High Tide - 'Precious Cargo' (Akarma) import CD
Mike Reed | USA | 08/22/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"High Tide is another one of those underground UK bands from the '70's that I've recently found myself discovering to check them out.'Precious Cargo' is an unreleased collection of seven cuts that the band,had apparently created during a rehearsal/jam in 1970.The main factor that drew me to this disc is that Simon House provides the violin playing and the vocals.House's vocals are better than one might expect.The rest of this CD's line-up is:Tony Hill-guitar,Peter Pauli-bass and Roger Hadden-drums.The tunes that I enjoyed the most were the nine-minute epic "Exploration" and "Rock Me In Your Wave".Probably best described as ahead-of-it's-time progressive with elements of psychedelia tossed in.Even if you're a new High Tide fan OR just curious looking for new music,'Precious Cargo' is worthy of a place in your CD stack.Better than their self-titled disc,I think."
"Just To Clarify"
Steve Zubal | Pine Island FL | 05/03/2010
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I've not heard this disc...I have the first two albums from 1969 & 1970 plus "Interesting Times" from 1986, some of these tracks appear on that album in updated versions. To clarify or correct Mike Reeds' review...Simon House plays violin only. All vocals are sung by guitarist Tony Hill. In a word he's "Excellent". A comparison with Jim Morrision is apt! At times he sounds exactly like JM. "Doors" fans will be shocked and delighted. Tony Hill also plays all the 6 string gtrs. His electric gtr.style is thick and lush and gritty all at once. As lead singer/guitarist go Tony is in the top five of unknown/underated should've been a star of the 60s 70s era, ("The Only Era Worthy Of Lengthy Discussion") in 'ROCK' music history. The first two albums are 5 star gems..."Art Rock" at its best. Alot of jamming guitar/violin workouts no keyboards or synths on 'Sea Shanties', some piano & organ on 'High Tide' no gimmicks, the lyrics somewhat scant are not dated at all...these albums are timeless pieces of artwork. No classical leanings ala 'Emerson' or 'Wakeman' just simple yet sofisticated shredding and nice sound quality. 'Presious Cargo' judged by samples here, sounds a bit thin...it is of course a demo recording of sorts. So I suguest their first two albums to new listeners. 'Interesting Times' is cool but the drums are all drum-machine generated...their not bad or repetitive, they just lack that organic feel of real drumming. The lyrics are somewhat deep and very meaningful, and for me they sometimes evoke sadness as I'm faced with a world which is becoming more shallow and trendy. 'Rock Me On Your Wave' esspecially...so if you like the version on this disc you'll probably like 'Interesting Times'...One more correction Pete Pavli plays bass...he later played with Michael Moorcock then Robert Calvert. In closing I'll probably buy this disc soon then I'll update my review as needed. Keep your freak-flag waving it's needed now more than ever!"
