- Audio CD (25 Oct 2003)
- Number of Discs: 1
- Label: P-Vine
- ASIN: B0000CD84D
- Other Editions: Audio CD | Vinyl | MP3 Download
- Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
Jubilee Offer: Patriotic Classics for £2.50 |
Product details |
Track Listings
| 1. Call Me Diamond |
| 2. Flowers of the Forest |
| 3. Audrey |
| 4. Brindaban |
| 5. Feast of Stephen |
| 6. Spirit Beautiful |
| 7. Warm Heart Pastry |
| 8. Beautiful Stranger |
| 9. No Turning Back |
Product Description
CD Description
Mike Heron was a founder member of the legendary Incredible String Band, one of the most influential folk ensembles of the 1960s. His debut solo album, recorded in 1971 whilst Heron was still a member of the ISB, is an ambitious amalgam of rock ’n’ roll, world and folk musics – an eclectic masterpiece. Producer Joe Boyd (Fairport Convention, Nick Drake, Maria Muldaur, REM, 10,000 Maniacs, etc.) describes the recording as one of the most enjoyable he has ever been a part of. The amazing cast list includes Pete Townshend, John Cale, Richard Thompson, Jimmy Page, Elton John, Dudu Pukwana, Steve Winwood, Keith Moon, Ronnie Lane, Dave Mattacks and Pat Donaldson. Long out of print, this freshly remastered edition of "Smiling Men With Bad Reputations" has two rare bonus tracks. This remarkably atmospheric album stands out as an early blueprint for many recent world music fusion recordings.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
With The Incredible String Band still riding the crest of their hippy successes, Mike Heron spread his wings just a little, looked back to his rock band roots and followed producer Joe Boyd's advice in recruiting some top rock musicians to beef up his first solo album. It was a bit of a shock to fans who were familiar with the more gentle pastoral/whimsical/wierd material which is prime ISB, but it has stood the test of time well and is actually a fine and accomplished album with plenty of subtlety offsetting the touches of rock bombast. The contrast is most clearly seen between the other-worldy "Spirit Beautiful" and the downright grungy Who-driven "Warm Heart Pastry". Mike clearly had a great time making the album (check out his mega-grin on the extraordinary cover photo!)and his vocals are superb throughout. Fascinating as an essential part of the still-evolving ISB story, fun to compare with Robin's contemporaneous solo album "Myrrh", and great to enjoy on its own terms. Nice one.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
What if Mike Heron had replaced Sandy Denny, What if Jimmy Page had replaced Richard Thompson, What if some of the most brilliant rock 'n rollers ever were put in a studio and allowed to have FUN playing quirky, clever, uncommercial music. There you have it, folks!
Give it a go- it's like nothing else you'll ever hear.
Give it a go- it's like nothing else you'll ever hear.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This is a triumph for producer and for artist. There is a huge variety of styles, eclectism beyond even the ISB, different backing/guest artists on every track, and yet it all hangs together as a dazzling, eclectic whole. Heron and Boyd had a lot of fun putting this together, and they should be both be proud of the results. Did I mention the word "eclectic"? Check out the South African township horns on the opening track, Richard Thompson's marvellous guitar part on "Flowers Of The Forest", Heron, Townsend, Moon and Ronnie Lane out-Whoing the Who on "Warm Heart Pastry", and the pair of indian-tinged tracks.
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