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Saturday 26 November 2016

"Crying Song/Afro-Classic/The Rite Of Spring" by HUBERT LAWS (August 2014 Beat Goes On Reissue - 3LPs onto 2CD - Andrew Thompson Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...



"…Love Is Blue…" 

In their on-going trawl through the Charles Taylor Inc catalogue of primo Jazz albums from the late Sixties and into the late Seventies (CTI Records) - Beat Goes On of the UK (BGO) gives us 3 albums by Jazz Flutist HUBERT LAWS onto 2CDs.

Released 25 August 2014 – "Crying Song/Afro-Classic/The Rite Of Spring" by HUBERT LAWS on Beat Goes On BGOCD 1149 (Barcode 5017261211491) offers 3LPs Remastered onto 2CDs and breaks down as follows:

Disc 1 (71:32 minutes):
1. La Jean
2. Love Is Blue/Sing A Rainbow
3. Crying Song (from the motion picture “More”)
4. Listen To The Band
5. I’ve Gotta Get A Message To You
6. Feelin' Alright
7. Cymbaline
8. How Long Will It Be?
9. Let It Be
Tracks 1 to 9 are the album “Crying Song” – released 1969 in the USA on CTI Records CTI 1002

10. Fire And Rain
11. Allegro From Concerto No. 3 In D
12. Theme From Love Story
13. Passacaglia In C Minor
14. Flute Sonata In F
Tracks 10 to 14 are the album “Afro-Classic” – released 1970 in the USA on CTI Records CTI 6006

Disc 2 (30:53 minutes):
1. Pavane
2. The Rite Of Spring
3. Syrinx
4. Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 (First Movement)
5. Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 (Second Movement)
Tracks 1 to 5 are the album “The Rite Of Spring” – released 1972 in the USA on CTI Records CTI 6012

The chunky 20-page booklet has superb liner notes by noted musical expert CHARLES WARING with reminiscences from the great player himself - while the 2014 ANDREW THOMPSON remasters are typically lovely – the rhythm and vibes so complimentary – allowing Laws to solo over them without drowning them out. It also comes with a card slipcase.

Even with the best will in the world – it’s hard to get excited about someone doing a Flute interpretation of “Sing A Rainbow”- (Track 2 on “Crying Song”) - awful stuff that would embarrass elevator music. But then you’re suddenly hit with two unexpected hypnotic gems – his covers of Pink Floyd’s “Crying Song” and “Cymabaline” – both from their 1969 Soundtrack “More”. They’re trippy and very cool. Funk dudes on a Jazz tip will dig the hip version of a hip tune – “Feelin’ Alright” - Dave Mason’s Traffic hit – a song that’s been covered to buggery ever since because it’s just so damn good.

1970’s “Afro-Classic” opens with a great organ-flute Jazz interpretation of James Taylor’s “Fire And Rain” clocking in at just eight minutes with Dave Friedman giving it some fuzz-pedal vibes. The rest of the album’s mainly orchestral takes of Bach and Mozart seem wildly out of place after the tuned-in and turned-on opener.

Debussy, Bach and Stravinsky dominate 1972’s “The Rite Of Spring” this time upping the acoustic guitars in tandem with the vibes and flute. Both “Pavane” and the title track feature fusion centre passages while the second half of the album is taken up by orchestral versions the “Brandenburg Concerto No.3”.

Beautifully presented and sounding wonderful – it’s an acquired taste for sure – but if you’re a fan – then this BGO remaster is another quality buy…
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Friday 25 November 2016

"Time And A Word" by YES (2003 Elektra/Rhino 'Expanded Edition' CD -Dan Hersch and Bill Inglot Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...





"...Life Will Be Even Bolder..."

Produced by TONY COLTON (a close friend of Jon Anderson and the lead singer with Heads, Hand & Feet - another Atlantic Records act on the up) - Yes' second platter "Time And A Word" from July 1970 saw our British Prog Heroes take on an 'orchestra' to mixed results - good and bad. 

Personally I've always thought their first two albums wildly underrated and under appreciated (most fans want to begin their catalogue with 1971's brilliant "The Yes Album" and i can understand that) - but I'd argue that the four 'Bonus Tracks' on this 2003 Elektra/Rhino CD Remaster of "Time And A Word" lift proceedings into the realms of essential purchase for fan and newcomer alike. Here are the timely details...

UK released February 2003 (reissued April 2013) - "Time And A Word" by YES on Elektra/Rhino 8122-73787-2 (Barcode 081227378721) is an 'Expanded Edition' CD Remaster with Four Bonus Tracks that plays out as follows (60:15 minutes):

1. No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed
2. Then 
3. Everydays 
4. Sweet Dreams 
5. The Prophet [Side 2]
6. Clear days 
7. Astral Traveller 
8. Time And A Word 
Tracks 1 to 8 are their 2nd studio album "Time And A Word" - released June 1970 in the UK on Atlantic Records 2400 006 (reissued December 1971 on Atlantic K 40085) and November 1970 in the USA on Atlantic SD 8273. The US issue had different artwork to the UK original - the first page of the booklet uses the UK artwork (naked lady in black and white) whilst the last page of the booklet uses the US cover (a colour photo of the 5-piece band). 

BONUS TRACKS: 
9. Dear Father - UK-only 7" single on Atlantic 2091 004 released 15 June 1970 - B-side to "Sweet Dreams" (album track No. 3)
10. No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed (Original Mix) 
11. Sweet Dreams (Original Mix) 
Tracks 9 to 11 also first appeared on an early German pressing of the "Time And A Word LP" in April 1970
12. The Prophet - UK-only 7" single on Atlantic 584 323 released 27 March 1970 - B-side to "Time And A Word" (album track No. 8)

For "Time And A Word" YES was:
JON ANDERSON - Leads Vocals
PETER BANKS - Lead Guitars 
TONY KAYE - Keyboards 
CHRIS SQUIRE - Bass
BILL BRUFORD - Drums

The first remaster of this album in November 1994 simply presented fans with the 8-track album and as it was a US based reissue - it used the American colour artwork. This new 2004 stab at it goes back to the British artwork and design of Laurence Sackman (the US variant is on the last page of the booklet) and adds on four tasty Bonus tracks Previously Unissued in the USA. The 16-page booklet detailed and informative liner notes from MIKE TIANO and the text is peppered with colour/black and white period photos of the band. The rare lyric insert that came with original vinyl issues is also reproduced - there's a photo f the band beneath the see-through CD tray and the only tiny glitch that I can see is that Rhino used the December 1971 reissue artwork for Atlantic K 40085 on Page 2 (the rear of the UK sleeve) with the WEA credit when it should have been Atlantic 2400 006 - the 1970 original when WEA didn't exist. Other than that the booklet is very tastefully done - Rhino's quality shining through. But the big news here is a new DAN HERSCH and BILL INGLOT CD Remaster at Digiprep from original master tapes and they've done a sterling job - full, alive and coming at you with real presence. 

The album opens with a Richie Havens cover version lifted from his second album on Verve Forecast "Somethin' Else" called "No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed". YES take the 1968 Folk-Soul song and its inherent funky beat and add their Prog Classical slant and actually it works. Driven by Squire's huge Bass notes and Kaye's frantic Organ - it could actually be a Yes song - in fact you can hear "Yours In No Disgrace" in its structures. But it's "Then" and the fabulous "Everydays" that brings the LP to life - brilliant rhythms as Jon sings "...love is the only answer..." and that gorgeous languid Blues-feel to "Everydays". I know you could argue that "Then" in particular could have done without the strings - but the combo of strings and Kaye's slinky organ notes on "Everydays" along with that cool cymbals and guitar Prog break actually make the song. 

Atlantic figured the ever-so-slightly commercial feel to "Sweet Dreams" would make a great 45 - so they give it pride of place as an A-side in mid June 1970 with the none-album "Dear Father" on the flipside - but despite the strength of both sides - it sank without a trace presently clocking in at £45 in the latest 2018 RC Price Guide. But that's as naught to the rarity of the album's first single - the non-album mix of "The Prophet" b/w the album’s version of the title track "Time And A Word". No one seems to know how many stocks copies of Atlantic 584 323 were released in March 1970 in their native Britain - but it wasn't a lot and has subsequently become a notorious YES collectable clocking in at £175.00 - if you can actually find a copy. Both of those rare non-album 45 versions are included here as Bonus Tracks and welcome additions they are too. 

The album version of "The Prophet" opens Side 2 (different to the single mix) and at 6:40 minutes gives you the full Jon Anderson/Chris Squire penned gamut of Yes sounds. Again I think the when the strings come in - it adds rather than detracts (others would disagree). The remaster has great power when the band finally kicks in - that Peter Banks guitar passage particularly clear as Jon starts to sing "...a tale of yesterday..." Lead vocalist and founder member Jon Anderson penned "Clear Days" - a song that goes all "Eleanor Rigby" on the string additions to the point where it's difficult to hear any other instrument. But along with the piano - it feels epic and clever. The near six-minute "Astral Traveller" is more like "The Yes Album" Yes people love - Anderson warbling about "...wandering where lights go..." and leaving out the body load (know what you mean man). The opening acoustic guitars of “Time And A Word” are beautifully clear and I’d forgotten how good parts of the song is - similar musical themes that turned up on parts of "Tales From Topographic Oceans". 

The 1969 debut is better for sure and the next LP in 1971 "The Yes Album" is a masterpiece - a band finally arriving and unleashing their potential. "...And the word is love..." - Jon Anderson sings on "Time And A Word" - "...and it's right for me..." I feel the same way about this forgotten part of their mighty catalogue.

PS: This 2003 Remaster variant of "Time And A Word" including the Bonus Tracks also turns up inside "The Studio Albums 1969-1987" Box Set which is amazing value for money and includes repro artwork but not the booklet...

"In The Wake Of Poseidon: 40th Anniversary Series" by KING CRIMSON (2010 Panegyric CD and DVD-Audio Reissue - Steven Wilson and Robert Fripp Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...






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"...Cadence And Cascade...Sliding Mystified..."

Always in the shadow of its illustrious and shockingly original predecessor "In The Court Of The Crimson King" (their debut from October 1969) - KING CRIMSON's second platter "In The Wake Of Poseidon" arrived mid May 1970 in Blighty on Island ILPS 9127 to howls of genius and bollocks in equal measure.

The last Remaster stab at this album came in 1999 for a 30th Anniversary Edition (Simon Heyworth and Robert Fripp did the honours) - but this '40th Anniversary Series' Edition has had the magic and nimble fingers of STEVE WILSON around it's smiling throat - and once again the Porcupine Tree boy wonder has brought forth nuances that I for one hadn't heard before (the DVD-A includes the 1999 Remaster and Flat Transfer versions too). Here are the Cadences and Cascades...

UK released October 2010 - "In The Wake Of Poseidon: 40th Anniversary Series" by KING CRIMSON on Panegyric KCSP2 (Barcode 633367400222) is a CD and DVD-Audio Reissue and New Remaster that plays out as follows:

Disc 1 - CD (51:53 minutes):
Original Album - 2010 Mix
1. Peace-A Beginning
2. Pictures Of A City (Including 42nd At Treadmill)
3. Cadence And Cascade
4. In The Wake Of Poseidon (Including Libra's Theme)
5. Peace-A Theme
6. Cat Food
7. The Devil's Triangle (Part 1) Merday Morn
8. The Devil's Triangle (Part 2) Hand Of Sceiron
9. The Devil's Triangle (Part 3) Garden Of Worm
10. Peace-An End
Tracks 1 to 10 are their second studio album "In The Wake Of Poseidon" - released May 1970 in the UK on Island ILPS 9127 and September 1970 in the USA on Atlantic SD 8266. Produced by ROBERT FRIPP and PETE SINFIELD - the LP peaked at No. 4 and No. 31 on the UK and US album charts.

BONUS TRACKS:
11. Groon (2010 Mix)
12. Peace: An End (Alternate Mix)
13. Cadence & Cascade (Greg Lake Guide Vocal)

Disc 2 - DVD-AUDIO, NTSC, Region 0 (Code Exempt):
MLP Lossless 5.1 Surround
DTS 5.1 Digital Surround
Original Album
1. Peace-A Beginning
2. Pictures Of A City (Including 42nd At Treadmill)
3. Cadence And Cascade
4. In The Wake Of Poseidon (Including Libra's Theme)
5. Peace-A Theme
6. Cat Food
7. The Devil's Triangle (Part 1) Merday Morn
8. The Devil's Triangle (Part 2) Hand Of Sceiron
9. The Devil's Triangle (Part 3) Garden Of Worm
10. Peace-An End

11. Groon
Tracks 1 to 11 Mixed and Produced from the original multi-track tapes by STEVEN WILSON - except Tracks 7, 8 and 9 which were up-mixed to 5.1 from the original stereo master by SIMON HEYWORTH at Super Audio Mastering (Executive Producer Robert Fripp)

MLP Lossless Stereo (24/96)
PCM Stereo 2.0 (24/48)
2010 New Stereo Mix
As Per 1 to 11. Produced and Mixed by STEVEN WILSON and ROBERT FRIPP except Tracks 7 to 9 which are Pete Sinfield Produced original album mixes

Original 1970 Stereo Mix – 30th Anniversary Edition
Tracks 1 to 10 as above
30th Anniversary Edition Remastered by SIMON HEYWORTH and ROBERT FRIPP

DVD-Audio BONUS TRACKS:
1. Cat Food (Single Version) – March 1970 UK 7” on Island WIP 6080
2. Groon (Single Version) – Non-album B-side to Cat Food

Cadence And Cascade Versions:
3. Cadence & Cascade (Unedited Master)
4. Cadence & Cascade (Greg Lake Guide Vocal)
5. Cadence & Cascade (Instrumental Take from Wessex Studios)

Groon Versions:
6. Groon (Take 1)
7. Groon (Take 5)
8. Groon (Take 15)

9. The Devil's Triangle (Rehearsal Version from Wessex Studios)
10. Peace: An End (Alternate Mix)
Tracks 1, 2, 4 and 5 Produced by Robert Fripp and Pete Sinfield
Tracks 3, 6 to 8 and 10 Produced by Steven Wilson and Robert Fripp

KING CRIMSON was:
GREG LAKE – Vocals
ROBERT FRIPP – Guitars, Effects and Mellotron
KEITH TIPPET – Piano
PETER GILES - Bass
MICHAEL GILES – Drums

Guests:
MEL COLLINS (of Circus) – Saxophone and Flute
GORDON HASKELL – Vocals on "Cadence And Cascade" only
PETE SINFIELD – Words, Sleeve Design and Paintings

Like the other issues in this series – the outer card slipcase and 2-disc foldout digipak contained within are aesthetically nice in a limited sort of way – but the loose 16-page booklet leaves much to be desired despite a short and informative set of liner notes by noted writer and music nut – SID SMITH. Not surprisingly you get the "Cat Food" picture sleeve to Island WIP 6080 pictured as well as the rare New Zealand pressing of the album on none other than a Vertigo 'Spiral' label – but alongside some black and whites of the boys in the studio and a Disc/Music Echo advert for the LP – there's not a lot else. The print is tiny and when you consider just how stunning the Jethro Tull Book Reissues are (I think there's six now including a recently reviewed "Stand Up: Elevated Edition" which may well be Reissue of the Year 2016 in my books) – the presentation on all of these Crimson so called 'Definitive' editions is staggeringly ordinary by comparison.

Housed in a suitably obscure yet almost childlike gatefold sleeve with no obvious title in sight - Pete Sinfield's painted artwork followed on in visual style from the "Court Of The Crimson King" debut – only this time sporting a stippled effect on the gatefold (knowledgeable collector types will know what I mean). That artwork is fully represented here – albeit in a reduced form that lessens its impact considerably.

I can't honestly remember what the 1999 booklet looked like (I sold it years back) but I can't see much improvement except that this new one has endless lists of the same tracks in the booklet filling up a lot of space. And what's all that MLP Lossless Data on the rear cover that few seem to understand or even care about (doesn't even list the bonus tracks on the DVD-A which is what fans would want). Sure many of the tracks on the DVD-Audio are new and therefore Previously Unreleased – manna for fans of this most revered of KC line-ups – but in truth – it all feels a bit of a let down on the visuals. The CDs themselves are picture discs and a nice touch is the Pete Sinfield gatefold reproduced underneath the see-through CD trays – even if is impossible to read in such a small size. The booklet also reproduces the lyrics and some photos of Fripp and Lake at the BBC before old Greg buggered off to Emerson, Lake & Palmer. I'm afraid the Panegyric YES CD reissues resemble these in the looks department - could have done better boys...

The Audio is however thankfully another matter. As Lake's vocals come floating in for the short opener "Peace-A Beginning" and stop being echoed – the instruments are so clear. But of course the huge seven-minute Prog Rock of "Pictures Of A City" follows that – a Brass and Guitars King Crimson tune that is actually hooky (if we might be as bold as to say such a thing). Things mellow with the incredibly pretty "Cadence & Cascade" - an Acoustic ballad from the pen of Robert Fripp and lyricist Pete Sinfield. I'm loving that delicate piano and the double-vocals when he sings "...sad paper courtesan..." followed by a flourish on the Flute from super-sessionman Mel Collins. The speaker-bursting Mellotron opening of the title track "In The Wake Of Poseidon" was in yer face for the 1999 Remaster - here it's the same but a little more controlled. When Lake comes in - the Acoustic Guitar and those drums are assaulting yer speakers as he waxes on about a "...world on the scales..."

The beautiful "Peace-A Theme" passage only lasts just over a minute but it sounds awesome here. "Cat Food" is another audio winner - supermarket ladies grooning to the muzak. The near inaudible 30-second lead in to the three-part "Devil's Triangle" used to cause all many of problems on original 'Pink I' label original of the British LP (clicks and pops ahoy) - Part 1 quietly building in Bolero fashion with the Mellotron and marching drum pattern. But then after nearly seven and half indulgent minutes it all goes King Crimson with the 'Hand Of Sceiron' Part 2 that quickly morphs into the difficult 'Garden Of Worm' section. Greg Lake's lone vocals at the outset to "Peace-An End" are amazingly clean and I'd often thought that second voice over the acoustic guitar was a 'girl' but it’s just him doubling up!

I've listened to the 5.1 Surround Mix (on a friend's set up) and I can only describe it as 'powerful' with a capitol 'P'. I'm reminded of hearing those 'Quad' albums back in the Seventies - instruments coming out of speakers that you'd swear you've never heard before. As with all of these reissues - I can understand the completist reason for the Flat Transfer of the album but it’s just that - flat - and after the Wilson version - hard to go back to. And why weren't the Unreleased Versions put on the CD - there was room?

To sum up - I'm genuinely surprised at how much I like "In The Wake Of Poseidon" in my later years (I recall it didn't float my boat at the time) - but this gorgeous Audio makeover by Wilson and Fripp has made me rethink that. And despite my reservations about presentation - isn't that the best compliment you can pay a reissue...
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Thursday 24 November 2016

"Nicely Out Of Tune" by LINDISFARNE (2004 EMI/Virgin/Charisma 'Expanded Edition' CD - Kathy Bryan Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...




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Issued late September 1971 in the USA (November 1970 in the UK)

"...Alan In The River With Flowers..."

"...It's all right Lady Eleanor..." Well on the evidence presented here - indeed it is. Newcastle's Lindisfarne made a wonderful Folk-Rock sound - similar in many ways to Matthews Southern Comfort, Brinsley Schwarz, Fotheringay and even at times John Martyn.

Re-listening to their November 1970 debut album "Nicely Out Of Tune" in November 2016 (46 years after the event) and you're struck by the accomplished songwriting - the warmth of the melodies - and especially the lovely audio on this 2004 CD Remaster (done at Abbey Road). In fact I'm thinking it's a bit of a lost and forgotten classic. And I love the way this Virgin/Charisma CD reissue has used the 'Pink Scroll Label' variant of 'The Famous Charisma Label' on the CD aping the appearance of the rare November 1970 original British LP (Charisma CAS 1025). Here are the Roads To Kingdom Come...

UK released May 2004 - "Nicely Out Of Tune" by LINDISFARNE on EMI/Virgin/Charisma CASCDR 1025 (Barcode 724357990226) is an 'Expanded Edition' CD Remaster with Two Bonus Tracks and plays out as follows (52:53 minutes):

1. Lady Eleanor
2. Road To Kingdom Come
3. Winter Song
4. Turn A Deaf Ear
5. Clear White Light (Part 2)
6. We Can Swing Together [Side 2]
7. Alan In The River With Flowers
8. Down
9. The Things I Should Have Said
10. Jackhammer Blues
11. Scarecrow Song
Tracks 1 to 11 are their debut studio album "Nicely Out of Tune" - released November 1970 in the UK on Charisma Records CAS 1025 (Pink Scroll Label variant) - Produced by JOHN ANTHONY. It was reissued January 1972 on the Charisma 'Mad Hatter' Label variant with the same catalogue number - this version rose to No. 8 on the UK LP charts.

NOTE: The American LP was belatedly issued late September 1971 on Elektra EKS-74099 and was also called "Nicely Out Of Tune". But it not only featured different 'upgraded' die-cut artwork on the front and rear and a lyric inner bag (no lyrics appeared with the UK issue) - but was reputedly remixed. It also featured an altered Side 2 track list that ran as - "We Can Swing Together", "Float Me Down The River", "Down", "Nothing But The Marvellous" and "Scarecrow Song". "Float Me Down The River" is "Alan In The River With Flowers" under another name and if you use the Bonus Track of "Nothing But The Marvellous Is Beautiful"- you can also sequence that US album variant from this CD. The supposed American remix is still absent from CD - this disc uses UK tapes.

BONUS TRACKS:
12. Knackers Yard Blues - non-album B-side to "Clear White Light - Part 2" - UK 7" single released September 1970 on Charisma CB 137
13. Nothing But The Marvellous Is Beautiful - non-album B-side to "Lady Eleanor" - UK 7" single released January 1971 on Charisma CB 153

LINDISFARNE was:
ALAN HULL - Lead Vocals, Acoustic and 12-String Guitar, Piano, Electric Piano and Organ
ROD CLEMENTS - Electric Bass, Organ, Piano, Violin, Guitar and Vocals
RAY JACKSON - Vocals, Mandolin and Harmonica
SIMON COWE - Lead Acoustic, 12-String Guitars, Mandolin, Banjo and Vocals
RAY LAIDLAW - Drums and Percussion

The gatefold slip of paper gives only the basic album details with two black and white photos in the centre spread of our heroes giving it some live welly at some festival somewhere. While the inlay is lo-fi and cheap - the KATHY BRYAN Remaster carried out at Abbey Road is nothing of the sort. This album sounds gorgeous - alive and full of warmth and melody - a superb transfer. Let's get to the music...

Charisma tried "Clear White Light – Part 2" as the band’s debut 45 in September 1970. Charisma CB 137 came with the non-album "Knackers Yard Blues" on the flipside (the first of two bonus tracks presented here) – but it sank without notice. In January 1971 the famous types at Charisma tried again but this time with "Lady Eleanor" backed with another non-LP B-side "Nothing But The Marvellous is Beautiful" (the second bonus track) – but again it initially received no joy. But when Lindisfarne’s second album - October 1971's "Fog On The Tyne" unexpectedly went all the way to No. 1 in the UK on the strength of the "Meet Me On The Corner" 7” single (Charisma CB 173, February 1972) – Charisma resurrected "Lady Eleanor" in May 1972 and were promptly rewarded by a UK No. 3 placing on the Pop charts. What is surprising now is that Joe Public didn’t seem to notice (or perhaps hear) the first time around?

Its writer ALAN HULL also penned six other songs on the 11-cut LP - "Winter Song", "Clear White Light – Part 2", "We Can Swing Together" (another of the album’s anthems), "Alan In The River With Flowers", "Down", "Scarecrow Song" and the B-side "Nothing But The Marvellous Is Beautiful". The other creative force in the band was ROD CLEMENTS who penned the truly lovely "Road To Kingdom Come" – a song so good THE BAND might give it a begrudging nod. On the LP Roderick also contributed "The Things I Should Have Said" and the first non-album B-side – the jaunty "Knackers Yard Blues". The other two LP cuts are cover versions – Rab Noakes for "Turn A Deaf Ear" – a song Noakes wouldn’t release himself until his fourth LP "Never Too Late" on Warner Brothers K 56114 in April 1975 – and Woody Guthrie’s Traditional "Jackhammer Blues".

Highlights are many but the simplicity and beauty of "Winter Song" gets me every time while the speaker-to-speaker panning of "Alan In The River With Flowers" also makes great use of their unique harmonising. I could probably live without the jugband-whomp of Woody's "Jackhammer Blues" – better is the Rod Clements ballad "The Things I Should Have Said" where he meets a new lady but each is waiting for the silence to be broken as the sparks in the campfire start to fade. "We Can Swing Together" has become something of an anthem for the band – Jackson's growl and Harmonica making the 'roll your own' lyrics feel like a shanty-sailor-song – Dutch courage press-ganged kids drunk and pining for home. And that Bass/Mandolin break at the end of "Lady Eleanor" is middle-eight genius.

"Nicely Out Of Tune" has always been in the shadow of its more famous follow-up – 1971's "Fog On The Tyne" – a Number One album back when such things mattered and took serious sales to achieve. But I'm thinking its time to call both albums sweethearts ("Dingly Dell" too for that matter).

"...Didn’t think there could be more..." – Lindisfarne sang on the hypnotic and ethereal "Lady Eleanor" Turns out there is...
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INDEX - Entries and Artist Posts in Alphabetical Order