FROM THE WITCHWOOD

1971 marked the first genuine masterpiece from The Strawbs with the folk/rock blend of From The Witchwood. It is hard to actually define this album because it changes in styles between songs ,quite radically from the title track which is almost hesitantly haunting folk to the blistering rocker on ' Sheep' or the tragic story of a brother beheading his brother in medievil days on the ' Hangman and the Papist'. Cousins always managed to deliver with political statements ( Here protestants V catholics) and still retain the beauty and grace of the songs' framework. From the Witchwood is a must for anyone looking for an essential piece of progressive music from the early 70's.' Glimpse of Heaven', the dreamy ' Canon Dale' and the typically English ' In amongst the roses' are the other highlights on this truly magnificent album.It also has the classic early line up of Hooper/Hudson/Ford/Wakeman and Cousins. I wonder where Tony Hooper is nowadays?