Tuesday 13 March 2018

Bradley’s Barn – THE BEAU BRUMMELS***

Turn Around/An Added Attraction (Come & See Me)/Deep Water/Long Walking Down To Misery/Little Bird/ Cherokee Girl/I’m A Sleeper/Loneliest Man In Town/Love Can Fall A Long Way Down/Jessica/Bless You California

Bradley’s Barn was the final album from the American rock band The Beau Brummels, released just before they split. Despite many good reviews it was ignored by the record buying public.

Bradley's Barn, was The Brummels’ swansong and has become a page torn from the book of rock history. Elliot's maturity as a songwriter shines - there is not a single throwaway track on the entire album. Valentino's bittersweet vocals are well suited to The Brummels’ new countrified context. This album is truly a lost classic.”

“Absolutely all of the material included here is top notch. If you're already a fan, this is as essential as it gets, and if not, it's a very fine place to start. Valentino's voice is emotive and really soars, while Elliott's guitar orchestra weaves wonders. The Nashville musicians all add a deft touch to the material, complementing it beautifully without overcrowding it.”

“At this point The Beau Brummels were down to just two members, vocalist Sal Valentino and guitarist Ron Elliott. Joining them on this album were two of the finest sessions musicians in Nashville, guitarist Jerry Reed and drummer Kenneth Buttrey. The end result is that musically the group sounded as fine as they ever had, if not better, albeit now playing country rock instead of folk/psychedelic.”

Bradley's Barn was for years the Holy Grail among Beau Brummels albums. Revered by critics but ignored by consumers at the time of its release. The lyrics are engaging without being impossibly oblique and the music is delightful, whether you are just sitting and being mentally swept away or on your feet dancing.”

“The Beau Brummels move in the direction of country rock as did many others at the time. Nevertheless, it is really more in the folk-rock vein. Not a great album, but good for fans of the genre.”

“Recorded after the band nearly imploded, the two remaining members went to Nashville and recorded an album of prototypical country rock. Beautiful guitars, Dylan-esque vocals and wry lyrics make it shine.”

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