Just A Collection Of Antiques & Curios - STRAWBS****

Martin Luther King's Dream/The Antique Suite/Temperament Of Mind/Fingertips/Song Of A Sad Little Girl/Where Is This Dream Of Your Youth

Live follow up album of mostly new songs from the British folk-rock group Strawbs, recorded at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in July 1970. More progressive in style than the debut it showcased the keyboard skills of new member Rick Wakeman, who would soon jump ship to join Yes, a more suitable vehicle for his talents. (UK:27)

"I believe that this is the first Strawbs album to move away from their folk beginnings and whilst there are real signs of a move to a more progressive style, there are still a significant number of songs that are most definitely folk-rock. The rest of the album is almost a showcase for new member Rick Wakeman. His performance on this album is superb, including the solo piano Temperament Of Mind where he melds classical with honky-tonk, 30s jazz and goodness knows what else, all utterly seamlessly and with a dexterity that few could match within the rock sphere."

"What a beautiful album cover. It represents the music inside perfectly. By this stage the Strawbs has expanded into a quintet with keyboard wizard Rick Wakeman and former Velvet Opera members Hudson and Ford. The performance is a little bit shaky but that's part of the charm of the album."

"This recording is much more for the established fan rather than someone looking to initiate themselves. The Strawbs are best known for their fusion of progressive rock with folk and the mainstream pop stylings of the 70s. Here we see them at a point of transition, beginning to move from their folksy roots gradually into a more 70s progressive sound. If you like the Strawbs, this is a must if you wish to have a good understanding of their evolution over the years."

"This album of is probably the world's first introduction to the keyboard genius of Rick Wakeman. His incredible extension to the earlier Strawbs classic Where Is This Dream Of Your Youth? is just mind-blowing."

"The band were still sticking mainly to their folk-rock roots, but the music is so good I can't complain that it is only progressive on occasions. All the songs were written by Dave Cousins, aside from Temperament Of Mind, which is Wakeman's. This is his solo piece on piano, which consists of many different styles, including several quotes from several classical pieces (like from Bach)."