BURSTING AT THE SEAMS

After the incredible "Grave New World" the band made a major change in bringing in Dave Lambert on guitar and at the same time changing their sound. This album has more of a commercial flavour and even some "Rock & Roll" sections to it. This would be their highest charting album in the UK thanks in large part to their hit song "Lay Down". Interesting that they were recording this in the same studio as Alice Cooper. Coincidently there was a bar in the place so the STRAWBS became good friends with Cooper and his band.

"Flying" reminds me of THE BYRDS on the chorus with those harmonies. The verses are mellow. I like the mellotron before 3 minutes. "Lady Fuschia" opens with guitar and the vocals arrive before a minute. The vocals really soar at times. "Stormy Down" opens with piano and strummed guitar as vocals join in. A Country flavour to this one. Nice bass though. "The River" is laid back but the vocals are urgent. A fuller sound after 1 1/2 minutes. Orchestral stuff in here too.

"Down By The Sea" was a shock. Just to hear that Rock element to start. Mellotron joins in then it settles with acoustic guitar and reserved vocals. Contrasts continue. Excellent track. "Part Of The Union" is like one of those novelty songs that torment your mind because it won't leave. Sounds like a song you'd here a bunch of drunks singing in a bar. It's funny though. "Tears And Pavan" is a cool sounding tune.The vocals and mellotron sound so good. I think that's harpichord after 3 1/2 minutes then clapping. They kind of ruin it for me. "The Winter And The Summer" features intricate guitar melodies along with reserved vocals early on. Organ and a fuller sound follows. "Lay Down" is the hit song. It's so uplifting. Just a feel good track really. "Thank You" is a short tune with Cousins on the piano and singing along with a children's choir.

Hit and miss for me but overall I really like it. 3.5 stars.