did not chart). 

Side 2 of "Whale Meat Again" opens with the brilliant Rock-Funk of "Low Rider" – a shadow man with lightning in his satchel designed to meet your needs. Harry Robinson arranged the cool strings as the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section get deep into the groove – Pete Carr making the Lead Guitar Solo count for every second. "Low Rider" runs to 5:40 minutes - but you can’t help think that Island missed a trick here with an Edited Down 45-single that might have caught the AWB-crowd neck-jerking to "Pick Up The Pieces" over on Atlantic Records. "My Brother" comes sailing out of your speakers with fab clarity but his echoed strangulated vocals are more irritating than effective – shame because the band achieves a sexy groove (Barry Beckett puts in a rare Synth solo). The second album ends with a two-parter – 8:30 minutes of "Summer Is Fading" that segue into a one and half-minute orchestrated strings cover of the old WWII Vera Lynn classic "We'll Meet Again". Starting out slow like a Traffic groove – Bub White takes Lead Guitar on "Summer Is Fading" that soon gets soloing frantic to only return to slow. The Vera Lynn thing has gorgeous string arrangements but is ruined by silly shouting.

Coming before the 1974 "Whale Meat Again" album hit the shops, the 45-single "Tricky Dicky Rides Again" from June 1973 on Island WIP 6165 whetted appetites. Fans want it because it features PAUL KOSSOFF of FREE on Guitar (it later appeared as "Dirty Business" – a remake on JC’s "Contender" album in February 1978 on Polydor Records) – but you might have difficulty actually hearing him through the rowdy proceedings until the end (great solo). Speaking of ace axeman Kossoff, unfortunately, the track "You And Me" which was also recorded with Capaldi and The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section in the 1975 sessions for "Short Cut Draw Blood" is not here. "You And Me" first appeared on the "Koss" double-album anthology in 1977 on Island Records, but its digital appearance is exclusive to the June 2011 4CD Book Set "Dear Mr. Fantasy: The Jim Capaldi Story" (probably not here for licensing reasons).

Nicking a Carole King Tapestry piano intro - "Goodbye Love" comes Funky-shimmying into your living room and production values are higher than ever. Steve Winwood contributes to the slinky backbeat with Organ, Guitar, Bass and Piano whilst Ray Allen pops in those Saxophone jabs. Commerciality comes screaming through the lovely catchy-chorus of "It's All Up To You" (a minor hit single) – Clavinet and Keyboards by John "Rabbit" Bundrick with Jess Roden on Guitar (ex-Bronco, on a solo career in 1975). I doubt either Keyboardists Steve Winwood or Jean Roussel thought that a cover version of an Everly Brothers hit "Love Hurts" would go Top 5 for Capaldi was conspicuously absent from either single or LP charts. Legendary session Drummer Jerry Conway (of Fotheringay) and licks-for-hire turning-solo-artist the following year Chris Spedding plays guitar. Jamaican Reggae act The Slicker would see his 1971 UK 45-single on Punch Records PH 59 "Johnny (Too) Bad" be taken by both Jim Capaldi and John Martyn into superb cover versions. While the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section and Horns keep the shuffling Reggae-Rock beat tight in the pocket – listen (real) close and you will just about catch Pete Yarrow of 60ts Folkies Peter, Paul & Mary playing Acoustic Guitar. Side 1 of "Short Cut Draw Blood" ends with the title song – a good guitar-chugging builder that features both Pete Carr and Chris Spedding on Guitars (Rebop of Traffic is in their too doing his Percussion thing).

Side 2 of "Short Cut Draw Blood" opens with the decentralization-needed angry "Love On A Marble" – both Jimmy Johnson and Chris Spedding contributing electric guitars, Chris on Lead (Pete Carr on Acoustic) while Steve Winwood quietly plucks a Bass. An impressive Rock-Romp, Capaldi sparts rapping politico statements towards the frantic ending. "Boy With A Problem" boasts another impressive line-up – Kossoff gets Lead Guitar while Jimmy Johnson does Rhythm with Steve Winwood on Synth. The slink and strings are strong with this one – a tune where a mother worries about her son who is too often away with the clouds. This excellent number is once again anchored by superlative Soulful piano fills from Barry Beckett giving the song an edgy Rock-Funkiness. Trombonist Ray Rodriguez joins in the falsely joyful giggling and voices of "Keep On Trying" – an attempt at Rock-Calypso that involves Steve Winwood, Rebop and Saxophonist Ray Allen that feels forced today. A good album ends of the quietly pretty "Seagull" – Capaldi singing with only three people – Steve Winwood on all Keyboards, fellow Traffic pal Chris Wood on Flute with Drummer Remi Kabaka of Third World keeping a rhythm going to the sea-and-surf sounds. And of the three single-sides, the very Simon & Garfunkel guitar-funky "Sugar Honey" is excellent but the overly poppy "Talkin’ About My Baby" is weak and its useless B-side not a whole lot better.

For true JP aficionados the All-Regions DVD is going to be a real treat. After an Esoteric Recordings logo, you get a two-concert menu – both Old Grey Whistle Test shows introduced by Bob Harris. The first in 1975 is in their studio and the big band are not just tight and sounding great – but seriously well-rehearsed. Both shows are in TV Box Format so there is no getting away from that and the footage has that faded look – but the audio is shockingly good. With Capaldi on Acoustic and in fine voice, "Short Cut Draw Blood" draws to a suitably frantic finish – guitarist Pete Bonas impressing. But things really start to light up when you see Steve Winwood on Piano introduce "Goodbye Love" as a sort of Low Spark of The High-Heeled Boys Part 2 (in other words it feels like Traffic circa 1972). Its Carole King piano intro leads to a sexy funky sinewy groove – very cool. 

The TV Theatre show is much longer and again the footage Boxed and flitting between worn and clear depending on how close the cameraman gets. The audio does the same – one minute ok – the next fantastic – usually as the sound people get the measure of the show as the amps warm. It is essentially the same band, Ghana percussionists and drummer, Rosko Gee with his top hat and cool Bass Guitar looking like that villain from Jamaica in the Bond film "Live And Let Die". When Capaldi sits at the piano alone for "Short Ends", his voice lets him down somewhat. In short, it is a mellow-ish gig – good but low on any real excitement for me. But to have 40-minutes of Capaldi and his band in their prime is a plus. A very nice find. 

Jim Capaldi was not Steve Winwood – did not have his voice or writing chops – but I now realize after a re-listen that when JC hit that mark and his band was cooking – reappraisal is very much in order… 

"Deadlines" by STRAWBS – February 1978 UK Twelfth Studio Album on Arista Records featuring Dave Cousins, Dave Lambert, Chas Cronk, and Tony Fernandez with Guests John Mealing and Robert Kirby on Keyboards – Audio and Visual Extras include Andy Richards on Keyboards (March 2019 UK Esoteric Recordings 'Deluxe Expanded Edition' in a Mini Clamshell Box Set with 2CDs, 1DVD, Poster and Booklet and Including Previously Unreleased Audio and Visual BBC Content – Paschal Byrne Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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RATING: *** to ****

"…The Last Resort…"

The chart success of Pink Floyd ("Animals" in January), Emerson, Lake & Palmer ("Works, Volume 1" in March) and Yes ("Going For The One" in July) across those varying months in 1977 (and extended into early 1978 via Tours and popularity sales) belied the fact that in the late Seventies Prog Rock was having a hard time. With Punk and New Wave snarling at their tired and played-out feet – the giant bands prevailed anyway – but those down the rung of the ladder had it different. 

Although I never viewed the Melodic Folk Rock with Rock-Flourishes of England's Strawbs as Prog Rock per say – they seemed to get lumped into that bracket anyway (their sound and songs had moved more and more to that as the Seventies wound on). Bands like say Camel or Caravan or even Gentle Giant (who were British Prog) got hammered by the sophisticated US Rock of Rush, Journey, Kansas, and hell even Boston and Blue Oyster Cult. It was also generally felt (amongst my mates anyway) that Prog bands (especially in 1977 and early 1978) were so old-fart as to be embarrassing and you didn't carry their albums around under your arms with pride as you had once done lest some New Wave safety-pin neer-do-well clock your level 12 mortal sin, inform you that your time was up and hit you over the head with a brick (as a form of mercy to hippies).

And so, we come to the last album for our British Heroes Strawbs in the Seventies (ten years burning down the road since 1968) – fraught with 1977 recording difficulties in both Dublin and London. Their initial sessions in Dublin were good musically but the studio wasn't up to snuff (tape machines running slow) and on returning to the UK - a microphone had accidentally been left on the new mastertape boxes overnight at AIR Studios which had stripped away portions of the drums. Much had to be salvaged and re-recorded, but Cousins felt the magic had slipped that was inherent in the Irish sessions. Producer Jeffrey Lesser also insisted that all lead vocals be carried out by Dave Lambert – and despite Cousins agreeing that Lambert sang probably his best work on "Deadlines" - excluding Dave Cousins from the mike left a released LP that confused DJs and Fans who were used to both singers. 

After signing a deal with Clive Davis (a letter from him is featured in the booklet) "Deadlines" was eventually issued with a typically drear Hipgnosis sleeve in February 1978 on Arista. Arista Records was more associated at the time with Country Rock like The Outlaws and whiny singer-songwriters like Barry Manilow. And that artwork – geez - a man drowning in a phonebox by the side of a dark country road on the front sleeve - with horror-types from the set of 1984 scowling on the rear, phone receiver in one hand and a dagger in the other. Not exactly bright-n-breezy easy-peasy. But for fans like me who had loved "Grave New World" in 1972 and "Bursting At The Seams" in 1973 – and after the neither-here-nor-there letdowns of "Nomadness" and "Burning For You" in 1975 and 1976 – their twelfth studio album "Deadlines" felt like a slight-return to form – not brilliant – but good enough.

And you must cede that once again Esoteric Recordings of the UK (part of Cherry Red) have pulled out the stops on an album that many have forgotten and has laid unloved for decades on end. ER have found and Remastered Audio and Visual content for a BBC Radio One In Concert set and given us the Cousins-endorsed reissued album (done in 2012) on CD1 with outtakes he felt represented the spirit of the album better than the released product. It is a very tasty package indeed and probably about as comprehensive as we are ever going to get for this forlorn album. To the details…

UK released 23 March 2019 - "Deadlines" by STRAWBS on Esoteric Recordings ECLEC 32676 (Barcode 5013929477643) is a 'Deluxe Expanded Edition' Mini Clamshell Box Set with 2CDs, 1DVD, Poster and Booklet (including Previously Unreleased Audio and Visual BBC Content from 1978) and New Remasters that plays out as follows:

CD1 (77:43 minutes):
1. No Return [Side 1]
2. Joey And Me
3. Sealed With A Traitor's Kiss
4. I Don't Want To Talk About It
5. The Last Resort
6. Time And Life [Side 2]
7. New Beginnings
8. Deadly Nightshade
9. Words Of Wisdom 
Tracks 10 to 9 are their twelfth studio album "Deadlines" – released February 1978 in the UK on Arista Records SPART 1036 and in the USA on Arista AB 4172. Produced by JEFFREY LESSER – it didn't chart in either country. 

BONUS TRACKS (originally issued 2012): 
10. Midnight (Out-Take)
11. No Return (Dave Cousins Acoustic Demo)
12. Sealed With A Traitor's Kiss
13. Time And Life (Dave Cousins Acoustic Demo)
14. Deadly Nightshade (Dave Cousins Acoustic Demo)
15. Words Of Wisdom (Dave Cousins Acoustic Demo)
16. The Chosen One (Dave Cousins Acoustic Demo)
17. Sealed With A Traitor's Kiss (Band Demo)
18. No Return (Dublin Production Mix)
19. Joey And Me (Dublin Production Mix)
20. Deadly Nightshade (Dublin Production Mix)

STRAWBS for "Deadlines" was:
DAVE COUSINS – Vocals and Acoustic Guitar
DAVE LAMBERT – Electric Guitar and Vocals
CHAS CRONK – Bass, Acoustic Guitar and Vocals
TONY FERNANDEZ – Drums and Timpani
Guests were:
JOHN MEALING – Polymoog and Organ
ROBERT KIRBY – Mellotrons, Mini Moog and Autoharp

CD2 (61:10 minutes):
BBC Radio One 'Sight & Sound In Concert'
Golders Green Hippodrome in London, 18 February 1978
1. Lay Down
2. The Last Resort
3. Ghosts
4. No Return
5. Heartbreaker
6. Sealed With A Traitor's Kiss
7. Simple Visions
8. Cut Like A Diamond
9. Out In The Cold
10. Round And Round
11. Hero And Heroine

DVD – BBC TV "Sight & Sound In Concert" Golders Green Hippodrome, London, 18 February 1978 – 11 Tracks as per CD2 - NTSC All Regions – Previously Unreleased

STRAWBS for BBC Concert (CD2 and DVD) was:
DAVE COUSINS – Lead Vocals and Acoustic Guitar (6 and 12-String)
DAVE LAMBERT – Electric Guitar and Lead Vocals
CHAS CRONK – Bass, Acoustic Guitar and Backing Vocals
ANDY RICHARDS – Keyboards
TONY FERNANDEZ – Drums and Percussion

Fans will know that 1996 saw "Deadlines" CD-reissued on One World OW 34499, but with what many felt was comprised audio. A far more concerted effort was made to whip "Deadlines" into shape in 2012. The source material (July to September 1977 recordings made at Dublin Sound Studios and Air Studios in London) was restored from original tapes at Cyclone Music Production in Rochester in July 2012 with principal band member Dave Cousins and a team in the control booths. Released November 2012, Witchwood WMCD 2055 introduced the Bonuses of Tracks 10 to 20 (CD1 above) which Cousins has said gives a better idea of how Strawbs wanted the music to sound instead of the forced re-recordings they had to make due to a Microphone glitch.

Here in March 2019 (third reissue go-round), CD1 is the same as 2012 while CD2 and DVD offer the Audio and Visual on a Previously Unreleased BBC In Concert Gig from February 1978. But Esoteric Recordings have given the whole shebang a PASCHAL BYRNE Remaster and I can honestly say that the album has a wee bit more oomph (CD1) while the acoustic bonuses still sound like the demos they are (rough-ish but acceptable). But I am sure that I am not the first Strawbs fan who having heard these Demos has not thought what the LP would have been like if it had had a Completely Acoustic Based Sound – all melody and less bombast. The outtake "The Chosen Ones" had potential to be a great LP track and even though it is audibly less than the LP variant, the sad "Sealed With A Traitor's Kiss" Band Demo is filled with melody and fresh hurt that maybe got lost in translation. The three Dublin mixes are better than I had expected – certainly audio-wise. 

The glossy Clamshell Box Set offers three mini-LP card sleeves on the inside which use variants of the front and rear Hipgnosis artwork, a 16-page booklet with new Dave Cousins liner notes that go a long way to explaining the convoluted history and a fold-out poster repro of their March 1978 British Tour (phone-box photo, special guest Roy Hill, see photos provided) – advertising their first album on Arista Records. The lyrics are here too, musician credits beneath them etc. PASCHAL BYRNE – a very experienced engineer and long-standing go-to-Audio-guy for Esoteric has handled the Remaster and as I say, the album does sound better. To the music…

Prior to album release in early February 1978, Arista put out a taster in the form of Side 1's "Joey And Me" (composed by Cousins, Cronk and Lambert) as a January 1978 UK 45-single (Arista ARIST 159) with Side 2's "Deadly Nightshade" (a Dave Cousins song) on the flipside. The A-side sounded like 1974 Peter Gabriel-led Genesis circa "The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway" doing a Rock riff song on breaking free from drudgery. But without even a picture sleeve and given the Elvis Costello, XTC, The Clash, The Damned, Blondie and Ian Dury New Wave scene (to name but a few) – there were few takers. With the LP in the shops, Arista tried again on 31 March 1978 with the upbeat big-chorus message song "New Beginnings" (Arista ARIST 179) sporting Side 2's final cut "Words Of Wisdom" on the flipside (a Cousins song). "New Beginnings" (a co-write between Cousins and Lambert) was a strong melody and the huge doomy synths of the very marching-drums Pink Floyd and Animals Prog of "Words Of Wisdom" should have won them some love, but again a non-runner. 

Arista-USA tried a different tack by putting the slightly hammy but perceived as more commercial "I Don't Want To Talk About It" on the A-side instead of "New Beginnings". They kept the 5:38-minute full album version of "Words Of Wisdom" on the flip, but with Lambert's strangulated vocals and its wildly overwrought production - Arista AS 0327 died. I can't help thinking that if someone had had the balls to take a chance at Arista – the crushingly sad "Sealed With A Traitor's Kiss" on the A-side with the commercial Blue Oyster Cult guitar rock of "The Last Resort" on the B-side – Radio Stations and lapsed fans might have noticed. Dave Cousins was obviously in serious pain when he penned lines like "…You gave me your best…I gave you all my worst years…" in the short but shimmering "Sealed With A Traitor's Kiss" - but while perhaps the searing personal honesty in the title seemed to much of a downer – I think the public might have taken to its dangerously close-to-the-knuckle "Love And Affection" vibe.

Side 2 opened with another strong track "Time And Life" brimming with great guitar work, orchestration and walls of headlines and deadlines choruses. Our singer looks to children and songs for his salvation in the slightly pappy "New Beginnings" but that is kicked into sinister speaker-to-speaker touch by the phased vocals of "Deadly Nightshade" where Lambert sounds like Marillion before there was a Fish.

The extras are compromised audio-wise by their very nature, but it is cool to hear an Electric Banjo pop out of the Dublin Mix of "Joey And Me". I would admit to initial disappointment at CD2 – the first two tracks are awful in my mind – somehow the recording getting away from the engineer. As they go into track three "Ghosts" (to some applause from the crowd who clearly did not yet know the first two newbies in the set) – you get keyboard parts from Andy Richards that feel almost external to the overall sound – like they are not gelling as a unit - and that is probably why the set has remained unreleased. 

It isn't so apparent on the visual DVD (picture is TV Box Aspect and in colour) when compere Alan Black introduces the show and band. The picture quality is acceptable at best – typical of so much BBC stuff that doesn't seem to have been either filmed well or kept well. The five-piece band is led by Dave Cousins on his ubiquitous Twelve String Guitar while Dave Lambert plays Electric Guitar Lead. The first three are voiced by Cousins until Lambert takes over the more Prog "No Return" (very nice echoed-guitar opening) and the Rock Out "Heartbreaker". Unfortunately, and just when the audio needed to be at its best – the sad and beautiful "Sealed With A Traitor's Kiss" starts out so well – Andy Richards playing gorgeous complimentary piano - but then someone clearly unplugs a lead or something and what sounds like a huge fart emanates from the PA. Cousins carries on regardless (sweating and without breaking a smile) but the tender moment is ruined. Towards the last three tracks, Andy Richards gets to let rip on the keyboard stack – Hernandez gets to bash his huge hanging symbol (how very Greenslade) as the songs become more Prog Rock with a bit of 12-string melody thrown over it. The band seemed pleased with themselves and their prowess – I'm just not sure that either the Audio or Visual captured it to a best advantage. 

To sum up – CD1 of "Deadlines" is better but the 1978 material on CD2 and the DVD are compromised affairs in every department – Audio and Visual. But I doubt Strawbs fans will be too repulsed because anything new from this forgotten period is collectors' gold-dust. 

So, once again, Esoteric Recordings of the UK do the business by a forgotten milestone and artists worth celebrating. Just taper those expectations as you dive in...