Search - Vivian Stanshall :: Sir Henry At Ndidi's Kraal

Blame the record company!

01/14/1999

(1 out of 5 stars)

"I am reluctant to take on the noisome role of music critic, but I feel that I must write this review, lest the legacy of inspired madness which the great Vivian Stanshall has left us with should be further denigrated by this terrible album. It was written at a time when Viv was seriously ill and seriously intoxicated, not a combination which makes for inspired comedy. Vivian said in his own words that he would never have released the album. Unbelievably, a representative of Viv's record company broke into his home and stole the tapes while he was in hospital; they were then edited and released without his consent. At the time of his death he was working on a new Rawlinson End album which was provisionally entitled 'Sir Henry II' ('Sir Henry I' being 'Sir Henry At Rawlinson End'), a clear sign that Vivian Stanshall had disowned 'Ndidi's Kraal'."

Turn Back Sir Henry!

Harvey J.Satan | Among The Garden Gnome,Friar Park | 02/19/2000

(1 out of 5 stars)

"....I hate to say it....this album/cd stinks. Vivian Stanshall,brilliant solo artiste,frontman for The Bonzo Dog Band,and the best of British eccentrics,laid an egg. Or rather the folks who prodded him into making this did. Largely a narrative album,with some bits of song,Viv takes us on safari with Sir Henry Rawlinson and all his Rawlinson thoughts. Unfortunately....it all sounds like a rough draft,for a much more grandiose project. His voice sounds rough,making it hard to listen to for long lengths.....not to mention he just sounds flat out bored with it all. A sad example for a final Vivian release. My advice....if you want a good Rawlinson story...get "Sir Henry At Rawlinson End".....and if you want to hear Vivian knock your gartered socks off with songs,get "Teddy Boys Don't Knit". You won't go far wrong,guv!"