Give this Great Band a Chance!
Morten Vindberg | Denmark | 03/06/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This Japanese release features Heron's 1970 debut album supported by their maxi-single "Only a Hobo" from the same year.
The quartet Heron recorded 2 albums for Dawn Records in 1970-71. Their is instrumentation is primarily acoustic guitars, el-bas and various keyboards (organ, piano). Their playing and singing is very inspired, and many of the songs sound as if they were recorded in one take. Sounds of birds and wind can be heard between several tracks, as a lot of the recordings were done outside a Devon country cottage.
Most of their material was written by the band members themselves, and most of their originals are very good; especially guitarist Gerald T. Moore shines. His songs "Goodbye", "Little Boy" and "Harlequin 2" are standouts. But the other bandmembers contribute memorable songs like "Yellow Roses", "Car Crash" and "Smiling Ladies".
The bonus tracks which come from a maxi-single ( Dylan's "Only a Hobo" ), are apart from the title track not quite up to the original high standards, but still great additions!
The band is still active and recording from time to time ( without Moore ), and their more recent albums, available on their own "Relaxx" label, are also highly recommendable
This first album is a very good place to start, if you like acoustic guitars supported by inventive keyboard accompaniment, great original melodies and vocal harmonies.
"
Track Listings (17) - Disc #1