Strawbs/Dave Cousins Appreciation Thread!
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Topic: Strawbs/Dave Cousins Appreciation Thread!
Posted By: SteveG
Subject: Strawbs/Dave Cousins Appreciation Thread!
Date Posted: January 10 2018 at 04:05
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As per Ken Levine's suggestion, an appreciation thread for the Strawbs and their related artists. I'm not going to do a bio, but just want to state that Strawbs leader Dave Cousins was initially bitten by the American folk bug, by artists like Woody Guthrie, Jack Elliot and Derroll Adams. Cousins has hidden the fact, quite well, that he is one of Britain's best 5 string banjo players and was used for session work while the Strawbs were still known as the Strawberry Hill Boys. If you know any interesting tidbits about Dave Cousins and the Strawbs, please chime in.
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Replies:
Posted By: Mortte
Date Posted: January 10 2018 at 05:39
| Not my biggest faves, but great band anyway! |
Posted By: kenethlevine
Date Posted: January 10 2018 at 08:18
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on the subject of the epic "Blue Angel", I still prefer the original version from Dave Cousins' solo album "Two Weeks Last Summer". It has a rawness and economy to it and I also think Cousins' voice is at its best while Wakeman's piano really suite the song. But then it could all be just because I never heard another version for 10 years. In 1984 I saw the reformed band to a packed house at the El Mocambo in Toronto. They played mostly old songs, like from Grave New Wold and before, not surprisingly since Tony Hooper and Richard Hudson were in the traveling group. Cousins and guitarist extraordinaire Brian Willoughby did an acoustic version of Blue Angel that blew my mind. I don't think there are any official recordings of this configuration, but I think that might have surpassed all other versions for me. Speaking of Willoughby, I think he was technically superior to Dave Lambert. Listen to some of the chops on the "Don't Say Goodbye" album for proof.
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Posted By: kenethlevine
Date Posted: January 10 2018 at 08:24
| On the subject of the new album, "Ferryman's Curse", while I don't like everything on it, I think it flows together better than any album since Ghosts. Even the Lambert tune, stylistically different, is in keeping with the religious themes present throughout the album. The flow of an album can make it less or more than the sum of its parts. Luckily, unlike say "Nomadness", which had quite a few good songs but no flow, "Ferryman's Curse" manages to seem cohesive and is better for it |
Posted By: Barbu
Date Posted: January 10 2018 at 10:14
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Discovered them in early 2000 with the Hero & Heroine track, was instantly blown away, bought 4 or 5 records (early ones) and they quickly became a favorite of mine. Favorite albums: Hero & Heroine, From the Witchwood, Ghosts, Grave new World Favorite live: BBC in Session/In Concert Favorite track (out of many): Autumn, Hanging in the Gallery, The Hangman, Lay Down...but the ultimate Strawbs track for me is The Antique Suite (Painted acoustic version). I strongly encourage you to give a listen to the illustrious Strawbs and learn the true meaning of eternal friendship.  ------------- |
Posted By: SteveG
Date Posted: January 10 2018 at 10:29
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kenethlevine wrote:Posted By: Hercules
Date Posted: January 10 2018 at 16:19
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Grave New World and From the Witchwood were the first and second albums I ever bought (by any band!). I also love Hero and Heroine, Ghosts and most of Bursting at the Seams. ------------- A TVR is not a car. It's a way of life. |
Posted By: Squonk19
Date Posted: January 10 2018 at 17:13
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What a good idea for an appreciation thread, as I dive back into their back catalogue, as a result of recent discussions elsewhere on the forum. It'll be nice to hear the comments of other fans and I'll try to contribute with some views of favourite songs, albums etc. myself over the next week or so. ------------- “Living in their pools, they soon forget about the sea.” |
Posted By: Barbu
Date Posted: January 10 2018 at 18:35
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I'm terribly broke right now and can't afford any new music at all but I found an amazon gift card in the drawer and gleefully ordered the 40th Strawberry Fayre vol.1 (warmly recommended by big G) Can't wait to hear this one. ------------- |
Posted By: kenethlevine
Date Posted: January 10 2018 at 19:31
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favorites for me are the big 4, "Grave New World", "Bursting at the Seams", "Hero and Heroine" and "Ghosts". Every one of them has characteristics that make them strong contenders for the best Strawbs album. But if I was pushed to pick one, it would be "Ghosts", hitting the sweet spot at the intersection of darkness and light. |
Posted By: kenethlevine
Date Posted: January 10 2018 at 19:34
wow for some reason I assumed you were a fan since their heyday. Did you get to see them at FMPM or at the Outremont theatre in recent years? Back when CHOM-FM was a fantastic bilingual station, Strawbs might have been the most beloved group on that station, receiving tons of airplay and garnering a lot of popularity for being a cultish band, apart from a couple of big hit singles in the UK
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Posted By: dr wu23
Date Posted: January 10 2018 at 19:37
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I'm a fan....have From The Witchwood to and including Deep Cuts....some on vinyl and some on cd....been meaning to pick up the first and Dragonfly for a long time. I also need to ck out the later albums especially the ones from the 2ooo's. Grave New World and Hero and Heroine are my two favorites. ------------- One does nothing yet nothing is left undone. Haquin |
Posted By: Peter
Date Posted: January 10 2018 at 20:56
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Wonderful, classic band! I"ve been a fan since I first heard Round and Round on late night FM many years ago. I was blown away by the great music and hard-hitting, bitter lyrics. As a committed Genesis, Yes, and ELP fan, I couldn't believe there was such a strong English Prog band that I had never heard of. Autumn and Blue Angel still move me tremendously, and they have many more superb tracks. The music is terrific, of course, but I think Cousins wrote some of the finest lyrics ever in rock. As a lyricist, I'd call him better than most, and the equal of any. I also love the early stuff with the late great Sandy Denny. ------------- "And, has thou slain the Jabberwock? Come to my arms, my beamish boy! O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!' He chortled in his joy. |
Posted By: Peter
Date Posted: January 10 2018 at 21:00
Thanks for that fine, concise review. I will certainly have to check that one out ASAP! ------------- "And, has thou slain the Jabberwock? Come to my arms, my beamish boy! O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!' He chortled in his joy. |
Posted By: Barbu
Date Posted: January 10 2018 at 21:51
Haha I was only 6 months old when Hero was released, Ken! and no, I never had the chance to caught them live but I'm fine with it. Have a few DVD to compensate and I particularly like the acoustic Hampton Court Palace...short but highly enjoyable. ------------- |
Posted By: Mortte
Date Posted: January 10 2018 at 22:56
| Have to say "Just a Collection of Antiques and Curios" is really great live album. Wakeman doing a great job into it. |
Posted By: SteveG
Date Posted: January 11 2018 at 04:23
"Ferryman's Curse" definitely has a thematic vibe with it's spiritual overtones and slow paced, almost reverent musical themes, similar to Hero And Heroine with it's loosely connected songs of emotional highs and lows. There are not concept albums by any means but come close in that they focus on a central lyrical theme. I'm often surprised that a songwriter of Cousins' caliber never wrote a proper "concept album" about war, terrorism, religion or other topics that he's often touched upon.
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Posted By: SteveG
Date Posted: January 11 2018 at 04:40
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Posted By: Squonk19
Date Posted: January 11 2018 at 17:14
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If I had to pick just one album by them - it has to be Hero and Heroine, but frankly all the albums from the 70s before and after it have so many great moments, it is hard to single albums out. However, if you move away from this more rock-orientated period, the album I really loved was the 'first' album - Strawbs. Great songs, a lightness of touch, more folky, endearingly innocent at times and I regularly go back to it to hear 'The Man Who Called Himself Jesus', 'Pieces of 79 and 15' (apparently where Dave and Tony lived, I once was told), "The Battle' and those little storyline tunes like "All the Little Ladies', 'Poor Jimmy Wilson' etc. For those people wanting to get into prime Strawbs from the 70s, I would recommend the compilation 'A Choice Selection of Strawbs' which does a great job at cherry picking many highlights and might then get them looking for the numerous hidden gems held by the studio albums themselves. I was a fan from the mid-70s but had to wait to see them for the first time on February 27th, 1980 at the UMIST Student's Union in Manchester - where they previewed 'Heartbreak Hill' but which sadly was not released until many years later as they had an extended hiatus for several years after that. Made it to the Cambridge Folk Festival in 1984 for the reunion and then regularly after that in acoustic or electric formats since then. Never been disappointed - other than when they supported Lindisfarne, and their set was far too short! I'd like to recommend the 'Old School Songs' album where Dave Cousins and Brian Willoughby really bring out the best, acoustically, out of a range of Strawbs songs - with 'Grace Darling' a particular highlight (although that's not to knock the choir accompaniment of the original version). Working through my collection to try to produce a top 20 of sorts, and trying to get some newer songs in it too ('The Broken-hearted Bride' has its moments, for example). Very difficult to get the number down! When I stop procrasinating, I'll post it and then run for cover! ------------- “Living in their pools, they soon forget about the sea.” |
Posted By: kenethlevine
Date Posted: January 11 2018 at 18:11
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^wow that gig supporting Heartbreak Hill must have been a rarity. It was soon after that I think Cousins left the band, they did a show or two without him (with Roy Hill as lead singer) and the disbanded entirely. I agree about Old School Songs, particularly Willoughby's acoustic lead bits and 2 songs that had not yet appeared on any album as of that time, although they had a much older lineage, "the sweet "I've been my own worst friend" and the lively "You keep going your way". The latter actually appeared on an album by the Johnstons I believe, a decade or so before Old School Songs. For over 5 years "A Choice Selection of Strawbs" was the only way to get most of those tracks on CD. Next was Halcyon Days in very different UK and US versions, followed by most of the remasters. The big problem with Choice selection is it only has one track from the excellent "Ghosts" and one so-so track from "Nomadness". I'm more a fan of "Dragonfly" than the first album - it's more pastoral and the style is more English if you will, and actually is the missing link between the first album and "From the Witchwood". I know that most outside reviewers give Dragonfly a thumbs down, and it is indeed extremely mellow, but the cello is very predominant and Cousins sets some beautiful imagery to the music. |
Posted By: Squonk19
Date Posted: January 12 2018 at 00:08
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^ Good points made. I also like 'Dragonfly' and often play it after the 'first' album. Mellow is a good description and as ever there are some strong songs. The ultimate compilation is still waiting to be made - if you could merge 'Selection' with 'Halcyon Days' - you are starting to get there (although I will confess that I quite like 'To Be Free' from 'Nomadness' for its amusing wordplay and enthusiasm which always brings a smile to my face). Dave Cousins brought out a free compilation of songs via the UK's Classic Rock Society and its Wonderous Stories magazine in Rotherham in the early 90s which had some interesting inclusions. From the 1980 concert (I found my old ticket, which is why I remember the date!) I know they played the title track to 'Heartbreak Hill' and said it was coming out fairly soon - but not sure what else they played. I know it impressed me at the time. ------------- “Living in their pools, they soon forget about the sea.” |
Posted By: SteveG
Date Posted: January 12 2018 at 04:22
Being a sound engineer, I found Old School Songs too lo fi for my tastes and Willoughby uninspired, but I did like the acoustic version of "The Battle". I believe that I only listened to the album once or twice many years ago and did a PA review from memory as I didn't really want to listen to it again.  I got the review 90% right but I'll never do that again as I learned that it can get you into big trouble!
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Posted By: kenethlevine
Date Posted: January 12 2018 at 07:35
I had never even heard of Willoughby before that album and he immediately amazed me with his skill and style, especially on Grace Darling, The Battle, Hanging in the Gallery and Lay Down. But yes it's lo fi especially the live side
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Posted By: SteveG
Date Posted: January 12 2018 at 10:51
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I first came across Willoughby in some 80's reincarnation of the Strawbs that featured Cousins, a returning Tony Hooper, and if I'm not mistaken, Richard Hudson. Willoughby was stellar. When I came across the Old School Songs album I was, frankly, perplexed. But I've seen him since and he continues to be stellar, both with Craig and on his solo instrumental albums.
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Posted By: Barbu
Date Posted: January 12 2018 at 11:26
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Lots of interesting talk about this Willoughby dude. I must admit that I'm pretty unfamiliar with his playing as I own close to nothing between Deep Cuts and The Broken-Hearted Bride. He's on the sublime Baroque & Roll album, which I own, but it's sometimes hard to tell who plays what on that one. Time to investigate further. I'm planning to get the live 'Lay Down with the Strawbs' eventually. Any impressions about it, guys? ------------- |
Posted By: SteveG
Date Posted: January 12 2018 at 11:35
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I'm sure we're building him up to be more than he really is! But he's very, very good. When I saw the acoustic tour with both Lambert and Willoughby, Lambert played his lead parts on Ghosts while Willoughby played the song's core melodies (Hawken's keyboard parts) before entwining for a bit here and there. Willoughby played the tricky Tears and Pavan parts. And that's all I can remember! Rats.
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Posted By: kenethlevine
Date Posted: January 12 2018 at 12:27
time to listen to old school songs again perhaps? There are only a few samples on youtube but here goes I can't seem to find any of his lead guitar skills, as they were from the less known and distributed albums |
Posted By: kenethlevine
Date Posted: January 12 2018 at 12:28
I don't listen much to their live albums, but I heard sounded good. Certainly the material is taken from a wide sample of eras of the group
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Posted By: Barbu
Date Posted: January 12 2018 at 12:45
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^^ aaah, nice. Grace Darling, what a fine song. ------------- |
Posted By: SteveG
Date Posted: January 12 2018 at 12:53
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Posted By: Barbu
Date Posted: January 12 2018 at 13:09
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^ Parfait, thanks. Nearfest is indeed excellent and will have to get that one too. and it looks like I'll have that Grace Darling tune stuck in my head for the next couple of days. ------------- |
Posted By: Barbu
Date Posted: January 12 2018 at 13:37
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Posted By: Squonk19
Date Posted: January 12 2018 at 16:51
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Really pleased 'Grace Darling' is getting some good feedback - the acoustic version on ' Old School Songs' has remained the definitive version for me - simple, endearing and heart-felt, although, as I say, the choir version has a different charm to it, too. Lo-Fi indeed on the live tracks - but in some respect that is where the charm lies too! Brian Willoughby live with Dave and the Strawbs was always very special and it was live that his true talents shone. Nice to see this band get a good thread on PA - with contributors who clearly know their stuff! Keep it up, folks!  ------------- “Living in their pools, they soon forget about the sea.” |
Posted By: SteveG
Date Posted: January 13 2018 at 03:31
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Posted By: Squonk19
Date Posted: January 14 2018 at 16:20
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Just listened to the version of 'Grace Darling' on the 'Greatest Hits Live' album that's been hiding in cassette form in my old cupboard for a few years. Rather good! Starts fairly acoustically, but very much extended with some excellent electric guitar and band work towards the end. A pleasant surprise! Recorded in 1990 and Mr Willoughby spreading his magic again, it seems. Chris Parren on keyboards doing a reasonable job too. ------------- “Living in their pools, they soon forget about the sea.” |
Posted By: kenethlevine
Date Posted: January 14 2018 at 21:23
| ^yeah that's a good one. I like all versions of the song. But my soft spot will always be the original on "ghosts". The way they ended this album with two marvelous ballads still stops me in my tracks. I mean who would do that? And the end of "you and I" with the keys of Hawken blends in perfectly with the faint choral start of Grace Darling. |
Posted By: kenethlevine
Date Posted: January 17 2018 at 14:18
| nice review of Blue Angel, Steve. I agree with you on what are the three best tracks, and that there isn't a whole lot else as highlights. But without Blue Angel there may not have been 4 legit studio albums since, all of which are better as you imply. |
Posted By: SteveG
Date Posted: January 17 2018 at 14:29
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^ Thanks Ken. I've found that It's harder to write a review of an album you don't like than of one that you do! So, I just tried to say as I felt it. I hope it worked!
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Posted By: rushfan4
Date Posted: January 17 2018 at 14:43
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I was inspired to check them out a number of years ago as a result of my obsession with the 7 degrees of separation with Yes. Given that a certain Rick Wakeman was once a member of the Strawbs I was obliged to check them out. I've enjoyed most of what I have heard from them but agree with others that the Hero and Heroines is probably my favorite. I have been enjoying the Ferryman's Curse quite a bit. It is nice to see nice things being written about a 2017 release from a classic band. ------------- 
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Posted By: kenethlevine
Date Posted: January 17 2018 at 22:49
welcome to the thread. Yes the first half of Ferryman's Curse is close to classic Strawbs level while sounding fresh. It has that "it" that good albums have. I'm less keen on the second half but I guess your enjoyment depends on how you perceive the title cut. I was a bit disappointed in it. But I have gained more appreciation for the last 2 cuts that are both shorter and more uplifting songs that don't lapse into the schmaltziness we sometimes heard on their past-prime albums. So overall, very happy. And reports around the web seem to concur almost unanimously |
Posted By: SteveG
Date Posted: January 18 2018 at 04:17
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The thing I like the most about Ferryman's Curse is that it's undoubtedly "Strawbs sounding" but also remarkably fresh sounding. The hallmark of a good album, I should think. ------------- This message was brought to you by a proud supporter of the Deep State. |
Posted By: kenethlevine
Date Posted: January 22 2018 at 12:25
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so what's your favorite track from each album, if you had to pick one today? Strawbs - Oh How she Changed Dragonfly - Another Day Just a Collection of Antiques and Curios - Where is this Dream of your Youth From the Witchwood - A Glimpse of Heaven Grave New World - Benedictus Bursting at the Seams - I like almost every song equally but probably Lay Down Hero and Heroine - Autumn Ghosts - Grace Darling Nomadness - Hanging in the Gallery Deep Cuts - Simple Visions Burning for You - Burning foe me Deadlines - Joey and Me Heartbreak Hill - Another Day without you Don't Day Goodbye - Let it Rain Ringing Down the Years - The King Blue Angel - There will come the day Deja Fou - Under a cloudless sky Broken Hearted Bride - Through Aphrodite's Eyes Dancing to the Devil's Beat - Where Silent Shadows Fall Ferryman's Curse - When the Spirit Moves
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Posted By: SteveG
Date Posted: January 22 2018 at 12:38
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Strawbs - The Battle Dragonfly - Another Day Just a Collection of Antiques and Curios - Where is this Dream of your Youth From the Witchwood - Witchwood Grave New World - Benedictus Bursting at the Seams - Down BY The Sea Hero and Heroine - Autumn Ghosts - Ghosts Nomadness - Hanging in the Gallery Deep Cuts - Simple Visions Burning for You - Burning For Me Deadlines - Heartbreaker Heartbreak Hill - Starting Over Don't Day Goodbye - Let it Rain Ringing Down the Years - Ringing Down The Years Blue Angel - There will come the day Deja Fou - Under a cloudless sky Broken Hearted Bride - The Broken Hearted Bride Dancing to the Devil's Beat - Where Silent Shadows Fall Ferryman's Curse - When the Spirit Moves ------------- This message was brought to you by a proud supporter of the Deep State. |
Posted By: kenethlevine
Date Posted: January 22 2018 at 12:48
| lots of common ones there Steve. Note that "Heartbreaker" is from "Burning for you" not Deadlines. It's possibly my second fave off Burning although that might be "Barcarole" |
Posted By: SteveG
Date Posted: January 22 2018 at 13:33
I really loath these albums: Deadlines, Burning For You and Deep Cuts, so I'm just glad I was close! ------------- This message was brought to you by a proud supporter of the Deep State. |
Posted By: Squonk19
Date Posted: January 22 2018 at 15:37
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I thought I would add my humble opinions to this great thread. I was planning to come up with my favourite two from each album anyway - so apologies for doubling up. Take my first choice for comparison, if necessary. Very difficult to choose only two, let alone one, with the classic era. A bit easier on some later albums. I've stuck with your album choices, although various live albums, reissues and acoustic releases could be included, but perhaps another time for those. Strawbs - The Battle/The Man Who Called Himself Jesus Dragonfly - Another Day/The Weary Song Just a Collection of Antiques and Curios - The Antique Suite/Where Is This Dream Of Your Youth From the Witchwood - A Glimpse of Heaven/The Hangman And The Papist Grave New World - New World/Benedictus Bursting at the Seams - Down By The Sea/Lay Down Hero and Heroine - Round and Round/Autumn Ghosts - Ghosts/Grace Darling Nomadness - To Be Free/The Golden Salamander Deep Cuts - Simple Visions/I Only Want My Love To Grow In You Burning for You - Burning For Me/Heartbreaker Deadlines - Time And Life/Words Of Wisdom Heartbreak Hill - Heartbreak Hill/Something For Nothing Don't Say Goodbye - Beat The Retreat/Let It Rain Ringing Down the Years - Ringing Down The Years/Grace Darling (alternate version) Blue Angel - There Will Come The Day/Blue Angel (although not quite as good as the original version) Deja Fou - Under A Cloudless Sky/Here Today Gone Tomorrow Broken Hearted Bride - The Broken Hearted Bride/Through Aphrodite's Eyes Dancing to the Devil's Beat - Where Silent Shadows Fall/Pro Patria Suite Ferryman's Curse - When the Spirit Moves/The Familiarity Of Old Lovers ------------- “Living in their pools, they soon forget about the sea.” |
Posted By: kenethlevine
Date Posted: January 22 2018 at 18:35
can't say I loathe any Strawbs album, but Heartbreak Hill is IMO the weakest, with nothing on it I ever really need to hear. Sure it's proggier than the other late 1970s stuff, but it's prog by numbers, not prog a la Strawbs. After that, Nomadness and Deep Cuts are both pretty weak IMO, with Burning and Deadlines somewhat better |
Posted By: kenethlevine
Date Posted: January 22 2018 at 18:37
def seeing some recurring themes here. I'm most surprised with the title cut from Broken Hearted Bride being picked over tracks like Call to Action or thru Aphrodite's Eyes. I think it's a straightforward rocker although perhaps better handled here than in the past by Strawbs. In agreement that "Here today gone tomorrow" is one of the best from Deja Fou. It's kind of like the type of ballad they tried to do on Deep Cuts or Burning for you but failed miserably (So Close and Yet so Far Away or Goodbye). I'm glad "Let it Rain" seems a favorite in its Don't say Goodbye incarnation. Nice to see Lay Down get some love from prog fans, and seems that "When the Spirit Moves" is the clear winner from Ferryman's Curse, though "Familiarity of Old Lovers" is also my second choice. I agree we could certainly do some stuff with other live albums, or a taste of strawbs. Thanks for the contributions, let's hear from some more folks! |
Posted By: Walkscore
Date Posted: January 22 2018 at 19:25
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I love that (the) Strawbs are still able to create lasting music of real meaning. Here are my favs (I like all the tunes everyone lists, but I have my own favs):
Strawbs - Poor Jimmy Wilson Dragonfly - Young Again/ Vision of the Lady in the Lake Just a Collection of Antiques and Curios - Fingertips From the Witchwood - In Amongst the Roses Grave New World - New World/ Hey Little Man Bursting at the Seams - The River/ Down by the Sea Hero and Heroine - Round and Round Ghosts - Life Auction Nomadness - Hanging in the Gallery Deep Cuts - Beside the Rio Grande Burning for You - Burning For Me Deadlines - Deadly Nightshade Heartbreak Hill - Heartbreak Hill Don't Day Goodbye - Evergreen Ringing Down the Years - Ringing Down The Years Blue Angel - Blue Angel (I really like this version!) Deja Fou - Face Down in the Well Broken Hearted Bride - Through Aphrodite's Eyes Dancing to the Devil's Beat - Copenhagen Ferryman's Curse - (I haven't decided yet!) |
Posted By: Squonk19
Date Posted: January 23 2018 at 00:04
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I do have a soft spot for the title track off Broken Hearted Bride. It is a simple, catchy tune with, once again, some intriguing lyrics. Call to Action is another good track (and its later reprise), although the Eastern instrumental theme can dominate occasionally. It is nice to hear the occasional shorter, bouncy track as a counter-balance to the more epic songs. I Only Want My Love To Grow In You is an example of a song, clearly written to a commercial template, but which has a chorus that sticks in my head for ages. The Strawbs' diversity in style is their great strength, although ultimately that probably cost them the size of following their canon of work deserves. ------------- “Living in their pools, they soon forget about the sea.” |
Posted By: SteveG
Date Posted: January 23 2018 at 04:05
| Aside from the catchy guitar and high hat melody, "Broken Hearted Bride" is a fantastic story song with a typical Cousins' lyrical twist as the bride is left waiting at the alter because the groom blew himself up with a suicide bomb on the way to the wedding! |
Posted By: Mortte
Date Posted: January 23 2018 at 11:20
| Just listened their latest album first time and really have to say I liked it! It´s very warm and good-sounding! And Cousins vocals as great as always! |
Posted By: kenethlevine
Date Posted: January 23 2018 at 13:09
hope you can do a review!
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Posted By: Mortte
Date Posted: January 23 2018 at 23:32
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Posted By: Mortte
Date Posted: January 24 2018 at 03:46
| ^Just looked from the PA that there has made many reviews from Ferryman. I have made reviews mostly the albums that no-one else has reviewed. I am not as huge Strawbs-fan as those others who have already reviewed it, so I don´t think I have nothing new to say about it. |
Posted By: SteveG
Date Posted: January 24 2018 at 04:00
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^ You can't be more honest then that! Good show! ------------- This message was brought to you by a proud supporter of the Deep State. |
Posted By: kenethlevine
Date Posted: January 24 2018 at 12:03
only 3 reviews, many ratings. But thanks for considering and being willing to give it the time to listen
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Posted By: Mortte
Date Posted: January 24 2018 at 23:18
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Posted By: kenethlevine
Date Posted: February 04 2018 at 23:55
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glowing reviews continue to pour in for Ferryman's Curse, probably the best received album since the band's heyday Here are a few http://www.progzilla.com/strawbs-the-ferrymans-curse/" rel="nofollow - http://www.progzilla.com/strawbs-the-ferrymans-curse/ http://www.tollbooth.org/index.php/current-issue/music-reviews/2205-strawbs-the-ferryman-s-curse" rel="nofollow - http://www.tollbooth.org/index.php/current-issue/music-reviews/2205-strawbs-the-ferryman-s-curse |
Posted By: SteveG
Date Posted: February 05 2018 at 04:09
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I'm sure it's on Strawbs' facebook page, but there's no mention yet on the Strawbs' Website of the passing of Chris Tsangarides, who produced the last 3 Strawbs studio albums, on January 6. That's not like Dave C., who is quite sensitive in regard to people passing on. Tsangarides was known as metal producer having recorded Thin Lizzy and Iron Maiden, amongst many, many other hard rock and metal acts.
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Posted By: Squonk19
Date Posted: February 06 2018 at 17:02
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Steve, Just read about Chris's passing in the new Classic Rock magazine edition. RIP. Didn't realise how many albums I have in my possession with his involvement over the years - amazing! Very good work on the Strawbs albums too. ------------- “Living in their pools, they soon forget about the sea.” |
Posted By: SteveG
Date Posted: February 07 2018 at 04:13
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I have to say that I was not a fan of Tsangarides' album EQing, especially for "The Broken Hearted Bride", and "Dancing To The Devil's Beat", but he was not as shrill on "The Ferryman's Curse", which really helped to give that album more of an "old school" sound. But yeah, RIP to Chris! You were a staple of British heavy metal and hard rock.
------------- This message was brought to you by a proud supporter of the Deep State. |
Posted By: kenethlevine
Date Posted: February 07 2018 at 08:42
| Strawbs acoustic tour in UK has been cancelled due to illness, and there is no further word, so it could be that Dave Cousins is ill. He has had some pretty serious health issues lately |
Posted By: SteveG
Date Posted: February 07 2018 at 09:46
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Yikes! I hope that this will pass quickly. ------------- This message was brought to you by a proud supporter of the Deep State. |
Posted By: Squonk19
Date Posted: February 07 2018 at 12:21
Oh dear.... That is a real shame....and actually a worry  ------------- “Living in their pools, they soon forget about the sea.” |
Posted By: kenethlevine
Date Posted: July 14 2018 at 16:19
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in case you don't know, the 50th anniversary celebration is next April 26-28 in Lakewood, NJ, USA. Two days of concerts, including some with an orchestra! http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10156734622634653&set=gm.1803091659784351&type=3&theater" rel="nofollow - https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10156734622634653&set=gm.1803091659784351&type=3&theater Dave Cousins' health problems seem to be primarily kidney stone relatwed...ouch! He is supposed to be having a procedure to deal with this soon if no already And here is an impressive cover version of Strawbs' classic by John Wesley Harding |
Posted By: kenethlevine
Date Posted: July 14 2018 at 16:29
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Posted By: Squonk19
Date Posted: July 14 2018 at 17:23
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Acoustic Strawbs coming to my home town of Darlington on Friday (last day of the school year too!) Hope Dave is okay. Can't promise a full house, but the grey-haired idiot singing along to all the songs at the front, will try his best to make up for it! ------------- “Living in their pools, they soon forget about the sea.” |
Posted By: Around the Sun
Date Posted: July 17 2018 at 14:56
| Hello. I'm new on Prog Archives, but thought I should join in on this thread. Strawbs is a very interesting band that I've long planned to check out further. I like their diversity in styles and the very haunting quality in many of their songs. Even the lyrics are highly intriguing, and I normally don't care much for lyrics in prog (or in music in general...).'Hero and Heroine' is one of my favourite albums from the 70's, and I also have 'Grave New World' (great album as well). Wonderfully epic gatefold cover on the latter LP! What should I check out next? As I also love folk/folkrock, maybe I should buy some of their early stuff too? |
Posted By: kenethlevine
Date Posted: July 17 2018 at 16:19
Welcome and thanks for participating! I'd recommend "Ghosts" next, withe same lineup as Hero and Heroine but more melodic and lyrical. It has a pleasant juxtaposition of dark and light. Next I recommend "Bursting at the Seams", the most successful album in the UK, which includes hit singles, pop, folk and prog all together. Then listen to their 2017 release, "The Ferryman's Curse", which has a lot of the old magic. After that, give the folkier early albums "Dragonfly" and "From the Witchwood" a try.
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Posted By: Mortte
Date Posted: July 17 2018 at 22:20
| I really love also their early live "Just a Collection Of Antiques and Curios". And first album is not bad too. |
Posted By: Around the Sun
Date Posted: July 18 2018 at 16:05
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Thanks man! I guess I have to spend some hard earned cash on this band, then. I'll chech out "Ghosts" first! So they are still going strong and released a quality album last year? Impressive. I love when bands manage to capture the magic several decades after their 'heyday'. Last week, for instance, I went to see King Crimson - and that was without a doubt one of the very best concerts I've ever experienced! Tears running when they played several songs from '69-74...
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Posted By: Squonk19
Date Posted: July 18 2018 at 17:04
Unfortunately Dave is having an operation and the local concert has been cancelled. Disappointed, obviously - but hopefully things have gone well and he'll be fighting fit for the months to come. ------------- “Living in their pools, they soon forget about the sea.” |
Posted By: kenethlevine
Date Posted: July 19 2018 at 10:08
yes this will hopefully deal with his persistent kidney stone issues once and for all
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Posted By: kenethlevine
Date Posted: July 19 2018 at 10:14
please do give us your impressions as you listen to the recommended albums
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Posted By: SteveG
Date Posted: July 19 2018 at 11:31
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I also hope to see Dave recover from this long running health problem. I was starting to think that there was more to it. ------------- This message was brought to you by a proud supporter of the Deep State. |
Posted By: The Jester
Date Posted: August 20 2018 at 00:49
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I have been listening to the Strawbs for almost 25 years now. The first album I even bought was Hero and Heroine ans I was blown away! Now, I have a rather good collection of their albums, but not all of them. There is no reason for that actually... (I think I got 12 albums). Last year, I had the chance to meet Dave Cousins, and had a couple of beers with him in N.Wales, during HRH Prog V festival. Very cool person, very "down the Earth". We were chating for anything you can imagine, from the Prog scene of the 70's up to Donald Trump and Brexit. The next day I met with Barcaly James Harvest, and I went backstage with them, but that's another story :) Hero & Heroine, Bursting at the Seams, From the Witchwood, Grave New world and Just a collection... are my favourite albums... ------------- If anybody wants please visit: http://www.gfreedomathina.blogspot.com/ This is my Blog mostly about Rock music, but also a few other things as well. You are most welcome! Thank you. :) |
Posted By: SteveG
Date Posted: August 20 2018 at 04:07
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^ You told me this in a PM awhile back and I'm still jealous! I did chat up John Hawken and Chas Cronk on one of the Caribbean prog cruises a few years back, but I never hooked up with ol' Dave. Rats! ------------- This message was brought to you by a proud supporter of the Deep State. |
Posted By: kenethlevine
Date Posted: October 01 2018 at 11:01
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just giving this a bump. Apparently among the excitement of Strawbs 50th anniversary celebrations in New Jersey, USA April 26-28, their will be one show with a symphony orchestra and another where they play the entirety of "Grave New World". http://strawbs50.com/" rel="nofollow - https://strawbs50.com/ |
Posted By: kenethlevine
Date Posted: May 03 2019 at 07:35
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review of the 50th http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=120029" rel="nofollow - http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=120029
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Posted By: Barbu
Date Posted: June 20 2019 at 12:25
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Released June 21, 2019: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/the-strawbs-deadlines-2cd-1dvd-remastered-expanded-boxset-edition/" rel="nofollow - Deadlines 2CD/DVD Remastered & Expanded Boxset Edition Very good news indeed! ------------- |
Posted By: kenethlevine
Date Posted: June 20 2019 at 15:12
| Yes it's got a DVD of the BBC show they did which appeared initially as a bootleg CD called "Live in London", later "Live in America". The sound isn't great but performances like "Simple Visions and "Hero and Heroine" were excellent. I am looking forward to seeing the actual footage. Andy Richards is on keys |
Posted By: kenethlevine
Date Posted: November 10 2019 at 19:10
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time for a bump to say that there is a remastered and expanded version of Dave Cousins first solo album, "Two Weeks Last Summer" from 1972, coming out in just a few weeks https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/dave-cousins-two-weeks-last-summer-remastered-expanded-edition-cd/" rel="nofollow - https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/dave-cousins-two-weeks-last-summer-remastered-expanded-edition-cd/ While most of the bonus cuts have already appeared on the Taste of Strawbs boxset, "I've been my own worst friend" has not. It was on Sandy and the Strawbs and also Old School Songs. I'm curious what the 1972 Dave Cousins did with the song, since he had just begun to turn rock, and in fact "Two Weeks Last Summer", though not a Strawbs album, can be seen as the transitional album between the still largely folky if bombastic "Grave New World" and the surprisinly bold and even heavy "Bursting at The Seams". It was interesting to read in Dave's autobiography how, while Grave New World sold over 90K copies in the UK and Bursting nearly 80K (along with two hit singles), "Two Weeks Last Summer" sold a paltry 5K! While I don't think it's quite as strong as any of the aolbums between Grave New World and Ghosts, it's still excellent
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Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: November 11 2019 at 07:52
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: kenethlevine
Date Posted: November 11 2019 at 12:42
| yeah Going Home wrecks everything. It's got a bit of a T-Rex/Bng a Gong thing going but it's not nearly as good and it also doesn't fit in at all. One could sum it up by saying that Strawbs were never much good at straight rockers. But "The Actor" is one of my fave Cousins' rockers. After "That's the Way it ends" it also disturbs things a bit but on the vinyl it worked well. |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: November 11 2019 at 12:54
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Pleased that someone agrees with me, I always wondered if it was just me. And "That's The Way It Ends," was just so heartbreaking after that incredible, hopeful and just plain moving "Blue Angel," but the song does fit. I have the feeling that the rockers were to appease the labels, as often musicians had to make those kinds of concessions in those days. However, I'm with you, I also love "The Actor." It would be interesting to find out if other rockers were forced and that was a natural piece that the band wrote, perhaps why it is more compelling?
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: kenethlevine
Date Posted: November 11 2019 at 14:29
| I get the feeling Cousins did whatever he wanted on "Two Weeks". But maybe "Going Home" was pushed in for commercial potential. Without having heard the version of "I've been my own worst friend" that was recorded at the time, I tend to agree with you that it would have been a better choice, with the lovely "We'll Meet again sometime" coming right after to close things out. That's still by far my favourite version of "We'll Meet". So intimate, even if it sounds like Dave has a cold! |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: November 11 2019 at 14:37
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Yes, it is lovely, with the outside feel, the birds in the background, etc. Maybe it was hay fever. :) ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: SteveG
Date Posted: November 12 2019 at 09:54
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I always felt that Two Weeks Last Summer suffers from a lack of Mellotron. I just luv that 'tron. ------------- This message was brought to you by a proud supporter of the Deep State. |
Posted By: Cosmiclawnmower
Date Posted: February 20 2020 at 13:43
Just before Christmas, Dave Cousins and the acoustic Strawbs rolled into our nearest town as part of the 50th anniversary tour. The concert was held in our small local (criminally under-used) venue to play a fantastic intimate gig of classic tracks and stories between. Right at the start Dave Cousins stated it was a very special concert for him as he had lived nearby during much of the 70's (in a number of local villages) and the majority of the songs written during that period were written in Devon. So as the evening progressed he shared with us the stories, the anecdotes about village life, pubs, the landscape and his own personal life which had inspired the songs. All these places were well known to the majority of the audience that night and it made it a very special evening. I briefly spoke with Dave Cousins, Dave Lambert & Chas Cronk and got my copy of 'Hero & Heroine' signed  and Dave said he had family members still living nearby and how pleased he was to be back playing his old stomping ground!------------- |
Posted By: SteveG
Date Posted: February 20 2020 at 13:52
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^ Very cool. I've got few albums signed by Cousins, Willoughby and Lambert (who were the original Acoustics Strawbs before Willoughby left and Cronk came back in) but never had a chance to talk except for small chit chat. ------------- This message was brought to you by a proud supporter of the Deep State. |
Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: February 20 2020 at 13:59
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I thought this was a new thread until I saw the date at the top and the page number. Maybe I should create a handy index of all of the Band Appreciation threads, just like I did with the Make Your Own Album threads. Just for the record, my favourite Strawbs album is Hero & Heroine, although I've only heard seven Strawbs albums so far.
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Posted By: SteveG
Date Posted: February 20 2020 at 14:03
And give that jazz/fusion stuff a break. ------------- This message was brought to you by a proud supporter of the Deep State. |
Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: February 20 2020 at 14:14
Out of the 108 album reviews I've written so far, only eight of the artists were classed as Jazz-Rock/Fusion on ProgArchives. I'll leave the Strawbs reviews in your capable hands Steve, whilst I concentrate on reviewing some of the more obscure and esoteric British albums. I'm looking forward to creating my own Strawbs album of eight favourite songs on the Make Your Own Strawbs Album thread, then I can add an extra album to the seven Strawbs albums I've already listened to.
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Posted By: cstack3
Date Posted: February 20 2020 at 14:24
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My American friends and I always thought that Cousin's voice and singing style was reminiscent of the great American folk artist, Burl Ives, who was also a banjo player. Very interesting vocalization for prog, which always seemed to depend upon high-range tenor/contra-tenor vocalists. RIP Burl. ------------- I am not a Robot, I'm a FREE MAN!! |
Posted By: SteveG
Date Posted: February 20 2020 at 14:50
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Some high range (and a little nasal ) vocals from Dave.------------- This message was brought to you by a proud supporter of the Deep State. |
Posted By: Squonk19
Date Posted: February 20 2020 at 16:29
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Played the 'Full Bloom' CD (2004) the other day. A gift sent to me from a fellow Strawbs/BBT fan last year when I saw Acoustic Strawbs near Newcastle. Great sound production and a quality selection as well. ------------- “Living in their pools, they soon forget about the sea.” |
Posted By: SteveG
Date Posted: February 21 2020 at 05:57
------------- This message was brought to you by a proud supporter of the Deep State. |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: February 21 2020 at 08:58
Loved the way he used banjo on "Witchwood." ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: SteveG
Date Posted: February 21 2020 at 09:48
------------- This message was brought to you by a proud supporter of the Deep State. |