Classic album get classiest reissue
Kevin D. Rathert | Carbondale, IL | 08/13/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When aspiring musician Dave Lewis traveled from Dublin to London with bassist/vocalist Nigel Snith and drummer Gordon Barton, in late 1967, following in the footsteps of fellow Irishman Van Morrison, who would have ever guessed that the trio, a new en vogue band composition with the rise to fame of groups such as Cream and the Jimi Hendrix Experience, who would have guessed that they would produce one of the best albums of its day, one which sounds as relevant in 2009 as it did when it was released 40 years prior. Lewis, a multi-instrumentalist, who played guitar, piano and organ as well as handling both lead vocal and songwriting duties, crafted 4 singles and the classic album "Love and Poetry." Two tracks were lifted from the album and released in June, 1969, as the bands first single, "Sunday" b/w "Midday Sun." The single, released simultaneously as the album had little impact on the charts, but did attract enough attention that a second single was released, the non-lp a-side "Mrs. Man" b/w a track from the lp, "Felix." This single like its predecessor failed to dent the tracks but in retrospect critics and fans of British psychedelia recognize both singles are classics, worthy of attention matching that of releases by the above mentioned power trios. One of the strengths, which also worked as a liability for the band, was the versatility of Lewis' songwriting and his instrumental prowess. Among the tracks on the lp, is the haunting "Cocaine" recorded many years before the JJ Cale penned hit single by Eric Clapton in his post-Cream career. Marked by Lewis guitar prowess, insightful lyrics, and an insistent backbeat as well as heady vocals. The song was many years ahead of its time, as was much of the material on "Love and Poetry." While album and single sales were not great they were sufficient to warrant a third single on the same CBS label. Released in November, 1969, non-lp a-side "Mr. Sunshine" b/w non-lp track "Shades of Grey" again failed to hit and the band moved to a nw home on the Reflections label which would release not only the bands fourth single, "Every Little Minute" b/w "Michael FitzHenry." The single like its predecessors failed to dent the charts, and though Lewis would record two further albums, each accompanied by its own single, under the revised moniker of simply Andwella, none of the releases would sell in sufficient numbers and by late 1971 Lewis and Andwella's Dream/Andwella would call it a day. The Sunbeam release of "Love and Poetry" contains not only the 13 tracks of the album proper, but a whopping 8 bonus tracks, including all 4 non-lp single sides, two alternate takes, and two previously unreleased tracks. A total of 75 minutes of unbelievably classic British psychedelic rock. For collectors, this Sunbeam release contains every Andwella's Dream track and in combination with the two Reflections albums contains every song released by Andwella's Dream or Andwella. The highlights of the album are virtually every track. Filler tunes were not part of the Lewis repertoire. And while none of the singles made great impact on the charts all are quite worthy. Lewis' musicianship is overshadowed only by his song crafting. His command of guitar, electric and acoustic, augmented by his keyboard prowess, and his haunting vocals. How did this band fail to break big? There are many possible answers, but like many other bands of the time it is most probable that they simply were not in the right place at the right time. The 21 tracks contained in this lovingly constructed Sunbeam Records reissue are evidence certain that it was not lack of material or talent. The 75 minutes go by so quicly that the album and bonus tracks are over and you are left simply wanting more. There is no scale to measure the quality of this compilation. Feedback and strings, acoustic and electric guitars, fast and slower tempo tunes, always meaningful lyrics, all these elements and more are part of "Love and Poetry." Simply put, this is truly a classic album, and it is truly a sin that it did not catapult Lewis and company to fame and fortune. Even now, 40 years on, the album is as relevant as ever, sounding crisp and fresh. Timeless may be the best one word description of this album. From hard rocking to achingly haunting, the entire musical gamut lie within the confines of this cd. Worth many times the asking price, this album stands up to any contemporary recordings, dare I say even those of the Beatles, Stones, Kinks, Who, Hendrix, Cream, you name the artist. This album is truly that good. I have only two suggestions regarding this cd: buy it, play it. Simple as that. Enough said."
Track Listings (16) - Disc #1