A shot at the mainstream?
russell | Paris | 03/10/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"For those of us who have been following Peter Blegvad's career through thick and thin since the early seventies, 'Hangman's Hill' comes as something of a surprise, but a warm surprise at that. The first interesting development is that the production is rather lush - though still for a small band format (and still leaving each song able to be played on a solo guitar if necessary). There seems to be an ease in the songwriting that wasn't always apparent on his earlier discs, a sense that Blegvad is really hitting his stride : the title track itself is a lovely twisted anthem - and builds to a verbal and musical crescendo; in fact, there are no tracks to single out as 'weak' on this very homogenous album. The main impression is - dare one say it - that Blegvad is a happy man. The dark side of some of his older words has not however been replaced by whimsy, but by a very human and understanding warmth. This is an intelligent, melodic and thought provoking record, which once again, has virtuoso avant guard instrumentalists Greaves and Cutler trying out their 'pop chops' - and producing wonders. There's actually no reason why these delicately crafted songs couldn't be FM hits - but you know and I know and PB knows they won't. If the fellow can make a living from sales, let's wish him the luck not to become a radio star. Buy the record, anyway. It's a risk worth taking!"
Great, not greatest
clark p. ryan | New York, USA | 02/25/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Another impeccably crafted set by Mr. Blegvad. Not as remarkable as "King Strut" or "Naked Shakespeare", but close. More fun than his last pop album (with the eye cover). Peter can be incredibly witty, poetic, and poignant, and his latest does not disappoint. Musically, the title song reminds me of "Chuck E.'s In Love", but still unique. The two songs from Slapp Happy's "Cava" that show up here in quieter, more reflective versions, are simply brilliant."
The stone that was rejected has become the cornerstone
Tim Quinn | Los Angeles, CA USA | 02/16/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Imagine a world where this is the only song and against your will you have to sit and listen to it all day long 'til it made you ill" Only Blegvad could pack so much informaton into 29 words and make it wise and funny and fascinating. Add John Greaves solid and strange music and you have one awesome follow up to the Beatles "Rain" (or is it "Bluejay Way"?). This is the last of thirteen gems on this jewel of a record by a duo who have been making great music together for, like, 30 years. It shows, good ideas and great advice drip from this record like honey from a ham. Buy it for the quintessential Blegvad statement contained in the song 'the marvelous in the everyday.' It goes; "She saw the thinness of a dime, saw a slug secreting slime, as if for the first time, Others looked but never saw, glory apprehended raw, right to the smallest flaw, in the grand design." shoot, I wish I'd said that!"
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1