OCTOBERON

When Octoberon was released in October 1976 BJH were one of if not the best British prog bands going. A bold statement perhaps but lets face it most of the classic prog bands eg Yes, Genesis, Tull and even rather more debateably Floyd had released their best work by this date. BJH even managed a Top of The Pops appearance to promote Rock'n' Roll Star in early 1977 although it was their following album that actually obtained them their highest UK chart position.

This album starts in mellow fashion with The World goes on which is followed by one of my favourite John Lees numbers May Day which is a biting attack on political extemism. Ra I feel is perhaps Wooly's best composition away from the classic Mockingbird, hugely enjoyable. Rock'n'Roll star is a great track, surging keyboards and nice guitar work. Polk street Rag is perhaps my least favourite track on the album having a slightly plodding feel but I like the melodic Believe in Me which features some strings/ mellotron work from Wooly to round off the track. Suicide is haunting but the end is almost something you can't bear to listen to again when you've heard it once or twice.

If you were limited to buying only two BJH studio albums from their Polydor years I would recommend this one and Everyone is Everybody Else.