BURSTING AT THE SEAMS

It's only by 1973 that Strawbs (a group that I love hugely) had had hit albums and hit singles. There's a great balance in their albums between acoustic and electric instruments. Flying features David Cousin on electric and acoustic banjo. Lady Fuschia, one of the best tracks, was written by Hudson-Ford and inspired by Mervyn Peake's "Ghormengast". Down By The Sea is a magnificient 6.15 mins song starting with some intense electric guitar arpeggio and ending with a surprisingly London Symphony Orchestra. It was inspired by a long walk along the sea wall in Dover. Part Of The Union was recorded as a demo with the intention of issuing it as a single under the name of The Brothers. Lay Down became a huge hit carrying Bursting At The Seams to n.2 of the U.K. charts. By the way a great album, one of the best Strawbs period (1971-1975). Highly recommended!