Search - Unicorn :: No Way Out of Here-the Anthology

UNKOWN ENGLISH COUNTRY-ROCK BAND WITH DAVID GILMOUR

Stuart Jefferson | San Diego,Ca | 02/25/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Two discs-78,77 minutes each approximately. The sound is very good-crisp and clean,with good separation between the vocals and the various instruments. The booklet is informative,with a good overview of the band's history,with specific attention as to how David Gilmour (of PINK FLOYD fame),came to produce a number of tunes (and play,on disc 1,some guitar,peddle steel guitar,and sing harmony) for the band. There's a track-by-track listing of who plays what,and from what album it's from. In addition there are color reproductions of the group's album covers,and a photo of the group.



This band,from England,is sometimes compared to CSN,BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD,THE EAGLES,LINDISFARNE (another fine relatively unknown English group),or possibly POCO,or even a bit of THE BYRDS (12 string) rockier tunes,when listeners try to describe their sound and overall feel. While not exactly on the money,the comparisons are a starting point. The band's easy going yet tight vocals,and even tighter musicianship,are as good as the previously mentioned groups. Their use of both acoustic and electric guitars and single/harmony vocal interchange,together with a solid rhythm backing,propel this band ahead of many others with similar sounds.



This compilation (on disc 1) takes in tracks from "Blue Pine Trees","Too Many Crooks","Shed No Tear",and "One More Tomorrow". Disc 2 is primarily (15 of 20 tracks) made up of previously unreleased tracks,along with a few from the above albums. All of the tracks on these two discs have something worthwhile-whether it's vocal or instrumental-or both,which makes them worthwhile,and listeners will pick their own favorites from this generous set.



This is laid back,unassuming music,but the quality of the song writing,the musicianship,and the vocals jump out almost immediately. The band's stock-in-trade is a combination of easy going,yet gently rocking sounds,with their wonderful vocals out front. For anyone who likes the above mentioned groups,this is something you might want to check out. I remember when their album,with the giant unicorn on the cover,was released on vinyl many years ago. From appearances I immediately categorized the music as middle-of-the-road soft pop. My mistake.



With a different cover(s) and a little bit of a promotional push,this band would be more well known today as one of the new (especially English) bands playing what came to be known as country-rock,or whatever people called it back then. However,it's not to late to hear the fine music this relatively unknown band put out. This music grows on you over time,and should be heard by more people. In the end-it's just good music,and that's enough."