I’ve listened to concept LP’s and not quite understood the thinking behind them. At times you need a lot of drugs. But it’s unmistakable what is going on here. Firstly, unless you are reading this in South Africa and perhaps Zimbabwe, you may never have heard of John Edmund. But what he has done is remarkably clever. I can’t think of many examples, whereby the history of one country has been encapsulated onto vinyl and it’s story told in this fashion.
Split over 4 sides, the creation, the battle to settle, the success and the ultimate fall is covered in all their glory. Clearly a fiercely passionate Rhodesian he perhaps felt this was the best way to log the history of his country. No mention of colonialism but with more than a hint of the old Empire, it perhaps isn’t for everyone that a white man writes a history of an African nation. It’s a little like listening to a high school lesson in Carolina on what happened to the native American. But what the hell, it’s a unique recording.
John Edmund had undoubtedly a fine voice which is on show throughout and the music is pleasant enough, whilst not shaking the roots of any trees. And to accompany the vinyl the sleeve contains a short description of the event of period being covered by each song. It adds intrigue and interest.
Does it work? Well, actually, not for me if I’m honest. It’s clever; pleasant; in a strange way, of historical importance; but a little contrived if I’m honest. But he was a prolific songwriter and had his own label, so if you have that talent, then why not? Give it a listen. If you aren’t knocked out by the music, it may lead you to investigate the history of a country in deeper ways. And that, you can’t say about most offerings.
