Music from Strawbs Deserves Way More Attention! (Remembering, You and I, & Grace Darling)
Вставка
- Опубліковано 5 вер 2023
- #strawbs #thestrawbs
In this edition of #thedailydoug, I'm listening to music by Strawbs for the first time on the channel. I've heard some of their music previously on my Patreon, and it's way past time that I included their music here on my UA-cam channel. We're listening to the last three songs from their 1975 album Ghosts. The music is sublime and every bit as good as the music from their more famous progressive rock peers. I hope you enjoy as much as I did!
Reference Video: • Strawbs - Ghosts (1975)
Daily Doug Merch: www.bonfire.com/store/the-dai...
Thanks to our friend TIM WAURICK for providing the vocals on the Daily Doug Intro and extended Outro: / @timwaurickmusic
Catch up on my full album reactions at my Patreon!
JOIN THE NEW EXCLUSIVE DAILY DOUG COMMUNITY!
Patreon: / doughelvering
Instagram: / doug.helvering
Facebook: / helvering
Twitter: / helvering
Vimeo: vimeo.com/user146736659
The Daily Doug Directory: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
Strawbs are criminally underrated. My wife and I wanted Grace Darling as our first dance at our wedding, but sadly the DJ didn't have it. In retrospect, we should have hired a choir and organist.
My personal Strawbs favourite is the album Grave New World from 1972. There isn't a duff track on it and I defy anyone not to be moved by it.
I fully agree, one of my favorite albums of all time, but I would pay good money to have had Ah Me Ah My never appear on the album haha
I would tens to agree but so mantle albums were great without a bad song amongst them....
The songs are quite drmatic.
I fell in love with The Strawbs at the very first note I heard of Benedictus on a radio station... When I was young...
Around 10 years ago I was lucky enough to see "The Acoustic Strawbs" play a 200 seat theatre. Dave Cousins, Dave Lambert and Chas Cronk on sat on high stools telling stories and playing acoustic versions of some of their songs. A great night.
That may be the one I saw online. Was it in the southern US?
@@user-jp5nc8zf7m no. Halifax England.
Same - I saw the Acoustic Strawbs in Seaton, Devon.
I'm a Strawbs fan since 1973! ;-)
I had a beer with their singer-songwriter, Dave Cousins. I told him (twice) that since 1971 they have been the soundtrack for my life. He told me the influences on his songwriting were Walt Whitman, William Blake, and William Wordsworth. Dave Cousins is, I think, the best song lyricist, ever. I'm a songwriter, musician, singer, and a music researcher, and in many genres--so my complement to Dave really meant something. Their music uplifted me like no other music. Why he and the Strawbs aren't more well known is a mystery. Americans don't even know they ever existed and the Strawbs are still making music, too. I'm a Yank and I found out about them through my college roommate and we still argue, in a fun way, whether it was 1971 or 1972. (Hi, Jim.) He and I still talk about their albums. PLEASE LISTEN TO THE STRAWBS. (Thank you to Dave Helvering!! Give us more!!)
I've seen them countless times since my first exposure to them in 1973. Raised many a beer with Dave, Dave, and John.
Since bursting at the seams, I still listen to them almost every day. Love them. Love Dave Lambert’s voice. The two most underrated bands are my two favorites Strawbs and moody blues
Commercial succes could turn murderous, that s why I m glad they are known only to those who seek.
Just saw their last show ever at Cropredy back in August. Was a sad moment when their set ended.
'Grace Darling' is a phenomenal song - and it becomes even more poignant when you learn the true story that inspired it - about the daughter of a lighthouse keeper who rowed out with her in stormy waters to rescue sailors from a scuppered ship on the English coast.
There's something about prog and lighthouse keepers, it seems.
Camel's Snow Goose for example.😊
My first listen to Strawbs. Simply beautiful! I had no idea.😢😊❤🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓
The keyboards on " Queen of Dreams " from Brave New World 1972
I bought the album "Hero& Heroin when it first came out. It's my favorite Strawbs album.❤❤
Took the words right out of my mouth! Hero and Heroine has always been my fave Strawbs album, too! Doug needs to check that one out.
"Heroin*e*" Dave Cousins used to joke at the time about the trouble he had at US immigration when touring that album, because they made that mistake when he told them the album title. 😄
Hero and Heroin is a very different song ;-)
Hero and Heroine, not "Heroin" :-)
It is also my favorite Strawbs album
@@atheistbushman woops my bad. LOL
This band has been overlooked for far too long .
Hero & Heroine , and Ghosts , are 2 of my favourite prog albums , and their follow up album , Deep Cuts , has great material as well .
I saw them at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto , in 1975 , and they played most of the songs from those albums , and put on a great show .
Thank you for shining some light on this wonderful group .
Cheers !
saw the Strawbs in 1983 at Cambridge Folk Festival. It was an amazing weekend, Saw Stephan Grappelli same year. xxx
My first concert, with my own money, was The Strawbs with Gentle Giant as the opening band. Seeing them live has secured their reputation for me. Nice reaction Doug.
Wow what an awesome twin bill!
CONGRATS on being there
Wow wish I was there to see both The Strawbs and Gentle Giant in concert. That would be a night I would never forget.
I saw that tour in San Diego. Have a photo somewhere.
There is nothing better than an massive pipe organ in a rock song.
My favorite Strawbs album and one of my top ten albums of all time.
I had the privilege to see their last ever performance a couple of weeks ago at Fairport's Cropredy Festival. Unfortunately, Dave Cousins is unable to continue due to his health. The gig was great, sound was amazing and really loud and Rick's son Adam Wakeman coming on to play keyboards or the last couple of songs was an amazing suprise.
Three Wakemans have played in Strawbs - Rick 1970-1971, Adam 1990's and Oliver 2000s
David Cousins has such a unique voice. It sets this band apart from the rest.
From the Witchwood for me. Love the faux prog mixed in with the acoustic folk. The breakdown on Canon Dale is, for me, their finest moment. But they have a lot of great moments.
Love John Hawken, especially his phenomenal work with the original pre-Annie incarnation of Renaissance. They were originally a heavy-ish jazz/rock fusion band that sprang from the breakup of The Yardbirds (the other band formed was Led Zeppelin). Hawken's work with renaissance was a real highlight of the first two Renaissance albums, and again with the later Illusion (the original renaissance re-formed with a different name, for obvious reasons). I like to think it's because of Hawken that Renaissance has stayed very keyboard-focused to this day.
RIP John
Rick Wakeman was at one point a member, playing on 2 albums before going to Yes. His son, Oliver has also played in the Strawbs.
Sandy Denny, of Fairport Convention fame, also sang with them. If I recall, "All Our Own Work" from the late '60s, although it took years to be released.
As has Wakeman's son Adam.
@@patvanderreest7416 When Sandy Denny left she was replaced by Sonja Kristina who then went on to form Curved Air. Sadly, that line up didn't record an album.
Thats hysterical, I didn't know that. I thought they were on bad terms but then I saw Rick teamed with Dave Cousins for a track or two (I think). Anybody that likes Yes or Genesis really has to at least acknowledge Strawbs, they put out at least as many classic albums as anybody. Did Mike Oldfield ever have much REALLY original after Tubular Bells?
John Hawkens, first group was The Nashville Teens, and they had a hit called Tobacco Road in 1964. I was 8 years old at the time and it's one of my favorite songs back then. still is!
I first discovered The Strawbs in the mid 70’s and have never lost my love for their music. I’ve never understood why they don’t get more attention.
I'm so glad you played this brilliant bands album. Thank-you Doug. Strawbs are one of the underrated bands of this prog era. ELP, Genesis, Yes are the 3 bands that everyone seems to talk about. These guys are amazing and they're great to go see live. I have most of their albums from their folk days to their prog rock days.
Song of a sad little girl; Tears and Pavan; great songs
"A sad little girl?" Grace Darling braved a vicious North Sea to save a crew in a lifeboat that she rowed single handedly.
Like the Autumn medley on Hero & Heroine this medley always tears me up. Thanks Doug for playing Strawbs, a forgotten but incredible band. Bravo!
Glad to see the Strawbs getting their due. Sandy Denny, Rick Wakeman...have loved this group during their entire evolution. Thanks, Doug.
Strawbs has been one of my favorite band for more than 50 years now. And this album is the one I love most ("Ghost" and "The Life Auction" are masterpieces). "Grace Darling" is among the few songs that draws me a tear everytime I listen to it. And your reaction shares this tear with a smile so thank you. Note that the merit of the tasteful keyboards on "An You And I" goes to the great John Hawken who was previously in Renaissance.
Seen the Strawbs probably 10 over the years always a great show!!
In my Top Ten bands of all time.
Agree with the previous poster - Grave New World is an astonishing album. Saw them in the 70s but also a few years ago when 3 of them came to a small venue to perform "acoustic" Strawbs Dave Cousins, Dave Lambert and Chas Cronk played in front of about 150 people. DC told the stories of the Strawbs career including an infamous tale of when they played darts in a hotel room in the US with 3 guys from Led Zeppelin who were staying in the same hotel. DC said their mistake was to win and Jimmy Page proceeded to wreck their room! Great night and I had the honour of sitting down with DC and chatting over a drink. Rather morbidly "We'll meet again sometime" is a good funeral song!
Absolutely, they deserve more attention! They are one of the seminal pioneering prog rock groups, with a folk rock background. Kudos, Doug!
Truly glad you have brought Strawbs to your channel. Dave Cousins is basically a poet who puts his verses to music. And what music! The breadth of their output is phenomenal, from the early medieval misty procession of Dragonfly (which opened up the way to A Glimpse of Heaven and Benedictus) to the later symphonic tapestries of Hero & Heroine then the heart-rending Don't Say Goodbye.... and so on. You are right, they are a band that deserves way more attention. Look forward to your next foray into the world of prog folk rock.
I was at their farewell gig a couple of weeks ago. Emotional. And it makes "You and I" particularly poignant.
@@trevorh1419 Dave Cousins has retired from live performance due to poor health. He says he hopes to continue writing and recording.
I last saw them in Montreal at some prog fest. As usual, Dave Lambert was too loud. But they are all great guys! I miss John Hawken the most. He was the nicest guy. And Dave Cousins is always up for for a pint or a shot, lol.
Sad . . .
Great show, Doug! It's getting to be the perfect time of year to check out the Autumn suite, by the Strawbs. It's from their Hero and Heroine CD, another fine example of evocative poetry put to progressive music.
To say nothing of Hero & Heroine itself... ;-)
An awesome 70's band that flies under the radar is 10cc. They have frequent time and key signature changes in their music. Would love for Mr. Doug to analyze some of their stuff for us.
Wow, why have I never heard any of this before? absolutely beautiful, I've only heard their single and that's nothing like these pieces! Thanks Doug for putting this on.
Grave New World, Hero and Heroin, and Ghosts were their big three albums at the height of the prog era. Me and friends would listen to this all the time, along with Genesis, Yes, ELP, Moody Blues, Gentle Giant, Renaissance, King Crimson and others, our heads surrounded by billows of smoke. Ghosts sounds very good. Enjoyable days.
Your smile at 7:57 encapsulates how I feel listening to Strawbs
Doug, all I can say is "I told ya so" These songs could not have been more up your alley and I knew it when in one of your episodes you mentioned you have a love for choirs and church organ. The joy you were feeling was palpuble and I was right there with you, the entire piece is haunting yet inspiring and touches the soul. When music does all that it becomes spiritual and this certainly is. As you mentioned they have a very "evolving" musical catalog and many misses later in their career but the albums from "Grave New World" right through this album are among their very best. I have 4 song recommendations that display their diversity and Dave Cousins beautiful and also quite stinging at times (I mean really stinging) song writing. First is "New World" from "Grave New World" ( song is bone chilling and forgiving both lyrically and musically, you'll never forget it) 2) the song "On Growing Older", (same album) it's a short one with great melody and some of my favorite Cousins lyrics, it just makes me ponder & smile) 3) I have to go with thier best known rocker (yeah a rocker) "Lay Down" from my favorites album of theirs "Bursting at the Seams". It shows again their diversity and was the closer to most of their shows if not all. And finally one of my favorite gems lyrically "Hanging in the Gallery" from the album "Nomandness" Doug this is another one that will stick with you, it's a simple melody but lyrically is so sophisticated and poetic. From the first utternace of Dave Cousins evocative and unique voice asking... 'Is it the painting or the painter hanging in the gallery? you'll be hooked. There are so many others but I think these give you a taste of the breadthe of their musical abilities. They were my first ever concert so they have a very special place in my heart, I hope they find it into yours as well... be well and keep up the great work
I absolutely love the Strawbs! Especially their peak period (IMHO) between 1972 and 1975. I recommend Doug review "Tears And Pavan" off of the Bursting At The Seams albun next? 😎👍 Here's some of my favorites:
(Album Title - Song Titles)
Grave New World - New World
Bursting At The Seams - Tears And Pavan, Down By The Sea
Hero And Heroine - Autumn, Hero And Heroine, Lay A Little Light On Me, Hero's Theme
Ghosts - Medley: Ghosts, The Life Auction, Remembering/You And I/Grace Darling
Great to hear the Strawbs featured. Next Barclay James Harvest.....
Agree, BJH are underrated.
@@royomyhr4712 I could never understand why, as they were extremely popular in Europe. I would suggest "Time Honoured Ghosts", but there again there is so much beautiful music to choose from, starting from the first album.
Strawbs have a deep rabbit hole, Dave Cousins could weave a beautiful lyrics. My favorites of his story telling are Te Battle, The Hangman and the Papist and Beside the Rio Grande
Thanks for the great show. It brought me to Sandy Denny and The Strawbs from sessions in 1967. As beautiful a vocal record ever recorded. Who Knows Where the Time Goes, and All I Need Is You are very worthy listens.
Well done!
I discovered the Strawbs by purchasing a discounted 8-track of Ghosts in a local music store in the late 70's and fell in love with it, the same as you. Listening to it, and other Strawbs music, brings me joy to this day. They are musical masters. Hopefully, Dave will see this video; he will enjoy it. Peace be with you.
As an exuberant flower child, I took to Yes like a fish to water (RIP Chris). Through Yes, I found Yogananda, who spawned Tales, Gryphon, who opened for Yes and was Rick's favorite band, and Strawbs, with whom Rick played before Yes. They all have remarkable staying power, even getting better with age, like quality should. There is, or was, a spoken word version of the good yogi's autobiography, but shy of reviewing that, more prog is always a welcome treat.
My roommate in college got me started with this group. I love the Peter Gabriel/Nad Sylvan sound to the vocal. Story telling with great music! Oh, those “rough edges,” meaning no Auto Tune? 😉
Greg Lake loved to say that what made a lot of music of that day great was the currency of being different and using classical, medieval, and Celtic sounds.
Have not heard this for a long time, thank you
The Srrawbs have such a rich history and great sounds. Guve Benedictus a try. And New World is THE mellotron track
What a voice…. This should be fun 👍
As well as this album and all those mentioned by other commentators, I think you'd enjoy. 'From The Wychwood'-you must love, Wakeman all over it. A shout also for the all-acoustic 'Dragonfly', and 'Just A Collection Of Antiques And Curios': live, again a long Wakeman solo in it as well as the beauty of the whole sound and songs...Their earliest album (1967) featured Sandy Denny, criminally unreleased until 1973 and the best version I believe of her landmark 'Who Knows Where The Time Goes'.
Celebrating the human conditon, right on Doug. Greetings from Prague.
New music to me too. ❤ it.
Sounded to me a bit like Supertramp without the whining (❤S.T. Breakfast a good portion of my mid-late 80s. 'Give a Little Bit' still a regular in my Guitar practice set list. Don't get me wrong {another great tune, but by Pretenders}, love the Tramp, but honestly it does sound a bit in need of a Whaaahmbulance at times {when all the world's asleep, the questions run too deep for such a simple .. guylikemeeeeeeeeee.....})
Glad these guys got the chance to spread the love. Being in the industry, I saw so many potentially great bands get chewed up and spit out by a heartless (cruel would be a better word) music machine.
What minuscule offerings I can make will always be free. Screw the suits! Music can't be contained. The fire of the muse can't be stopped, controlled, or corralled. I deny the beast trying to traffic in human souls of the hapless musicians called to the rocks by the siren's cry of "PAYchecks... sortof.. now license fees, destination fees, drugs, hotels, highway toll roads.... bail.. twice.. Sponsor Endorsement Destination fees...".
Great video, the Strawbs have put out a very good dise this year. 'The Magic Of It all", and have continued to put out new material. Thanks for the show it was great to see.
"Ghosts" One of the best in their discography...but they have so many true classic releases.
At age 59... i only discovered the strawbs about 7 years sgo...ty youtube algorythm.. its the one band that i really feel that i missed out on being able to appreciate their music for the last 45 years...i could play them 2 x per day and still feel like i missed out....wht didnt thecradio statations play them back in the late 70s?.
If you enjoy them, and appreciate them, it's never too late. I have nearly 10 years on you and always thought every album has at least 5 worthwhile songs (that move me), not just one or two, like many bands today. As Rick notices here, several albums have medleys which work so well. Their fusion blends prog (obviously) with classical, choral, operatic, occasional jazz and time changes, and early UK folk. David's lyrics have tremendous ability to weave stories, and he never hides his disdain for the ugliest sides to religion, and war. FM radio in the '70's was dominated by what the DJs liked, and took the time to learn about. Some DJs were better than others. I bet many great bands were left out. If you haven't yet, listen to The Hangman and the Papist, but be prepared to react.
Also "In Amongst the Roses", which I believe was originally from a David Cousins solo album.
I love the Strawbs, but I'm literally the only person I know who has ever heard of them.
There are so many great Strawbs songs for future shows. Cousins does song a lot like Cat Steven's. Seen them them 3 times and met 6 band members over the years. A nice bunch of guys.
This was my first exposure to the Strawbs. I had heard that Rick Wakeman was with them early on before Yes, but hadn’t rushed to check out any of their music. This was just beautiful and lovely and truly touched me. Thanks so much for sharing this Doug!
Thanks Doug! 😁
Lead singer reminds me of Cat Stevens! 👍🥰
Mike in San Diego. 🌞🎸🚀🖖
Thanks Mike, and glad you noticed, but chronologically speaking, Cat Stevens sounded like David Cousins, not the other way around. If you like what you heard here, and like Prog with many other forms fused, you can find a wealth of great music from the Strawbs.
The first rock concert I ever went to was The Strawbs during the Grave New World tour. They were excellent, as was the support act, a singer whose name I can't recall.
Jonathan Kelly was that man.
Great band! Glad you found them! Melodic, great lyrics and a real mix of styles...the latter leading them to not categorize easily and to be somewhat overlooked.
So underrated. Have Hero and Heroine, Deadlines and a double Best Of on vinyl. Hoping to eventually have their complete works. Top notch blend of folk, prog and straight ahead rock.
John Hawken is a great keyboardist. He played in the original formation of Renaissance, iirc, and left after the first two albums (Kings & Queens and Illusion...both recommended), I think. Very talented. He was also in Spooky Tooth, which was a band that had a handful of tunes I really enjoyed. Talented dude.
I've been a Strawbe fan since Wakeman was with them. Love the boys choir on Grace.
Talking of Rick, Doug mentioned Cat Stevens. Rick, of course, played on Stevens' 'Morning Has Broken', which iirc was recorded at the same time and in the same studio as 'Six Wives'.
Hero and Heroine LP is a must if you want to explore Strawbs. Brilliant release. The title track I used to play every morning full volume to walk up my body and mind. A full blown banger followed by softer more emotional old English themed songs. Saw them live unplugged a few years ago at our local theater with 50 people in the audience. No one must have known who they were. It was brilliant. Please post the Hero and Heroine listen here
3 great and beautiful tracks. Thanks, Doug!
Wow! All this time I thought the Strawbs were a punk band lol. That was really beautiful.
I love them. My favorite albuns are "Grave New World" and "Bursting at the Seams" - "Bursting" would be a good listen from beginning to end
Glad to see you enjoying these great tracks Doug. This was the first Strawbs album that was released after I became a fan and remains my favorite in no small part because of the way the album ends
Grace Darling is based on a real-life character, the daughter of a lighthouse keeper who helped to save the lives of survivors of a shipwreck. Look it up! The recording of it is a story in itself. That took place in a church with the chamber choir and pipe organ. It was quite a feat to put all of these musical elements together to make such a fantastic song.
I appreciated your comments afterward, about keeping the lesser known bands alive. I got turned on to Strawbs when I was in high school in the early eighties. You should also check out Hudson-Ford, a band created when two members of Strawbs left the group in 1973 to do their own thing. They had some commercial success in the UK around the same time “Ghosts” came out. Dave Cousins has a great solo album from that era too.
"I hope your dreams are not like mine"!
What some folk may have missed is it's written as a love song to Grace Darling, the lighthouse keeper's daughter who became nationally famous in 1838 when she rowed with her father to save the victims of a shipwreck. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grace_Darling
I sent GRACE DARLING to my great aunt named Grace when she turned 100. Her daughter told me she wept openly, played it all the time and lasted till 102 because of it.
Here are my fave Strawbs u can hear by dialing them up on Utube- the LIFE AUCTION from that LP
Then there's A MAN THEY CALLED JESUS, THE BATTLE, PART OF THE UNION (their only charting hit!) and BENEDICTUS. 4 songs recommended from a life long FM DJ and big fan
Glad to see Strawbs make your list. I hope you can show people some of the stronger Strawbs music
So happy to hear one of my favorite, terribly underrated bands!
Doug, I exclaimed loudly at the screen when you made the comparison with Cat Stevens! Grace Darling is so much like songs from his Numbers album. Love it, love it
Strawbs played their last concert recently at Fairport Convention's annual Cropredy Festival. I wish I could have been there. For me, Ghosts remains my favourite of theirs, but they created so much great music - Hero & Heroine, Grave New World, Bursting At The Seams, Deep Cuts and even have a new album out now, The Magic Of It All.
I'd love to hear Doug's opinion on "The Life Auction" from Ghosts - rather different from these tracks.
Doug, thanks for reminding me about this band. I didn't know much about them other than 'Part of the Union'. Now I'm not sure you get to read all the comments but if you like delicate beauty in song, please do check out King Creosote (e.g. his Diamond Mine album with Jon Hopkins, which is a paean to trawlermen) and the staggering beauty in depth of some songs by Susanne Sundfor, e.g. Mountianeers (with John Grant), The Sound of War, Memorial, Undercover...well there are dozens. Anyway there are moments in these where your feel you have suddenly been elevated on the wings of angels.
I sailed past the lighthouse that Grace Darling rowed out from.
I have dearly loved this album ever since it first came out
I saw the Strawbs for the "Deep Cuts" tour & the opening act was Ambrosia " Life beyond LA " just an incredible show . I also saw them in a tiny venue for there Acoustic tour & John Hawken showed up & played some songs with the band . I was lucky enough to talk with the band after the show & they all autographed my Hero & heroine CD for ME . Just a top notch underrated band with great Albums .
About Time this band Is being rediscovered. I recomend all, their "Burning for You", "Deadlines", "Acoustic Strawbs", "Deja Fue", ,"Ferryman" and "Settlement" ..Not to say, the others are no good. This band, really Deserves to be heard.
Great review.!!!..The big 3 (in my opinion) are, "Bursting at the Seams", "Hero and Heroine", and "Ghosts". All those albums (and some of their others), need a "full" album review, not songs that are picked and chosen here and there, off of them.
Prior to getting signed the Strawbs recorded an albums worth of material with Sandy Denny prior to her joining Fairport. While recorded in 1967 it wasn't released until 1971, but it contains the earliest version of Who Knows Where the Time Goes. Note, there are significant differences between the original UK release and the Rykodisc version from the 1990s.
Such and underrated band. Beautiful music beautifully delivered.
I've been a fan since 1972, but never got to see them until 2019 at their 50th anniversary show. It was 2 days, 15 hours of music with current and former members of the band plus Annie Haslam! The 3rd day was brunch and hanging out with all of them, plus a little more solo music. P.S. I "stole" the scores from the Terra Nova Orchestra, who played with them on several songs and got one of them autographed by all the members plus Annie.
Haven't heard their song The Hangman and the Papist, you should. Don't read into it first or spot check the lyrics. It will give you goosebumps.
Strawbs, during their formative years were the quintessential English band, populated by highly talented and expressive musicians, providing a sumptuous banquet for the soul. Every album, from their eponymous recording until Heartbreak Hill (Blue Angel from 2003, is a lost treasure featuring a glorious reworking of the title track, and featuring Mary Hopkin on vocals - one of the great lost Welsh female voices of the late 60s) is essential listening. The Strawbs album, All Our Own Work originally introduced Sandy Denny and her masterpiece, Who Knows Where The Time Goes to a wider audience, as their album Dragonfly did for a minor talent called Rick Wakeman. Listen to Life Auction from Ghosts, and you will hear the finest dystopian lyrics and a musical collage the equal of WYWH and Animals period Pink Floyd ( incidentally the composition predates Animals by at least two years). P.S David Cousins utilized the text of the 23rd Psalm (Lay Down - Bursting at the Seams) before Waters on Animals, and he also beat Waters to the anthropomorphism of sheep - listen to Sheep from the album, From the Witchwood - Waters has too long been perceived and mistaken as a trailblazer. P.P.S One word, Benedictus ( Grave New World) - go listen!! P.P.P.S Hudson Ford's first three albums are lost treasures, particularly Free Spirit (need I explain their association with Strawbs!)
Saw Strawbs twice at Hugh's Room in Toronto in 2000-10 decade. Both times they were acoustic and both times magical. I listened to their best music as a teen and awestruck they were playing in such an intimate setting.
Glad you discovered perhaps their best album endings. Seeing those 3 titles peaked my interest since those songs are rarely discussed online.
I came from San Diego to Toronto to see them in that decade and caught 3 of the 4 electric shows at Hugh's Room! What a fantastic time and place!
@@Pexster I think they meantioned their tours alternated between electric and acoustic but may have been less bothersome to travel light and go acoustic mostly.
@@art58wong Agreed, saw and enjoyed a few "acoustic" shows around 12 years ago. Then, I was lucky to see one of their last, if not last, "Electric" tours come through NY twice around 17, then '19, smallish venue, with 4 original members. The lads appeared to rally their energy and shed about 20 years when playing Electric. Incredible and fabulous musicianship. Those in attendance knew every song, which I hope they enjoyed. They were rocking and exhausted at the end. So were we.
@@latkagravas2967 How sublime. During the banter Dave did promise to bring the electric version next time. That would be something to behold.
@@art58wong Sadly, there are certain age "milestones" that can happen, certainly more to some folks than others, and at different times/ages. Watching Strawbs Cropredy performances from last summer '23, not sure Dave could muster more electric concerts like those I saw before COVID, though I'd love him to prove me wrong.
Another of their most beautiful songs is The Autumn Song and well worth a reaction.
Too late on parade I guess. I grew up with their quirky singles... totally the wrong impression but just discovered the real Strawbs via Ghosts. Love the 'Life auction' and 'Don't try to change me'. Also the opening medley is great! The actual Grace Darling Story is epic.
Just a comment to say you, Doug are the best of the "reactors" here. Actually, these types of "watch me as I listen to some music I never heard before" are at the very bottom of "music videos" I seek out, but what I like here is you at least are clever, knowledgeable, business like and restrain yourself from an excess various goofy facial expressions meant to indicate wonder and surprise...which I can't say for most the reactor folks who have little more to say than "omg", "whoa-man"...etc as they proceed to pick their jaws up from the floor or put their eyes back into their sockets. You know this is a compliment. Keep up the good work. Oh, next time you evaluate a Strawbs track seek one where Dave Lambert sings the lead vocal.
love
Grace Darling is my long time favorite.....
The song forever from the album dragonfly sounds like it’s from a movie! Strawbs is definitely a underrated band
Played Forever at our wedding. Now special memories of my lovely late wife when I hear it
Hangman and the Papist and Shepherds Song from From the Witchwood are both worth a listen. Also Grave New World, Bursting at the Seams and Hero and Heroine
Grace Darling reminds me of the gorgeous song "Epitaph: Angel" from the progressive rock band Kaleidoscope.
Love that song! I intend to present that album at the Daily Doug Music Club one day.
Their album "Antiques & Curios" (with Rick Wakeman on keyboards) is my favourite & "Grave New World" a close second. Any track from those two albums, though I mention the tracks "Temperament of Mind" (Rick Wakeman solo on Grand Piano) & "Grave New World".
I've never heard Dave sing "so angry" (or anyone else for that matter) as on the anti-war track "New World" which "out Crimson's" Crimson. At the time it referenced Northern Ireland, but is actually a universal cry down the ages.
You were right on the first try to say Forfarshire, as an Englishman, Scots possibly may disagree.
Forfar 5, East Fife 4, is a fantasy score gaol for a Scottish football score. It's only happened as a penalty shoot out.
It was the scoreline that the late, great Comedian of Morecambe and Wise fame, Eric Morecambe always used to joke about but had never come true - until now. 22 July 2018.
From the Scottish League Cup
East Fife 4 Forfar 5 was the much-loved comedian's idea of the ultimate tongue-twister for anyone trying to read out the football results.
On Sunday, that result finally happened for the first time in the fixture's history - sort of.
The Scottish League Cup Group B tie between the sides went to penalties after a 1-1 draw. And the score in the shootout? East Fife 4 Forfar 5.
Had he lived to see that, it would surely have raised a smile from Morecambe, who came up with the score as a jokey greeting whenever he met his friend James Alexander Gordon, the popular announcer who read the classified results on the BBC for 40 years.
The Life Auction is my favourite track from this album.
Sandy Denny was a part of the Strawbs in the early days
Sandy was in my humble opinion the greatest singer/songwriter who ever lived. The paucity of reactions to her music is nothing short of criminal.
Check out David Cousins' tribute to her, Ringing Down The Years. It'll bring you to tears. There's a live version recorded in Nottingham for a TV show. It's on here somewhere.
EDIT: I had to go and find it after writing the above: ua-cam.com/video/8pDRaonr62M/v-deo.html
Yes I have it on a DVD of them live at Chiswick House
Please look up the band's 1978 concert at Golder's Green Hippodrome and see one the most brilliant and passionate performances ever filmed by The BBC.