SEA SHANTIES

I am amazed that this was released in 1969, I mean there's a lot of Metal on this record. It's that relentless attack of guitar and violin (often distorted) that drew me in immediately but the poor production and sound quality quickly took away my enthusiasm. It got to the point where the guitar and violin seemed to clash, and just became noise instead of music to my ears.I have to say the vocals were a real treat though, he sounds so much like Jim Morrison, but the vocals are one of the highlights for me.

"Futilist's Lament" features heavy guitar right off the bat as vocals come in. Violin before 5 minutes from Simon House who deserves special mention as he would go on to play for HAWKWIND for many years. "Death Warmed Up" is an instrumental and the guitar / violin interplay is fantastic ! Scorching guitar and violin melodies continue as the drums pound away. They really seem like they are just jamming here.

"Pushed But Not Forgotten" is the only song that has some lighter sounds along with reserved vocals. Although outbreaks of guitar follow and this contrast continues. "Walkin Down Their Outlook" has more of those great vocals as guitar and violin follow. I wish the sound quality was better although the soundscape 4 minutes in is terrific. "Missing Out" opens with a vocal line that is answered by the guitar. Violin comes in later this time. "Nowhere" is where i've tired from the guitar and violin clashes and prefer the vocals that start before 2 minutes.The "noise" is just taking away from the vocals for me at this point.

This is still a really good album that deserves 3 stars. Worth checking out for historical reasons as well.