There is a review of this already written as the sleeve notes, written by the man himself. But of course to read them, there is one hitch. So I’ll write the alternative view. He starts off by telling us that the opening track is ‘a love song’. Well it’s a simple tune that’s for sure, and belies the warmth and slightly more complex arrangements that are to come. It pulls you into the opening few songs, enough to want to hear more. At times breaching out more towards blues and country, the highlight for me is Track 3, ‘Anthem’. I would imagine learning to play this on guitar would not be a bad start to any performer’s ambitions to play in front of an audience. It sounds beautiful and flows across the speakers. A song that could easily drift on and on and I wouldn’t be bored of a 10 minute version.
Opening side 2 is the Jagger / Richards composition ‘Paint it, black’, a song seemingly recorded by many in the years following its original release. Shows how influential the Stones were in those days. Long gone may I say, but I guess they don’t care anymore. Anderson actually adds to the sound rather than strips it back, which is a little surprising, and it’s an interesting interpretation. You could easily miss the fact it is a cover.
With offerings leaning towards the love of sci-fi; Clifton village ‘ the best place on earth’ and some fine acoustic guitar playing, there is enough here to catch your ear. Add the rarity value, the quality of the vinyl which is simply awesome, and a cover photo which transports you back 50 years, this is a real gem. Pick it up now before someone else adds it to their collection.
And to finish a nice little anecdote. All tracks, apart from the live final track, were recorded in one 8 hour session. Goofs and all. Now most record companies would welcome that I suspect given the cost of studio time.
