LMG wrote:Probably just me, but I find the band's eclectic mix of styles works against them much of the time. Several of the albums seem more like a good compilation of 'folk/blues from the Soho sound' as opposed to the effort of one band (unlike Trees, for example).
This album is more cohesive than others, I find.
When Chris wrote this I started to write a reply - basically agreeing with him, but then reflected and changed my mind.
But is he correct? I've played the first six albums since and some are more cohesive than others and I tend to agree (and indeed did before the comment) think that sometimes they take on too many eclectic styles as Chris suggested.
That is not a criticism because all the tracks are great stuff but put together on one album sometimes affect the flow in detrimental way.
The album that always comes to mind is the second album - Sweet Child
"Haitian Fight Song" - written by Charles Mingus is a good example
I love the track but is it a Pentangle song...?
And from the debut the second track (!) "Bells" - an 'odd' place to put a tub solo - again a brilliant track
Now, I'm not sure what my point is here (!) but might a more 'constant' approach helped their 'cause'
Or were they doing a 'pretentious' and not giving a damn?
For me, perhaps, Basket of Light is better because it is more constant.
Maybe. Maybe not
.