Harvest [Import]
Harvest [Import]
ASIN: B00000IH7Y
Track Listings
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1. It Won't Be Long
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2. Baby Blue Eyes
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3. Shenandoah Valley Waltz
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4. Will You Love Me Still
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5. Stay Away From Me
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6. Big Picture
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7. Thirty Years Of Tears
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8. No End Of Love
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9. Dance
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10. One Hundred Miles
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11. I Am A Pilgrim
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12. Pilgrims On The Way
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13. Harvest
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Harvest,Kathy Chiavola,Demon Records UK,Country/Bluegrass,Neo-Traditional Folk,Pop,Rock
Average customer rating:
- English folky soft rock with a ton of mellotron and the occasional hard edged guitar part
- A true classic - wonderful music from a wonderful band
- Sufficient , just not memorable, English Folk Rock
- No improving perfection
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Everyone Is Everybody Else
Barclay James Harvest
Manufacturer: Umvd Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
General
| Alternative Rock
| Styles
| Music
British Folk
| Traditional British & Celtic Folk
| Folk
| Styles
| Music
Folk Rock
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
General
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
Progressive Rock
| Progressive
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
Pop Rock
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
Rock
| Imports
| Stores
| Music
Similar Items:
- Time Honoured Ghosts
- Octoberon
- Gone to Earth
- Their First Album
- XII
ASIN: B00009029L
Release Date: 2003-06-09 |
Tracks:
- Child Of The Universe
- Negative Earth
- Paper Wings
- The Great 1974 Mining Disaster
- Crazy City
- See Me See You
- Poor Boy Blues
- Mill Boys
- For No One
- Child Of The Universe
- The Great 1974 Mining Disaster
- Maestoso (A Hymn In The Roof Of The World)
- Negative Earth
- Child Of The Universe
Album Description
2003 remastered reissue of the British progressive rock act's 1974 album includes 5 bonus tracks, 'Child Of The Universe' (US Single Version), 'The Great 1974 Mining Disaster' (Original Mix - Previously Unreleased), 'Maestoso (A Hymn In The Roof Of The World)' (Recorded at Olymopic Studios, London in March 1974), 'Negative Earth' (Original Mix - Previously Unreleased) & 'Child Of The Universe' (Remake For Planned US Single). Features 14 tracks in all & a 16-page booklet. Polydor. 2003.
Album Details
Digitally Remastered Reissue of the First Album the Group Recorded for Polydor Records after their Tenure on EMI, Produced by Rodger Bain, who was Fresh from Helming the First Three Black Sabbath Albums and the Welsh Band Budgie. This Re-release Includes Five Bonus Tracks Not Included on the Original Vinyl Edition.
Customer Reviews:
English folky soft rock with a ton of mellotron and the occasional hard edged guitar part.......2006-04-27
I have to admit that my first exposure to the music of BJH was very pleasant and this 1974 release is really not bad at all. The lineup consisted of John Lees (electric and acoustic guitar); Mel Pritchard (drums and percussion); Les Holroyd (bass, acoustic guitar, and rhythm guitar); and Stuart "Woolly" Wolstenholme (mellotron, synthesizers, electric piano, and piano). The album was produced by Rodger Bain (the guy who produced the earliest Black Sabbath albums) and his influences are felt here and there, albeit rarely.
The album opens with the moody track Child of the Universe, which features some nice mini-moog synthesizer work atop the standard bass, guitar, and drums setup. This is the heaviest synth piece, whereas the mellotron is used predominantly on the remaining tracks. The lead vocals and vocal harmonies are also pleasant and work well with the material.
The overall sound of the album is, in large part, dominated by a gloomy and plodding Pink Floyd-ish beat in 4/4, saturated with mellotron (with string setting), and sprinkled with tasteful leads on the electric guitar. There are however, moments where things perk up a bit, as on the vigorous "tribal" drumming section of Paper Wings, and the crunchy, distorted electric guitar parts that are scattered here and there (Crazy City). Favorite tracks include Child of the Universe; The Great 1974 Mining Disaster; See Me See You; the closing track For No One; and the proggy bonus track Maestoso (A Hymn in the Roof of the World).
In terms of bands that I might be inclined to compare BJH with, they would most likely include the Strawbs and the Moody Blues, although fleeting, tiny snippets of American west coast soft rock bands like Crosby, Stills, and Nash and the Eagles (especially on Poor Boy Blues/Mill Boys) can be heard too.
One thing that is of interest here is that the band confronts topics such as the Vietnam War, Apartheid in South Africa, and the violence in Northern Ireland in very straightforward and literal terms. In contrast, many British prog bands used cryptic allegory, myth, and science fiction to illustrate their subject matter and many avoided larger societal issues altogether by focusing on inward (personal) transformation.
The remastered CD is pretty good and features great sound quality and abundant liner notes. There are five bonus tracks that are OK but do not add a great deal to the listening experience, with the single exception of Maestoso (A Hymn in the Roof of the World), which is by far the proggiest track on the whole album. You can thank old non-progger Rodger Bain for leaving it off the original album - he felt that it did not fit because it was so proggy.
All in all, this is a very nice album of folky soft rock lent an added bit of "oomph" with the heavy use of the mellotron and synthesizers. Recommended to fans of English bands like the Strawbs, Spring, and the Moody Blues.
A true classic - wonderful music from a wonderful band.......2006-03-08
This is the album which turned Barclay James Harvest into an international success. Superb musicianship and top class material make this a winner. The best tracks are "Child of the Universe", "Negative Earth", "Crazy City" and "For No One". I can listen to this album again and again and not get bored! If you are unfamiliar with this band's music, then this is probably the best place to start. You'll be hooked after the first listen. Irresistable! The remastered version provides a cleaner listening experience, but the bonus tracks (although nice to have) are a distraction to the excellence of the original.
Sufficient , just not memorable, English Folk Rock.......2004-11-03
Barclay James Harvest's" Everyone Is Everybody Else" is a smooth, well-produced (for 1974) album of mostly forgettable tunes by a four-man English folk/pop outfit with only the slightest hint of progressive rock in their arrangements. (A mellotron here, a primordial synth line there and the occasionally time signature change). If you want to experience 70's English folk-prog at its best, get Traffic's " John Barleycorn Must Die" or The Strawb's "Hero and Heroine".
No improving perfection.......2003-06-28
If you never buy another hippie album buy this one. The extra tracks are a bonus but the album is it stood was as near perfection as it gets.
'Everyone is everybody else' was the pirate Radio Caroline's signoff tune in the early 70's. It was as clear and concise an anthem of 1960's rebellion as anyone achieved, including John Lennon. When one relistens to these kinds of albums one expects some embarassment. Here there is none. I expect the band would not change a single line in any song. The guitar is as beautiful now as it was 30 years ago.
The '1974 Mining Diaster' as a huge song. It is allegedly about a certain rock star's casual advocacy of fascism and heroin. It is both beautiful and true.
'Child of the Universe' is another classic, which one would expect to grace countless TV documentaries but it hasn't for some reason.
It was BJH's misfortune to be a little too intellectual for the Anglo-Saxon market. Their popularity was in mainland Europe. But if Nick Drake can be recognised after 30 years, there is hope that BJH will finally get the recognition they so richly deserved.
Average customer rating:
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Gone to Earth
Barclay James Harvest
Manufacturer: Umvd Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
General
| Alternative Rock
| Styles
| Music
British Folk
| Traditional British & Celtic Folk
| Folk
| Styles
| Music
Britain
| British Isles
| Europe
| International
| Styles
| Music
Folk Rock
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
General
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
Progressive Rock
| Progressive
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
Pop Rock
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
Rock
| Imports
| Stores
| Music
Similar Items:
- Octoberon
- Time Honoured Ghosts
- Everyone Is Everybody Else
- XII
- Their First Album
ASIN: B00009029P
Release Date: 2003-06-09 |
Tracks:
- Hymn
- Love Is Like A Violin
- Friend Of Mine
- Poor Man's Moody Blues
- Hard Hearted Woman
- Sea Of Tranquility
- Spirit On The Water
- Leper's Song
- Taking Me Higher
- Lied
- Our Kid's Kid
- Hymn
- Friend Of Mine
- Medicine Man
Album Description
2003 remastered reissue of the British progressive rock act's 1977 album includes 5 bonus tracks, 'Lied' (Previously Unreleased), 'Our Kid's Kid' (B-Side Of Polydor Single), 'Hymn' (Single Edit - Previously Unreleased), 'Friend Of Mine' (Single Version - B-Side Of Polydor Single) & 'Medicine Man' (Originally Released As A/B-Side Of BJH Live EP. Features 14 tracks in all & a 16-page booklet. Polydor. 2003.
Album Details
Digitally Remastered Reissue of their 1977 Offering which Proved to Be One of their Most Successful Outings Ever. "a Lot of Good Things Came Together on the Album", Recalls Woolly Wlstenholme. "Some of John's Best Material Like "Poor Man's Moody Blues" and "Hymn" Sat Well Alongside Les' "Spirit on the Water" and So On." This Re-release Includes Five Bonus Tracks Not Included on the Original Vinyl Edition.
Customer Reviews:
BJH's best by far.......2005-12-10
Its too bad that Barclay James Harvest never really broke into the USA market. When they were a single unit they were far more popular in Europe than America. Perhaps it was because they were one of those unfortunate groups who had a hard time staying with a label that would properly market them. It also didn' t help that when Gone to Earth was released artists such as ABBA and the BEE GEEs were riding the crest of a wave. Barclay James Harvest never relied on flashy virtuoso playing. But instead by the time Gone to Earth came out they had reached the level of production values every bit as good as the "big boys" of the time (eg. Pink Floyd, Zepplin, etc.) Its also not very fair that somewhere along the line they were unjustly compared to the Moody Blues. Although there are similarities, with abundant mellotrons and vocal harmonies BJH are definitely their own band. You would have to search hard to find vocal arrangements as developed as you find on the tracks Spirit on the Water, Love Is Like a Violin. And after 28 years, Taking Me Higher still sends me into a dreamy reverie. In a word, this album is a minor masterpiece. If you want a well produced album that explores literate themes, with first rate vocals and arrangements, you really can't do better than this album,.
Average customer rating:
- Another nice album by Barclay James Harvest
- an amazing effort--timeless
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Octoberon
Barclay James Harvest
Manufacturer: Umvd Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
British Folk
| Traditional British & Celtic Folk
| Folk
| Styles
| Music
Folk Rock
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
General
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
Progressive Rock
| Progressive
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
Pop Rock
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
Rock
| Imports
| Stores
| Music
Similar Items:
- Gone to Earth
- Everyone Is Everybody Else
- XII
- Time Honoured Ghosts
- Their First Album
ASIN: B00009029N
Release Date: 2003-06-09 |
Tracks:
- The World Goes On
- May Day
- Ra
- Rock 'n Roll Star
- Polk Street Rag
- Believe In Me
- Suicide
- Rock N' Roll Star
- Polk Street Rag
- Ra
- Rock N' Roll Star
- Suicide?
Album Description
2003 remastered reissue of the British progressive rock act's 1976 album includes 5 bonus tracks, 'Rock N' Roll Star' (Early Mix), 'Polk Street Rag' (First Mix), 'Ra' (First Mix), 'Rock N' Roll Star' (Recorded at Marquee Studios) & 'Suicide?' (First Mix). Features 12 tracks in all & a 16-page booklet. Polydor. 2003.
Album Details
Digitally Remastered Reissue of their Album from 1976. Polydor Had Wanted the Band to Record with Elliott Mazer (Neil Young), but They Ended Up Participating in the Sessions for Starsky and Hutch Actor David Soul's Solo Album. David Rohl Took Over as Co-producer, with a Cv that Included Photography (He Took the Cover Art Picture on the Moody Blues' "a Question of Balance") and Staff Producer at 10cc's Strawberry Studios. Rohl was Able to Fashion a Sound that Made the Group Sound More Like a Cohesive Band Unit. The Title is a Send-up of the Shakespearena Character "Oberon"..this Re-release Includes Five Bonus Tracks Not Included on the Original Vinyl Edition.
Customer Reviews:
Another nice album by Barclay James Harvest.......2007-05-22
This pleasant 1976 release continues in the tradition of richly arranged symphonic pop that characterized much of their output. In contrast with previous releases however, the arrangements seem a little more elaborate and even include the use of an orchestra and a choir. The overall feel of the album is a bit sad and somewhat dark.
The lineup on this album included Les Holroyd (bass; acoustic guitar; and vocals); Woolly Wolstenholme (Hammond organ; mellotron; synthesizers; and vocals); Mel Pritchard (drums and percussion); and John Lees (electric and acoustic guitars; vocals). In general, the one thing that really stands out on this album are the vocal harmonies, which are superb. I also love the use of synthesizers which add a great deal to the symphonic aspects of this album.
The seven tracks on the album range in length from 4'21" to 7'57 and are all excellent examples of symphonic pop. Arrangements are lush and the instrumentation emphasizes acoustic textures, although there are a few up-tempo and electric sections. One of my favorite moments on this album is during the choir section (augmented with a celestial, "churchy" sounding organ), whereby a smaller chorus of male voices sing in a completely different key and meter than the rest of the choir. Although the effect is subtle, I found the dissonance to be pretty cool. In large part however, the pieces are very well arranged songs that feature pleasant melodies and excellent vocal harmonies. In addition to the more lavishly arranged pieces, there are a few straightforward pop songs on here, e.g. Rock and Roll Star, that are vaguely reminiscent of American west coast soft rock (think Eagles here). There is a unifying mood to all of the pieces and that is one of melancholy. In fact, the last song describes someone committing suicide (complete with sound effects I might add). I think that it is this emotional sophistication that really makes the band work for me.
This remastered version is just great and features loads of liner notes, pictures of the group, and lyrics. The bonus tracks on the album include remixes of the same tracks included on the original album and do not add too much.
All in all, this is a great album of symphonic pop with a lot of emotional sophistication. Recommended along with Everybody is Everybody Else (1974) and a few other albums that are somewhat similar in texture including a few by the Strawbs (Hero and Heroine, 1974; Ghosts, 1975); and a few by The Alan Parsons Project (Tales of Mystery and Imagination, 1976; and I Robot, 1977).
an amazing effort--timeless.......2006-01-05
This review comes with a caveat--I have never heard the remastered version the previous reviewer finds offensive. He may very well be right. I bought the original CD about twenty years ago--actually one of my first CD's--and my comments pertain only to that Polydor release (821-930-2)
The album, musically and lyrically, is superb. I knew very little about BJH beyond "Mockingbird" when I first bought this, and it took me a little while to appreciate it. I think I was more taken by surprise than reluctant in any way, but I remember hearing "Suicide?" for the first time and being blown away by its complexity, its harmony, its plot, and its method of narration. It truly is a masterpiece--one which most people will never hear and never hear of.
Anyway, the original "unremastered" version is more than worth the price if you can find it. I paid $4.98 at a now defunct music shop that sold used CD's. It's worth ten times that amount. Well, five anyway.
Average customer rating:
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XII
Barclay James Harvest
Manufacturer: Umvd Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
British Folk
| Traditional British & Celtic Folk
| Folk
| Styles
| Music
Folk Rock
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
General
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
Progressive Rock
| Progressive
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
Pop Rock
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
Rock
| Imports
| Stores
| Music
Similar Items:
- Octoberon
- Gone to Earth
- Eyes of the Universe
- Time Honoured Ghosts
- Everyone Is Everybody Else
ASIN: B00009029K
Release Date: 2003-06-09 |
Tracks:
- Loving Is Easy (Fantasy)
- Berlin
- A Tale Of Two Sixties
- Turning In Circles
- The Closed Shop
- In Search Of England
- Sip Of Wine
- Harbour
- Nova Lepidoptera
- Giving It Up
- The Streets Of San Francisco
- Berlin
- Loving Is Easy
- Turning In Circles
- The Closed Shop
- Nova Lepidoptera
Album Description
2003 remastered reissue of the British progressive rock act's 1978 album includes 5 bonus tracks, 'Berlin' (Single Edit), 'Loving Is Easy' (Single Version), 'Turning In Circles' (First Mix - Previously Unreleased), 'Fact - The Closed Shop' (First Mix - Previously Unreleased) & 'Nova Lepidoptera (Ambient Instrumental Mix - Previously Unreleased). Features 16 tracks in all & a 16-page booklet. Polydor. 2003.
Album Details
Digitally Remastered Reissue of their 1978 Follow Up to "Gone to Earth". Originally, the Album was to Be Called "High" but the Group Opted Instead to Call it "Xii" Because While it was their 12th Album Together, They Had also Been a Group for 12 Years. This Re-release Includes Five Bonus Tracks Not Included on the Original Vinyl Edition.
Average customer rating:
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Sunny/Harvest of the World
Paul Carrack
Manufacturer: Import [Generic]
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
Britain
| British Isles
| Europe
| International
| Styles
| Music
General
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
Soft Rock
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
Pop Rock
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
General
| Adult Contemporary
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
Blue-Eyed Soul
| Soul
| R&B
| Styles
| Music
General
| Soul
| R&B
| Styles
| Music
General
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
Rock
| Imports
| Stores
| Music
ASIN: B000066TTU
Release Date: 2004-02-17 |
Tracks:
- Sunny
- Harvest For The World
- Into The Mystic
Album Description
Taken from the 2001 classic covers album, Groovin. Tracks, 'Sunny', 'Harvest For The World' & one non-LP track, 'Into The Mystic'.
Album Details
Carrack Takes on Bobby Hebb and the Isley Brothers Classics.
Average customer rating:
- One of the best progressive albums you've never heard!
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Face to Face
Barclay James Harvest
Manufacturer: Umvd Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
Traditional Blues
| Blues
| Styles
| Music
British Folk
| Traditional British & Celtic Folk
| Folk
| Styles
| Music
Folk Rock
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
General
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
Progressive Rock
| Progressive
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
Pop Rock
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
Rock
| Imports
| Stores
| Music
ASIN: B00000366E
Release Date: 2003-04-22 |
Tracks:
- Prisoner Of Your Love
- He Said Love
- Alone In The Night
- Turn The Key
- You Need Love
- Kiev
- African
- Following Me
- All My Life
- Panic
- Guitar Blues
- On The Wings Of Love
Customer Reviews:
One of the best progressive albums you've never heard!.......2001-12-08
Face To Face, Barclay James Harvest's 1984 studio album, is an absolute gem! It blends the familiar BJH themes of socially conscious lyrics with great harmonies and superb musicianship. The mid 80's were a transitional period for progressive rock, and BJH were changing along with the genre. "He said love" is the most overtly religious song the band has done, being esentially a musical retelling of the Gospel. "African" is a powerful anti-apartheid statement with chilling lyrics. "Kiev" is a lovely song lamenting the Chernobyl disaster. If you are already a Barclay James Harvest fan, you will want to add this CD to your collection. If you are not a current fan, this would be a good CD to introduce you to this outstanding group.
Average customer rating:
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Victims of Circumstance
Barclay James Harvest
Manufacturer: Umvd Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
British Folk
| Traditional British & Celtic Folk
| Folk
| Styles
| Music
Folk Rock
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
General
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
Progressive Rock
| Progressive
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
Pop Rock
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
Rock
| Imports
| Stores
| Music
ASIN: B000092Q80
Release Date: 2003-04-22 |
Tracks:
- Sideshow
- Hold On
- Rebel Woman
- Say You'll Stay
- For You're Love
- Victims of Circumstance
- Inside My Nightmare
- Watching You
- I've Got a Feeling
Average customer rating:
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Glasnost
Barclay James Harvest
Manufacturer: Umvd Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
British Folk
| Traditional British & Celtic Folk
| Folk
| Styles
| Music
Britain
| British Isles
| Europe
| International
| Styles
| Music
Folk Rock
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
General
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
Progressive Rock
| Progressive
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
Progressive Rock
| Live Albums
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
General
| Live Albums
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
Pop Rock
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
Rock
| Imports
| Stores
| Music
ASIN: B000092Q7J
Release Date: 2003-04-22 |
Tracks:
- Poor Man's Moody Blues
- Alone in the Night
- Hold On
- African
- On the Wings of Love
- Love on the Line
- Berlin
- Medicine Man
- Kiev
- Hymn
- Turn the Key
- He Said Love
Average customer rating:
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Time Honoured Ghosts
Barclay James Harvest
Manufacturer: Umvd Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
British Folk
| Traditional British & Celtic Folk
| Folk
| Styles
| Music
Britain
| British Isles
| Europe
| International
| Styles
| Music
Folk Rock
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
General
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
Progressive Rock
| Progressive
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
Pop Rock
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
Rock
| Imports
| Stores
| Music
ASIN: B00009L503
Release Date: 2003-05-27 |
Tracks:
- In My Life
- Sweet Jesus
- Titles
- Jonathan
- Beyond the Grave
- Song for You
- Hymn for the Children
- Moon Girl
- One Night
- Child of the Universe [#][*]
Average customer rating:
- Disappointment
- New classic songs
- Breathtaking
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Nexus
Barclay James Harvest
Manufacturer: Import [Generic]
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
British Folk
| Traditional British & Celtic Folk
| Folk
| Styles
| Music
Britain
| British Isles
| Europe
| International
| Styles
| Music
General
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
Pop Rock
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
Folk Rock
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
General
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
Progressive Rock
| Progressive
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
Rock
| Imports
| Stores
| Music
ASIN: B00000IK1U
Release Date: 2002-10-01 |
Tracks:
- Festival!
- Iron Maiden
- Brave New World
- Hors d'Oeuvre
- Mocking Bird
- Sitting Upon a Chair
- Hymn
- Devils That I Keep
- Titles
- Float
- Loving Is Easy
- Star Bright
Album Description
1999 album from the English folk/ prog veterans. 12 new original tracks. Sarah Pickering sings on the cut 'Hymn'; Ian Brownbill plays cornet on the song 'Mocking Bird'.
Customer Reviews:
Disappointment.......2001-08-21
I'm a fan of their music since late seventies, but after hear this album I understood they're reached the end of the line. The guys have no more things to say or songs to play.Different of the two rewiewers above, this album has no bright, no magic, no heart and no passion inside like 'CAUGHT OF THE LIGHT, RINGS OF CHANGE, WELCOME TO THE SHOW, EVERYONE IS EVERYBODY ELSE and so many others that I had a chance to save in my collection, it's too much weak and poor, and let a feeling it was released only to try to take a last air breath before the death. If TURN OF THE TIDE and FACE TO FACE were not good enough for BJH fans, NEXUS it's not only a very bad album, but one of the worst that were released in the last decade. It's a pity but,no more BJH please, they were one of the best prog/pop groups in the world and always be remebered, but let the guys rest in peace, it's good for them and it will be better for us.
New classic songs.......1999-09-11
«Nexus» is a very important recording for the fans of Barclay James Harvest but also for new listeners. Eventough it is seen through the eyes of John Lees it is a real BJH-album. The good news is the cooperation between him and Wooly Wolstenholme, who left the group nearly 20 years ago for a another career. And it works very well on this album, that have a very strong line and strength between the songs. And this is remarkable, because seven songs are new and five are old. But the songs work very well together, and it is very interesting to hear the new versions of the old songs. Especially the very beautiful «Hymn» from the 1977 album «Gone to Earth». In that album the group used acoustic guitars for the instrumentation, but in «Nexus» the version is mainly with keyboard. But it sounds very good and has a very good developing, rising to the final crescendo. And the characteristic voice of John is clear and bright. Also «Mocking Bird» has reached a nice and mature form, and the duet between John and Wooly is very good. «The Iron Maiden», «Titles» and «Loving is Easy» are all very well mixed and of high quality. But the new material is a real gift and stroked me. This are songs of mature men who have developed their level of reflection in their lives and they have written good and partly deep new texts. There are not simple lovesongs, but texts with a good level. The opening «Festival» is very interesting in the instrumentation, alltough this is the song I liked less. The refrain does not function, it lacks something. «Brave new World» contents a view back and shows the reflection I mentioned. The final piano and drums ends the song in a good way. After the song a nice little instrumental piece «Hors d'Oeuvre» constructs a solid bridge to «Mocking Bird». «Sitting upon a Shelf» was directly my personal favorite, because it describes a desperate situation in a persons life, where the limit to insanity are close and it gives some reminder of personal experiences. The voice in the song and the instrumentation gives the content strength and credibility. «The Devils that I keep» is in the same line of selfreflection. The voice of Wooly is working very good in this song and is very convincing. «Float» holds the strength and has a nice instrumental introduction and a beautiful refrain. And the final «Star Bright» is John on the best. It is probably the best song in quality and wholeness. Everything works perfect, the voice of John, the instrumentation, especially Johns sologuitar. «Nexus» is a musthave and demonstrates the high musical quality of rockmusicians who are more that 30 years in the game and are able to produce future classics and are still enriching the world of music. I dearly hope, that we will get a the next BJH-album not only with Wooly and John but also with the two other group members Mel Pritchard and Les Holroyd.
Breathtaking.......1999-05-28
John Lees got his friend and former BJH keyboard player Woolly Wolstenholme out of the Welsh valleys to create this album. Woolly hadn't made any music for nearly twenty years, but boy, when it came it was worth the wait. The album is a mix of 6 BJH classics re-recorded with new arrangements, and 6 new songs that are Lees/Wolstenholme collaborations. Of the re-recordings, "Mockingbird" is perhaps the best version ever with an awesome orchestral rendering that is powerful without suffering the sentimentality of previous versions whilst "Loving Is Easy" benefits from some wonderful harmonica from Woolly and a nice bluesy feel. There are also very nice versions of "Hymn" and "The Iron Maiden". Of the new songs, "Float" is for Wolstenholme lovers (like "Sunday Bells" or "Maestoso"), and album closer "Starbright" is perhaps the most beautiful Lees song ever (the guitar solo is similar to "After The Day"). Every song is a winner. The album is selling very well in the wake of a very successful European tour, and was a huge hit with BJH fans.
The album would appeal very much to fans of "Everyone is Everybody Else", "Once Again", "Octoberon" or "XII".
Well arranged, mature, beautiful, thought provoking. Classic BJH.
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