Audio CD review:
Barclay James Harvest - Barclay James Harvest and Other Short Stories

Barclay James Harvest - Barclay James Harvest and Other Short Stories

Band: Barclay James Harvest Title: Barclay James Harvest and Other Short Stories Rating: Release Date: 2002-06-03 Media: Audio CD Tracks: 1: Medicine Man - Barclay James Harvest, Lees 2: Someone There You Know - Barclay James Harvest, Holroyd 3: Harry's Song - Barclay James Harvest, Lees 4: Ursula (The Swansea Song) - Barclay James Harvest, Holroyd 5: Little Lapwing - Barclay James Harvest, Holroyd 6: Song with No Meaning - Barclay James Harvest, Holroyd 7: Blue John's Blues - Barclay James Harvest, Lees 8: The Poet - Barclay James Harvest, Wolstenholme 9: After the Day - Barclay James Harvest, Lees 10: Brave New World - Barclay James Harvest, Lees 11: She Said - Barclay James Harvest, Lees 12: Galadriel - Barclay James Harvest, Lees 13: Ursula (The Swansea Song) - Barclay James Harvest, Holroyd 14: Someone There You Know - Barclay James Harvest, Holroyd 15: Medicine Man - Barclay James Harvest, Lees

BJH & Other Short Stories I've gone thru numerous vinyl copies, tape, and various CD versions of this release. Heard this in 1972 and it struck a chord with me. A great album. The only thing I'd change in the mix would be one of the lead guitars in SONG WITH NO MEANING. An incredible tune with a blasting guitar part that doesn't fit. If that was remixed and released as a bonus, it would make the CD near perfect. Passionate, arty, soulful, prog, and rockin' all on one CD. I think it's their best release. Worth your dosh. Blue John's Blues is my favorite BHJ tune period. . Not their best but read on............ I first bought this album on its original vinyl release and its mood perfedctly captured the English summer of that year. . . . . . a very pastoral, sunny disposition but not the stand out tracks of its predecessor, ONCE AGAIN. As a BJH album it would rate 3 stars but this release is definitely worth 4! Firstly there is the overall clean up of the album. . . . . . . the orchestra is rejuvenated on tracks like Medicine Man, Little Lapwing and The Poet. . . . . . . . . . . . which segues even more powerfully than before into the power chords of After the Day. Secondly the bonus tracks are actually EXCELLENT! As well as the novelty interest of an early demo of Brave New World there are superb live renditions (for the BBC) of Medicine Man and She Said. . . . . . . . . . these have been remixed as stereo and demonstrate just how good BJH could be live. And. . . . . . . . . thirdly. . . . . . . . . you get the original artwork and sleeve notes that give a snapshot of what the band was up to in 71 + 72. . . . . . . . . which seems to be broke most of the time! . You can see a complete list of all Barclay James Harvest discography, or go back to the Barclay James Harvest tabs