TalkAwhile - The Folk Corporation Forum

Having now exhausted the various highways and byways of the Fairport & Thompson (both Richard & Linda) back catalogues, I have finally decided to take the plunge with the Albion Band. I have never quite known where to start with this bewilderingly prolific band or whether it will particularly be to my taste as I tend to prefer the rock end of the folk rock equation and don't get on with the more hard core traditional folky stuff.

So, taking all of the above into account, I am looking for recommendations. I picked up Battle Of The Field & Rise Up Like The Sun over the weekend. I already have 3 albums by more recent incarnations of the band (Happy Accident, Before Us Stands Yesterday & Demi Paradise) which have not really inspired me but to which I must listen again and I have the 3 Christmas albums which I love.

Where should I go next?

Gub, Have you got No Roses yet?  That's an amazing, first class record.

Jules

Acousticity is FAB GG!

STELLA MARIS is definitely worth the search for the "ROCK" in folk rock.

I would recommend considering the Hutchings Guv'nor series - 5 volumes (last I counted!).  Good listens by themselves, but also nice reference sources to discover which period or incarnation of the Albions you might prefer best!

The Hutchings box set should prove helpful as well.

Happy hunting!

With the above in mind, if you're going the Albion route, be sure to explore 2 wonderful albums by the Home Service [off-shoot from the Rise Up Like the Sun, line-up]: the first, self-titled album [now on CD as 'Early Transmissions'] and 'Alright Jack'.  2 of my favourite albums.  

...and I agree... No Roses is a must!

But I do NOT recommend CAPTURED.  It "rocks", but..........real 80's slick. 

Avoid at all costs!

Make that three - the music from "The Mysteries" is fabulous, too.  "Wild Life", their final excursion, lacks Tams but has Caddick and is really more of a Bill Caddick solo album with them backing him.  Very fine but not really Home Service.

"No Roses" ?  Essential!  ;D

Oh yes, I agree, definitely the Mysteries as well.  Can't believe I forgot that one!

I absolutely agree with all of the above suggestions - good calls, each one!

I would add the following:

The Prospect Before Us
A classic album. It's a bit half-and-half because the band was in transition at the time. Most of the earlier tracks (except the single versions of 'Hopping Down In Kent' and 'Merry Sherwood Rangers') are 'live in the studio' recordings made at a dance in summer 1976 - professionally recorded by EMI in the large Olympic Studios in Barnes (London). Mostly (but not completely) instrumental. Some classic folk-rock-dance material with some rocking electric guitar from Simon Nicol!
The later tracks are studio recordings made after John Tams and Graeme Taylor joined the band. Those tracks are perhaps more measured but still great!

BBC CDs
There are three CDs issued by the BBC:

The Albion Band - The BBC Sessions
The Albion Band - Live at the Cambridge Folk Festival
The Albion Band - Live in Concert ... the latter half of this is a bit "folky"!

Nothing to add~ just listen to all you can!! - not really rock-y, but the original Morris On will always have a special place in my heart. (but then I do wear bells on occasion...  ;) )

...and Son of Morris On

For the rockier end of things try 1990

or for a combination of many things Albion give the Guvnor's 50th Birthday CD a whirl.

Been after the BBC Sessions CD for some time now.  I'm presuming it's out of print.

Jules

Thanks everyone.

Acousticity. No drums. Hmmmm....

I have Morris On and like most of it.

I have just found an excellent Ashley Hutchings discography:

http://www.informatik.uni-hamburg.de/~zierke/guvnor/records/index.html

The ones that catch my eye are No Roses, Dancing Days Are Here Again, The Prospect Before Us and the BBC albums.

There is also an album called As You Like It by the Ashley Hutchings All Stars that sounds really good. Clive Gregson and Kimberley Rew!  :) :) Anybody know anything about it?



I saw it and almost bought it in Rochester over the weekend. I wish I had now.

Rocky stuff  - Give me a saddle I'll trade you a car and 1990 are great records. I listened to tehm the other day, and don't sound dated at all. Easily the most 'modern/contemporary' albion band sounds...

Bugger!   >:( :'(

Jules

Both quite hard to get hold of now by the look of things.

It seems as though almost every album in the catalogue has now been recommended to me!  ;D ;D

I'm going to have to prioritise.

Hi Jules,

Give "Key Mail Order" a call ... Tel: 020 8689 5100 or http://www.keymailorder.com

I have had nothing but great service from them - I spoke with them just now and they believe that they can order all of these items in - of course things may have gone out of print since they last ordered.

For those interested in:

The Albion Band - Live in Concert

This is now found as:

The Albion Band - Vintage Albion Band On The Road

'Live in Concert' includes an extra track from the 1977 BBC sessions (Postman's Knock/Black Joke) but the 'Vintage' CD substitutes a 1981 session in its place.

Good luck!

Good album.  Very rocky.  Sits nicely with the Live "By Gloucester Docks ...."

Just tried the website and no match, but I will give them a ring sometime when there's some money burning a whole in me trousers.

Thanks muchly for the tip.

 :)

Jules

Hi Jules,

You're welcome ...

Just try a simple search on "Albion Band" and then scroll down to this:

CD ALBION BAND BBC Sessions £9.99  SFRSCD050 Sessions spanning 5 years from 1973 to 1978

I tried a more complex search at first and forgot that it didn't match!!!

Still, I can't guarantee that they can get it but if they can't then it's eBay or somewhere else, I suspect!

Anyway, give KMO a call ... they are very helpful (no - I'm not on commission - just a very satisfied customer!).

All the best,

David.

If you really liked "The Primrose" cut on RISE UP LIKE THE SUN, you should enjoy PROPECT BEFORE US a lot.  

The BBC stuff is indepensible, I agree!  Of the three, my favorite is the Cambridge - but they're all great.

ROSES, like PROSPECT, requires a tolerance for Shirley Collins vocals.  For some, its an acquired taste.  If you are unfamilar with her and are a bit put off, give it some time.  It'll grow on you.  ROSES is a masterpiece - more similar, in feel, to HARK, THE VILLAGE WAIT (w/ RT ), than say L&L.

Great!  I tried "Albion BBC" and got nada.  £9.99 eh?  That's a cool price.  Now will the rest of you promise not to beat me to it?   ;D

Jules

Just call them or order it now!!! (Still no commission!)

Good luck - I hope it's really still available. Fingers crossed for you!

David.

Slight lack of credit card about my person!  Where's the other half when I need her?

 :-[

Jules

Caution  - Give me a Saddle includes a song about Welsh Girls ;) ;D ;D

I always liked Under the Rose - a bit soft rock maybe but Cathy le Surf sounds great

Also, there is the Compleat Dancing Master, an 'album complied by John Kirkpatrick and Ashley Hutchings, featuring...' lots of people including Phil Pickett, Simon Nicol, Sue Harris, DM, Peter Knight, Bert Cleaver, Roger Swallow and many many more. I suppose it's like Morris On, just done with early music and country dance tunes. There is also some spoken word, which I tend to skip, but on the whole, it's a good album.

So... I have now been recommended 10 different albums by the Albions (3 of which seem to be quite hard to get) in addition to the 8 I already have, at least 6 AH compilations/box sets, 3 completely different AH projects and 3 albums by an entirely different band! That is 22 albums comprising something like 36 CDs!!!!!

Is there nothing you lot don't like?  ;D ;D

If you like "Morris on", I promise you'd be well advised to go for what is generally considered their classics. "Rise up like the sun" (1978) is by far and wide the one to go for in that respect. The line-up that made this folk rock epic is apparently about to reform for some gigs. Sounds great! This is classic electric 70's folk rock.

"The prospect before us" (released as Albion Dance Band) is an extremely exciting up tempo album in the 70's folk rock vein. It carries on right where Morris On ended. It's so rocking and exciting it'll have you in hysterics.

We could recommend albums till the cows come home - they've done about 30 of 'em as well as an equally big bunch of related stuff (solo a.o.). But I strongly recommend that you start with the ones I just mentioned if you're coming to this with a Morris On hat on.

Try those first. You see, they've gone through so many line-ups and musical directions you would hardly think it was the band if you heard their later stuff (the name is the same but not the music). Not that there's anything wrong with those. Just different, is all. But I am positive the above mentioned albums would be the ideal place for you to start from if you like Morris On.

T-R

Thanks T-R.

As I say, I have just bought Rise Up & Battle Of The Field so I was looking for further recommendations. To be honest I expected there to be two or three albums that would achieve a consensus from TAWers so it is a surprise to find so many different records being recommended.

I spoke to soon. I see now you already have "Rise up...". However, the BBC Sessions CD recommended by others, have some phenomenal recordings by their 70's line-ups. Really erxciting - including some material not on their albums from that time. So put that in instead as my recommendation.

But I'm still quite pissed off there's no Light Shining on CD. This 1982 album is one of my AB favourites.

T-R

Can't remember if anyone had mentioned Lark Rise yet... that's worth getting.

Certainly if you can find it 'Light Shining' is a must have Albion Band record and may be not too far behind would be the 'Under the Rose' another definite would be 'Shuffle Off!'

Not one of the greatest musically, a bit kitschy round the edges, but one I still play a lot (after Morris On, Prospect, Rise Up and Lark Rise):- 'The wild side of Town' - particularly if you like Cathy Leserf.
I think that's the first version of Laura's Song, but I bet someone can tell me different!
'A wing and a prayer' never fails to make me cry - what a sentimental old twerp that makes me!

So, I got to listen to Battle Of The Field & Rise Up today for the first time while I was on the train to London. Quite enjoyed the former. Some good stuff on there but patchy. I need to listen to it again.

As for Rise Up... Wow! It's a masterpiece isn't it! The next step on from Liege & Lief and possibly (whisper it softly at the risk of speaking heresy) the better album. More like this is what I am after and if there are going to be live performances I definitely want to be there!  :)

Here's a clip of the Albions at Cropredy 83 - http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=HGOCQDcscvU&feature=related (note SN's cornflake box guitar!)

This made me laugh out loud...not because I think it's nonsense...but because I had exactly the same conversation (in a devil's advocate kind of stylie) with a mate of mine about a decade ago.  I reckon it's the last great hurrah of English folk-rock.. It's folk, and it rocks, and to be frank 99% of what people talk of as 'folk-rock' made since, well, doesn't.  IMHO, of course.

Gresford Disaster on 'Rise Up...' is masterful - and 'live' it was stunningly good!  (...and if you like that album, then I'm absolutely sure you'll like the 2 Home Service albums I mentioned too!)

 ;D ;D

The thing that stunned & surprised and delighted me is the way the album seems to acknowledge the influence of L&L on the likes of Led Zeppelin & Jethro Tull, picks up their ball and throws it back at traditional song again.

I am completely bowled over. I don't know how I wasn't aware of this before. You certainly wouldn't guess at it from the later Albions albums that I have been exposed to.

When 'Rise Up...' was reviewed in music press (I think it was in Sounds), it was given 5 stars, and the headline read "You just can't give five stars to a folk album...".  At the end of the review it said "If you never buy another folk album in your life, do try and hear this one".  I've still got the cutting!

This is a terrific thread. I have so much catching up to do, as far as the Albion Band is concerned. I think it's going to be expensive. :P :-\

But therein lies the problem with labelling music. Calling it a folk album probably put off as many people as the 5 stars attracted. There is as much rock on the record as there is folk. Or at least, there is bagloads of electricity and rhythm and it is the adventurous spirit with which it combines those elements that appeals to me so strongly.

Don't worry - not another recommendation! Just a note that 'Shuffle Off!' is available on CD as the second disc in the 2-CD 'Dancing days are here again' set by the Albion Dance Band - Talking Elephant TECD106. It's simply titled 'Studio recordings 1983' for some reason ...

Have to agree re Battle..there is some good music on there but I find the "standard" folk accent vocals a little odd.  Reminds me of a review of the first Sandy Denny box set when it came out where the reviewed pointed out that Sandy was one of the first folk singers to avoid adopting the cod enunciation prevalent with much trad material, making the point that it (the accent) is as contrived as the standard yokel/Yorkshire accent used by the bit comedy roles in Shakespeare tragedies..

Yes, the label probably did put off as many as the 5 stars attracted, unfortunately.  

During the 70s, most of my friends were absolutely not interested in that thing called 'folk' (I was seen as a bit weird for liking that stuff, I think), so I'd never have got them to listen to things like Rise Up Like the Sun (5 stars or not!).  However, every single non-folkie friend that I persuaded to come to the National Theatre to see The Mysteries (well, at the time it was just The Passion), was completely bowled over by the music.  On the (rather embarrassingly) numerous occasions that I went to see that production, I was always amused at the way you could almost see the shock on people's faces as the first bars of 'Uncle Bernard's' (which was originally always the opening number) hit them between the eyes/ears.  Anyway, after that, I was never short of people to accompany me to Albion gigs (well, until Tams/Taylor/Gregory etc left, anyway)!

I don't know whether it has any bearing on the "Rise Up" debate, but Ashley Hutchings has admitted that because of his workload, this was John Tams as musical director rather than himself.  I presume that this has a major influence on the finished project.  I think Hutchings is a genius ..... but I think Tams is too!  ;D

I think JT's role in the theatre productions grew and grew over the years (i.e. from the original production of 'The Passion' through all the revivals).  Hutchings was certainly the musical director at the very, very beginning (early 1977).  

I agree... JT is a genius!

I have got to hear this album!!!

Jules

I'd go one album further, to the Home Service' "Alright Jack" but I think we're still on the same page.

Well it had passed me by too until now but I am an instant convert. Not to diminish anybody else's contribution (particularly that of John Tams) but it is the sound of a lost Fairport line up comprising Hutchings, Nicol, Mattacks & Sanders. Simon brings his electric guitar to the party throughout. It is every bit as exciting to listen to as that promises.

I don't think there has ever been a band which was just a moniker for so many different groups (way more so than Fairport for whom this applies too). You just can't compare Albion Band albums. The music released under that name is incredibly varied. But it's odd if you'd set out and buy 2 Albion albums without prior knowledge - for instance, get Rise Up and Acousticity - and there's 2 different bands, 2 different forms of music, you may love one but hate another.
If you like Rise Up Like The Sun, you can see this as the centre album with various albums in its immediate orbit with much overlapping personnel - Prospect Before Us (Albion Dance Band), Home Service, The Mysteries and (especially) Alright Jack (Home Service), Son Of Morris On and Kickin' Up The Sawdust (Hutchings and company) and the other Albion Band albums Lark Rise To Candleford, BBC Radio One, BBC Sessions and Live At Cambridge plus various tracks scattered here and there on archive releases.

I would agree that this line up family made the last great innovative folkrock (not to say there weren't good albums released afterwards of course!). As far as the Albions are concerned, I find their 80s output disappointing overall, with absolute glimpses of greatness (most notably the non-Albion Hutchings album Gloucester Docks) - but then, I was never a fan of Cathy Lesurf and she's all over these albums. I had only been into the wider FC family for a few months when I read somewhere that Cathy had left the band and I was quite happy to hear that. And the next album was Give Me a Saddle I'll Trade You a Car which I liked very much, as with 1990 - with Phil Beer (co-)fronting. Great line up, but as with others it didn't last long. Then they took the U-turn and became an acoustic completely new line up with a series of albums (Acousticity I think is the best) before going electric again with a completely new line up. Of these albums it's Happy Accident I really like although not sounding very much as a unit - this because they were recording the album when Kellie While left and they got Gillie Nicholls in. Before Kellie returned again and years later the Albion Band stopped (but not for Christmas).
Geeze, Pete Frame should make a family tree of that.

Going back to Rise Up Like The Sun, I think that 70s folkrock heyday torch was given to Little Johnny England later on, a band which I think is bloody magnificent. Any of their 3 albums is great, Mercs And Cherokees probably the best. Such a pity they seem to be in limbo for years now - they've had a new line up for years (inc Trevor Foster, former Albion Band drummer, and Show Of Hands' Miranda Sykes) but they haven't recorded anything and their live performances are few and far between. So, that's high on my wish list - a LJE album, a new one. I assume I don't have to hold my breath for this one.

Richard and Linda made significant contributions as well.
Did you get the "extended" version with the bonus tracks? Very nice version of Rainbow over the Hill.

I have got to hear this album!!!

Jules

Yes, you really should ;D

OK, the albums to buy list is growing once again....

Hey I tell you what I'd really find useful.  Everyone to post their Top 10 Folk Rock albums, so I can see what I'm missing out on....

But that's a job for another thread methinks....

Jules

Blimey! That'd be a challenge!

Start the thread Jules. I'll start scratching my head!

It may be going off topic in relation to the Fairport aspect of the Albions, but the John Tams present century trilogy of "Unity" "Home" and "The Reckoning" is magnificent and includes a lot of Graham Taylor.

And, in passing, Alright Jack, a response to Thatcherism really does have present day resonances, esp the Bullingdon-like toffs picture with the scarecrow!

Here's a taster - http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=WCKBhmK95q4 Gresford Disaster

Nobody's mentioned 1995's "Albion Heart".  The lineup on this one was Ashley Hutchings, Simon Nicol, Chris While, and Julie Matthews.  All original songs, some absolutely great, especially "Love Is An Abandoned Car" which I can't believe hasn't been covered by many other artists.

No Roses is the only Albion Band record I own.
Haven't listened to it in a while!
Actaully, I haven't listened to it for ages.

Rarely a week goes by that I don't play a track or two from that record.

Jules

Not particulary on topic, but I didnt play Dark side of the moon for 14 years or so! :o

To add to this point I have an Albion Band track with Chris While.

A whole track?   ;)

Try to contain your excitement and then have a try at the acoustic albums Acousticity, Albion Heart, Demi Paradise (on which that Chris Leslie plays, too)(and that Simon Nicol)

OK.
I will!

Which was the one when Joe Broughton rode a unicycle accross the stage? Can't remember the music, but it was a really enjoyable evening! (and I'd watch/listen to the brothers Broughton in any incarnation!)

Can't believe Gub hasn't heard All Right Jack - it's really up his street. Was heart-broken when I bought the later Home Service stuff, like later Albions, nice but not rocking.
Also definately agree with LJE, very disappointed they too have dropped off my (Southern) radar.

In my case it is even worse.  I have to admit that, until this thread, I had never even heard of Home Service.  Total ignorance.  Head hung in shame.

 :-[

Jules

You are not alone. I guess I'll have to investigate them once I have finished my Albions adventures.

Perhaps there is some sort of support group we can join!  ::)

To quote someone or other, you're "already there"!

;D

Me too.  I have the Albions' BBC Sessions coming.  And I'll not be stopping there, that's for sure.

Jules

I'm still trying to track that down. I wish I'd bought the copy I saw in Rochester last week. I didn't realise it was so hard to get.

My local indie shop has said they can get it for me.  Hopefully it wasn't an empty promise!  But there's still that link back in this thread for getting it via the interweb...

Jules

I started this thread just over a year ago and since then it has been a real voyage of discovery.

Thanks for all your suggestions. I couldn't possibly manage all of them so I have had to pick and choose the ones that I thought might most appeal to me. Those, it seems, are largely the ones that are most difficult to get hold of!

I'm not keen on Cathy LeSerf's voice so I rejected those albums but the ones I have now acquired have all brought considerable pleasure.

The Prospect Before Us
Vintage Albion Band On The Road
By Gloucester Docks I Sat Down & Wept ... Live by the Ashley Hutchings All Stars

Any day now I am hoping that a copy of The BBC Sessions will pop through my letter box. Today I acquired on vinyl Give Me A Saddle & I'll Trade You A Car and the All Stars' As You Like It. I am listening to the former now and it is great, my favourite since I first heard Rise Up.

Next targets? Shuffle Off & 1990. The latter is another one that is rarer than hen's teeth. I think that is far as I am going to delve but stlll....onwards & upwards!  ;D

P.S. I also bought a John Tams anthology (very good) and Alright Jack by Home Service. Not sure about that one yet. It's a bit serious!

I have this CD and can heartily recommend it, my fav on it is Long Long road, but all are great songs

For all things Albion you have to start with Talking Elephant/HTD.If they can't/don't know how to get it then it is probably not possible
GT

Been there, done that. Was talking tto them last weeekend.  ;D

Working on it.... Stand by Polly ;)
New album arrived Friday....we can send that anywhere you know!
Regards GEETEE

Hope you get your copy, Gub.  Mine never did show.   :'(

Jules

"Black Almain/Halek Brawl" on Shuffle Off.... Now there's a piece I'd love to hear live... Real electric folk!

Most (if not all) of the Talking Elephant catalogue is now available on emusic.com. Much cheaper than itunes. Got lots of Ashley,Morrison Band,Albions and Fairport.

Just discovered a lot of Albion stuff on Spotify, plus loads of Ashley's Morris albums.  ;D

I just got the Vintage Albion Band album from emusic, though I haven't listened to it yet - a treat to come.

Can anyone tell me anything about Captured, which is also on there?  I don't really know that period of the Albion Band at all, apart from having a copy of 'The Party's Over' on a compilation of some sort.  Seems to me it should be good, but I think I read somewhere it is demos, etc, so I don't know what the quality is.  Hopefully it is fine, but if anyone can reassure me I'd be happy  :D

Thanks,

Will

It doesn't have a great reputation, though I have not heard it myself. Very 80s production apparently.

I have just discovered that the Best Of 89/90 set is essentially Give Me A Saddle and 1990 on one disc with only a couple of tracks missing. How stupid am I for not realising that before and instead trying to track down expensive copies of the original albums? Copy duly ordered for £4.99 from ebay!  :)

It was on the doormat when I got home tonight!  :) :) :)

Sorry to double post.

I picked up a 2nd hand Albion Heart album at the market in Bridport a couple of weeks ago for one British pound. When I got it home I found the inside cover had been signed by both Ashley and Chris While. Now thats what i call good value!

Hmmm...  Beginning to think I shouldn't have looked at this thread!  I only own Battle Of The Field and No Roses, I suspect that that may change!  Break out the wallet...  :)

Quite like the sound of Home Service too, I loved Mr Tams at Cropredy t'other year and I'd like to get a bit more of his work.

Really great to read this thread and realise that some of my favourite recordings are other peoples' too!

I didn't see the first live incarnation of Albion (Steve Ashley, Richard Thompson, maybe Linda, certainly Sue Draheim were in that one) but was absolutely blown away by the Tyger Hutchings/Simon Nicol/Martin Carthy/John Kirkpatrick/Sue Harris/Roger Swallow lineup at the Howff around 1973. They had an absolutely unique sound - for a start how often do you get an oboeist in a loud electric band? And an electric dulcimer fer krysake? It was really sad that the experiment didn't carry on (for all sorts of reasons apparently).

A bunch of us also attended a oneoff in 1975 (at Cecil Sharp House) starring the Albion Morris backed by the "Old Boys". Said old gents were Simon/Ashley/Dave Mattacks and - who else? Shirley Collins presumably. Can anybody fill in the gaps in my memory? I do remember standing just to one side of DM's kit, watching him in absolute fascination and marvelling at his incredibly creative and tasteful playing. Which leads me to join others in recommending "The Compleat Dancing Master" - DM plays a blinder on a couple of tracks (as he does on "Morris On").

Oh well, Feast of Fiddles this year at Croppers, it all comes round again............

when doesnt DM play a blinder?

Good call.

Absolutely true, but really I just meant that he's not on all the tracks on The Compleat Dancing Master.

 

I'm with you, David. Under the Rose is my favorite Albion album, and the title track is the most beautiful song I've ever heard.

I have now drunk deeply of the Albions' well, perhaps more deeply than was wise. I have been listening to Vintage Albion Band On The Road and have to admit that I just cannot tolerate Cathy LeSerf's voice. I know she is currently being discussed in another thread. In fact I can't listen to any of the 1982 material at all. I also think My Feet Are Set For Dancing is probably my least favourite Fairport track ever. So most of the 80' Albions oevre is a no go area for me. My highpoints are the 70s stuff, the 89/90 line up and the run of albums from Demi Paradise to Before Us Stands Yesterday.

I'll have to whisper it softly as there are some who will regard it as heresy around here but.... I don't really Like Shirley Collins' voice either.  ::)

Both are very acquired tastes indeed. I know someone who can chase his wife away when he plays Shirley Collins! Me, I like her voice and on much of the material she sings it's very appropriate even, but ... in doses. As for Cathy Lesurf, I am no fan, and was quite happy to learn, in 1989, of the new Cathy-less line up. Then again on some material she's just right, but there's a track on Wild Side Of Town which can make me jump out of a window. I forgot the name and don't wish to look it up but it was acapella.

Ah well. My own wife is sure Sandy Denny can't sing. I can't begin to understand that one. We've actually had a stupid row about that once or twice  ::) ("you don't f***ing understand any music, go watch Pop Idol again and sod off". "That woman sings false and don't tell me what I should or shouldn't like", etc etc etc. So then it's Sandy on the headphones and Pop Idol on the telly and for the rest a deadly silence all evening.
Only ever every once in a while though, ha ha.

Indeed.  Shirley is like your first taste of Guinness - you either love it straight away or you need to educate your tastebuds a little.  She has a strong, robust and sometimes harsh voice - but it has character, and an organic, natural charm.



Well that's just heresy!

 :o

Jules

Indeed! I can definetely understand those who can't listen to Shirley Collins and Cathy Lesurf, although not necessarily agreeing with them (on all counts), but Sandy?
A few years ago, a female acquaintance of my wife was here and we were again on about this. I proceeded to play them Fotheringay - the song. I can't for the life of me understand why people are not blown away by this but all I got was a blank stare and a "so what". Ever since I've kept this music more to myself  >:(
Talking about female vocalists, doesn't Ruth Angell -she of the Rainbow Chasers and Lark Rise (back to an Albion link there)- have a wonderful voice? I've been really taken with that of late.

Koen, that posting of yours re a domestic contretemps about Sandy's voice made me fall about! Sounds exactly like our house.

Got my own back after a similar spat by putting the free 5th disc from the Sandy box, AND Shirley's Folk Roots New Roots, on in the car on a long trip with The Boss. Mind you I had to skip lots of tracks.

Shortly afterwards the car ate a Fairport compilation CD and refused to spit it out. It has now been like that for two years. Is there a moral here?

Sorry, thread drift......      

Topic drift but koho's post re his wife not liking Sandy denny?
Well i have made it a condition of my relationships even starting that they should be into Springsteen and Fairport convention ;D there are others and other things as well they have to like- otherwise i wouldn't even begin the relationship  ::) It has worked well for me ;D ;D

I have conditions like that. I've been single for 23 years!  :-[

Well she never told me, until after we got married. I've been conned  :o

 ;D ;D ;D

After reading posts on the thread about the Ashley Hutchings book, Rise Up Like the Sun was mentioned so I listened to some of it on Last FM and really loved it. I'll get the CD, I thought, but looking around it seems to be available as an MP3 but not as an actual CD.

Does anyone know why? Is it usual these days for more albums to be available on MP3 rather than CD? I'd really like all the info on who is singing on which track, but I wouldn't get this with a download would I?

It may be out of print.  Keep haunting Amazon and eBay and you'll find a secondhand copy.

Jules

People asking silly money (£40) for them on Amazon at the moment....only vinyl and cassette on eBay... criminal that such a great album is out of print.  I'd love to see a really decent remastered reissue of that with extras, live stuff attached.  But still, how many would it sell?  Probably not economic is it?

I have a list of several such CDs that seem to be nigh impossible to get for under £20+ (and I won't pay over £15 for a single CD).

Some do turn up on Amazon eventually.  Someone here might even have a spare/unwanted copy that they'll sell you or at least copy for you.  Otherwise, patience may have to be the name of the game.   :(

I had to wait a long time to get copies of The Albion Band BBC Sessions, Phil Ochs' Tape From California (I still haven't tracked down a legit copy of his Pleasures Of The Harbor), and various others.  So many great albums out of print.   :(

Jules

Blimey.  Just arrived at this thread - so much research to do, so little money....

The only album I have, inasmuch as I borrowed it from the library once, is "Road Movies".  How does this compare to the earlier output?  Does it fall in the "slick" category?

And whoever said Ruth Angell has a great voice - yes.  Definitely!

That's why I posted my comments about Rise Up on this thread - I found it yesterday and thought it was so interesting that it deserved another airing.

I read all the recommendations for albums and had the same reaction as you - I've got to check all these out and then start saving...

An extended (and I guess remastered  ???) version of RULTS is on Spotify, as is Lark Rise. In fact, there is quite a bit of Albion/Hutchings stuff up there.

Love Road Movies...Kellie While and Joe Broughton...a great album by that lineup

Such a long thread and no mention of Steve Ashley who's "Stroll On" is a absolute gem and features Lord Bateman with the original Albion Band line up. The album also features Fire and Wine, which in my opinion it a folk rock classic, saying that Steve Ashley's - Speedy Return is one of the best albums ever made, it constantly remains in my top ten. Featuring Fairport and Albion members, Danny Thompson, B. J. Cole, Tristram Fry, and orchestration by Robert Kirby, Stroll On has a lot to offer. A fantastic song writer often overlooked.

Oh oh, I thought I had most of the Albions back catalogue (although some is transcribed vinyl, complete with scratches), but the Steve Ashley connection... I remember making a mental note to go there a couple of years ago, back to the top of the list then!

Surely that's grounds for divorce? ;D

I can tell you that the National Sound Archive holds recordings of Lark Rise, Candleford, Despatches, Sir Gawain & the Green Night and Don Quixote - as performed at the National Theatre. I don't know what the current listening arrangements are though.

Brendan, you are so right re Steve Ashley. He is a fantastic singer and writer (and a really nice bloke too).

I was VERY fortunate to be present when Steve sang "Lord Bateman" solo er....xxxx years ago. I still don't know if he did it for a bet but it was superb. Actually better than the 1908 Joseph Taylor recording, which is cosmic. I'm serious.    

Wouldn't xxxx imply a four figure number?  Are you and Steve Ashley both members of the undead?!?!   :o :-\

Jules

This looks interesting!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Vintage-II-1972-1980-Albion-Band/dp/B0046BTZW8/ref=sr_1_2?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1288954485&sr=1-2

Cool - I'm having one of them!

Jules

Looking through the tracklisting, I'm beginning to suspect that it's the same stuff that's already appeared on the Guv'nor series.  Anybody know for sure?

Jules

Not a problem for me as I don't have those.

Here is the blurb from the Talking Elephant site. Possibly not conclusive though.

http://www.talkingelephant.co.uk/titles/title.php?Title_Ref=221727&Genre_id=all&Artist_Ref=226&HTD_Store_id=&Search_id=&Letter=

Thank, Gub.  Well they're saying "never before released"....

Jules

Some titles look familiar from the various Folk on 1/2 broadcasts perhaps??

I also noticed this on Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Another-Christmas-Present-Albion-Band/dp/B0046I8M48/ref=pd_sim_m_h__1

Seems to be a live Christmas album, presumably from the time of the original Christmas Present album, which is my favourite of the Albion Band Christmas albums

Well I've just ordered mine.  Saw a copy going for under a tenner.  I really hope it's not just a reissue of the Guv'nor tracks though.

Jules

It is £8.95 on Play but I have been holding off. Talking Elephant's releases are usually available on ITunes so you can listen to track samples in advance of buying. That would have answered your question. For some reason though this one is not up on the site yet (or on Amazon downloads for that matter).

I definitely want it but I'd like to hear the quality first. TE's stuff can occasionally sound a bit bootleg like. Some of the stuff on When We Were Very Young for example is very poor and will not get a repeat listen.

You're quite safe to get it, Gub - it sounds superb!   8)

Jules

Is there any information about where/when the recordings come from?  I'm afraid TE aren't always very good at that.

The first four tracks (in the same order) look like the 1973 Peel Session that appeared on Strange Fruit's "The BBC Sessions" with the Carthy/Kirkpatrick/Harris line-up.

Yes I rather fear that this stuff isn't as rare as the Talking Elephant blurb makes out.

And the CD booklet is terrible.  The worst I've seen since the 80s!  Just a single folded inlay, with a couple of pictures and a list of all the musicians.  No track details at all.  They can do better than this!   >:(

Jules

It's a real shame that TE is consistently putting out great material in such a lazy & slipshod manner. A little more thought & application would make all the difference. Very frustrating. I'd be interested in learning the reasoning behind their issuing such poor packaging.

Even some basic liner notes and some recording dates would so - and if they have to keep to a 4 page inlay, you can still include recording dates and a note to say 'previously unreleased' or not.

I'm beginning to suspect that this CD isn't what it claims to be.  Don't get me wrong - it sounds terrific - but I get the feeling it's just a compilation of previously released material.

TE need a slap on the wrist!

Jules

I'm also a fan of Ashley Hutchings,and all what he make.(a belgian fan)I have(I think)all the records of albion(country-dance)band,but I know tha Ashley had a lot others records,solo,or with others band.I hace one of the Albion Christmas band,the marvellous DVD of Rainbow Chasers,"songs from the shows",the "guv'nor",but only vol one....And now,I don't know the projects of Ashley,with Ken Nicol,a new Rainbow Chasers...or a new Albion(acoustic,Christmas..)Band.Goodday to all from a new member

I´ve just ordered Albion Christmas Bands "Traditional" from TE. The tracklisting looked interesting - along the line of the favourite St. Agnes - but I´d like to hear comments how "Traditional" is regarded here compared to other Albion Christmas Band CD:s...?

I just emailed Talking Elephant about the Vintage II CD.  Here's a copy of my email:-

"Hi there

I recently bought a copy of the Albion Band Vintage II CD on the strength of your site describing it as a "fantastic never before released collection of rarities".

The CD itself has minimal information regarding the recording dates and other information about the tracks themselves (ie whether they are studio, live or radio broadcasts).  I would have thought this was the very least we could expect, even if costs prevented you from having anything over and above a 4 page inlay.

On listening to the CD, I find myself more than a little certain that most, if not all, of this material has been previously released.  Some of it sure sounds like the same recordings used on the now deleted BBC Sessions release.

In short I feel somewhat conned and ripped off.  The CD itself sounds great, but it strikes me that there's more than a little deceit going on here regarding its contents.

Disappointedly yours,

Jules Gray"

TE's response:-

"Dear Jules,

I am sorry you are disappointed with the CD and can only say that we are guided by Ashley Hutchings as to the content of what is on the albums(whether previously released/quality etc). And our intention has never been to deceive. I would say we have received some very complimentary comments from other customers and magazines and often, as with all forms of art, the valuations can be very subjective.

However, since we value all of our customers(even those with gripes)we would be willing to offer you your money back should you care to send the CD to us along with details of where you bought it and what price.

I will leave the decision to you.

All the best,

Barry
Talking Elephant"

And my response to that:-

"Barry

Thanks for your fast and informative response.  I shall mull your offer over.  It might be worth passing my comments on to Mr Hutchings if you get the chance - more info on contents would be welcome next time.

As for the good reviews - well they're right on one level.  The contents are superb and everything sounds first class.  I have no problem with the music at all.  I was just expecting more material that was genuinely "previously unreleased".

Thanks,

Jules"

You can't say fairer than that really.

Jules

Traditional is a compilation of suff from the previous three Albion Christmas Band albums. It is, as it suggests, all the traditional songs (as opposed to the covers of contemporary material, Joni Mitchell, Lindisfarne etc).

I think the key is in the phrase "never before released collection of rarities". It is the collection that has never been released before, not the rarities. After all, Vintage 1 was in part a re-release of a BBC Radio1 In Concert CD so your suspicion that these are BBC tracks may be on the money. I don't have my copy yet but will be disappointed in that is the case having hunted down the BBC sessions CD last year.

I think you're right, Gub.  Good theory.  And I can relate because I too have only recently acquired the BBC Sessions (via a member of this very parish in fact).

Jules

"Traditional" was waiting on the doormat when i came home. Now I know that its a compilation but the inlay does not contain one bit of information, apart from the names of the musicians. I know I'm weird but I enjoy all the facts around the music. I must admit that I am a bit disappointed, compilation of old material or not.

I've been saying the same myself (about the other recent Albion Band release), and I'm sure it's not just us.  In fact I'd say the majority of music fans buying CDs want to know track details and have some liner notes, and Mr Hutchings must be a bit daft not to realise this.

Jules

Does Mr Hutchings have anything to do with the release then?

The man from Talking Elephant says so - see his response to me earlier in this thread.

Jules

There's an interesting comparison with the most recent Teddy Thompson album which came with scant details on a single sheet "booklet". Teddy assumed or had been advised that nobody bothered with this stuff anymore but he received so many complaints that he apologised for the error of judgement and made a full booklet available through his website. Not sure if later pressings of the CD came with the full booklet.

Serious music fanatics (like those esteemed members of this parish) read liner notes ! Always have done, probably always will !

Hear, hear!!!  ;D  8)

My copy of Vintage II has now arrived and I can confirm from a direct comparison that tracks 1-4, 6-8, 12 & 13 all previously appeared on the BBC Sessions CD so not, in fact, previously unreleased and indeed not "On The Road" as these are largely studio sessions.

Swizz!

How very disappointing...

And tracks 5, 7 and 11-15?

I'm thinking some are from the Guv'nor series.....

Jules

Hmm, I think you are reading more into this than was actually stated. Nowhere is it said that Ashley had any control over how much information was included with the cd, only that they were "guided" by him ... not really sure what that means. It could mean that they rang him up and said:
"Hey Ashley, we have a bunch of old Albion Band tracks we want to package and release. Can you tell us if they were previously released or not?"
"No"
"Right then, 'previously unreleased' it will be. This is exciting!"  :)

Or it could mean he came to them with a bunch of recordings which he described as previously unreleased tracks of excellent quality, which statement they accepted without question.

Maybe.  And maybe I read into it exactly what Barry wanted me to.  Who knows.....?

Jules

Possibly so. I don't have those.

I have emailed Talking Elephant with my "observations"!  ;)

Yeah, who knows. It's just that, every time I see a musician  asked about one of these compilations, the response is usually "oh! I didn't even know they were going to release that! I had no control over any of it."

I'm still trying to make up my mind about hanging onto it or taking Barry up on his refund offer.

Jules

I have tried the Ashley Hutchings homepage for info on the tracks on "Traditional" but could´nt find anything. Is there a better source anyone knows of? In Fairport matters I always rely on Musikfolk and its discography- excellent job there by the way - but I´d love to get hold of info of at least recording year and original CD for this.

This site is pretty good Staffan, though details about Traditiional are surprisingly light.

http://www.informatik.uni-hamburg.de/~zierke/guvnor/records/index.html

Further research reveals tracks 9 & 15 as hailing from The Guvnor series, which leaves 4 tracks unaccounted for. (Track 7 is a BBC session Jules)

Just call me dyslexic with numbers!

I meant 5, 9-11 and 14-15.  Now minus 9 and 15 of course.

Nice detective work, Gub.  So it's beginning to look like I've bought an EP.  I'm warming to the idea of the refund....

Jules

Just a thought but ashley has been involved with so many versions of the albions, has seen umpteen compilations issued and been at it non stop for almost 45 years now , is it possible that even he doesnt know which particular tracks and sessions have been issued, he is after all a gentleman past pensionable age and perhaps okayed this one while waiting in the queue in the post office on a tuesday morning.

Thanks Al! I had forgotten it contained more than Sandy Denny info.
I have now got it all sorted out! Cheers!

I was writing this in the Listening to ... topic and then thought, sod it, I put it in here, so there.

Anyway listening to - Albion Dance Band, Dancing Days Are Here Again, CD1 (live 1976).

I was very much into this kind of stuff in my 'twennies' and now, surprisingly, it appeals much less, because I miss a certain 'oomph' which presumably came with the arrival of John Tams and Graeme Taylor in the Albions - this concert was before that. I love what went on before, Albion Country Band, Morris On ... I love what came later. But this is kinda inbetween. And Shirley Collins, hats off to her for No Roses and Anthems In Eden etc, but she can sound very 'off' on this live one. This one would not win over many newbies. I think.

The album itself is kinda shoddy presentation-wise. CD2 is actually the studio album Shuffle Off! from 1983 but nowhere does it say so. Long live HTD which turned into Talking Elephant, because they have given Hutchings et al (and others) a platform to release seemingly whatever they want. But why must their artwork and their overall album booklet information be so consistently awful through the years? And why do they repackage material and sell it under different titles?
Once more I have a very double feeling about Talking Elephant. Glad they're there. But some quality control especially in presentation/information would be so nice.

I still should admit that I would have loved to been a fly on the wall at Albion Dance Band gigs in the 70s, be it with or without Tams/Taylor. But I won't play this very often.

OK, so going through this topic I see you've already covered Talking Elephant.

And only yesterday I bought, on Amazon, the Albion Christmas' Traditional album (yup, well timed at Easter!), only to find out here that this too is a bloody compilation (too late, I can't cancel anymore, so I noticed just now, only return it once I get it).
I was already laughing out loud that TE have released a Best Of album by the Rainbow Chasers, after a whopping 2 studio albums under their belt (I love that band. But a compilation after 2 studio albums? Come on). And that they rereleased an album like XXXV by FC and sell it as 'remastered' and add a few bonus tracks for the die hards - a 2002 album, remastered. I would have fallen for that years ago but no more, I am not the kind of completist who doesn't mind being ripped off for the sake of some leftover live tracks.
It's a pity that you really have to investigate every title you are buying these days.
And yet and yet. Hats off to them for putting the Marc Ellington albums on CD. And the good many other great albums. But they infuriate a little too.  

I have to agree with you about TE.  They can be very frustrating, even though one is happy that someone is releasing this stuff.  But it doesn't seem that difficult to provide a little more information about it.

The advent of downloading does at least mean that you can just buy the tracks you don't have - which is what I did with the Rainbow Chasers compilation, for example.

It's inexcusable to my way of thinking.  Even b**tleggers do a better job!

Jules

I was glad when TE re-issued the "duo" Amazing Blondel albums, but I wasn't impressed with the quality of the sound on them, and on one the tracklisting was wrong. I did wonder if they had been taken from a vinyl master, which apparently can happen if the master tapes have gone missing.

I was less than glad to pay a fair whack (plus postage) direct from TE only to see them drop to half price about a month later...!

I have just found on iTunes an Albion band album called Live In London which I have never heard of before.  Apparently released last July by a label I have never heard of.  The track listing is:

I am a Humble Bridge
Cookery Is the New Rock and Roll
We Are the Law Unto Ourselves
We Can't get The Whales Away
Flandyke Shore
Feet Will Find Their Own Way
I'm A Poor Dressmaker
Time To Ring Some Changes
Go North

Does anyone know anything about this?  I googled it and came up with no references apart from the iTunes one.

Is it a re-ordered "An Evening With..."?

A number of the track names look to be the same, so maybe it is?  I haven't heard An Evening With... either.

I have just managed to pick up 2 of the 3 missing studio albums from my collection on CD at sensible prices, Stella Maris and Under The Rose.  :)

Does anybody know if Light Shining ever had a CD release? I have never seen a copy listed anywhere. I may have to get a good quality vinyl pressing and digitalise it.

Never on an official CD, I have a CDR version someone cut for me which sounds technically reasonable. You are welcome to it, drop me an IM.

It's not an album I listen to much, as it hasn't aged terrifically well. Mind you, it's aged far better then Gladys' Leap.

All IMHO.

As I recall, the chap who bought the rights (or licence) to Light Shining had to make a decision between a vinyl or CD pressing as he only had finance for one. Can't remember if this is one that disappeared into Celtic Music's black hole. If your CDR is an official burn, Andy, it should tell you.

Thanks for the info (& offer) chaps. There seem to be quite a few vinyl copies around so I think I will plump for one of them but if there is more than a hint of My Feet Are Set For Dancing about it, I may not hurry.  ;)

Surprised you feel that way about Glady's Leap Andy...but all ones opinion of course  ;)

Stella Maris I actually was just listening to the other day, in an exploration of Albion material again. For me hard to listen to this period, but The Rose and The Rock and The Task salvage it for me.

GL has '80s instrumentation is all.

I have actually never heard any of the studio albums with Cathy LeSurf. I have said before that I am not fond of her voice so I am taking a bit of a punt here for the purpose of filling gaps in the collection. I'm hoping that there is enough material by other members of the band to keep me interested.

I like Gladys Leap too, one track excepted. I take Andy's point about the instrumentation but as it was made essentially by a three piece Fairport and I suspect relatively cheaply the reliance on keyboards to fill out the sound a bit is understandable and it is the origin of several of my favourite Fairport songs.

I'm not a fan of Cathy LeSurf either really. I forgive a lot of the keyboards on Glady's Leap because of the strength of the material barring My Feet Are Set For Dancing. Most of the songs have withstood the passage of time with slight tweaks (less keyboards, less electric violin effects) to them-Hiring Fair, Honour and Praise. Some didn't have much at all-How Many Times, the instrumental, Head In A Sack. But thats just me.

Light Shining is one that is missing from my collection too. I think you nailed it though Al...the only material  I like from the albums you mention, and also including albums like The Wild Side Of Town and Songs From The Shows, is material not featuring her. (Sorry folks) Now if it had been Polly Bolton singing those, I may have had a different response, as I do quite like what she did on various Ashley projects. This reminds me, other than Light Shining and loads of complilations, I need to see how complete my Albion Band collection is, now that I think about it.

I see that Light Shining is receiving its first ever CD release through Talking Elephant if anyone is interested.

Any chance of reissues of Give Me A Saddle & 1990 anytime soon?

I got a flyer too, but it's not one I know. When was it issued and with what line up? A couple of the tracks sound fun...

I can do no better than to refer you to this excellent note:

http://mainlynorfolk.info/guvnor/records/lightshining.html

I wonder if they will follow it up with the other unavailable albums from that period - Under The Rose, Stella Maris, I Got New Shoes?  As well as the two GubGub mentioned.

And just when I was thinking that my Albion collection was almost complete, having snagged a copy of Songs From The Shows the other day...

Ooh!! Nice, thanks for that, think I'll have to indulge!

I certainly will purchase a copy of 'light shining'; I was rather fond of that LP (many years ago)...I never owned a copy of it (although my brother has a copy on vinyl) I especially liked the title track..I believe DM is on this LP...which is always a bonus...did the Light Shining line up perform at Cropredy one year?

Odd that those should be hard to fiind Al. Would have thought them being on Topic there were maybe a few more pressings (if that is appropriate for cd's!) than on some of the smaller labels. Happily I have both but if you find your way to getting Light Shining I will look forward to your thoughts

I managed to find a copy of Give Me A Saddle today for under £10 to upgrade my vinyl copy but it is the first time I have seen it for that sort of price for a long time and it was just one copy. All the others on offer were more than twice that amount and 1990 is even scarcer. After Rise Up and perhaps Prospect they are my two favourite Albions albums so I have been keen to find them on CD for some time. I will have to keep searching for 1990.

I listened to Light Shining today, digitalised from my vinyl copy to see if it was worth upgrading to the new CD. We have discussed before my general antipathy towards Cathy LeSurf's voice and how that influences my views on that era of the band's work. There is only one track on the album that approaches their best work imho and at least a couple that are horribly twee and irritating. Suffice to say it is not an album that I am likely to listen to regularly so I won't be rushing to buy the new release.

Good to know....I think I will pass on it based on what you say.

I like "Light Shining"

I vaguely remember the band performing (more likely miming?) "Love is Like A Railway Station" on a BBC prime time Sat evening light entertainment show. Can't remember which show though. Don't think it was Noel Edmonds - Mr Nicol may remember...

"Under The Rose" - now there's reissue I'd like to see.  (IMHO) the title track has one of the most beautiful tunes I've ever heard.

I remember seeing the Light Shining line up in Borehamwood - possibly at the old comunity centre, and the procedings were interrupted by a bomb hoax!

WHAT? WHAT? WHAT?

No mention of 'BATTLE OF THE FIELD'???????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!????????

The album the original Albion (Country) Band recorded but took 3 years to get released due to the band folding after recording, followed by a long and vociferous public campaign to get it released. Hutchings, Carthy, Kirkpatrick, Nicol, Harris and Richard Thompson songs mixed in with the very Trad arr. What's not to like?

Like 'HARK! THE VILLAGE WAIT' is a  beguiling step back into a more pastoral idiom before the unmitigated electricity of 'PLEASE TO SEE THE KING', so 'FIELD' is a more genteel precursor to 'RISE UP LIKE THE SUN'.
'LIEGE & LIEF', 'KING' and 'RISE' are albums awesome in their genre-challenging brilliance. But when you just want to be and have your musical muscles tickled gently, then 'HARK!' and 'FIELD' do it for me every time.

Having said that, Carthy venomously snarling Thompson's 'New Saint George' is so inspiring I really could jettison my neo-Toryism and become a communard manning the barricades!

'FIELD's importance was undermined by its delayed release and the underwhelming, holding-action 'PROSPECT BEFORE US' was already on its way...but 'FIELD', to my mind, is one of Ashley's definitive albums - and such a shame it was almost an irrelevance by the time it crept into the public domain. Fortunately Ashley got a second bite of the cherry with 'RISE' - but the Hutchings-Tams split effectively drained the energy and momentum from that.

What a history of blown opportunities!

It's probably mentioned right near the start of this very long thread somewhere!

Jules

Deffo all time favourite - my first intro to 'Battle of the Somme' which for many reasons will be on my personal Desert Island!

But the Albion energy has been surely brought back to life with the current line up of the Albion Band.

I have just noticed, in the unlikely event that anyone here does not already have a copy, that the seminal Rise Up Like The Sun which has been out of print for a while is being reissued on CD on 4 November.

It is imho the greatest folk rock album of them all. Sadly this looks like a vanilla reissue without the bonus tracks that were on the previous version but it is promising that it has been digitally remastered.

A vanilla reissue?!  First time I've come across this term.

Jules

Usually applied to DVDs that have no extras.

Sounds like talking heffalump

No, surprisingly not. BGO on this occasion unless Amazon are mistaken.

Have to say I couldn't possibly disagree more with Als view on "Light shining". I can see how Cathys voice is an acquired taste (though I have little problems with it). But there are four songs on that album that I think are among the best they ever did after the Home Service split. They are "Beware of blue", "Swift Nick", "Wolfe" and the title track. It even has a nice little pop song in there with "(Love is like a) Railway station". Forgetting Cathy, three of the remaining five are classic Fairport names (Ashley, Simon and DM). Simons electric work on the record again reminds mw how I wish he'd bring it out again when I see Fairport in Oslo in two weeks' time. I saw this line-up at Cropredy and enjoyed every second of it. An early live version of "The rose and the rock" being a highlight (featured on the "A weekend in the country" video release).

Finally picked up a copy of Best of 89/90 the other day, and I've Got New Shoes - Revisited is on its way to me.  So I'm now only missing The Wild Side of Town, Albion Heart and Before Us Stands Yesterday of the Albion Band labelled albums.  There are a few other Ashley albums, like the live By Gloucester Docks... and As You Like It which are still on my list...

I think I've got a copy of Albion Heart at the back of the cupboard at home, Will. Do you want me to see if I can dig it out for you?

If you really don't want it and are looking to declutter, feel free to declutter it my way!

(If you're serious, send me a PM and I'll let you have my address)

You've got mail...  :)

Email from Talking Elephant today announcing that Stella Maris will be released on CD in November. Not a favourite of mine so I will probably pass but I know there are many here who rate it.

There's some good songs on there.  I finally picked up a second hand copy at the end of last year, otherwise I'd go for that.  being Talking Elephant, I don't suppose there are any extras on it, are there?

Doesn't look like it.