THE ROAD: VOLUME 6 - STOCKHOLM & GÖTEBORG (40TH ANNIVERSARY BOXSET)

If I understood well, S&G is the only Henry Cow "new album" to be sold separately from the second boxset, but I?ll be damned if I remember a valid explanation, except for maybe this album being the only real novelty along with the DVD (also part of this boxset and sold separately); indeed in the hype of this release, I think the other Cds' contents where generally available through bootlegs or the band itself. It might also be the only Cd of the boxset with a good sound as the three sources (2 concerts and a broadcast) are from the source

As usual with HC, their live appearances were generally even more experimental than their studio effort and their Swedish tour was no exception. So if you like Leg-End, cringe art Praise Of Learning and puke at unrest, this is definitely not for you, even if there are some more accessible moments, but they?re rather far and between. Actually this S&G concert is definitely closer to Western Culture than Unrest in terms of accessibility, and most of the two Stockholm dates, Dagmar Krause "sings" although I wouldn't say her presence is overbearing like on IPOL album.

What is not immediately perceivable is that with this line-up (which is the one of most of the boxset) is that Henry Cow might have been Henriette, for there are three women in the band. Indeed besides the previously mentioned Dagmar and her disputable vocals, we have the usual wild-looking Lindsey Cooper and her terrifying bassoon and whatever wind instruments she decides to torture, but also the cuter Georgie Born (although some of her dresses are cure against love) with her transparent bass guitar and when not, her cello. Defending the male faith are the mainstays Fred fFrith on guitar, vibraphone and violin, Chris Cutler on drums, electronics and whatever was struck by his sticks, and the more eclectic Tim Hodgkinson and his organ and array of wind instruments . In total we have a highly interesting album for those willing to invest the time in repeated listens, because it?s clear that the Swedish concerts don't give in all that easily: you have conquer them, but ultimately this should be very rewarding, to the image of the album-closing March or No More Songs (from Goteborg).