River - TERRY REID***

Dean/Avenue/Things To Try/Live Life/River/Dream/Milestones

Rock guitarist and vocalist Terry Reid was a fixture on the British music scene during the late sixties and early seventies. He supported many established musicians but never managed to forge a successful career himself. (US:172)

“This album is definitely a change of pace for him, a much more laid back affair with the whole of the second side given over to all acoustic tunes. A slow burner and definitely a grower, which will reward the listener with repeated plays.”

“Signalling an abrupt change in direction from earlier LPs, this one is far more rural flavoured rock, unfortunately mixed with some comparatively lame acoustic guitar driven folk. Though it obviously holds significant appeal to fans of the genre I was somewhat under-whelmed, yet, it has its moments.”

“Side one features some undistinguished blues rock, mildly entertaining in places. Reid is certainly a great vocalist but it sounds undercooked like the products of a jam session. The second half is more what I was looking for with relaxed acoustic guitars, bossa nova bongos and introspective sounding lyrics.”

“River is an adventurous, yet understated trip through the many moods of Terry Reid. A highly personal album, the two solo acoustic tracks that end the album are just lovely, a perfect showcase for his voice. Too bad the album isn't longer, because the band tracks are also good and jamming.”

“To some it may sound boring and just another singer/songwriter album but to me it stands out and is by far the best Terry Reid album. This is the music of a man who has thought long and hard about his life and drawn conclusions some years earlier than expected.”

“Reid's vocals are so powerful and soulful over a perfect bluesy groove and understated slide guitar. It will almost convince you that you're in an alternate universe, because the power of the music is so undeniable that it just floors everyone who hears it.”

“The instrumentation is thick and heavily layered throughout - so whilst the melodies are rich, they are buried deep in long, seemingly unstructured songs that appear intentionally to weave themselves in knots. It's a record that demands repeated listens to unpick what is going on, but overall it's all a beautiful noise.”