Act One (1970)
Beggar's Opera were a band from Scotland, who like many from the British Isles, brought forth a highly spirited form of organ focused rock heavily influenced by classical music. Similar to Rare Bird, The Nice, Deep Purple (Mk. 1), Fields, and ELP in that way. However, the group wasn't above kickin' out the jams with some fine psychedelic guitar soloing courtesy of Rick Gardiner. And 'Raymond's Road' brings an intensity that recalls Aardvark in a similar mood with added guitar.
The CD adds their debut 1971 single. 'Sarabande' begins with a riff from A2 of Act One before breaking into a different mid section. It's also a heavier rendition. 'Think' foreshadows their more thoughtful next work Waters of Change, though still on the heavier side of the rock spectrum. Hopefully I'll find it in the wilds someday (not expensive online, and was released here in the States on Verve). Until then, I think I'll hold onto the CD.
Ownership:
1970 Vertigo Germany (LP). Gatefold. Swirl label.
2006 Vertigo Japan (CD). Papersleeve gatefold with the two above bonus tracks.
1993 (acquired); 1996; 7/1/09; 9/1/25 (review)
Waters of Change (1971)
Beggars Opera's second effort is one of the more overlooked albums from the rich progressive rock landscape of 1971. The key track here is 'I've No Idea', as in I've no idea why it's taken me so many years to review this album. And I've no idea why I didn't recognize its brilliance until last night. While the band may have toned down their sound from Act One, they raised their game in the songwriting department. Waters of Change represents that wonderful 1971 UK progressive rock sound as also found in bands as diverse as Cressida, Gracious, Nektar, and Uriah Heep. They have quite a large ensemble, including a full time mellotron player, who happens to be female and is strongly involved in the songwriting. This gives a unique slant on the otherwise testosterone driven genre, especially back in those days. Alan Park's organ, though, wins the day, as he did on Act One. Outside of the interludes, including the somewhat silly 'Silver Peacock Intro', all the songs here are quite involved, well thought out, highly melodic, and great for listening over and over.
Ownership:
Beggars Opera's second effort is one of the more overlooked albums from the rich progressive rock landscape of 1971. The key track here is 'I've No Idea', as in I've no idea why it's taken me so many years to review this album. And I've no idea why I didn't recognize its brilliance until last night. While the band may have toned down their sound from Act One, they raised their game in the songwriting department. Waters of Change represents that wonderful 1971 UK progressive rock sound as also found in bands as diverse as Cressida, Gracious, Nektar, and Uriah Heep. They have quite a large ensemble, including a full time mellotron player, who happens to be female and is strongly involved in the songwriting. This gives a unique slant on the otherwise testosterone driven genre, especially back in those days. Alan Park's organ, though, wins the day, as he did on Act One. Outside of the interludes, including the somewhat silly 'Silver Peacock Intro', all the songs here are quite involved, well thought out, highly melodic, and great for listening over and over.
Ownership:
1974 Vertigo Germany (LP). Gatefold. Spaceship label.
1995 Repertoire (CD). Liner notes written by Chris Welch (who incidentally I saw on the tele last night as one of the participants on a show highlighting the making of Deep Purple's Machine Head).
1//96 (acquired); 8/16/13; 6/7/18 (review)
6/7/18 (new entry)
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