Search - Spirogyra :: Bells Boots and Shambles

Folk-Rocks 'Magical Mystery Tour' -a Masterwork

Judas Booth | Bellingham, WA | 08/21/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Damn...the more I listen to this album the more I realize the genius of Martin Cockerham and Barbara Gaskin.

The writing is first rate-the songs are a bit more upbeat and 'psychedelic' here, for want of a better term-yet done with grace and good judgment.

There are still subtle social, political and philosophical/spiritual tones to the songs, some done with wit, and a touch of madness.



It is too bad that much of Cockerhams acoustic guitar playing is buried in the mix-some of it is absolutely astounding-this is a mandatory headphone-listening recording.

And the arrangments, which are complex, can change at a moments notice, yet are very involving, memorable and delightful.



And then there is the lovely, sultry voice of hippy dream-girl Barbara Gaskin,

(a complement), weaving in and out of the proceedings, adding depth and harmonies with Martin on much of the record.



And from what ive heard-they were even better live-hard as that is to believe.

Martin Cockerham is now working to release an album of live material-with perhaps some of an unfinished 4th album.

(...)

Go there to find lyrics, news, photos, and some SPIROGYRA history, as well as what Martiin is up to.

He seems to have taken to the teachings of KRSNA(?)-and some of the site will reflect that.

It is too bad that this record is not on alternative playlists on College stations-

people dont know what they're missing-"

Canterbury Folk Classic

Robert Carlberg | Seattle | 11/19/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This third album by Spirogyra is in many ways their most progressive -- flutes, trumpets, cellos, treated vocals, long instrumental sections -- and of course it features singer Barbara Gaskin, later of Hatfield and The North, National Health and the famed Dave Stewart/Barbara Gaskin juggernaut. All songs and male vocals are by Martin Cockerham, who writes very hummable tunes with biting lyrics. I hate to call it a "lost classic" since many people did discover it (just not me)."