EVERYONE IS EVERYBODY ELSE

Barclay James Harvest

Crossover Prog

3.90 | 278 ratings

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Finnforest
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator

Is this the English version of America (the band)?

Am I crazy? Has anyone noticed that this album sounds like California folk-rock such as the band America? Nicely constructed pop songs with delicate harmonies, great electric and acoustic guitar parts, even an album cover with four lads looking like the guys on the front of America's "History" album. But seriously this album is a nice collection of songs if you're not expecting heavy prog.

While I find this very far from what I consider prog there is no denying that this is some tasty rock music. The songs are ridiculously catchy and accessible with delightful lead vocals and backing harmonies. Pacing is generally quite slow occasionally stretching to a medium canter before slowing again. The guitar is mostly mild and pleasant with occasional fiery solos breaking out. The drumming and bass are modest and very clear on the Japanese remaster. The keyboards and mellotron drape the songs in a heavy air of melancholy, the music is pleasant but the moods not necessarily so. Was "Poor Boy Blues" written by Glenn Frey? Of course not but it sure sounds like it. BJH is a band that you could take on a fishing trip with your Dad (or Grandpa for you young ones) and he might like the album more than you. Inoffensive to the max and songs that you will think you've known all your life by the second time you hear them. Not exactly the description many prog fans want from their music, but again, this succeeds well enough at what it shoots for. Irresistible melodies and every song radio friendly.

No prog-nirvana here but easily recommended to fans of The Strawbs or US folk-rock bands like America, CSN, or even James Taylor. Fans of technical complexity or abrasive sounds should run in the other direction.

Finnforest | 3/5 | 2007-11-24

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