BLUE ANGEL

If you already own "The Bridge" by Cousins & Willoughby (I do), then there's little reason to buy this disc. Most of the songs here appeared first on that album, and the versions are not very different. Since the earlier album is admittedly obscure and difficult to obtain, this release may be a blessing for many Strawbs fans. The new version of "Blue Angel" (from Cousins 1972 solo album "Two Weeks Last Summer") has more punch, but is still just too darn long with its oft-repeated chorus. For me, the real gem is the radically-altered version of "Sealed With a Traitor's Kiss". Cousin's emotional delivery is well-suited to the lyric, and his clearly diminished vocal talents actually enhance the song. Four stars for those who don't own "The Bridge".