Fields

Label: Longhair

Genre: 60s / 70s Rock / Pop / Progressive / Kraut

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LP €37.99

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This is an official reissue on vinyl under courtesy of Cherry Red Records of this highly sought after prog album, originally released in 1971 on CBS, UK. Fields was an English progressive rock trio formed in 1971 by drummer Andrew McCulloch, keyboardist Graham Field, and bassist, guitarist-vocalist Alan Barry. McCulloch had previously been a member of King Crimson, appearing on the band's third album 'Lizard.' Field founded Rare Bird (and composed their worldwide hit number 'Sympathy') and Barry played with the Giles brothers Peter and Michael who would eventually become members of King Crimson. This is a very clean and clever production. It has some very nice melodic qualities about it. Fat and playful organ, wonderful vocals, dynamic bass and the drummer McCullogh is all over the place.
The album opens in fine booming and bombastic style with 'A Friend Of Mine,' a rollicking song driven by the sound of the powerful Hammond organ. The song has something of a baroque feel to it, with the organist throwing in a few classically inspired fugues for good measure. Onwards now to 'While The Sun Shines,' an uplifting number which you can feel free to enjoy while walking through Fields of golden barley in the warm sunshine. 'Not So Good' is next, but it IS good! It's an emotionally appealing song designed to pull on the heartstrings. 'Three Minstrels' is folk with a rockin' attitude. 'Slow Susan' is next, and slow it is, but in a good way. It's always good to slot in a slow number every now and again in the middle of a rocking and rolling album. The organ soloist is in church fugue mode as he takes us on an inspirational journey in this lovely instrumental number. It's enough to make an atheist get all religious. Side two opens with 'Over And Over Again,' a rollicking song with its powerful throbbing rhythm. It's another keyboard-driven ELP-style number, but without the stage antics and keyboard histrionics. It's just a good solid slice of heavy British rock. There's a change of pace now with 'Feeling Free,' a rousing and uplifting song full of joy and happiness, just as the song title implies. Next up is 'Fair-Haired Lady,' a mournful but beautifully romantic ballad with the silver-toned singer pouring his heart out. It's a song which Uriah Heep might have recorded in one of their quieter reflective moments. Onto the penultimate song on the album, 'A Place To Lay My Head,' a nice solid slice of bluesy and soulful British rock. Highlight of the album is last title, 'The Eagle.' The organist displays his classical credentials in fine style here with what sounds like a Bach cantata, before embarking on an impressive display of keyboard dexterity on the organ and then bringing the album to a close with a soothing and sophisticated piano piece. A beautiful piece of music to put the icing on the cake of a great album with the sound of powerful, organ-driven, heavy British rock. These are Fields of Gold! The album comes with 4-sided insert sheet, story, lyrics and photos. Remastered. Don't miss it!