Beau (CD)

Part of Cherry Red's ongoing reissue of albums from the late British DJ John Peel's short-lived indie label Dandelion Records, Beau is undeniably a minor work that would likely not get much attention were it not for its connection to such a beloved figure. Although released in 1969, the skeletal arrangements -- just a 12-string acoustic guitar and vocals -- have more in common with the very first wave of post-Dylan singer/songwriters. Think David Blue, Tom Paxton, and Phil Ochs, not the later swell of rock and psych-influenced pretenders to the throne. Christopher John Trevor Midgley -- it's immediately obvious why he chose to change his name professionally -- was the first act signed to Dandelion; as the comprehensive liner notes point out, Peel's business partner, Clive Selwood, was also the European head of A&R for Elektra Records, and the stripped-down earnestness of these songs is entirely in keeping with Elektra's singer/songwriter aesthetic. However, it's also clear that Dandelion got Beau because Elektra wasn't interested in an act that was already a throwback by the standards of then-current Elektra acts like the Stooges and the Doors. With several decades' hindsight, however, the low-key and gentle charms of Beau are more obvious. Although the album is clearly overshadowed by the outstanding single "1917 Revolution," a piece of passionate folk-rock weirdness that bears fruitful comparison to Tom Rapp's Pearls Before Swine, even less unique tunes like "Pillar of Economy" and "A Nation's Pride" are thoughtful folk songs with better than average lyrics powered by Beau's truly inventive guitar playing. ~ Stewart Mason

General

Label:	Dark Peak Productions
Release date:	October 2007
Originally released:	December 2007
Recorded by:	Beau
Dimensions:	124 x 142 x 10mm (L x W x T)
Format:
Categories:	Music > Folk Music > Pop / Rock Music > World Promotions
LSN:	XLV-CHM-WJE-6
Barcode:	5013929133327

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Disk 1

1	Welcome
2	Imagination
3	1917 Revolution
4	Soldier In The Willow
5	Fishing Song
6	Painted Vase
7	Pillar Of Economy
8	Nation's Pride
9	Sun Dancer
10	Rain
11	Morning Sun
12	Summer Has Gone
13	Ways Of Winter
14	Welcome Tag Piece
15	Sleeping Town (bonus track)
16	Time (bonus track)
17	Love Is (bonus track)
18	Miss Alice Preece (bonus track)
19	Wine Was Sweeter Then (bonus track)
20	Rats (bonus track)
21	Black Raven Of The Morning (bonus track)
22	Roses Of Eyam (bonus track)
23	Heaviest Stone (bonus track)

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