Search - Ralph Mctell :: From Clare To Here: The Songs Of Ralph McTell

A Well-Kept Secret

Christopher Weaver | Wayne, NJ | 03/20/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I discovered Ralph McTell a long time ago when I was learning guitar and played "Streets of London." I picked up the odd LP here and there over the years, but they were hard to find. I think his label was Rhino Records! Anyway, I hadn't listened to those scratchy old albums in a while, and when I saw this CD I bought it. It reminded me all over again how good he is, and I actually prefer the songs on this CD to the ones I'd heard--both the songs I hadn't heard before and the versions of the ones I have.He has this wonderful, rich, resonant voice--emotional while still subtle. And the melodies are wistful, evocotive, but also straightforward and singable. I find that after listening to this CD, I'm humming them for days.For those who like McTell--I'd also recommend The Fairport Convention--a band he wrote for and played with occasionally. Their album, Glady's Leap, contains an interesting version of "The Hiring Fire"--a song on this album."

The Definitive Collection

Christopher Weaver | 05/18/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"According to the CD's extensive notes, it appears that Ralph McTell and his songs are well known in the British Isles (which may be due in part to his stint as the host of a popular children's TV show!), but he remains little known in America. That's a shame, for as this album so thoroughly documents, he is one of the finest and most underrated of the current generation of British folk-oriented singer-songwriters. The 16 tracks cover a broad range of Ralph's long career and subject matter, and his powerful playing and rich, comforting voice are in fine form throughout. It includes some new and re-recorded tracks, so Ralph's fans will have to have it, and everyone who is interested in folk-oriented music should have it. Ralph is one of the best, and the proof is right here."

A must for lovers of McTell

Christopher Weaver | 10/29/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is classic Ralph, lovely to listen to, and the liner notes nicely explain the subtext beneath each song. The Barges track is an especially nice alternative track of this old favortie."