If you only got as far as Track 3 before your mum called you in for tea, you have already experienced a variety of what Mick has to offer. Personally, I detest artists being pigeon holed, and I’m sure the majority aren’t that happy with it either, but if you tried it with Mick across the first side, well that pigeon is the one who has eaten all the pies. Fat and wide it would have to be, as it’s almost impossible to categorise what you get with this LP.
I don’t like Southern American roots music, and I wonder how much of it was commercially available in the early 70’s but it is captured well on Ragtime mama (Track 2). Followed closely with Shucks Blues, both of which are wrapped around tracks that, for me, are preferable in terms of my listening desire. But hats off to the man; he is covering some ground with a variety of, if not commercially successful material, music that would challenge most record company execs (and punters).
There is a lovely extract from an interview he gave on the sleeve and within a few hundred words you get a real feel as to what tickled Mick’s fancy. Much of what is recorded rings true today….’It’s a strange time we’re living in…getting stranger all the time’ spoken in 1970ish. Really? Some things don’t change then. But he was talented, able to turn himself to a variety of themes, and certainly suited to the folk clubs he either ran or played in, rather than any commercially driven, money making scheme so prevalent in today’s society.
There is so much going on here. Some great songs. Hope on Side 2. A powerful statement in it’s own right. And the last track, New Day….Absolutely leaves you wanting more which is exactly how it should be with an LP. Don’t worry if you aren’t familiar with Mick’s music. Folk, blues, acoustic, electric, there is something on here for all of us. And beautifully mastered by Tony Cox.
