THE BEST OF BARCLAY JAMES HARVEST (1977)

This is the first volume of a trio of compilations released in the late 70s by EMI to cash-in on BJH's new-found success. Material is taken from the band's 'Harvest years' up to 1973, but it is a curious selection. Judging by the fact that the best tracks are spread fairly evenly over the three volumes, it clearly was never EMI's intention to issue a definitive 'Best Of' at this stage. In amongst some classic album tracks - Mocking Bird, Galadriel and Medicine Man - are some singles, including Rock And Roll Woman, the last BJH recording for Harvest. A mixed bag then, neither good enough to entice a casual buyer, nor obscure enough to entice exisitng fans. Today, all this material is available elsewhere so this long out of print vinyl only release is of interest only to collectors.