Barclay James Harvest...
Printed From: Progarchives.com
Category: Progressive Music Lounges
Forum Name: Prog Music Lounge
Forum Description: General progressive music discussions
URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=13114
Printed Date: November 26 2024 at 20:31
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Barclay James Harvest...
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Subject: Barclay James Harvest...
Date Posted: October 15 2005 at 14:27
|
...champions of melodic/prog!
|
Replies:
Posted By: horza
Date Posted: October 15 2005 at 14:35
Never really got into them - they had great album covers though  ------------- Originally posted by darkshade: Calling Mike Portnoy a bad drummer is like calling Stephen Hawking an idiot. |
Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: October 15 2005 at 14:37
| Their two live albums from the Seventies belong to my most played prog, especially when I am in a 'Tronmaniac' mood, what a wonderful and compelling music! |
Posted By: R o V e R
Date Posted: October 15 2005 at 15:25
agreed i love 'gone to earth'
|
Andrea Cortese wrote:
Posted By: RoyalJelly
Date Posted: October 15 2005 at 15:46
|
Is it true that Robert John Godfrey of the Enid was a member of
BJH, and if so, when did he leave? |
Posted By: Moogtron III
Date Posted: October 15 2005 at 15:54
|
I think they're very good! Although I can see some influences, they're still a band with a very distinct sound. Very atmospheric, lots of great compositions, great sound. My favorite album: "Everyone Is Everybody Else" My favorite track(s): "The Poet / After The Day"
|
Posted By: Tony Fisher
Date Posted: October 15 2005 at 16:01
|
1971. He was never really a formal member but attended recording sessions and had played some part in the band's activities for a couple of years but in the 80s he issued two writs to claim lost earnings and to establish his contribution to the writing of some songs. He lost both but the judge acknowledged his "substantial contribution" to Mockingbird and minor parts in other songs. |
Posted By: salmacis
Date Posted: October 15 2005 at 16:11
|
They are easily one of my favourite prog bands ever- 70s prog doesn't get much better than 'Once Again', and their 74 'Live' album is a contender for one of the greatest prog live albums ever. I believe that John Lees and Woolly Wolstenholme are again collaborating in BJH for a new album- all we need now is for Les Holroyd to solve their feud and we'd have as close to the original line up as humanly possible! |
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: October 15 2005 at 17:34
|
You'r right, Horza, the covers are really amazing, expecially the Polydor ones!
P.S. just look to my avatar to see the Once Again one! |
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: October 15 2005 at 17:39
|
What's your favourite song, Erik? I think it could be For No One (live version from the BJH 1974 live, naturally!).
|
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: October 15 2005 at 18:06
I'm happy you agree too! |
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: October 15 2005 at 18:12
| What about the two versions of Medicine Man? |
Posted By: gdub411
Date Posted: October 15 2005 at 18:25
| I have Once Again. It is a solid lp, IMO but not great. I haven't decided if I will buy any more as of yet. |
Posted By: OldFatherThames
Date Posted: October 15 2005 at 18:28
|
Once again is a great album. I absolutely love galadriel ! So great. But I really think it's not a major band. Baby james Harvest is a veru boring cd, matbe except the first track ! "Thank you " is one of the worst prog song !! |
Posted By: gdub411
Date Posted: October 15 2005 at 18:36
One interesting anomaly about my lp is that the cover reads that She Said is only 3:15 seconds long when it actually spans over 8 minutes. I've noticed in prog archives that the song is over 8 minutes. Was there a singles version of this tune? If so I am glad I recieved the long version instead.  Awesome tune...my favorite on this lp.
|
Posted By: BaldFriede
Date Posted: October 15 2005 at 18:43
Well, I call them "Barclay James Harmless"  ; that about sums up what I think of them.
-------------  BaldJean and I; I am the one in blue. |
Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: October 15 2005 at 18:55
|
Hello Andrea. Favorite from Live: indeed For no one (24-carat 'Emotron') Favorite Live tapes: Child of the universe (moving vocals, Mighty Tron) BJH is such an underrated band and so often subject of the cynical British press |
, they nicknamed BJH "A poor man's Moody Blues' ..
.. By the way, BJH answered majestic by making it the title of a BJH track 
, BJH is there . Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: October 15 2005 at 19:19
| Ive got all their worthwhile albums, a truly great band underrated in the UK. So much better than most of the stuff on here. |
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: October 16 2005 at 02:48
|
Please buy an album from the 2003 remastered Polydor ones, Everyone Is Everybody Else (1974), Octoberon (1976) or XII (1978)!!! I assure you you'll not be disappointed! |
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: October 17 2005 at 16:58
John and Woolly in ItalyWith work about to commence on their new studio album, John and Woolly will make their first public appearance together since the Bloomsbury concert last November, at an event to launch the Eclectic record label in Italy.The launch party will take place at the appropriately named MEL Megastore in Firenze on October 27th. A number of artists from the Eclectic roster will perform live, including John and Woolly, who will play an acoustic set of fifteen minutes or so. There's a good chance that the event will be broadcast live on Italian radio and over the Net. http://www.bjharvest.co.uk/news.htm - http://www.bjharvest.co.uk/news.htm |
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: October 17 2005 at 17:00
Tracks:
|
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: October 17 2005 at 17:01
|
At last, the long-awaited biography of Barclay James Harvest! The first book ever to be written about the band, The Barclay James Harvest Story, will run to 350 pages including the definitive history from school days to the present day, many previously unpublished photos and a group and solo discography. The book is based on three decades of research, numerous interviews with all the band members and key players including members of former bands, producers, cover artists and managers.
|
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: October 17 2005 at 17:02
The first ever career overview Barclay James Harvest box set, covering the band's history from 1968 to 1997, this five CD set will include material from their time with the Harvest label as well as the later years with Polydor UK and Germany, plus a whole CD of rare demos and unreleased versions. The set, entitled All Is Safely Gathered In, also features a lavishly illustrated full-colour 80-page book. |
Posted By: rockandrail
Date Posted: October 18 2005 at 08:07
|
When people ask me for a definition of symphonic prog, I play "the Poet-After the Day". If John Lees' guitar doen't give you goose-flesh, you'd better listen to Duran Duran. ------------- Pierre R, the man who lost his signature |
Posted By: Easy Livin
Date Posted: October 18 2005 at 08:33
|
Sounds good Andrea, especially the book. Having all the remasters which have been issued to date, I'll wait and see re the box set. It will be interesting to see if the "rare" tracks are the same ones which have already appeaered as bonus tracks on the remasters, or on previous complilations. Let's hope the remastering of their back catalogue gets going again soon.
|
Posted By: oliverstoned
Date Posted: October 18 2005 at 08:48
| Too gentle...even more than Camel! |
Posted By: BaldFriede
Date Posted: October 18 2005 at 08:52
|
That's why I call them "Barclay James Harmless"! ------------- BaldJean and I; I am the one in blue. |
Posted By: iguana
Date Posted: October 18 2005 at 08:56
|
is this a statement or a thread???
anway, don't mind 'em. being german, it was (and still is) hard to avoid them. i guess the pleasant tracks outnumber the duff ones. "hymn" can still be heard around campfires in church-youth- and scout-camps throughout the summer season --- good thing that it's only two guitar chords ...
|
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: October 18 2005 at 09:32
I hope it too! |
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: October 18 2005 at 09:35
|
CD ONE:
"With words and with pen I write…"
Total Time: 79:43 CD TWO: "Round and round now we go…"
Total Time: 79:09 |
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: October 18 2005 at 09:36
|
CD THREE:
"Miles away in endless flight…"
Total Time: 77:19 CD FOUR: "Silver drifting on high…"
Tracks 13 & 14 previously unreleased outside of Germany, Austria and Switzerland Total Time: 78:51 CD FIVE: "The wheat and the chaff…"
2. Medicine Man 5:21 6. The World Goes On (live) 6:22 7. Capricorn - single edit 3:25 8. Love on the Line - Live 6:30 9. For Your Love - Live 10. Lady Macbeth - Demo 5:09 13. Three Weeks to Despair 6:00 |
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: October 18 2005 at 09:41
Hi BaldFriede, I love BJH's kindness as much as GG's dynamism! Don't think these are perversions! |
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: October 19 2005 at 00:23
At first look the anthology misses a song from the 1984 album Victims of Circumstance. Only the fifth disc has some rare tracks, demo version and live, in the other four are only some live or original mix you can find also in the 2002 and 2003 remastered edition respectevely by Emi and Polydor. |
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: October 20 2005 at 08:28
|
What a pity there are no unreleased gems!!! P.S. I could discuss this thread all alone because of my love for this band...but...it would be better there is anybody else! |
Posted By: Easy Livin
Date Posted: October 20 2005 at 08:50
|
I appreciate the info Andrea! It does raise the age old question about who box sets are intended for. Fans will usually have the majority of the material anyway, and will begrudge paying large amounts to get one or two different mixes or live versiosn, plus a nice booklet. Those wishing to try the band out, are more likely to go for a budget compliation as an introduction. The book sounds far more interesting. Will it be a warts and all description of why Holryod and Lees are still so upset with each other? Will it explain why the first time I saw them in Glasgow around 1975 (I think) they played for less than an hour, and did not do an encore despite an enthusiastic reception! By the way, what did you mean with your comment "At first look the anthology misses a song from the 1984 album Victims of Circumstance."? |
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: October 20 2005 at 10:30
There's none of their 1984 album's songs! P.S. I'm waiting for the book too! I'm not waiting for that antology, really. |
Posted By: Easy Livin
Date Posted: October 20 2005 at 14:35
Sorry Andrea, I misunderstood. I thought you meant one specific song was missing!
|
Posted By: R o V e R
Date Posted: October 20 2005 at 15:35
|
Hard hearted woman i died every night for that song; reminds me my old love; ............................................................ ... ............................................................ ........ ............................................................ .................. ............' ........' ........ . |
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: October 20 2005 at 15:58
Hi Rover, Hard Hearted Woman is a good Holroyd's track with delightful guitar riff! I like it too! |
Posted By: R o V e R
Date Posted: October 20 2005 at 16:02
i wish, i'd compse such melody
|
Posted By: Alagithil
Date Posted: January 30 2006 at 20:29
|
About to initiate, with 1974's Live. I'll give you word of my opinion. But would u call them a mid-point between the Moodies and the Strawbs? ------------- Life is like an avantgarde play because tuna. |
Posted By: Trotsky
Date Posted: January 30 2006 at 23:43
|
A great band with many excellent tunes, although definitely not on the more challenging end of the prog spectrum! I actually have a soft spot for some very early singles like Early Morning, Brother Thrush, Mother Dear and of course, the incomparable Mocking Bird ... First song I ever heard was Child Of The Universe ... something special too ... ------------- "Death to Utopia! Death to faith! Death to love! Death to hope?" thunders the 20th century. "Surrender, you pathetic dreamer.” "No" replies the unhumbled optimist "You are only the present." |
Posted By: rupert
Date Posted: February 25 2006 at 13:24
|
Hi Andrea, i still don't own a P.C. and this is the first "Forum" I've entered... glad to know it makes you happy that I did ! Hope that John & Woolly will come to germany this year, too... I had 3 ( three ! ) attempts at writing a review to "Live Tapes" anyone can read and it didn't work. That's funny cause I still think it's best !
------------- ...I'm a musician/singer/songwriter, visit me on www.reverbnation.com/rupertlenz and there you can choose from 125 recordings you can listen to ( for free ) if you're not limited to prog-rock ! |
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: February 26 2006 at 04:53
|
What a pity you don't own a pc, Rupert. I need your help here!! BTW, excellent work on reviews!! |
Posted By: Fragile
Date Posted: February 26 2006 at 08:51
|
I really liked Barclay James harvest for a short period in time.Their 1974 live album is as some have said a very good live album.That's where my problem with them began they played Glasgow around that time and the show hardly lasted 70 minutes.Thereafter they became a bit too wishy washy for me.I like the Barclay James harmless Baldfriede |
Posted By: Easy Livin
Date Posted: February 26 2006 at 11:07
|
I remember that gig at the Apollo Fragile, I think it was under an hour, and no encore. The place was about half full, but the crowd was really warming to them when they stopped. They came back again a couple of years later and did a full set, but their early arrogance must have put some people off them. |
Posted By: rupert
Date Posted: February 26 2006 at 13:10
|
Dear Andrea, you NEED me here ? Oh my god, somebody NEEDS me... but I suppose you're a MALE ( "Andrea" is a FEMALE name in Germany but since I heard of Andrea Boccelli I know in Italy it's quite different ) so Hey, I'm glad you enjoy my review-work, which has now come to an end until I have the Box and more original albums have been released. Tastes are quite different... I lately read a review ( of "All is safely gathered in" ) in a german Oldie-magazine saying "BJH became better when Woolly left the band"... urging me to write a letter to the critic nominating this for "Joke of the year"... what do you think ? I'm honoured I'm so welcome, really... do you own the tribute-disc "Their light still remains" ? And if, what do you think about my contribution ? The only reactions I got were from Keith and Monika Domeone themselves and... Woolly, who said he quite likes the whole suite ( on Part IV you get a bunch of HIS compositions, namely: Moonater/In search of England/Patriots/The Iron Maiden/Ursula (the swansea song )/Float/Sea of Tranquility/Harbour... linked together in about 6 and 1/2 minutes... in the rest of the suite there's only "Ra" ( Part VI ) of Woolly's songs to come... If you like to have a copy of the whole suite on CD-R just send your adress to mailto:[email protected] - [email protected] ( that's for you only, Andrea ) and be patient... perhaps my mail-box is full ( of spam, occasionally ) so you have to try to send it several times, best is at a day I'm locked in here because first thing I'm doing when I visit the internet is tidy my mailbox from spam... I'll be back soon as I can, all the best from germany
------------- ...I'm a musician/singer/songwriter, visit me on www.reverbnation.com/rupertlenz and there you can choose from 125 recordings you can listen to ( for free ) if you're not limited to prog-rock ! |
Posted By: Prog-Brazil
Date Posted: April 27 2006 at 14:55
|
If Beatles were prog, the would be BJH
------------- Let the sunshine in |
Posted By: ANDREW
Date Posted: April 27 2006 at 14:59
 |
Posted By: mjf85maf
Date Posted: April 27 2006 at 15:40
|
For all my years of listening to prog, I have never (to my knowledge) heard anything by BJH. I was in my local Tower Records killing some time when I ran across their stuff in the imports section. I figured, "What the hell, it's about time" and bought Victims Of Circumstance. Why I chose that album, I'll never know but as an introduction it just didn't do anything for me. It's not that I hate it ... it's just that nothing reaches out and grabs me. I've listened to the disc 3 times now, and I can't recall one single song on that disc.
Any suggestions for another jumping off point, preferably a studio album? I believe they had "Octoberon" in stock as well as a few others.
|
Posted By: Easy Livin
Date Posted: April 27 2006 at 15:57
| "Victims.." is well after their best period MJ. Any of their first 12 albums or so (up to XII) would be a good starting point. |
Posted By: mjf85maf
Date Posted: April 27 2006 at 16:04
| Thanks for the tip, EZ. I believe I'll be heading out that way tomorrow, and I'll give them another try. |
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: April 28 2006 at 06:35
What the...? Sorry Rupert for my late reply!!! Surprisingly I didn't see your message!!!!
 I do not own all the BJH discography, though! All I have is their (remastered) albums from the debut until Eyes of the Universe (plus BJH live and Live Tapes) plus Berlin, Face to Face, Best of, Nexus, Revival, Revolution Days and a DVD (plus a bootleg named Festival).
I miss the rest of their catalogue, especially the most part of their releases of the 80s and 90s. Sadly I do not own nothing from the solo career of Wooly.
I hope you are still on the forum also in these days... see you soon!
Andrea
|
Posted By: Joolz
Date Posted: April 28 2006 at 08:15
Shame on you - go stand in the corner and say "I must buy more BJH" a hundred times Seriously, you have their best work, but there is still some nice stuff missing from your list. If you like Face To Face then you should also like the last 3 from the 90s, though the Holroyd-Lees split becomes more obvious as each has a distinctive style. I also have a soft spot for Ring Of Changes from the 80s though that is mainly because I adore the title track. Two must haves though: John Lees 'A Major Fancy' recorded in 1972 but not released until a few years later and now available in extended form - it has an alternative version of Child Of The Universe. Also, you simply must check out Woolly's new stuff, especially Maestoso 'Grim'. I have made a submission to PA to get him added to the database - hope the powers that be agree! Regards |
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: April 28 2006 at 08:37
|
Hello Julian,
I do know of the last release from Wooly titled "Grim" (I also have some short mp3s). I do own also the Ring of Changes track and it is very good, indeed. An excellent composition by Holroyd. BTW, it seems to me that after the departure of Wolstenholme, Les step by step started to write the most memorable things of that period (as for ex. Life is for Living, Victims..., Play to the World et cetera.
What about their Glasnost live album? I do own only the version of Mockingbird, and I have to say it is one of the best I've ever heard.
Face to Face is not really a good album. I've rated with three stars only because I like their previous stuff. Some nice tunes, though.
Regards,
Andrea
|
Posted By: Prog-Brazil
Date Posted: April 28 2006 at 08:42
Octoberon, Everyone Is Everybody Else , Early
Morning Onwards, BJH And Other Short Stories, Baby James Harvest, Time
Honoured Ghosts, Gone to Earth, BJH XII
All these albums are very good, in my opinion. Of course many songs not so good, others better.... but I think you'll like them If I could make a collection, I would choose songs
like:
Mocking bird
The sun will never shine (first album)
The Poet / After The Day
Poor boy blues / Mill boys
For no one
Berlin
Fiction: the streets of San Francisco
Titles
Hymn for the children
Hymn
Poor man's moody blues
Early morning
Brother thrush
------------- Let the sunshine in |
Posted By: Joolz
Date Posted: April 28 2006 at 09:17
Ooooh, a BJH top ten. Can I play?  Summer Soldier [from Baby James or Live] Medicine Man [from .... and Other Short Stories or Live] The Poet/After The Day [from .... and Other Short Stories] For No-One [from Everyone Is Everybody Else] In My Life [from Time Honoured Ghosts] Ra [from Octoberon] Nova Lepidoptera [ from XII] Ring Of Changes [from Ring Of Changes] Yesterday's Heroes [from River Of Dreams] That Was Then, This Is Now [from Revolution Days] Most of my favourite stuff is from 70s, but there is some good from later though not Prog until Woolly came back. Regards |
Posted By: Joolz
Date Posted: April 28 2006 at 09:33
|
Posted By: rupert
Date Posted: April 28 2006 at 11:34
|
Rupert's BACK !
Dear Andrea, apologies accepted.
If you want to know what I think about the original BJH-Albums you do NOT own/know you can read it in the reviews... The "best" concert without Woolly - to me- was NOT released, it was the "Welcome to the Show"- one, though the setlist strangely didn't offer anything from "Octoberon"... they played a lot of my Faves and they did it very well... Mockingbird - i must agree - is very good on "Best of" ( though Keith Domone named it the "Nadir" of all renditions ), it became my favourite BJH-track because of that but on "Revival" it's ven better ( to ME ). John Lees didn't really weaken so much after Woolly left... but his songs need to be developed by rehearsing and band-interplaying LIVE mostly and this wasn't Les' way of working at all back then. Les is quite better an arranger than John and that's perhaps why his tunes seem to be better after Woolly's departure, but apart from "Caught in the Light", an album that I think really represents John Lees' weakest phase, there have always been outstanding tracks penned by him still... "Sperratus", "In Memory of the Martyrs", "Fifties Child", "Rebel Woman", "African", "Cheap the Bullet", "Children of the disappeared"... to have named only those that worked best in their arrangements.
There were also some half-hearted attempts at creating a "rock" song with structures repeated until it bored: "Panic"... "Spud-u-Like"... best of them ( to me ) was "Psychedelic Child". And there were always those songs I had to love as SONGS but didn't satisfy me in their arrangement: "Lady MacBeth"... "Three Weeks to despair"... "For your Love"... it became obvious that John was in need of a man like Woolly while for Les everything seemed to be ok, that's why Les was so hurt and disappointed I suppose when John definately refused to go on that way.
It's even more ridiculous to me why Les went down so deep... I know you like "Revolution Days" and though it's got many things I had to get used to and some very uninspired moments ( to me... read my review ) it's still an acceptable album while "Live in Bonn" doesn't deserve the BJH-name at all. I haven't been to the Orchestral-shows either but I'm going to give the CD a fair listen when it's comin'.
Woolly's stuff is great since he returned ! Don't miss out on any !
You know that you can order any CDs missing in your collection via Fan-Club long as they're in stock !
P.S.: Going to play another two-hour-solo-Gig at 1st of May and I suppose I can't get away without "Life is for Living" and "Hymn"...
Love ------------- ...I'm a musician/singer/songwriter, visit me on www.reverbnation.com/rupertlenz and there you can choose from 125 recordings you can listen to ( for free ) if you're not limited to prog-rock ! |
Posted By: Joolz
Date Posted: April 29 2006 at 08:26
You may well be right about the reasons, but the effect - at least, as perceived by me - is that Les increasingly reaches a higher standard. Sure, John still wrote some good ones, but he also contributed some duds - you mentioned Spud-U-Like! However, let's hope his renewed collaboration with Woolly will rejuvenate him, and the new material will be a return to form. Hope also, that his record company doesn't force him to do more cover versions of his old songs as per Nexus! Regards PS - keep talking - we need to keep the name Barclay James Harvest near the head of this forum to educate people!!! |
Posted By: rupert
Date Posted: April 29 2006 at 13:34
|
I'm talking... I'm talking... I'm talking...
Education succesful ?
Well,
you may be right, in retrospect John weakened a little. I went home yesterday and thought about it... there were also the songs like "Origin Earth" and "Pools of Tears"... ones I always saw as "nice fillers" and no more... but I still believe that this and perhaps the "since then" lack of motivation depended on Les' way of working and John needing Woolly... I think it was not easy for him to go on but it made sense as long as cds sold well and they could fill bigger venues with their live-shows. If all of that stops - like it did, all of a sudden ! - the musician is forced to think about "why am I doing this still ?" and John - who logically compared every new attempt with BJH with the past afterwards - couldn't be satisfied. I think that things like that have their effects on creativity, too ! However, we'll see what he and Woolly will come up with ! ------------- ...I'm a musician/singer/songwriter, visit me on www.reverbnation.com/rupertlenz and there you can choose from 125 recordings you can listen to ( for free ) if you're not limited to prog-rock ! |
Posted By: Winston TK
Date Posted: April 29 2006 at 14:43
|
Great to know that there are some serious BJH fans here. No-one I
know (other than my sister, who once worked in a record store in the
1970s) has even heard of this band! So, most of the time, I feel
like a crusader, trying to enlighten the music masses around me.
Luckily, I have already made a convert or two. Recently, I just finished my collection of "The Woolly Era" CD's, along with "Eyes Of The Universe" just for good measure. Eventually, I'll venture into the 80s and 90s, but unfortunately these titles are much harder to come by. For anyone who hasn't done so already, I highly recommend purchasing "The Barclay James Harvest Story". It's currently available on their official website. Written by website guardians Keith and Monika Damone, this is the definitive story of the band so far. Loaded with facts, photos and interesting anecdotes, this is an exceptionally well written and compiled biography of a fascinating band. I still use it all the time as my reference manual when trying to date certain albums and singles. One of the most gripping elements of "The Woolly Era" of the band is the dynamic of having three strong writers in the group. To brutally simplify the issue: Woolly was the master of the grandiose and symphonic epic. His material is probably considered to be the most "progressive" arrangement-wise. In fact, quite often it was his contributions to certain albums that were left off the original releases, deemed just too out of place by the producers. Luckily, these have been restored to the remastered re-releases. "Moonwater" and "Maestoso (A Hymn In The Roof Of The World" are classic examples of this. Lees was the master of the protest song, as well as the experimental "cut-and-paste" lyrical approach within certain themes. "Titles", of course, is probably the most obvious example. But, "Nova Lepidoptera" is also good. Holroyd's strong suit was as the writer of their most straightahead rock/pop gems. "Rock And Roll Star" is one of my favourite BJH tracks of all time. Although, my guiltiest pleasure would have to be his "Giving It Up" from "XII". This track is difficult to distinguish at times from Exile's classic 70s pop love standard, "Kiss You All Over". I still find myself listening to this one repeatedly. Instrumentally, all of the members of this band are outstanding. Not as overly apparent as vituosos as their more progressive contemporaries, their skill is remarkable. Don't be fooled. Mel Pritchard's drumming rivals Bill Bruford's on a number of occasions. Holroyd's bass playing, especially on the live albums, is as progressive as you can get at times. Lees' guitar playing is always tasteful. His solos add the most melodic components to the songs much of the time. Finally, Woolly's keyboards are always right where they need to be. And, vocally, all three singers are excellent. Their frequent three-part harmony arrangements are one of the true trademarks of BJH! To witness the magic of this band in a powerful way, I recommend tracking down a copy of their rarified "Caught Live" DVD. This was how I first "discovered" BJH. Watching Woolly sing "Mockinbird" was all it took. I've been postively hooked ever since! ------------- --Winston TK |
Posted By: rupert
Date Posted: June 12 2006 at 11:42
|
I'm very excited about John & Woolly coming back again... are you, too ? What songs would you want them to play ? I think their 2001-setlist for the UK ( see http://www.bjharvest.co.uk - www.bjharvest.co.uk ) was close to perfection... but I'd like to hear "Float", too, perhaps - if it works- "The Streets of San Fransisco" and, as Woolly did, "The Poet/After the Day" ! ------------- ...I'm a musician/singer/songwriter, visit me on www.reverbnation.com/rupertlenz and there you can choose from 125 recordings you can listen to ( for free ) if you're not limited to prog-rock ! |
Posted By: salmacis
Date Posted: June 12 2006 at 13:14
|
Personally I'd have said the John Lees/Woolly Wolstenholme version of BJH is the one that fits my personal (and I'd suspect, most people that are fans on the board) taste. I think they are working on a new album- that would be great, as 'Nexus' had its moments but I think the reworkings let the album down as the songs like 'Sitting On A Shelf', 'The Devils That I Keep', 'Brave New World' and 'Festival!' were amongst the best and progressive sounding the band had managed in years, whilst the reworked old songs smacked of desparation. |
Posted By: Mikerinos
Date Posted: June 12 2006 at 13:24
|
I'm going to be ordering Once Again / Baby James Harvest on CD soon. Yes, I know Baby James Harvest isn't considered one of their best, but $15 for two albums with a lot of bonus tracks is a pretty good deal
------------- 
|
Posted By: R o V e R
Date Posted: June 12 2006 at 15:38
| Get "Gone to Earth" |
Posted By: Psychedelia
Date Posted: June 12 2006 at 16:59
|
Oooo they are playing in Colchester i am definately going to go. Yay a chance to see one of my favourite bands
------------- Another emotional suicide, overdosed on sentiment and pride |
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: June 12 2006 at 17:48
I suppose they won't come in Italy...
|
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: June 12 2006 at 17:51
The EMI's remasters are excellent, apart only the covers awfully marginalized. BTW, in the inner booklet you'll find the original front and back covers.
My introduction to the BJH's discography was Baby James Harvest.
|
Posted By: Joolz
Date Posted: June 13 2006 at 09:42
I guess there'll be a fair amount of new stuff to debut. Hopefully.
|
Posted By: rupert
Date Posted: June 15 2006 at 09:58
|
I hope the new stuff is as delightin' as Woolly's and I'll be happy with any, but, well, I have to say that "Festival" doesn't belong to my faves, nor does "Brave new World" ( I'd like to hear FLOAT ! ).
John and Woolly may not come to Italy but in 2007, so do I hope, to Germany and perhaps you, Andrea, can come to Germany then, too ?
I've seen John, Les & Mel in 1992, too, and - in spite of the rather unmotivated video - it was a very special evening I'll never forget. It was the last time ( of 3 ) they came here to my hometown, Freiburg, and there hadn't been too many tickets sold, so the organizers had the venue stooled and closed the empore of the hall.
We ( a bunch of people from the fanclub and me who were first there ) were sad about this and thought of what to do so BJH won't be too frustrated about this.
After To Hell with Burgundy had finished we decided to stand on our chairs come BJH. This urged anyone behind us who wanted to SEE something to do the same, and... they did, the whole audience stood on their chairs for 2 and 1/2 hours, and the band got carried by the good vibes so when Mel came to his solo-spot in "Shadows" he was so happy he didn't wanna stop... a very fine evening.
Well, we'll see ( and hear ) what's comin' on !
Love to all BJH-Fans
------------- ...I'm a musician/singer/songwriter, visit me on www.reverbnation.com/rupertlenz and there you can choose from 125 recordings you can listen to ( for free ) if you're not limited to prog-rock ! |
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: September 05 2006 at 08:16
|
New remastered albums scheduled on the end of october: this one in particular should be of special interest for prog listeners as it features the last live contribution of Wooly Wolstenholme and his mellotron. It also contains interesting bonus live material. Ok, Live Tapes (1978) is not at the same standard of BJH Live (1974) but it's well worth of attention.
Disc One:
|
Posted By: salmacis
Date Posted: September 05 2006 at 08:29
|
Well it's worth having for me just for 'The World Goes On', one of my favourite BJH songs. I have the vinyl- I must say it's not as incendiary as 'Live', but is worth having.
Otherwise, I'd probably only go for the 'Face To Face' and 'Welcome To The Show' remasters. 'Eyes Of The Universe' isn't a favourite and the Berlin gig is a mess of bad overdubs.
Just out of interest, what's the SP on the 'Berlin' remaster?? Any extras or the un-overdubbed version??
|
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: September 05 2006 at 08:35
|
Bonus track have still to be confirmed by Eclectic Records.
The World Goes On is a wonderful track indeed. One of the finest ever written by Les Holroyd. Let's hope the packaging and the booklet will be better than that of BJH Live. The Polydor and the Emii's remasters (these last despite the awful covers) were sublime.
|
Posted By: salmacis
Date Posted: September 05 2006 at 08:36
| I hope Eclectic deal with other bands' unfinished remastered catalogues- they've already started with BJH, The Edgar Broughton Band and Caravan. Let's hope they do Camel next- some of my faves were left unremastered by Decca... |
Posted By: petrock
Date Posted: September 05 2006 at 09:41
|
I just bought BJH Greatest Hits - thanks to this forum - to get an idea what they are all about. Not much prog in this collection, but certainly very nice harmonies. Sort of Crosby, Stills & Nash meet Sargent Pepper`s-age-ballads. Very tastefull.
Which album(s) would you recommend where BJH go more prog ?
Peter
|
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: September 05 2006 at 10:27
Hi Peter,
I recommend you to buy BJH Live (1974) in its recent remastered edition. Definitely one of the best live albums ever. Ask Erik Neuteboom, he's also an aficionado of that album. The songs are more powerful and the mellotron has a more prominent role. It's a sublime record!
Of the studio albums:
- Once Again (1971)
- Everyone Is Everybody Else (1974)
- Octoberon (1976)
- XII (1978)
|
Posted By: rupert
Date Posted: September 10 2006 at 14:05
Dear Andrea... we surely differ here, I think that "Live Tapes" is/was the best BJH-release EVER and it's very exciting to await this long awaited release...
I'd purchase any LIVE-recordings from that time up to Woolly's departure with a heavenly smile, they never SOUNDED better and the feel is simply gorgeous ! ------------- ...I'm a musician/singer/songwriter, visit me on www.reverbnation.com/rupertlenz and there you can choose from 125 recordings you can listen to ( for free ) if you're not limited to prog-rock ! |
Posted By: rupert
Date Posted: September 12 2006 at 13:19
|
Hey, I've just listened to the "clips" of BJHFLH with orchestra, and I have to say it's truly obvious why you don't here any leadvocals by Les... Alex has only chosen the instrumental parts, which, apart from an overblown "Mockingbird" arrangement, sound enjoyable, but the singing ( again, in "Mockingbird" you can hear the "Lala"-Part ! ) is simply embarrassing. Where did Les' voice go ???? Though Pip Williams has done a far better job than expected in arranging the stuff ( far as I can tell from bits & pieces ) and the band came closer in the meantime, it's such a disappointment ( another one ) and I can only hope for what John & Woolly will come up with soon ! ------------- ...I'm a musician/singer/songwriter, visit me on www.reverbnation.com/rupertlenz and there you can choose from 125 recordings you can listen to ( for free ) if you're not limited to prog-rock ! |
Posted By: salmacis
Date Posted: September 12 2006 at 13:22
|
I think the band have tarnished their already dwindled reputation due to this silliness with 2 versions of BJH, plus the fact their albums are mainly re-recordings now. Happily, John Lees issued a statement saying his creative juices are flowing again so hopefully we'll get a good album. I felt 'Nexus' would have been a much better effort if it had all been new songs, not re-recordings. I enjoyed the new songs on that a lot.
Haven't heard about this orchestral thing, but I didn't like their 70s stuff with orchestras all that much so I doubt time will change that- I felt it overloaded quality tunes, more often than not.
|
Posted By: rupert
Date Posted: September 12 2006 at 13:30
1st ) the re-recordings on "Nexus" were due to the record-companies requests. I have to agree that, with the old stuff, I prefer to hear new renditions in concert ( but that's where I can't get enough of them... ) and Live-Albums.
2nd ) The "orchestral thing" doesn't seem to overload quality tunes this time, it's rather a "better synthesizer" and making Colin Browne look better than on "Live in Bonn", where, in fact, he was totally overburdened handling the "lead"-keyboardist-role, a job that was done well before by Kevin McAlea and, before the split 1997, Jeff Leach ( I never heard anybody playing "Life is for Living" that impressive, but it was only in the open-air-shows, the regular tour featured that song "unplugged" with Les solo on acoustic guitar ). ------------- ...I'm a musician/singer/songwriter, visit me on www.reverbnation.com/rupertlenz and there you can choose from 125 recordings you can listen to ( for free ) if you're not limited to prog-rock ! |
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: September 13 2006 at 03:53
It's good to see you again in this thread, Rupert. You, along with Salmacis and Joolz are the most devote fans of Barclay James Harvest, in this site.
Thank you for keep this topic alive (and well!!!).
BTW, the Nexus album was a little disappointment for me. That's because of too many re-recorded classics. Not to mention the different versions of some tracks... Fortunately I bought the Revival live album and things came out well. Tht's because those experiments are more acceptable by fans as live version.
|
Posted By: R o V e R
Date Posted: September 13 2006 at 04:11
|
My Favourite band
"Hard Hearted Women" --kickass song "Nova lepidoptra" -- spacy my kind of melody(lovely song) my favourite album GONE to EARTH XII |
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: September 13 2006 at 16:45
|
I know you're another die-hard fan, Rover!!
Nova Lepidoptera (song) and XII (the album) are strong recommendations...that's right for introducing other new fans!
|
Posted By: Asyte2c00
Date Posted: September 13 2006 at 16:46
Is that a Cat Stevens Cover?
|
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: September 13 2006 at 16:49
|
No, it's a Les Holroyd classic
BTW, I never listened to that same titled Stevens' track...
|
Posted By: Asyte2c00
Date Posted: September 13 2006 at 16:51
shows how much I know, Cat Stevens is brilliant though, one of my favorite artists.
|
Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: September 13 2006 at 16:53
|
Andrea, you will be less disappointed about the Argentine Nexus albums !
|
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: September 13 2006 at 16:54
BJH's Hard Hearted Woman is on the 1977 album Gone to Earth.
Could you tell me where to find that Stevens' song?
I'm curios to know, but I presume it's only a matter of words...
|
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: September 13 2006 at 16:57
 Speaking about words' games...
Do that argentinian band has clear references to the italian classic prog scene?
I think it should be quite normal for an argentinian band since a great part of argentinian people comes from Italy.
PFM? Banco? or the most favourite of mine: Le Orme?
P.S. hhmmm, this post should be moved to the symphonic prog appreciation thread, Erik
|
Posted By: Asyte2c00
Date Posted: September 13 2006 at 17:01
Its on Tea for the Tillerman. track two. Amazing album, I prefer Teaser and the Firecat over this album though. CS is one of my favorite artists.
http://www.amazon.com/Tea-Tillerman-Cat-Stevens/dp/B00004T9VY/sr=1-1/qid=1158181211/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-3135712-1705755?ie=UTF8&s=music - http://www.amazon.com/Tea-Tillerman-Cat-Stevens/dp/B00004T9VY/sr=1-1/qid=1158181211/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-3135712-1705755?ie=UTF8&s=music
|
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: September 14 2006 at 03:49
Cat Stevens' song is Hard Headed Woman.
BJH's song is Hard Hearted Woman
I've listened to the sample tarck and I can say the two songs are completely different.
|
Posted By: R o V e R
Date Posted: September 14 2006 at 05:43
by the way "Hard Hearted Woman" is Kickass song |
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: September 17 2006 at 16:50
|
Here we are, dear BJh's fans. I thought it was time to deepen our beloved band's discography. I'm very curious to know your opinions.
Today, I would like to talk about the debut album (self titled, as usually), which was released by Harvest label (of EMI) in 1970. Two years after their first single "Early Morning". I never undesrtood (and never I will) why they had to wait so long before they had the chance to record an entire album and not only a serie of singles. To be remembered other important singles "Brother Thrush" (one of my favourite ones) and "Poor Wages".
What do you think of the first album? What about the track list?
 P.S. This is the very first attempt to create a complete thread about what the band has graced us of.
|
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: September 17 2006 at 16:59
|
Some album's info:
LP: Harvest SHVL 770, 5th June, 1970
MC: Only issued on cassette in France CD: Part of Four BJH Originals 4CD set, EMI BARCLAY 1, February 1996 CD: Remaster with 13 bonus tracks, EMI UK, 27th May, 2002 highly recommended! 
Side 1 Side 2 Bonus tracks on remastered CD: http://www.bjharvest.co.uk/45folio.htm#early - Early Morning (Barclay James Harvest) (their first single) http://www.bjharvest.co.uk/45folio.htm#mr - Mister Sunshine (Barclay James Harvest) http://www.bjharvest.co.uk/45folio.htm#so - So Tomorrow (Barclay James Harvest) [1968 BBC Session] http://www.bjharvest.co.uk/45folio.htm#eden - Eden Unobtainable (Barclay James Harvest) [1968 BBC Session] http://www.bjharvest.co.uk/45folio.htm#night - Night (Barclay James Harvest) [1968 BBC Session] http://www.bjharvest.co.uk/45folio.htm#pools - Pools of Blue (Barclay James Harvest) [1968 BBC Session] http://www.bjharvest.co.uk/45folio.htm#need - Need You Oh So Bad (Barclay James Harvest) [1968 BBC Session] http://www.bjharvest.co.uk/45folio.htm#small - Small Time Town (Barclay James Harvest) [1968 BBC Session] http://www.bjharvest.co.uk/45folio.htm#dark - Dark Now My Sky (Barclay James Harvest) [1968 BBC Session] http://www.bjharvest.co.uk/45folio.htm#i - I Can't Go On Without You (Barclay James Harvest) http://www.bjharvest.co.uk/45folio.htm#eden - Eden Unobtainable (Barclay James Harvest) http://www.bjharvest.co.uk/45folio.htm#poor - Poor Wages (Barclay James Harvest) (do not miss it!) http://www.bjharvest.co.uk/45folio.htm#brother - Brother Thrush (Barclay James Harvest) (their best single before the album was released!) |
(wonderful track)Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: September 17 2006 at 17:00
Additional PersonnelThe Barclay James Harvest Orchestra (former members of The New Symphonia).Resident Musical Director: Robert Godfrey, next to be founder of The Enid. |
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: September 19 2006 at 08:15
|
...hhmmmm, well, I'm so "alone in the night"!!!
|
Posted By: salmacis
Date Posted: September 19 2006 at 08:21
|
The first album is a good first effort, to say the least. I like everything on it, bar the humdrum Beatle esque 'Good Love Child', and I really wish the narration on 'Dark Now My Sky' had been cut (it's even worse on the BBC In Concert CD). Still, the other songs are fine.
I think though, that only one song actually sounds like the BJH we know and love- 'The Iron Maiden'. The rest of this is the closest they ever came to sounding like The Moody Blues (as detractors of BJH point out too often) and also, Procol Harum imo.
I'd argue that they didn't find their sound that would appear on susbsequent albums until 'Other Short Stories', no matter how great 'Once Again' is. 'Once Again' is the most progressive album the band ever recorded, and other albums are a bit lighter in terms of prog-ness.
|
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: September 19 2006 at 11:57
Hi James, thanks for your reply
I agree with you on the fact that the first album is still embryonic. Still too connected to those giants that stand before as the magnificient Moodies, Beatles and Procol Harum.
Actually, the most favourite song of mine, "When the World Was Woken" is part of that musical roots. Nevertheless, it's a solid and wonderful track, in my humble opinion, close to the masterpiece status!
The Iron Maiden, well, it's a classic, one of the angular stones upon whose they builded up their own sound!
Taking Some Time On and Good Love Child are two gracious straight rocker tunes.
The epic Dark Noe My Sky is so baroque and intriguing...not very representative and very different from the other long track Moonwater. So genuine, by the way, and so natural that can only be loved by me...
|
Posted By: rupert
Date Posted: September 20 2006 at 05:54
Cat Stevens' song is named "hard HEADED woman" and a classic as well... it features in my livelist ! ------------- ...I'm a musician/singer/songwriter, visit me on www.reverbnation.com/rupertlenz and there you can choose from 125 recordings you can listen to ( for free ) if you're not limited to prog-rock ! |