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Dancing to the Devil's Beat
Strawbs
Dancing to the Devil's Beat
Genres: Folk, Rock
 
  •  Track Listings (9) - Disc #1


     
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CD Details

All Artists: Strawbs
Title: Dancing to the Devil's Beat
Members Wishing: 4
Total Copies: 0
Release Date: 8/18/2009
Album Type: Import
Genres: Folk, Rock
Style:
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1

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CD Reviews

STRAWBS at 40: Hail and hearty...
Folk-rock fanatic | Philadelphia, PA USA | 11/15/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)

"After more than 20 years of mostly mediocre releases since reforming in 1983, the electric STRAWBS are now off of life-support and have come roaring back to health in this 40th-anniversary album.



Although I think it would be unrealistic to hope for new material on par with their golden-era songs, this album contains almost all the elements that always made their music so compelling---the combination of British-folk and soaring rock melodies, strong harmonies and, of course, the often-poignant and sometimes blistering lyrics of founder Dave Cousins.



The only thing missing is the musical presence of HERO AND HEROINE and GHOSTS master keyboardist John Hawken.



However, they have an able replacement in one Oliver Wakeman, son of---well, YOU know:) He is especially impressive on the the album's highlight, the multi-part "Pro Patria Suite".



Why just FOUR stars? There are just 9 cuts on the album. I would have preferred a few more songs of music of this high quality.



This is EASILY their finest work in better than 30 years!"
Strong return to form
Martin H. Franzen | Maple Shade, NJ | 03/28/2010
(4 out of 5 stars)

"I had the pleasure of interviewing lead singer Dave Cousins before this album was recorded. After listening to his group and solo recordings since the early 1970s, this was almost an honor. Dave seems to have kept his life simple, recording regularly and enjoying it, too. This CD has the drive of the Strawbs' late 1970s work and is more edgy than you might expect. I prefer the band's pastoral/classical sounds and would love to see Rick Wakeman back in the fold, even just as a guest. Still, a great addition to the Strawbs' long list of superior works."
A Return to Form
Kurt Harding | Boerne TX | 05/25/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Strawbs fans should be very excited by the quality of Dancing to the Devil's Beat. Some reviewers have called it their best since the 1970s. I say its their best since the underrated Deja Fou.

I like the entire album, but naturally have my favorites. Revenge (Can Be So Sweet) opens the album in grand style evoking the Strawbs of old. Reinforcing that return to form is the equally thrilling Beneath An Angry Sky. I also enjoy the expansive Pro Patria Suite, the very English ballad The Man Who Would Never Leave Grimsby, the quirky Ballad of Jay and Rose Mary, and the solemn Oh How She Changed.

The CD is housed in a standard jewel box and comes with an attractive and informative booklet that contains lyrics, pictures, and album information. Unfortunately, the CD cover is one of the ugliest I've seen...It's surely no hint of the wonderful music within!"