HALCYON DAYS (UK RELEASE)

I first heard STRAWBS from a compilation (not this one) I borrowed from a library, and enjoyed it so much that I bought this double-CD compilation. Later I have borrowed most of the original albums and I'm still very satisfied to own this set. It's so luxorious and done with such a good care. There's actually nothing to complain; the selection is well balanced between the most classic albums and includes next to nothing from poorer post-Ghosts stuff. Naturally I'd picked some other tracks here and there, but that's inevitable with a broad compilation.

The palette is wide from sharp prog like 'Ghosts' or 'Hero & Heroine' to simple songs like amusing 'Man Who Called Himself Jesus' or to bluesy 'Absent Friend'. An interesting ingredient are three Hudson/Ford singles which have quite a different, sunny character than (usually Cousins-penned) STRAWBS output. Some minor rarities are also added, but nothing which would taste like mere curiosities. One can proudly recommend this to a new listener as well as to anyone who doesn't already own most of the original albums. Maybe the leaflet could have a comprehensive track listing and some more discographic information... The essay on the history of the band is nevertheless well written. Dave Cousins, it claims, has clearly influenced FISH in vocal style. The line-up has seen many changes, Cousins being the heart of the band. Rick Wakeman played in Strawbs before joining Yes. STRAWBS would deserve bigger fame as a genuine and slightly chameleon-like folk prog band. P.S. I love the cover picture with a king fisher!