STRAWBS

Well, not actually their first album, as both 'All Our Own Work' and another ill-fated attempt to record a first album, came beforehand (but both released later). But this one began their public career, and it is excellent. The opener, "The Man Who Called Himself Jesus" starts off the album very well. It seems strange the BBC and other radio banned it at the time, as it doesn't seem that controversial nowadays. The real interest is not the controversy (which is dated), but the lyrics which are quite thoughtful. Indeed, this is a word that characterizes the entire album. Songs like "All the Little Ladies", "Where is this Dream of Your Youth?", "Poor Jimmy Wilson", and "The Battle" are all very thoughtful, and thought-provoking, while also being very human and life-affirming. And many of the tunes are quite catchy (including "Oh How She Changed", used as a single). While not as musical as a number of albums that would follow (including 'Dragonfly', which is SO musical and one of my favourite albums), this album serves as an indispensable introduction to the early Strawbs. And some of the tunes ("Tell Me What You See in Me", which was also recorded for 'All Our Own Work', and "I'll Show You Where to Sleep") are indeed very musical. A very important album not only for people here on PA but for the history of music in general. I give this 8.3 out of 10 on my 10-point scale, which translates to 4 PA stars.

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