An LP I've seen to and from in the used bins for decades, but for some reason never could raise enough interest to pick up. Now after finally done it and connected the dots I regret it didn't happen earlier. Cause besides being a good folk rock album, offering catchy well performed songs, it also has an obvious Fairport Convention connection...a band I'm always trying to collect. After quitting FC during the recordings of "Unhalfbricking" Matthews started his own band "Matthews Southern Comfort" and then in style moving towards American country and rockabilly. They issued two albums and got one big hit with a cover of Joni Mitchell's "Woostock" - topping the UK list and reaching #23 on Billboard - after which he left for a solo carreer. This was the first of two albums he recorded for Vertigo. On this backed by, among others, guitarist Richard Thompson - just out of FC himself - and the lovely Sandy Denny singing backgound on most tracks and playing piano on one. A very appealing blend of UK folk and US country with his voice bright and sensitive to a carefully adaptive backing. Three cuts - "Reno Nevada", "Desert Inn" and "Morgan The Pirate" - uptempo, the rest tender. Nothing bad here, but if to choose a favorite it'd be the sweet title track where he's sharing lead vocals with Denny. The audio on this US press is top of the line - strong and natural with perfect separation - providing very good listening. Issued and reissued in a large part of the world through the years on vinyl, Cassette, reel and CD. Premiere UK on Vertigo (6360 034). First US had labels as shown here and sturdy matt fold/out cover. (WLÖ*) (FÄHZ*) (BRYF*)
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