MUSIC OBSERVER: STRAWBS

STRAWBS
Prog Folk

United Kingdom

One of the better British progressive groups, The STRAWBS were a 60's folk and medieval band turned prog-rock with the help of Dave COUSINS (the heart and soul of this group) and Rick WAKEMAN "master of the keyboards". WAKEMAN is featured on the albums "Strawbs", "Dragonfly", "Just A Collection of...", and "From The Witchwood" before he joined YES. The line-up for the group changed markedly over the years. Their sound has been in a state of constant evolution combining English folk and progressive sounds to form their unique style. Critics seem to have a preference for the STRAWBS in the early Seventies when the group consisted of Tony & John HOOPER, John FORD, Richard HUDSON and keyboard virtuoso Rick WAKEMAN. The group ceased to exist at the end of the 1970s, and COUSINS embarked on some solo projects. STRAWBS would appeal to fans of bands like FAIRPORT CONVENTION, STEELEYE SPAN, PENTANGLE, etc.

They have recorded over 15 albums through the years, with various lineups around the core of Dave COUSINS who offered beautiful melodic compositions. Every STRAWBS album between "Witchwood" and "Nomadness" has something unique to offer. A perfect introduction to the sound of The STRAWBS is the compilation-CD "A Choice of Strawbs" (16 tracks). It features all their best material from their most creative and "symphonic" period (between '71 and '74). The music of The STRAWBS frequently ranges from folky (acoustic guitars) and classic (piano and harpsichord) to bombastic, symphonic rock (fiery electric guitar and glorious Mellotron in the vein of BARCLAY JAMES HARVEST and The MOODY BLUES). The vocals are powerful with a lot of expression. Another great introduction to The STRAWBS is their live CD entitled "In concert" with BBC recordings from '73 and '74, including compelling renditions of their best works. The lush Mellotron sound evokes every time goose bumps on my skin!

1971 - "From The Witchwood" was a release that represented the transitional phase and search for their definitive sound and style.

1972 - "Grave New World" was their first symphonic album, and remained their finest moments, with great songwriting, great arrangements and superb performance all-round. This is a GREAT ALBUM!

1973 - "Bursting at the Seams" was the break through album for the STRAWBS because it marked the last major transformation of the group.

1974 - "Hero & Heroine" showed that a classical sensibility can be combined with rock music and make for wonderful listening. This is their masterpiece.

1975 - "Ghosts" was the last great album that the band achieved the ultimate mix, with a bit darker edge, extremely well written, and executed with impeccable flair and confidence. "Ghosts" signaled an end to the STRAWBS' golden era. This CD is ABSOLUTELY essential. They followed in less than a year with "Nomadness". This disc marked the beginning of their musical decline. After that, they proceeded to morph into a power pop band and failed badly.

HIGHLIGHTS: "Grave New World", "Bursting at the Seams", "Hero & Heroine", and "Ghosts" remain the four "MUST BUY" discs

ALBUMS:

1978 - DEADLINES

Musicians

- Dave Cousins / vocals, acoustic guitars
- Dave Lambert / vocals, electric & acoustic guitars
- Chas Cronk / bass, acoustic guitars, vocals
- Robert Kirby / electric piano, grand piano, Mellotron, organ, autoharp
- John Mealing / polymoog, grand piano, Minimoog, Harpsichord
- Tony Fernandez / drums, tambourine, tympani, bells

Tracks Listing

Side 1
1. No Return (4:58)
2. Joey And Me (3:52)
3. Sealed With A Traitor's Kiss (3:21)
4. I Don't Want To Talk About It (3:56)
5. The Last Resort (4:08)