Fans of the Strange Brew will be familiar with Beau, the twelve string troubadour arguably best known for his recordings for John Peel’s Dandelion Records label in the late sixties and early seventies. His second album, Creation (1971) for many, is his career peak – his folk skills melded with a more experimental approach assisted by Tractor/The Way We Live.
Trevor Midgley aka Beau, 40 years later, has revisited the LP, remixed (in parts) and expanded this classic.
Was it worth it?
Well, firstly, it’s been clear there was unfinished business. While gaining praise on its release and even greater recognition in latter years; elements of the mix have been called into question. In addition, a batch of subsequent recordings building on this edgier end of folk did not see the light of day due to the label’s collapse in 1973.
What we get is a bumper 22 track offering, doubling the original. When we launch into the album it sounds clearer than ever . This is particularly evident on the enchanting “There Once Was a Time” where we hear a more sensitive balanced treatment of this tale of the dangers of vanity. It’s great to hear these tracks as they should be heard – a special mention should also go to powerful “Blind Faith”. Finishing the original album section, the epic “Silence Returns” still smoulders – a defining track of the era – uniquely blending folk and blistering psych-rock.
And the picks of the bonus material?
“The Rank and File” is a political warning of dangers of following a powerful orator highlighting Beau’s biting and intelligent lyrics that are prevalent throughout this package:
“Who are the brothers’ grim who stand before the room.
Of the stone-ground poor who can’t be sure who tells the lies to whom?
Who tells the lies to whom?”
We also have the first take of “Sky Dance” from c1972, powerful proto-punk rock (before punk!) about the troubles in Northern Ireland. “This Testament” is like a dark cousin of “Everyday” by Buddy Holly. “The Wind Blows Around Them All” recalls Dylan in his prime. It’s criminal that material of this quality laid in the vaults for all these years.
An irresistible collection and an essential purchase for those who are fans of this genre.
Further information can be found at:
http://www.trevormidgley.com/CreationRecreated.html
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/creation-recreated/id462049270
You can still read an extended interview with Beau at the Strange Brew:
http://thestrangebrew.co.uk/articles/beau-there-once-was-a-time-part-1
