CD Reviews : Matthews’ hidden hits, Quicksilver’s psych-rock, and Bell’s American dream
Music critic Kevin Bryan delivers his verdict on some interesting new releases.
Iain Matthews ”Rhythm of the West – The Columbia Years 1975-1977” (Cherry Red Records)
This subtly memorable six-CD set focusses attention on the Columbia output of the unjustly under-appreciated Iain Matthews.
This gifted performer first appeared on record as a member of the first incarnation of Fairport Convention in the late sixties before turning his attentions towards country-rock with Matthews Southern Comfort in 1970.
His stint with the band was relatively short lived but did produce a chart topping UK single in the shape of their stylish cover of Joni Mitchell’s “Woodstock.”
Matthews hasn’t enjoyed too much in the way of chart success with his solo musings since those days but his work always repays closer investigation and this collection of mid seventies studio recordings and rare live performances is thankfully no exception to the rule, including fine covers of Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl” and The Youngbloods’ “Darkness Darkness.”
Quicksilver Messenger Service, “Who Do You Love? - The Recordings 1967-1972” (Cherry Red Records)
This excellent four-piece band carved out a unique niche for themselves in the mid sixties musical culture of San Francisco with an innovative psychedelic sound which leaned heavily on the dazzling interplay between guitarists John Cippolina and Gary Duncan.
Maintaining a stable performing line-up proved impossible for this notoriously undisciplined outfit as the years wore on but their vinyl output was never less than interesting and this beautifully annotated seven-CD set brings together the complete contents of the musically eclectic albums that they recorded for Capitol Records before they essentially gave up the ghost on the back of falling record sales in 1972.
Mercurial guitarist Cipollina would later go on to work with Copperhead and Man but his most inspired playing is captured here, including an epic rendition of Bo Diddley’s “Who Do You Love.”
The Right Reverend Crow, “Demokracy Blues” (Need To Know Music)
British musical culture may have grown increasingly bland and corporate as the years have rolled on but across the pond in the U.S.of A. a whole host of performers have responded to the current political climate by turning out work of rare power and urgency.
Veteran singer and guitarist Nathan Bell has risen to the challenge admirably, delivering his uncompromising commentaries on the flipside of the American dream with his excellent band The Right Reverend Crow in a flurry of potent, bluesy guitar licks and compellingly rough hewn vocals.
“You Say Nothing,” “Heavy Like That” and “What Time It Is” are three of the album’s stand out tracks.