A Choice Selection of Strawbs
Strawbs · 1992
74 min · 16 tracks · progressive rock
A rich tapestry of progressive rock interwoven with folk sensibilities and lush harmonies, showcasing the band's intricate musicianship.
Top tracks — play these first
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Lay Down Start here — This track serves as a quintessential example of Strawbs' blend of melodic pop and progressive rock, featuring soaring vocals and intricate instrumentation that capture the band's signature sound.
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Hero and Heroine — The title track symbolizes the band's artistic peak, melding lyrical storytelling with complex musical passages, making it a standout representation of their innovative spirit.
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Part of the Union — This song became an anthem of sorts for its catchy chorus and social commentary, showcasing the band's ability to combine accessibility with meaningful content.
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New World — With its blend of reflective lyrics and dynamic arrangements, this track demonstrates the band’s capacity to evolve while maintaining their core identity.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic journey with emotional peaks
- introspective lyrics for deep reflection
- wave-like pacing encourages immersion
- late-night solitude with rich textures
- nostalgic themes evoke timelessness
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek upbeat, fast-paced energy
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A compilation showcasing a range of tracks, appealing to dedicated fans without being an entry point.
- Themes
- nostalgic reflections· progressive rock evolution· social commentary anthems
- Career context
- Released in 1992, A Choice Selection of Strawbs represents a retrospective collection during a period when Strawbs were revisiting their early work after a series of lineup changes. This compilation came nearly two decades after their breakthrough album, Hero and Heroine, highlighting their enduring legacy in the progressive rock scene. It reflects both nostalgia and the band's evolution over the years.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Tears and Pavan
The final passage shifts from a somber reflection to an uplifting resolution, contrasting despair with hope.
This shift in tone not only provides closure but also highlights the band’s lyrical dexterity in navigating complex emotions.
Tracklist
- 1 Lay Down Start here 4:33
- 2 Lemon Pie 4:03
- 3 Lady Fuschia 4:00
- 4 Autumn i) Heroine's Theme ii) Deep Summer's Sleep iii) The Winter Long 8:26
- 5 A Glimpse of Heaven 3:50
- 6 The Hangman and the Papist 4:12
- 7 New World 4:13
- 8 Round and Round 4:45
- 9 I Only Want My Love to Grow in You 3:01
- 10 Benedictus 4:23
- 11 Hero and Heroine 3:21
- 12 Song of a Sad Little Girl 5:31
- 13 Tears and Pavan i) Tears ii) Pavan 6:37
- 14 To Be Free 4:16
- 15 Part of the Union 2:56
- 16 Down by the Sea 6:19
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Foxtrot
Genesis
Shares complex arrangements and rich storytelling, blending progressive rock with folk elements.
Aqualung
Jethro Tull
Combines intricate musicianship with lyrical depth, reflecting social themes and nostalgia.
Fragile
Yes
Features lush harmonies and progressive structures, offering a similar sense of musical exploration.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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