The Albion Band 1989 onwards. Opinions?

Subject: The Albion Band 1989 onwards. Opinions?
From: red max
Date: 16 Feb 04 - 07:52 AM

Having long admired their fabulous albums from the 70s, I recently started investigating the Albion Band's post-"Lark Rise" output. I must admit to being a little disappointed, for although "Light Shining" is pretty good, I thought "Under the Rose" was dreadful, and "Stella Maris" not much better. I suppose it was only natural that Ashley Hutchings wanted to push the band in a more contemporary direction, but on the evidence so far the songwriting just wasn't very strong. I gather the band signed with Topic Records, and later released stuff on HTD/Talking Elephant. Before spending any more money I'd be interested in any opinions about the last decade or so's Albion albums

Subject: RE: The Albion Band 1989 onwards. Opinions?
From: red max
Date: 17 Feb 04 - 03:52 AM

We're talking about a dozen albums here...I can't believe no one owns ANY of them. Come on, folks! This isn't just a forum for bickering about Kate Rusby, is it?

Subject: RE: The Albion Band 1989 onwards. Opinions?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 17 Feb 04 - 04:01 AM

I'm with you on this... the writing was particularly dire on the later stuff.

Mind you, the memebers of the band all had other things to do at the time and they are much better (with one exception, but I've never had as high an opinion as he has of himself) when treated as individuals.

It's one of those sad cases where you form a group of highly talented musicians expecting a great and wonderful thing - as with the Carthy/Bailey/Swarbrick et al conglomeration whose name temporarily escapes me. Unfortunately, the later Albion Band has that rare ability to become a whole, lesser than the sum of its' parts.

LTS

Subject: RE: The Albion Band 1989 onwards. Opinions?
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 17 Feb 04 - 04:43 AM

I don't own any of them, folk/rock band with most emphasis on the rock.
eric

Subject: RE: The Albion Band 1989 onwards. Opinions?
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 17 Feb 04 - 04:46 AM

Why not, eric?

Subject: RE: The Albion Band 1989 onwards. Opinions?
From: LesB
Date: 17 Feb 04 - 02:14 PM

I,ve seen the Albions in a number of line up's since 1989, with mixed views. On the whole the post 1989 type stuff doesn't do a lot for me. I do remember a magic night in the seventies sometime, with The Ethcingham Steam Band at the Accrington Working Mens Club, with Ashley, Shirley Collins & someone on harmonica.
Les

Subject: RE: The Albion Band 1989 onwards. Opinions?
From: GUEST,Gereg
Date: 17 Feb 04 - 02:27 PM

Well, although I love a great deal of dead-trad. music - Carthy and Nic Jones are As Gods unto me - I really like "Under the Rose" and "Light Shining." That's about all of that period of the AB that I know, and I'd love to hear some of the earlier. But I assure you that if you like That Type Of Music - i.e. rock with traditional roots - those are fine albums. Can't agree about the quality of the writing, either; I think there are some marvellous songs there - and I'm pretty damn critical about writing.
   Now there is one album of theirs that I don't care for at all - even with Simon Nicol on it - but as for the two cited here, they're long-time favourites of mine.
   Don't expect to convince anyone, but I think it's only fair for a voice to speak up in favour of a band - and albums - I like so very well.
      Gereg

Subject: RE: The Albion Band 1989 onwards. Opinions?
From: red max
Date: 18 Feb 04 - 03:59 AM

I do like some of the songs on Light Shining. I think Dave Whetstone's input helped there. But nothing on Under the Rose really stood out. Mind you, Ashley considers his By Gloucester Docks album to be his best work, yet I find it to be almost unlistenable. I suppose the standards he set with stuff like Morris On were almost impossible to follow

Subject: RE: The Albion Band 1989 onwards. Opinions?
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 18 Feb 04 - 04:53 AM

The arrangements have always seemed more rock orientated to me. Fine
musicians no doubt, just not to my taste.
eric

Subject: RE: The Albion Band 1989 onwards. Opinions?
From: RolyH
Date: 18 Feb 04 - 03:04 PM

Of the later albums I found that 'Give me a Saddle, I'll Trade you a Car' by the 89 Albions was one of the better. Mostly Hutchings and Beer stuff , but a good version of Dylans 'Seven Curses'

Subject: RE: The Albion Band 1989 onwards. Opinions?
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 18 Feb 04 - 08:27 PM

They were great in the early years, but pretty much lost it when John Tams left. Rather later, I recall seeing them while they still had a full drum kit and Phil Beer (a perfectly good fiddler, though stronger on style than content) playing mostly pompous and overblown electric guitar (and singing, which wasn't a terribly good idea). It was dull, leaden and boring. I buggered off to the bar and didn't bother coming back.

They had a brief period playing interesting music a little later. Simon Care on melodeon, Keith Hinchliffe playing guitar and cittern. No drums. Fresh and light of touch, full of energy and invention. It didn't last, of course. It's Ashley's band, and he decides what happens; wisely, he makes a point of surrounding himself with musicians more able than he is; unwisely, he does seem to find it difficult even listening to their advice, let alone taking it. He's shown a strong tendency to be cheap, too, and I'd hope that he's accepted by now that you hire someone to do the driving rather than expecting a member of the band to do it for you every time.

Subject: RE: The Albion Band 1989 onwards. Opinions?
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 19 Feb 04 - 03:02 AM

Absolutely agree that the period in which Simon Care was in the Albion Band was a golden one. Any band in which this fine musician immerses himself is worth attention.

With you too on Phil Beer: another extremely talented player who has a hellbent tendency to lurch into areas he really should leave well alone.

Subject: RE: The Albion Band 1989 onwards. Opinions?
From: red max
Date: 19 Feb 04 - 12:21 PM

So which are the Simon Care albums? I gather they abandoned the drums and Ashley switched to acoustic bass. No trad arr. songs, though?

Subject: RE: The Albion Band 1989 onwards. Opinions?
From: Compton
Date: 20 Feb 04 - 12:23 PM

Man with Mouth Organ was Terry Potter..."Kicking up the Sawdust" was one of the great Dance records.. so will forgive Ashley Hutchings (almost) anything...but I (personal view) think he's gone off the boil.Grandson of Morris On has Simon Care..Not a bad record!..but is it me that is the only one who thinks Ashley Hutchings comes over as a bit of a tripehound??