FROM THE WITCHWOOD

'Glimpse of Heaven' A pleasant acoustic guitar and organ-led passage opens the album. In pace, tone, and vocals, it bears a striking resemblance to Cat Stevens.

'Witchwood' Adopting a Gaelic feel with a variety of acoustic instruments, this is an enjoyable, more traditional, moodier piece.

'Thirty Days' Hearkening back a few years to the mid-1960s, 'Thirty Days,' a chipper pop tune, will sit well with fans of The Beatles, particularly those who like George Harrison's Indian-inspired digressions.

'Flight' Fluid vocal harmonies, light acoustic guitar, and occasionally jaunty piano make for some easy listening in the vein of Simon & Garfunkel.

'The Hangman and the Papist' Someone may be tempted to think thus far that the contributions of a young Rick Wakeman were mostly superficial, just filling out the sound. However, his skills are not underused; they respectfully take a backseat to permit the light folk music to breathe- but not on this piece. He adds a number of organ runs that demonstrate what a budding keyboardist he was. Otherwise, this song features a marching drum and music similar to what has come before.

'Sheep' After a number of gentler folk pieces, the band takes on a truly progressive rock approach here, with discordant vocals, heavier guitars, and an abundance of organ flourishes. This could have easily appeared on Nursery Cryme or Foxtrot by Genesis.

'Canon Dale' This distinctively progressive folk piece offers morose vocals and keyboard passages that truly complement the overall song. The sitar is a dominant instrument here.

'The Shepherd's Song' Strawbs return to more traditional folk music, but put a Middle Eastern spin on it. Dave Cousins vocal performances ranges from peacefully sweet America-like harmonies over major seventh chords to nasal intensity.

'In Amongst the Roses' This dirge-like piece remains melancholic and quiet throughout, offering delicate acoustic guitar phrases with soft, sad singing.

'I'll Carry on Beside You' The album closes with a straightforward folk rocker containing what I believe is the sole proper electric guitar solo on the entire record.

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