Search - Barclay James Harvest :: Gone to Earth

BJH's best by far

AJ | Kettering, Ohio United States | 12/10/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Its too bad that Barclay James Harvest never really broke into the USA market. When they were a single unit they were far more popular in Europe than America. Perhaps it was because they were one of those unfortunate groups who had a hard time staying with a label that would properly market them. It also didn' t help that when Gone to Earth was released artists such as ABBA and the BEE GEEs were riding the crest of a wave. Barclay James Harvest never relied on flashy virtuoso playing. But instead by the time Gone to Earth came out they had reached the level of production values every bit as good as the "big boys" of the time (eg. Pink Floyd, Zepplin, etc.) Its also not very fair that somewhere along the line they were unjustly compared to the Moody Blues. Although there are similarities, with abundant mellotrons and vocal harmonies BJH are definitely their own band. You would have to search hard to find vocal arrangements as developed as you find on the tracks Spirit on the Water, Love Is Like a Violin. And after 28 years, Taking Me Higher still sends me into a dreamy reverie. In a word, this album is a minor masterpiece. If you want a well produced album that explores literate themes, with first rate vocals and arrangements, you really can't do better than this album,."

Tremendous sound and production

raja99 | FL | 08/07/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm not much on writing reviews, but suffice it to say, this is an absolutely tremendous prog-rock album. The quality of the production and the music are first rate. The first time I heard this album I could not believe they were virtually unheard of in the U.S. The album opens with "Hymn", a perfect selection to start the album with, a poetic masterpiece penned by guitarist John Lees. There is not a bad song on this album. Bassist Les Holroyd's "Hard Hearted Woman", plus "Friend of Mine", "Love is Like a Violin" and "Sea of Tranquility" are other noteworthy songs. But, the highlight is John Lees' "Poor Man's Moody Blues", which manages to outdo the other band at their own game."

Classic Sounds Of The Good Ole Days.....

D. W. Whitlock | 09/27/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"During the late 1970s, my life was absolutely great. I was young, healthy, getting high, and listening to the great progressive rock of the day such as Barclay James Harvest's "Gone To Earth". I first heard the entire album on one of those late night import radio shows and was mesmerized by this prog/rock masterpiece. Whenever I smoked a joint, playing this album was a must as I had to hear "Spirit On The Water", "Sea Of Tranquility" and "Leper's Song" while stoned. The album had exceptional sound and production qualities back in 1977, and the remastered CD captures that very well. Listening to the CD brings back a flood of great memories as I have not heard this music in 30 years. I purchased several other Barclay James Harvest albums during the late 70s, but none of them could compare to "Gone To Earth". BJH created an album of music here that superbly captured the spacey, cutting edge essence and innovation that made 1970s prog/rock such a cool and ethereal listening experience in those days. I am now going to pop this CD into my laptop, put on the headphones and be transported back to a time when life was simple, the weed was sweet and I was happy...."