Record Reviews

SANDY DENNY / STRAWBS ~ ALL OUR OWN WORK (EXPANDED EDITION) WITCHWOOD 2047 ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock Recorded: 1967 Released: 2010 Breathtakingly beautiful album by the young and angelic British singer Sandy DennyFind albums by this artist and the founders of the seminal group StrawbsFind albums by this artist (Dave CousinsFind albums by this artist, Tony HooperFind albums by this artist and Ron ChestermanFind albums by this artist), captured here at the full glory of their youthful and somewhat naïve bliss of music making. This is a true beginning of British Folk-Rock, leading to a glorious future, in which the participants of these recordings were to play a central role. A few demos recorded by the quartet found their way to Denmark, where a local label SonetFind albums on this label offered them a recording contract, which produced this, their debut album. The most interesting point about the album is the fact that the entire material is self-written, mostly by Cousins with some contributions by Hooper and Denny. Denny sings most of the lead vocals, superbly supported in vocal harmony by Cousins and Hooper. This new edition of the album doubles the contents of the original release with out-takes, demos and previously unreleased material, which turn it into a true treasure chest for all Denny / Strawbs / British Folk-Rock fans. Absolutely brilliant stuff!

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

STRAWBS ~ DRAGONFLY (EXPANDED EDITION) A&M 5302680 (Barcode: 600753026809) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock Recorded: 1970 Released: 2008 3rd album by the legendary UK Folk-Rock group StrawbsFind albums by this artist led by Dave CousinsFind albums by this artist, who is still in the helm 40 years later enjoying the renewed interest in the band, Strawbs were definitely one of the most successful and brilliant UK Folk-Rock outfits. This album, recorded in the shadow of the previous eponymous release, which was lavishly (and expensively) produced, is much more straightforward instrumentally, but it does feature the first appearance of the legendary keyboards player Rick WakemanFind albums by this artist, who was soon after to become a regular Strawbs band member. The groups also expanded by adding to the original trio the cellist Claire DenizFind albums by this artist. Cousins, as usual, wrote the bulk of the material, with Tony HooperFind albums by this artist contributing one of his own tunes and co-composing another. The album includes the first (of many) epic tracks Strawbs were to record later on, the almost 11 minutes long "The Vision Of The Lady In The Lake". In spite of the modest production, this is a brilliant album and a prime example of Folk-Rock at its best, which makes the fact that it remained unreleased on CD until now a complete folly. High time to grab it now!

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

STRAWBS ~ STRAWBS (EXPANDED EDITION) A&M 5302679 (Barcode: 600753026793) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock Recorded: 1969 Released: 2008 2nd album by the legendary UK Folk-Rock group StrawbsFind albums by this artist, although officially often referred to as their first album, as the first recordings with Sandy DennyFind albums by this artist remained unreleased until much after this album was released. Led by Dave CousinsFind albums by this artist, who is still in the helm 40 years later enjoying the renewed interest in the band, Strawbs were definitely one of the most successful and brilliant UK Folk-Rock outfits. In various stages of their career they would explore other avenues, getting closer to Rock and Pop, but they always remained faithful to the Folk tradition, which is their core inspiration. Cousins, a remarkable singer, guitarist and songwriter, was also a hardened bandleader and his personality is the key for the band´s ability to keep going for four decades. This album, which was the 1st they recorded for the UK branch of the US A&MFind albums on this label label, is a brilliant collection of songs, all written by Cousins. The group was a trio at the time (Cousins with Tony HooperFind albums by this artist and Ron ChestermanFind albums by this artist), but many studio musicians support the band, and the superb arrangements and brilliant production by Tony ViscontiFind albums by this artist make it an everlasting masterpiece of the genre. I have no idea how this piece of music history remained unreleased on CD until now, but once out this is a must buy for all Strawbs and Folk-Rock enthusiasts. Brilliant stuff!

Updated: 29/01/2019Posted:

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend