I'm wondering if anyone, particularly UK mudcatters could give me some details regarding "Thro' the Recent Years" by Archie Fisher and Barbara Dickson. I'm curious as to the date of this album, and to the authorship of several songs on the disc. I've recently received a copy of it on cassette, but few details are given, aside from the fact that it came out on Decca. The production style is very "lush" and orchestrated. I'd put the album at about 1968 from the sounds of it. Its style is reminiscent of Gordon Lightfoot's "Did She Mention My Name", Phil Ochs'"Pleasures of the Harbour", L.Cohen's"Songs of Leonard Cohen", and the more sensitive Gerry Rafferty songs from The Humblebums. At least that's how it sounds to me. The track listing is as follows: "The January Man"-sung by Archie "You Like The Sun"-sung by Barbara Dickson "Morning"-sung by Archie "Tears of Rage"-sung by BD(this is the Dylan/Manuel composition from the 1968 album by The Band) "Friends and Lovers"-sung by Archie Fisher "Somebody Counts on Me"-sung by BD "The Frolicsome Alcoholic Mermaid"-sung by Archie "If I'd Stayed Around"-sung by Archie "Lullaby for Father"-sung by BD "I Am The Great Sun"-sung by BD(although Archie did this one in concert last October in Canada. He said it was a hymn from the Free Presbyterian Church[Wee Frees?], but I've read that it was adapted from some carvings on a crucifix in Normandy...) "First of the Few"-sung by Archie "Fiddler's Green"-sung by Archie(the Connolly penned song) "Together Forever"-sung by BD "Through the Recent Years"-sung by Archie

I wondered how this album was received when it came out. I asked Archie to list the albums he'd made, and he mentioned this one, and went on to say that folk had taken to calling it"Two Indecent Queers". It certainly sounded nothing like I'd expected in light of his work during the next decade. Anyhoo, I'd appreciate any insight into this album that you may be able to supply.

Cheers

John