The Strawbs_ Hero & Heroine (1974) full album
Strawbs (or The Strawbs) are an English rock band founded in 1964. Although the band started out as a bluegrass group they eventually moved on to other styles such as folk rock, glam rock and progressive rock
1.”Autumn” — 8:27 “Heroine’s Theme” (John Hawken)”Deep Summer Sleep” (Dave Cousins)”The Winter Long” (Cousins)
2.”Sad Young Man” (Rod Coombes) — 4:09
3.”Just Love” (Dave Lambert) — 3:41
4.”Shine on Silver Sun” (Cousins) — 2:46
Side two
1.”Hero and Heroine” (Cousins) — 3:29
2.”Midnight Sun” (Chas Cronk, Cousins) — 3:06
3.”Out in the Cold” (Cousins) — 3:19
4.”Round and Round” (Cousins) — 4:44
5.”Lay a Little Light on Me” (Cousins) — 3:27
6.”Hero’s Theme” (Lambert) — 2:28
Dave Cousins — lead vocals, backing vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar
Dave Lambert — lead vocals, backing vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar
John Hawken — organ, piano, electric piano, mellotron, synthesizer
Chas Cronk — backing vocals, bass guitar, synthesizer
Rod Coombes — backing vocals, drums, percussion
Through the 70’s the strawbs style evolved quite a bit and this album might be best described as prog rock. They do maintain a heavy acid folk edge especially on the title track which is the highlight of the album.the album is very much a movement kinda concept album type feel and it certainly took me a while to get into it its quite a departure from say whichwoods which will often be the gateway album to many strawbs fans.
Some of the synth work on the album is quite magical and certainly after having seen the band play the whole album straight through that was part of their recent electric tour I would now say its one of my favourite albums. If it doesn’t grab you straight away bare with it and I promise you you will love it what may strick you as a somewhat cheezy 70’s offering if given a chance will absolutely enrapture you as I’m sure with real Strawbs fans it will straight away!
Enjoy!
