"Benedictus" is the quintessential Strawbs, the band at their finest. If someone were to ask me to describe their unique sound, I would have to say "listen to Benedictus, then you'll know". The layering of instruments and vocals, strong use of mellotron/synthesizers, bass and especially organ (to evoke the cathedral) all say, "this is The Strawbs". The lyrics have recurrent religious themes: blessings for the highest to the lowest, the living and the dead, the wanderer/holy traveller, hero/saint, soldier/warrior. A benediction by definition is "the invocation of a blessing, especially at the close of a religious service". With its lyrics of forgiveness, saintliness and thankfulness, "Benedictus" shows the beauty of God's love in all of us. Dave Cousins' vocals at times are intentionally dystonic, perhaps to give the listener the feel of a Gregorian chant and to further reinforce the religious aspects of the song. Tony Visconti, who helped to produce "Benedictus", is well known in progressive rock circles for his work with The Moody Blues and many others.
In stark contrast to "Benedictus", "Hey, Little Man...Thursday's Child" is simple. Just voice and guitar, this song showcases Dave Cousins' expressive singing beautifully."Queen of Dreams" is an ethereal piece, brought about using intricate vocals/harmonies by the band members and the use of a synthesized squeezebox effect much like The Rolling Stones utilized in "2000 Light Years From Home" and The Beatles in "Sgt Pepper". As Grave New World was produced in 1972, most bands were dabbling in psychedelia and newly found special effects. An unusual piece for The Strawbs, decidedly experimental.
"Heavy Disguise" is a wonderful piece featuring John Ford's vocals and great guitar along with a lush orchestral interlude with lots of brass."New World" .... a favorite! Powerful, dramatic, angry, gut -wrenching. The strong use of mellotron/synthesizers, drums and strings all combine to become an overwhelming musical experience. The music cascades over you in waves...done as only The Strawbs can."Hey, Little Man...Wednesday's Child" is another deceptively simple little gem. A little beauty which offers some respite after the assault of "New World".
"The Flower and the Young Man" offers great harmonies and strong lyrical images. You can smell the salt air of the sea...a bluegrass/sea shanty feel."Tomorrow" is once again Dave Cousins at his finest. Bitter, angry...truthful. The quality of this track on the remastered version is fair-had a fading in and out quality (unintentional I'm thinking). Heard some left over riffs from the late 60's reminiscent of Jethro Tull's "Thick As A Brick" (a tongue in cheek jibe perhaps?).
"On Growing Older" describes the British love of countryside and nature in glowing colors. Sweet and harmonious. "Ah Me, Ah My" light fluff...fun..vaudeville. "Is It Today, Lord?" Eastern influenced music...use of sitar. Popularized by the Beatles and Ravi Shankar....other progressive bands using the sitar include Moody Blues (In Search of the Lost Chord). "The Journey's End" a slow, simple song once again about a weary/lonely traveller. Strong use of piano instead of guitar/bass.
"Here It Comes" (extra track) another favorite... use of drums, congas, organ...strong beat, makes you want to get up and dance. Great back up/chorus vocals....simple, repetitive lyrics are catchy. "I'm Going Home" - (bonus track)... good rocker... grainy sound to track...almost what one would expect from an LP.
Overall, the remastered Grave New World is a joy to behold and long overdue. The packaging is beautifully done and includes an insert with an interview with Dave Cousins and a history of the band, done by John Tobler. On some tracks I found the sound to be muddy/muffled as if overdubbed with too much bass. I did consider that this album was originally released in 1972, and as such, the technology would be considered primitive in comparison to today's. As such, even though digitally remastered, the CD still may suffer from the limitations of the analogue masters. In listening to another remastered CD, Ghosts, I found the sound quality to be far superior (much crisper/clearer) on the later.
by Marcia Zingman
Tracks
1. Benedictus - 4:24
2. Hey Little Man... Thursday's Child - 1:05
3. Queen Of Dreams - 5:28
4. Heavy Disguise (John Ford) - 2:50
5. New World - 4:08
6. Hey Little Man... Wednesday's Child - 1:05
7. The Flower And The Young Man - 4:17
8. Tomorrow (Blue Weaver, David Cousins, John Ford, Richard Hudson, Tony Hooper) - 4:44
9. On Growing Older - 1:54
10.Ah Me, Ah My (Tony Hooper) - 1:21
11.Is It Today Lord (Richard Hudson) - 3:04
12.The Journey's End (Blue Weaver, David Cousins) - 1:35
13.Here It Comes - 2:42
14.I'm Going Home - 3:14
All compositions by Dave Cousins except where indicated
Bonus Tracks 13,14
Strawbs
*Dave Cousins - Vocals, Acousti, 12 String, Electric Guitar, Eletro Acoustic Dulcimer , Recorder , Piano
*Tony Hooper - Acoustic Guitar , 12 String Guitar , Autoharp , Vocals
*Richard Hudson - Drums, Cymbals, Tambourine, Sitar, Tablas , Vocals
*John Ford - Bass, Acoustic Guitar , Vocals
*Blue Weaver - Organ, Piano, Mellotron, Harmonium, Clavioline, Vocals
With
*Anne Collins - Backing Vocals
*Trevor Lucas - Backing Vocals
*Robert Kirby Silver Band - Brass Ensemble
*Old Tyme Dance Orchestra • Members Of Ted Heath Orchestra
*Tony Visconti - Arrangements
*Dave Lambert - Acoustic, Electric Guitars, Vocals
Thanks, Mario ! You bring me back my memories of better days - I've had this album with "From The Witchwood" on CD many years ago !
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