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3 stars A Home from Home

This self titled release was in fact the band's second album, coming a year after their debut "Pause for a hoarse horse". The opening "Dreamer" offers the reassurance that the band's sound has changed little, the distinctive guitar sound of Laurie Wisefield and the harmonic vocals of main songwriter Mick Stubbs remaining the essence of the band.

"Knave" is one of the band's most effective ballads, Stubbs fine vocals being backed by some excellent piano. "Fancy lady, Hollywood child" is the first time non band member David Skillin's name appears on the songwriting credits. He would go on to provide all the lyrics for the band's third album "The Alchemist".

As a rule, the songs on the first side of the album are slightly less developed than on the first album. "Rise up" for example is a pleasant folk like piece, with similarities to the work of MAGNA CARTA. "Dear Lord" is a soft, optimistic song with good piano, and one of Stubbs best vocal deliveries, helped by a strong melody.

Side two has just three tracks. "Baby friend of mine" sees the band return to the slightly more complex structures of their first album, the track having an effective mixture of acoustic and electric guitar. "Western front" develops from a soft piano and steel guitar opening to a powerful conclusion which links into the final song "Lady of the birds". This, the longest track recorded by the band up to this point, gives a firm indication of the harder sound which would appear on the next album. The core of the track is a much looser section dominated by bass with guitar inflections, which leads to an evolving build up with fine guitar work towards the tracks conclusion. The guitar solo here is reminiscent of the Outlaws magnificent "Green grass and high tides", if somewhat briefer. The double fade on the ending was a feature several tracks of the time.

In all, a very good second album, the second side of which is noticeably the superior.

Report this review (#109112)
Posted Saturday, January 27, 2007 | Review Permalink
4 stars This being my very first review on Progarchives, I would just like to say that this website is simply brilliant. Home by Home, being the bands second release following their Pause For A Hoarse Horse was a superb album. Mostly written by the late Mick Stubbs, who was also the lead vocalist, keyboarder and support or rythum guitar for Laurie Wisefield. The album starts with the track Dreamer which opens the album up very cleverly as the listener does not really know what to expect next. Heavy rock, blues, a ballad. This album features almost all of these genres and even a bit of folk on the lovely Rise Up. It is an album of two sides the better of which can be put down to pure taste. Personally I prefer the second side, beginning with Baby Be Friend Of Mine and ending with Homeīs greatest track Lady Of The Birds (also available as a live version on the BBC recordings). This track is what it is all about. Laurie Wisefield is absolutely stunning on not only this track but the whole album. I will never forget the sadness at hearing that Laurie had been hired to take over Ted Turnerīs vacant position with Wishbone Ash. The beginnig of a new career for Laurie, but the end of a great band for all those HOME fans. This is a four star album. I got my cd copy via EBAY. Itīs a Russian version.
Report this review (#202942)
Posted Monday, February 16, 2009 | Review Permalink

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