Strawbs/Dave Cousins Appreciation Thread!

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.

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.

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.

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!

^ 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.

^^ aaah, nice. Grace Darling, what a fine song.

SteveG wrote: 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.

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?

SteveG wrote: 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!

^ 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.