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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk
Seth Lakeman's fourth solo album, Poor Man’s Heaven, moves him ever closer to the mainstream, his frantic fiddle playing backed with a small, tight band fully aware of the power they generate. But the Dartmoor-based folk singer still digs into local folklore for material. The pounding opener "The Hurlers" refers to an ancient stone formation in Cornwall, while "Solomon Browne" commemorates the more recent loss with all hands of the Penlee lifeboat - Lakeman knew some of the bereaved as a schoolboy. Clearly a larger recording budget--his breakthrough record, 2004’s Mercury nominated Kitty Jay, was recorded in his kitchen for three hundred quid--hasn’t mollified his Saturnine tendencies. Having emerged from the purist folk scene, rather than the more chilled folktronica side, Lakeman must now be wondering how far he can go. The jaunty "Race To Be King" features maybe the loudest Jew’s harp ever recorded, while Kathryn Roberts' haunting backing vocals on "Cherry Red Girl" add depth (though he might be overdoing it on the old red though, included songs called "Crimson Dawn" and "Blood Red Sky"). The title track though is the giveaway, a blatant and undeniably effective reminder that Led Zeppelin defined the heavy folk-rock crossover decades ago. Lakeman yelps like a West Country Robert Plant, sounding like a man with stadia in his sights.--Steve Jelbert
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CD
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
47 of 47 people found the following review helpful
By Read Me
Format:Audio CD
If you're already the proud owner of Seth's previous albums then the best way I can describe this is as like Kitty Jay and Lady of the Sea - its fast, loud and foot stomping. There's a couple of slow songs but the pace doesn't stop.
If you're new to Seth then hello. Maybe you like folk music with a bit of a kick or if you're a fan of people like Clannad or The Levellers then this is certainly up your street. The inspiration for the album is the Cornish coast including the Penlee lifeboat tragedy, shipwrecks, old Cornish legends about standing stones and a race to catch whales. All of this may sound a little odd but its the way its delivered - with a striking drum and a frantic fiddle.
I can't praise this album enough - it was played full blast several times on a 4 hour drive if thats a good recommendation! If you get the chance to see any of these songs performed live then you're in for a treat.
If you're new to Seth then hello. Maybe you like folk music with a bit of a kick or if you're a fan of people like Clannad or The Levellers then this is certainly up your street. The inspiration for the album is the Cornish coast including the Penlee lifeboat tragedy, shipwrecks, old Cornish legends about standing stones and a race to catch whales. All of this may sound a little odd but its the way its delivered - with a striking drum and a frantic fiddle.
I can't praise this album enough - it was played full blast several times on a 4 hour drive if thats a good recommendation! If you get the chance to see any of these songs performed live then you're in for a treat.
23 of 23 people found the following review helpful
By S. Higgens
Format:Audio CD
Ok ok, so I like folk music - there I said it. Nic Jones, Martin Simpson and now Seth Lakeman, it would appear that someone, somewhere is slowly indoctrinating me (Radio 2's Stuart Maconie I suspect). I wouldn't, however, declare myself a full-blown folkie; I do enjoy the more mainstream stuff and would never join the sandal wearing, beard touting, real-ale swigging, finger-in-the ear brigade.
Right, this album is absolutely fantastic. Having bought it ten days ago I have had it playing throughout the house, in the car and even at work at every opportunity. The tunes, whilst telling tales of traditional folk themes (why are there so many folk songs about whales?), are very well crafted and excellently delivered. They are even better played live; I saw him play in Frome last week and he had the whole place buzzing - there was even a trad folkie (early 60s, bald, beard, CAMRA member etc) head-banging to one of his songs! Try to get to one of Seth's gigs; you will not be disappointed.
If you are folk-curious and want to see what it is all about, buy this album. You will be pleasantly surprised and will have the tunes banging around your head for days. Come out of the closet and join the rest of us neo-folkies; you know you want to!
Right, this album is absolutely fantastic. Having bought it ten days ago I have had it playing throughout the house, in the car and even at work at every opportunity. The tunes, whilst telling tales of traditional folk themes (why are there so many folk songs about whales?), are very well crafted and excellently delivered. They are even better played live; I saw him play in Frome last week and he had the whole place buzzing - there was even a trad folkie (early 60s, bald, beard, CAMRA member etc) head-banging to one of his songs! Try to get to one of Seth's gigs; you will not be disappointed.
If you are folk-curious and want to see what it is all about, buy this album. You will be pleasantly surprised and will have the tunes banging around your head for days. Come out of the closet and join the rest of us neo-folkies; you know you want to!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Mr. A. Day
Format:Audio CD
The opening track has a calling drum beat, wakes you, eyes wide you are ready to listen.
Awaken this track "The Hurlers" continues in the folk tradition of presenting expressions of influential events or memories that exists or have existed albeit with a progressive folk musicality. Poor Man's Heaven has eleven tracks themed around the coast, a number of them from this foot of England close to home for me. The Hurlers/hurling was something I was taught about at school and those service people who give the lives for the protection of others is a poignant remembrance in Solmon Browne.
The Cornish Seascape is dark and edgy and holds many secrets and tragedies. The musicality of this offering depicts that scene. It's gutsy, melodic and stomps and races in many places and yet still has the trad edge. Seth's vocal instrument has grown in depth over the four solo albums and it adds a great blend to the music and with the vocal arrangements bring such life and depth to each track. In places I am reminded of subtleties from Hazy Days, Equations first cd release, and when I am listening to it it also reminds me of the excitement of a Kate Bush album, listening to it for the first time, which is full of intrigue and character. Throughout the tracks you can hear brother Sean on guitar, who blew me away when I saw Equation in Plymouth `98 with his versatility in playing guitars. You can also pick up Kathryn Roberts and Steve Knightley on backing vocals. They all help to make this CD, well, just an interesting, exciting and stomping one to listen to. If you enjoy this CD try and find " Three piece Suite" and then work through the Equation's CD before Seth's previous ones. They have given me 12 years of enjoyment.... Read more ›
Awaken this track "The Hurlers" continues in the folk tradition of presenting expressions of influential events or memories that exists or have existed albeit with a progressive folk musicality. Poor Man's Heaven has eleven tracks themed around the coast, a number of them from this foot of England close to home for me. The Hurlers/hurling was something I was taught about at school and those service people who give the lives for the protection of others is a poignant remembrance in Solmon Browne.
The Cornish Seascape is dark and edgy and holds many secrets and tragedies. The musicality of this offering depicts that scene. It's gutsy, melodic and stomps and races in many places and yet still has the trad edge. Seth's vocal instrument has grown in depth over the four solo albums and it adds a great blend to the music and with the vocal arrangements bring such life and depth to each track. In places I am reminded of subtleties from Hazy Days, Equations first cd release, and when I am listening to it it also reminds me of the excitement of a Kate Bush album, listening to it for the first time, which is full of intrigue and character. Throughout the tracks you can hear brother Sean on guitar, who blew me away when I saw Equation in Plymouth `98 with his versatility in playing guitars. You can also pick up Kathryn Roberts and Steve Knightley on backing vocals. They all help to make this CD, well, just an interesting, exciting and stomping one to listen to. If you enjoy this CD try and find " Three piece Suite" and then work through the Equation's CD before Seth's previous ones. They have given me 12 years of enjoyment.... Read more ›
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By LM1980
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I bought this having heard only one track - I'll Haunt You. I wasn't disappointed. Other favourites of mine are "The Hurlers" - a foot-stomping track and the poignant "Solomon Browne", which tells of the Penlee lifeboat tragedy. Well worth buying, a great listen.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By DOGG
Format:Audio CD
The murky world of folk purists is a place I would never dare to venture but as a fan of folk music, this is a perfect mix of a rockier roots-sound and folky laments and shanties.
In fact....that intro sounds a little too folky already,Lakeman has carved a career out of sterling tunes,traditional instruments and clever lyrics, with "Poor Mans Heaven" he has bettered his 2006 classic "Freedoms Fields".
The feel to this LP is heavier,more robust but the mandolins,violins and acoustic guitars still dominate,the upright bass and acoustic drums form a bedrock of cornish granite.
2008 has seen some great folk records and Lakeman has added an other to that list...!
In fact....that intro sounds a little too folky already,Lakeman has carved a career out of sterling tunes,traditional instruments and clever lyrics, with "Poor Mans Heaven" he has bettered his 2006 classic "Freedoms Fields".
The feel to this LP is heavier,more robust but the mandolins,violins and acoustic guitars still dominate,the upright bass and acoustic drums form a bedrock of cornish granite.
2008 has seen some great folk records and Lakeman has added an other to that list...!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By C. Lee
Format:Audio CD
This is yet another uplifting and life-affirming effort from Seth Lakeman.
He seems to really divide opinion. I know a lot of people think he is overrated but I find it impossible to see him as anything other than one of the finest musicians currently working in this country! He is a superlative musician technically, able to play numerous instruments to a very high standard, a warm and inspiring singer and a first rate songwriter. The nay sayers need to seriously listen to him and not let some trad-folk prejudice against people who get things moving with a jaunty rhythm blind them. Listening to him is inspiring even when his songs aren't of the finest.
I am into all sorts of music but as far as folk goes I am definitely at Seth's end of the spectrum, upbeat, fast-moving, exciting folk. He is not a finger-in-the-ear folkie, get used to it. Don't do the man down for being motivated and exciting!
This album is not his best, but it is a fine record. As usual he covers many different musical approaches, from the drum driven Hurlers to more acoustic stuff. personally I think Crimson Dawn and Solomon Browne are the best songs on the album. The latter is a superb effort, really moving and beautifully played. The last three or four tracks are a bit dull but once again Seth has triumphed!
He seems to really divide opinion. I know a lot of people think he is overrated but I find it impossible to see him as anything other than one of the finest musicians currently working in this country! He is a superlative musician technically, able to play numerous instruments to a very high standard, a warm and inspiring singer and a first rate songwriter. The nay sayers need to seriously listen to him and not let some trad-folk prejudice against people who get things moving with a jaunty rhythm blind them. Listening to him is inspiring even when his songs aren't of the finest.
I am into all sorts of music but as far as folk goes I am definitely at Seth's end of the spectrum, upbeat, fast-moving, exciting folk. He is not a finger-in-the-ear folkie, get used to it. Don't do the man down for being motivated and exciting!
This album is not his best, but it is a fine record. As usual he covers many different musical approaches, from the drum driven Hurlers to more acoustic stuff. personally I think Crimson Dawn and Solomon Browne are the best songs on the album. The latter is a superb effort, really moving and beautifully played. The last three or four tracks are a bit dull but once again Seth has triumphed!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sound of a Drum
The rhythm and emotion of this album are bigger than Seth's others. At times it is reminiscent of acoustic Zep (think Gallows Pole) and Robert Plant's vocals wouldn't be out of... Read more
Published 7 months ago by SusyH
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Collection of Songs
If you are new to Seth Lakeman he's often been described as Indy Folk and I guess its not a bad description. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Hagrid's Umbrella
5.0 out of 5 stars
Seth Lakeman Superstar
Came across Seth Lakeman on Sky Arts. Was so impressed went straight on to Amazon and bought every one of his albums in one go. Read more
Published 23 months ago by V. Wilson
4.0 out of 5 stars
Seth Lakeman
Having never heard of Seth Lakeman or his music until recently I was very impressed with one of his albums Poor Man's Heaven. Read more
Published on 18 July 2010 by Mr. Anthony J. Mabbley
5.0 out of 5 stars
great
First time I have bought a Seth lakeman CD really liked it and have played it over and over
Published on 4 May 2010 by ruth baskerville
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Gr8 album but a bit samey
Full of energy, buckets of atmosphere, pleanty of foot tappers - all in all another great album. I have just one suggestion to Seth tho, (rather than a criticism) and that's: the... Read more
Published on 20 Oct 2009 by Pagan Ronnie
4.0 out of 5 stars
could do better
Hmmm...given it four but Im in a positive frame of mind.
This is more upbeat that previous albums - no bad thing. Read more
This is more upbeat that previous albums - no bad thing. Read more
Published on 14 Oct 2009 by F. L. Price
4.0 out of 5 stars
Modern Folk
I first heard Seth Lakeman on a BBC3 documentary and found his style more modern than traditional "Folk" which appealed to me and thought the tale of Solomon Browne superb. Read more
Published on 17 July 2009 by Danger Mouse
5.0 out of 5 stars
I am now a convert!
This album has an instant draw that is very rarely apparent in modern music. When you have people over to your house, you put music on in the background and hope that people will... Read more
Published on 15 April 2009 by Robbie Swale
3.0 out of 5 stars
Seth Lakeman Poor Man's Heaven
Interesting listening and a distinctive sound, but a rather bizarre mix of trad folk themes from a distant pre-industrial world, strange and often sad stories told poetically in... Read more
Published on 21 Mar 2009 by Warpymole
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