Wildlife Warriors - John Williamson

Advantages: Fantastic songs wonderful singing
Disadvantages: None

...A mate of mine who is a radio presenter first introduced me to the music of John Williamson. At first, his CDs were only available through Reddington's Rare Records in Birmingham as special imports. But as the influence of the radio programme they were played on spread (the Ed Doolan Show on BBC Radio WM) John Williamson began doing tours of the Midlands and them of the UK and his CDs became more widely available. "The Way It Is" is a wonderful introduction to the works of John Williamson who is, in my opinion, probably the best poet musician singer and humorist that Australia has produced in many years. Think of an Australian Max Boyce and you are probably part way to understanding the vibrant and lively appeal of John Williamson. The first song on the CD is Campfire on the Road. Is a wonderful love song with multiple purposes... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Great songs, unparalleled singing and playing
Disadvantages: None

...Anthems in Eden is rightly considered one of the must-have records for lovers of traditional British music. Shirley Collins has the perfect voice for all the material presented here, and she is backed superbly by David Munrow and the Early Music Consort, who play ancestors of our contemporary string and brass instruments in arrangements which fit the songs brilliantly. The first half of the recording is presented as a song cycle; themes played by the Consort, alongside Shirley's sister Dolly on organ, dart in and out, while Shirley herself contributes fine renditions of traditional songs including "Searching for Lambs", "A Blacksmith", *Lowlands" and "Pleasant and Delightful". Producer Austin John Marshall adds a contemporary lyric to "The False Bride" and the whole thing coalesces in a deeply affecting way. The male chorus... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: strong songs with a rocking sound
Disadvantages: not quite as good as bands first album

...album ,but when compared to the groups first Pleasuredome it feels ultimately dissapointing. It has 8 tracks overall all witten by Johnson who uses inspiration from the author TS Elliot,cult movie mad max and recollections of life in liverpool.The opening track Warriors of the wasteland is inspired by Mad max and is foottapping rocky number with johnsons vocals making the song come alive.Rage hard is similar with even more of a hard sound to it,the drum work of peter gill is prominent.Maximum joy is the best track in the album,beautifully sung and well produced.It is remincsent of the bands legendary hit Relax.Watching the wildlife and for heavens sake are slices of liverpuldian life covering politics,unemployment and dayto day living.Is there anybody out there a ballad is the only really poor track on the album.Lunar bay and kiss the pain... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful