Great companion piece to "Rock Bottom"
Joseph T. McFarland | Natick, MA USANatick, MA United States | 08/31/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Not much like the jazz-rock on some of her earlier albums, this is really something worth hearing. The songs are fairly long, but in a vaguely psychedelic way. It's an album to enjoy in totality, like Man's "Be Good To Yourself At Least Once a Day" or "Do You Like it Here Now, Are You Settling In?" Supposedly, it was considered by those concerned to be a kind of companion piece to Robert Wyatt's "Rock Bottom". It certainly has the same feel of introspection, but with a slightly more jazz feel and even a mantra on side two. The support by two members of the Blossom Toes (among others) gives it a group sound with some dissonance that keeps the record from becoming too precious.
For the most part it's an atmospheric group of songs. Some songs come across as a quieter version of the post-Blossom Toes album "Worker's Playtime" (by B.B. Blunder), which is also worth seeking out for its somewhat less optimistic update on the sixties psych sound. (Julie Tippets sings background vocals on that album as well.)
The four star rating is not five mainly because this album is of one mood, and so it may not please those looking for a more versatile listening experience. But on its own merits it might nudge up to four and a half (not a grading option as I write this). I play it more than "Rock Bottom", but those who are looking for a replay of that album might miss the weirdness and tape manipulation that Wyatt uses. This album, which was recorded about two years later, has a "mellower" feel like Terry Reid's "River" or any Sandy Denny album. The louder parts might also bring to mind Robert Wyatt's first album "End of An Ear."
This is one of those albums that must have sounded out of place in 1976 (subtlety not really being in demand), but it has aged well. Definitely worth hearing for those with more than a two-minute attention span and a desire for a meditative album that manages to be unsettling at the same time."
The Voice
wmarx | San Francisco | 05/16/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Amazing! When I first heard this record one night on an "Outside" radio program some 20 years ago, I was astonished by the power of Julie Tippet's (ne: Driscoll's) voice and musical vision. I am still moved in the same way with every listening. Great horn work - by Elton Dean, among others. The title track and Lillies are standouts. Don't believe the 2 to 3 days shipping time however, think more like 2 months - it's a rare find."
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1