|
   
An oddball, but pleasant compilation.
|
|
Reviewer: Anonymous,
July 28, 2003
|
This Reprise compilation collects material from "Then Play On," as well as material released around the same time as singles. My copy, acquired in the late 70s (glorious vinyl!), appears to be a German pressing. At the time, this was one of the few places to find "The Green Manalishi," and the studio version of "World in Harmony." While the cover art features images from the "Then Play On" LP, (including Peter Green) the album also contains "Dragonfly" and "The Purple Dancer," on which Green is nowhere to be heard, having left the band the previous year.
Still, if you run across it, this is useful if you don't have the aforementioned singles. It's not an ideal introduction, though. The version of "Oh Well" is apparently lifted right from the single mix - there is a VERY noticeable fade out a few seconds into "Part Two." There are also some strange edits on the "Madge" jams - very jarring if your first introduction to those comes from "Then Play On." Still, I haven't seen any other releases with the studio version of "World in Harmony," nor have I ever run across another album with "Dragonfly" and "The Purple Dancer." From my perspective, this is worth having just for those songs.
"Dragonfly," which is a Danny Kirwan setting of a W.H. Davies poem, catches the mood of the poem perfectly, and is typical Kirwan - wistful, delicate, and exquisitely melodic. In many ways, this is a less melancholy cousin of "Dust," from "Bare Trees." "The Purple Dancer" is an interesting suggestion of where the "Kiln House" lineup might have gone, had they stayed together for more than one album. The song has distinct movements, and Kirwan and Jeremy Spencer each sing sections of it. It also features a lovely blending of their guitars, much like "Station Man," but less laid-back. Each guitar is distinct at times, while at others meshing together into a taut, silvery web that alternately growls and sighs.
Again, not for the uninitiated, but fun for the fan seeking the rarities.
|
|
|
|
|
|