Japanese only SHM paper sleeve pressing. The SHM-CD [Super High Material CD] format features enhanced audio quality through the use of a special polycarbonate plastic. Using a process developed by JVC and Universal Music J... more »apan discovered through the joint companies' research into LCD display manufacturing* SHM-CDs feature improved transparency on the data side of the disc* allowing for more accurate reading of CD data by the CD player laser head. SHM-CD format CDs are fully compatible with standard CD players.« less
Japanese only SHM paper sleeve pressing. The SHM-CD [Super High Material CD] format features enhanced audio quality through the use of a special polycarbonate plastic. Using a process developed by JVC and Universal Music Japan discovered through the joint companies' research into LCD display manufacturing* SHM-CDs feature improved transparency on the data side of the disc* allowing for more accurate reading of CD data by the CD player laser head. SHM-CD format CDs are fully compatible with standard CD players.
Edward Falis | Ipswich, Ma United States | 02/08/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Agree with the previous reviewer. Put it on a few weeks ago while I was cleaning my vinyl. My wife had never heard it, and really liked it (she's no big fan of folk music either). The musicianship abounds."
Epitomizes the year 1971
Peter Baklava | Charles City, Iowa | 02/23/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Ian Matthews gets high marks for this, his first official "solo album", after leaving Fairport Convention and putting out a couple records under the aegus of Matthews Southern Comfort.
This album draws on his strengths from his time in Fairport Convention, which were featured best in the BBC Sessions album "Heyday". Several cover versions from that compilation turned up on Matthews first solo albums, including Richard Farina's "Reno, Nevada", which is fleshed out on "If You Saw Thro.." by a harder edged arrangement and fine guitar interplay between Richard Thompson and Tim Renwick. Jamming guitars (acoustic this time) also dominant "Morgan the Pirate", Farina's diatribe against Bob Dylan, over a chord progression that strongly echoes the Ventures' "Walk Don't Run".
Other highlights include the sweetly melodic "It Came Without Warning", the Mason Proffit soundalike "Southern Wind", and "Never Ending", a ballad featuring avant-garde pianist Keith Tippett, better known for his work with the group King Crimson.
In the liner notes to this reissue, Matthews comments that this album may sound naive after thirty years...well, yes, but 1971 was a year awash in naivete. But with Richard Thompson and Sandy Denny on board, strong material, and Matthews' honeyed voice, this still holds up as Ian's best overall effort.
Recommended.
"
The first ... the last ...everything.
P. Schlingemann | The Hague, Holland | 05/19/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Read the other 5 star reviews and note I have nothing to add to them. This is a treasure and it was worth the long, long wait."
Wonderful album
Alan | Australia | 07/16/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have loved this record since I bought a second hand copy at Andy's record stall in Cambridge market in 1972. I still think it is the best thing Ian Matthews has done. 'Reno Nevada', with two of my favourite guitar players in Richard Thompson and Tim Renwick trading licks, has to be one of the great tracks ever....."