Genre: progressive
Rating: *** (3 stars)
Title: Fuchsia
Company: Pegasus
Catalog: PEG 8
Year: 1971
Country/State: UK
Grade (cover/record): VG / VG+
Comments: UK pressing; textured cover; minor ring wear; minor creases top left and lower right corners; small tear on back lower right corner
Available: SOLD
GEMM catalog ID: 714
Price: SOLD
This early-70s UK obscurity has us on the fence. There are times when the album's quirkiness has proven endearing to our ears. There are other times it's struck us as little more than over the top progressive indulgence.
As lead vocalist, guitarist and chief writer, Tony Durant was the mastermind behind this outfit. (In case anyone cares, the rest of the line up was credited as cello player/keyboardist Madeline Bland, bassist Mike Day, drummer Michael Gregory and violinsts Vanessa Hall Smith and Janet Rogers.) Released by the small Pegasus label, the band's cleverly-titled 1971 debut teamed them with producer David Hitchcock. So why the dichotomous opening comments? Well first the positive comments. For an album that mixes folk and progressive moves and sports a rather non-traditional instrumental line up, "Fuchsia" generates surprising momentum. Durant's a gifted writer, tracks such as "Shoes and Ships" and "A Tiny Book" sporting some exceptionally pretty melodies. In keeping with our more rock oriented tastes, there are even modest heavy metal guitar passages on "Just Anyone" and the first instrumental segment of "Another Nail". Less impressive; Durant's fey and mannered voice are an acquired taste that often leaves us cold, and from time to time the band gets swept away in their personal visions of musical grandeur (the eight minute "The Nothing Song" seems endless). Worth owning, but best enjoyed on cold Sunday mornings and other special occasions ...
"Fuchsia" track listing:
(side 1)
1.) Gone with the Mouse (Tony Durant) - 4:01
2.) A Tiny Book ( Tony Durant) - 5:03
3.) Another Nail (instrumental) ( Tony Durant - Robert Chudley) - 6:57
(side 2)
1.) Shoes and Ships ( Tony Durant) - 6:14
2.) The Nothing Song ( Tony Durant) - 8:23
3.) Me and My Kite (Robert Chudley) - 2:34
4.) Just Anyone ( Tony Durant) - 3:33