- Format: MP3
Japan 24-Bit Remaster
Heron's self-titled debut LP was mild, drumless British folk-rock with the rural/pastoral feel common to many early-'70s records in the style. That pastoral feel, in this particular case, might have been in part deliberate; the record was actually recorded in a field by the River Thames, and though the sound quality is very good, you can occasionally hear some birds and faint ambient outdoors noises. The music is very friendly, acoustic guitar-based stuff that, as improbable as the blend seems on paper, is a little like a combination of Simon & Garfunkel with the Incredible String Band, though there aren't many of the weirder elements of the latter.
You might also cite the most acoustic and folky Paul McCartney ballads of the late 1960s and early 1970s (a la "Blackbird") and the harmonies of Crosby, Stills & Nash as less prominent influences. Some organ, piano, and accordion add a little depth to what's essentially an acoustic folk base. In common with a lot of records with obvious points of comparison to famous acts, however, the songs themselves aren't nearly as distinguished as those of the artists mentioned earlier in this review. That doesn't mean it's without its pluses, however. It's a fresh and youthful, if naive, effort, with "Upon Reflection" being both the most memorable track, and the one that is most reminiscent of early Simon & Garfunkel.
This Japanese release features Heron's 1970 debut album supported by their maxi-single "Only a Hobo" from the same year.
The quartet Heron recorded 2 albums for Dawn Records in 1970-71. Their is instrumentation is primarily acoustic guitars, el-bas and various keyboards (organ, piano). Their playing and singing is very inspired, and many of the songs sound as if they were recorded in one take. Sounds of birds and wind can be heard between several tracks, as a lot of the recordings were done outside a Devon country cottage.
Most of their material was written by the band members themselves, and most of their originals are very good; especially guitarist Gerald T. Moore shines. His songs "Goodbye", "Little Boy" and "Harlequin 2" are standouts. But the other bandmembers contribute memorable songs like "Yellow Roses", "Car Crash" and "Smiling Ladies".
The bonus tracks which come from a maxi-single ( Dylan's "Only a Hobo" ), are apart from the title track not quite up to the original high standards, but still great additions!
The band is still active and recording from time to time ( without Moore ), and their more recent albums, available on their own "Relaxx" label, are also highly recommendable
This first album is a very good place to start, if you like acoustic guitars supported by inventive keyboard accompaniment, great original melodies and vocal harmonies.
The quartet Heron recorded 2 albums for Dawn Records in 1970-71. This was their first album. Their is instrumentation is primarily acoustic guitars, el-bas and various keyboards (organ, piano). Their playing and singing is very inspired, and many of the songs sound as if they were recorded in one take. Sounds of birds and wind can be heard between several tracks, as a lot of the recordings were done outside their country cottage.
Most of their material was written by the band members themselves, and most of their originals are very good; especially guitarist Gerald T. Moore shines. His songs "Goodbye", "Little Boy" and "Harlequin 2" are standouts. But the other bandmembers contribute memorable songs like "Yellow Roses", "Car Crash" and "Smiling Ladies".
The bonus tracks come from a single ( Dylan's "Only a Hobo" )