BURSTING AT THE SEAMS

After the excellent Grave New World, it was very clear that Strawbs was not a folk band anymore. And they needed a truly real electric guitar player to fullfil the new progressive sound they were heading for. So there was no more room for /Tony Hooper and he left. His place was taken by newcomer Dave Lambert, who fit like a glove for the new Strawbs sound.he was not only an accomplished lead guitarist, but also a very good singer and songwriter. His inclusion really uprated the sound and open the way to such masterpieces in the future, like Ghosts. But here he shines from the get go. The missing electric guitar lines that would make Grave New World a even bigger album than it was are here in top form. Flying starts the album and shows how much commercial potential the band had, in a good way, I mean. No wonder it was one of their most successful albums. The songs are great!

Unfortunately this would be their last with this line up, Hudson and Ford leaving to form their duo and Blue Weaver doing some studio work before joining the Bee Gees back up band in their disco heyday. It is a pity that they were not together for another album. But, anyway, the next Strawbs personnel would be their most progressive, so I guess it was for everybody´s good. Bursting /at The Seams show the band at their peak at this stage of their career and certainly it was one of their best. Highly recommended!