As a Yank we saw little or nothing of the Corries on this side of the water. That which we did get was repackaged for the heavier card board sleeves that US LPs usually had. And when that was done the cover photos where re-shot as well. Most LP's were stuffed away in the International Bin at music shops. Most US record jobbers thought SCotts music was just pipe bands.   We also never saw them on the tube until the advent of the concert Videos that became available at Scottish Games or from the big Book Houses like Barnes and Noble.

Most people here only ever saw the two Corrie Folk Trio and Paddie Bell releases from Electra in the mid 60's. These covers had the usual Arran Isle sweater look of the time. (Thank you Clancy's.)

In effect we didn't see them, we just heard them. WE never saw what the wore. I must say I prefered the Trio and Bell sound to the Duo but the Duo to my way of listening couldn't have been better. I can't think of a Duo that gets more pure sound and power out of voices and two instruments as The Corries did.

I think it boils down to that "just the right mix" thing. Roys often brilliant playing and at times spectacular voice. And Ronnie's just always amazing voice and entirely adequate playing. Each ability balanced the other. I think it alittle unfair to compare The Corries to any group larger than they were. Especially in live performance. I had a friend say they were no Steel Eye Span or Fairport Convention which makes no sense. By weight of numbers alone those other groups were dynamic. But it was apples and oranges after all

The Corries packaged themselves to sell in a limited market. Which, marketing we must remember, is the name of the game. It makes no sense or cents to record a mess of LPs only to have them as beer coasters in your retirement. For me the Corries did the job well. And then as introductions to a more traditional sound and a broader musical canon the Corries were just right as I think about it here 35 years later.   

Don