Streets Of London (The Best Of Ralph McTell) - Ralph McTell

Advantages: Quality songwriting and arrangements
Disadvantages: Maybe a little dated in parts

...McTell is in fine form in this often overlooked album, his songwriting evoking personal experiences as well as the metaphysical, and looking far beyond the folk world for musical inspiration. The arrangements switch from minimal accompaniment to rock band to Robert Kirby's bold orchestrations on the standout track, "The Ferryman". Although some of the themes of the songs, such as "Pick Up A Gun", "Claudia" and "Chalkdust" are somewhat depressing, McTell relates the stories so well they can't help but leave a lasting imprint. "Tonight In Some Way I Loved You", the tale of a one-night stand, particularly displays the mixed emotions of the situation. If there is a weak link, it is possibly the rather turgid title track. It is interesting to see some names among the credits who would become famous for other ventures, including... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Days of Pearly Spencer
Disadvantages: The rest

.... Worse, his recordings were burdened with startlingly inappropriate production. Slight songs were marred by pointless washes of poppy orchestral strings or irritatingly jaunty woodwind flourishes. In more apt musical settings, these songs may have survived. As it is, they are suffocated at birth. If you're really in the market for some poor-man's Ralph McTell or Gordon Lightfoot-lite, by all means give this a listen. But, as it was all done so much better by others, it hardly seems worth the effort. Track listing: 1. Days Of Pearly Spencer 2. For Josephine 3. Brown Eyed Girl (not the Van Morrison song, sadly) 4. Marlena 5. For A Little Girl 6. Lady Helen Of The Laughing Eyes 7. What's The Matter With Me 8. There's No Lock Upon My Door 9. Tomorrows Like Today 10. Mister Satisfied 11. I Love Susie In The Summer 12. Harlem... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Thought provoking at times, quality lyrics and some good points
Disadvantages: Repetitive sound sometimes through the album

...was it he found his talent through his voice. Skinner now lives in London and talks about London more than he does of his home place so it is important to know that the fella's originally from Birmingham. Him and his mates spent many a times out on the streets performing little street urban acts and if they were not doing this then they were in the mates garage putting together different sounds and beats. Skinner would always use these sample tracks to write his lyrics, he worked off the sound and put together his ideas and formed some quality tunes which we are now able to listen to and enjoy. The Streets did make it pretty big with a good success and response from their first single release, ' Has It Come To This'. It didn't top the charts but did make it in the Top 10 for up to 3 weeks. Although this may not seem like a huge success... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful