FOREST

I am grabbing this very early prog folk record - the British group Forest's first from 1969; this is a record which from first moment to last is a "hippie" record and psychedelic folk would describe it best. Forest feautures Derek Allenby (mandolin, pipes, harmonica, harmonium, percussion and vocals), Hadrian Welham(guitar, pipes, harmonica, cello, electric harpsichord, harmonium, percussion, mandolin and organ) and Martin Welham(12 string guitar, organ, harmonium, piano, pipes, percussion and vocals). As you see they all play very many instruments and that is worth praising.

One reason to listen to this record is its wonderful artistic cover. It shows three mythological creatures playing their magic music in the night. The music played by Forest is nice to hear once but not very interesting. There are some pleasent songs played in an optimistic way. This modest music is a peaceful glimpse of the late sixties and a reminder of how much music that exists in history and on internet. I you don't want to listen to the full album, which includes many nice tunes I want you to listen to the track "Fading light"! That is a beautiful song and the singer on tthat track has a special voice. Of course I like the British accent on the whole record. "A glade somewhere" is happy and nice such as "Lovemakers' ways" and "Mirror of life". Those track would I recommend you if you don't want to listen to everything.

Even if not bad(far from two stars) nothing argues for making this an essential record. First of all it feels (both positive and negative) dated and secondly I have hard to see anything special here. Good but doesn't deserve a lighter place.