In just under three years, Ian Matthews split from Fairport Convention, went solo, formed Matthews' Southern Comfort - with whom he scored a number one U.K. hit - left the group at the height of its popularity, recorded three more records on his own (only two were released at this time) and in early 1972 started Plainsong, his fourth band in five years. And while his track record led one to believe that Plainsong may be just another short stay, the subsequent album, In Search of Amelia Earhart, proved to be worth the venture. Ian Matthews was of course the obvious draw, but Plainsong seemed to be formed as more of a collective effort, with lead guitarist Andy Roberts, who shares the lead vocal duties, the other focal point in the band. On the other hand, Matthews, whose folk and country-tinged tunes set the tone for the record, is the only member to contribute original material. Included among these is the thematic "True Story of Amelia Earhart," which along with the haunting "For the Second Time," leads a pack of five Matthews compositions that range from good to excellent. Elsewhere, Paul Siebel's heartbreaking "Louise," the dulcimer and harmony driven Appalachian gospel of "I'll Fly Away," and Roberts' readings of the playful "Yo Yo Man," Jim & Jesse's "Diesel on My Tail" and the mournful 1939 tale of "Amelia Earhart's Last Flight" are all highlights. Its title and artwork, along with notes by Charles Goerner on the flight and disappearance of Amelia Earhart and Frederick Noonan, gave In Search of Amelia Earhart the feel of a concept album, even though the title is nowhere to be found on the outside jacket and there are only two songs related to the subject contained within. It wasn't really a surprise when a follow-up, though recorded, failed to materialize, with the band parting ways on less than amicable terms, and Matthews going on to record two more records for Elektra. Still, In Search of Amelia Earhart fits nicely alongside the rest of his terrific early-'70's catalogue.
Ian Matthews' post-Fairport Convention quartet Plainsong only produced two records (not counting their competent but mediocre 1995 reunion album) before breaking up in the mid-'70s, but both 1972's In Search of Amelia Earhart and Now We Are 3 -- the latter is issued here for the very first time -- contain some of the most flawless and emotional country-tinged folk-rock of the era. This eponymous two-disc set from the Water label includes both albums in their entirety, as well as numerous bonus cuts and live tracks. Matthews was blessed with one of the clearest voices in popular music, and he let it shine on the wistful Amelia Earhart. "For the Second Time," "Louise," "Call the Tune," and the epic title cut rank as some his best work, but the group's long-shelved sophomore record was not without its charms. Taken on its own, Now We Are 3 is Amelia Earhart's countrified, less successful baby brother, but the honky tonk-inspired "Swinging Doors," the Randy Newman-esque "Miss the Mississippi and You," and the sparse "Keep on Sailing" and "Old Man at the Mill" -- both of which eventually found homes on Matthews' 1973 solo release -- are top-notch productions that put the more popular and recognizable work of "Take it Easy"-era Eagles to shame. Highly recommended.