England [United Artists 5577]
GEPR Review
The eponymous release by the British band Spring has long been regarded as a classic of the early '70s UK progressive sound, to which bands such as Fields, Greenslade, etc. contributed. This sound was built around organs and keyboards, was generally melodic in nature, never very intense, and featured contemplative lyrics. Almost always the sound included the lush stylings of the Mellotron, and, this band had the benefit of three (!) Mellotron players, making the release a fantasy-come-true for those who enjoy the instrument. In terms of comparisons, the best description that comes to mind is that of a cross between ELP and the Moody Blues. Interestingly enough, the band features Pique Withers on drums and glockenspiel, before he went on to fame and fortune with Dire Straits (as Pick Withers)!
Usually, the first thing you read about this band is that there are *three* Mellotron players. The Mellotron, however, isn't the predominant instrument, though it obviously makes many appearances. Spring is a classic of the early UK progressive scene. Very melodic but with a somewhat unpolished feel typical of many early UK prog bands. Typical of this scene, there's a lot of electric guitar but no extended soloing like the German undergound scene, however, some of the solos are very nice. Vocals are a little rough but no worse than most prog bands. The Laser's Edge CD reissue contains three bonus tracks though that makes the album a little tiring over the long haul. Comparable to Fantasy, Cressida, and Cirkus. Pique Withers (later of Dire Straits) played drums.
___________________________________________________
AMG Review by Paul Collins
A minor classic of progressive rock, this album ranks with Gracious' second album and King Crimson's debut as an exemplar of the use of the Mellotron. Although Mellotrons and the organ (along with some charmingly plonkety piano) provide the foundation of the band's sound, the drums and guitar lay down rock-ish grooves that keep the washes of keyboards from swamping the whole affair. The lyrics are contemplative, a quality emphasized by Pat Moran's smoky and often wistful vocal style, particularly on the mournful piano piece "Song to Absent Friends." "Shipwrecked Soldier" has wonderfully martial rhythms applied to the Mellotron and drums, and the soaring "Golden Fleece" really lets the multiple keyboards shine. The production is airy and live sounding, with the result that this album has aged surprisingly well. [The three extra tracks on the CD re-release, culled from the unreleased second album and featuring a greater emphasis on overdriven guitar tones, are a nice addition to what was already a fine album.]
__________________________________________________________________
Prog Archives
Review by Gatot (Gatot Widayanto)
4 stars Oh yes, I know that this is a classic album but I only got it and listened it for the first time last month. It was during an i-Rock! (rock music community in my country where I’m very proud being a member) “Family Gathering” event when this CD was displayed at the CD counter of the event. I remember my senior Mr. Bhawikarsu recommended me to buy this classic CD which according to him this CD represented the first recorded material using a mellotron. Is he right? Maybe not because as far as I know, King Crimson “In The Court of The Crimson King” used it in 1969. Whatever the answer is – it does not matter to me. What I need to do is to give my view about this album (the only album by SPRING).
The album is truly a good representation of the golden years of seventies. I can sense it through the nuance projected by this CD: dark, mellow, mellotron-drenched and symphonic in style. To me, enjoying such kind of music is a joy and it feels like racing back my old days when I was a kid. From the opening track “The Prisoner”, the composition demonstrates a music that flows in a slow paced style with heavy vocal of Pat Moran and the sound of (of course) mellotron. Ray Martinez gives his fills of guitar throughout the song. It similarly occurs with second track “Grail” which shares similar vein with the first track. The music is basically easy to digest.
The short track “Boats” is definitely a very The Beatles sound in its full psychedelic style with acoustic guitar rhythm and electric guitar fills. The guitar fills show the similarity of the Beatles. It moves then to the sound of marching drums backed with keyboard punch which reminds us to the music for a war at the fourth track “Shipwrecked Soldiers”. Track 5 “Golden Fleece” shows the combination of symphonic and psychedelic. The music flows naturally with mellotron as main background backed with heavy bass lines. In some segments, the music reminds me to the nuance of King Crimson early albums. The guitar solo in the middle of the track is nice, accompanied with long sustain mellotron sounds and acoustic guitar fills.
“Inside Out” brings the music back to the influence of The Beatles performed in medium tempo. “Song To Absent Friends” piano introduction reminds me to the Beatles “Let It Be” even though it has different composition. It also reminds me to the classic album of Elton John. It is a nice mellow track. The album concludes with “Gazing” in medium tempo with early King Crimson style – heavily filled up with the sounds of mellotron. My CD has three bonus tracks: “Fool’s Gold”, “Hendre News”, and “A World Full of Whispers”.
It’s a classic album and I recommend all of you buy this CD as it represented the sound of early seventies with its specific musical nuance. Production quality of the CD is excellent.
Life without music is a mistake. Music without progressive is a fatal tragedy!
Yours progressively, GW
|
