A Rafferty/Egan Masterpiece
Ulf Wolf | Coeur d'Alene, ID | 01/12/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The sad thing is that Stealers Wheel here in America usually means "Stuck in the Middle with You," which is what the "oldies" stations seem to play ad nauseam, as if that were the only song they ever recorded.
For my money, just about any track on Ferguslie Park eclipses "Stuck in the Middle" (perhaps that is because I've heard it hundreds of times beyond endurance).
Something else should also be said: Joe Egan is all the singer-songwriter that Gerry Rafferty is, though he never went on to the same illustrious post Stealers career as did Rafferty. Listen to "Star" and "Wheelin'," or "Nothing's Gonna Change My Mind." Why Egan didn't go on to better things boggles the mind.
I know that "timeless" is an overused phrase, but this album (yes, I still think of these records as albums) is just that. Buy it, even if you've never heard of Stealers Wheel before.
And for the fans, the Lemon reissue is a well put together package, with very good artwork and liner notes including full lyrics.
Enjoy.
"
THIS IS A GREAT ALBUM!!
D. L Masters | California | 10/02/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Woo Hoo! Finally, 31 years later, this obscure release sees the light of digital day. And had these tracks been the ones on the first Stealers album...backing up their smash hit "Stuck In The Middle With You", the future would surely have been a lot brighter for the Wheel. As it was, there was considerable disappointment for buyers expecting more on the debut and most weren't willing to take a chance on the sophomore. What a shame, because even without a big hit - Cut for cut, Ferguslie Park totally dukes the debut and is LOADED with top drawer Brit bop.
All 12 songs make the grade and the tempo balances weaving their way thru the collection makes for a superb listening experience with a sweet aftertaste.
Highlights include Joe Egan's "Star", a minor hit that should have been major, "Blind Faith", the rocker "What More Could You Want?", "Wheelin'" and the soft Rafferty folk tale "Steamboat Row". The only letdown here is the inclusion of a re-recorded version of "Everyone's Agreed That Everything Will Turn Out Fine" that doesn't measure up to the original single version.
If you think you already possess all the great "lost" classics from the 70's and you don't have "Ferguslie Park" by STEALERS WHEEL, get your credit card number ready. This is it."
Everything Didn't Work Out Fine
Richard Bloom | Cos Cob, CT | 02/12/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I had a similar experience as "Coon from Alabama" did when I played my CD copy of "Ferguslie Park," and found that it did not contain single version of "Everyone's Agreed Everything will Turn Out Fine" as advertised. So I reccommend you update that description. That being said, it was good to finally hear this album again after so many years, especially "Steamboat Row." When Universal finally gets around to re-issuing Stealer's Wheel in U.S., hopefully they will include the complete catalogue."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1