NOMADNESS

This album almost holds every element I just don't like. It is straight forward FM music targeted to please US audiences. It might have been a strategic choice for Strawbs at the time, which is fine for them, but in terms of inventiveness and creativity, the band is leading nowhere with this album full of poor numbers only.

Being on the rock side (To Be Free, Little Sleepy, Tokyo Rosie) or on the ballad ones (Salamander, So Shall Our Love Die); none of these songs are really worth. Strawbs are also attempting a soft bluesy tune which conveys to the same and boring feeling I'm afraid (I'm Afraid).

The great organ and mellotron sounds that were available on several of their latest recordings have been dropped and even if Rick is back on business, there are almost no great keyboards section on this work (except during A Mind Of My Own which is the best track available IMO).

As far as I'm concerned, the bottom is reached with the country style Back On The Farm. Press next (if you have reached this number). The listening of this album is a painful experience.

Most of my fellow colleagues are very generous to give two stars for this album. I won't be. In terms of prog music, the only decent number is The Promised Land. At least it shows some hope... Great keyboards, strong guitar and a nice psychedelic feeling. It is really the only song which can be related with their best period.

But it can't raise the level of this album above the one star rating (although this song surely is a good track).