Released 20 years ago
A Taste of Strawbs
Strawbs · 2006
370 min · 89 tracks · progressive rock
A rich tapestry of folk-infused progressive rock, blending intricate melodies with reflective lyrics and lush instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Grey Hawk Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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The Man Who Called Himself Jesus — This track features profound lyrical themes grappling with identity and faith, showcasing the band's ability to blend storytelling with musical complexity.
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Part of the Union — With its catchy chorus and social commentary on working-class life, this song exemplifies the band's knack for accessible yet thought-provoking songwriting.
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Hero & Heroine — The song's dramatic arrangement and lyrical exploration of love and sacrifice highlight the band's signature blend of emotion and musical sophistication.
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Lay Down — An anthem of peace and unity, this track resonates with audiences for its heartfelt message and memorable melody, making it one of their most beloved songs.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- nostalgic reflections on life
- dynamic peaks and valleys
- patiently unfolding musical narratives
- engaging late-night listening sessions
- immersive storytelling through sound
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer concise track lengths
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — Retrospective compilation showcasing the band's evolution and key moments.
- Themes
- working-class struggle· spiritual identity· folk-rock evolution
- Career context
- Released in 2006, A Taste of Strawbs is a retrospective compilation that showcases the evolution of Strawbs' sound over their long career. By this time, the band had gone through various lineup changes and musical explorations since their formation in the late 1960s, transitioning from folk-rock roots to a more complex progressive rock style. This album serves both as a celebration of their legacy and an introduction for new listeners.
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 The Grey Hawk Start here 2:16
- 2 The Cruel Wars 2:48
- 3 You Don't Think About Me 2:03
- 4 Not All the Flowers Grow 2:25
- 5 You Keep Going Your Way 2:42
- 6 Sail Away to the Sea 3:21
- 7 Nothing Else Will Do 2:12
- 8 Oh How She Changed 2:54
- 9 Or Am I Dreaming 2:26
- 10 All the Little Ladies 2:48
- 11 Ah Me, Ah My 1:24
- 12 The Man Who Called Himself Jesus 4:35
- 13 The Battle 6:09
- 14 It's Just Love 3:56
- 15 Another Day 3:02
- 16 Forever 3:42
- 17 Where Am I? / I'll Show You Where to Sleep 4:00
- 18 Canon Dale 3:39
- 19 RMW 5:28
- 20 Sheep 11:49
Disc 2
- 1 Tomorrow 4:50
- 2 New World 4:12
- 3 Here It Comes 3:17
- 4 See How They Run 2:40
- 5 Going Home 3:11
- 6 The Actor 4:41
- 7 Part of the Union 2:57
- 8 The Winter & The Summer 4:42
- 9 Whichever Way the Wind Blows 2:50
- 10 Betrayed / Shine on Silver Sun / Words of Wisdom 8:44
- 11 Out in the Cold / Round & Round 7:01
- 12 The Writing on the Wall 2:12
- 13 The Four Queens 2:12
- 14 Ghosts: Theme 1:33
- 15 Lemon Pie 2:40
- 16 Cherie Je T'Aime 3:16
- 17 So Shall Our Love Die 3:31
- 18 Still Small Voice 3:02
- 19 Absent Friend (How I Need You Now) 5:53
Disc 3
- 1 The Merchant Adventurer 3:50
- 2 Blue Angel 10:47
- 3 Goodbye 3:53
- 4 Deadly Nightshade 4:15
- 5 Midnight 4:06
- 6 Sweet Voices 3:40
- 7 Bring Out Your Dead 4:08
- 8 Another Day Without You 4:23
- 9 Touch the Earth 3:54
- 10 Armada 5:02
- 11 A Glimpse of Heaven 3:42
- 12 The Hangman & The Papist 3:55
- 13 I'll Carry on Beside You 2:55
- 14 Heavy Disguise 2:58
- 15 That's When the Crying Starts 4:17
- 16 Evergreen 4:22
- 17 Song of a Sad Little Girl 4:55
Disc 4
- 1 Ringing Down the Years 6:48
- 2 Further Down the Road 2:27
- 3 Heartbreak Hill 7:02
- 4 Extravaganza on a Theme of Strawbs 5:02
- 5 Files of Facts 1:05
- 6 Hero & Heroine 4:03
- 7 The Ten Commandments 5:11
- 8 The King 4:08
- 9 Hummingbird (instrumental) 3:45
- 10 Alice's Song 3:03
- 11 Maclean Street / Who Knows Where the Time Goes 7:25
- 12 We'll Meet Again Sometime 6:40
- 13 Sunday Morning 3:25
- 14 On a Night Like This 2:25
- 15 Dragonfly 3:53
- 16 Canada 6:56
- 17 Here Today, Gone Tomorrow 4:53
Disc 5
- 1 The Happiest Boy in Town 1:46
- 2 Draught Raga 4:33
- 3 Ways and Means 4:17
- 4 The Rip It Off Blues 2:32
- 5 Stay Awhile With Me 2:41
- 6 Oh So Sleepy 3:10
- 7 Barcarole (instrumental) 3:30
- 8 Time and Life 4:02
- 9 Hearbreaker 3:59
- 10 Andalucian Express 5:02
- 11 Lay Down 4:45
- 12 Over the Hill 4:42
- 13 You Never Needed Water 2:47
- 14 If 4:51
- 15 Cold Steel 4:40
- 16 The River / Down by the Sea 12:49
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Mirage
Camel
Shares intricate melodies and a blend of folk influences within progressive rock structures.
Foxtrot
Genesis
Both explore complex narratives and lush instrumentation with a focus on lyrical depth and emotional resonance.
Liege & Lief
Fairport Convention
Combines folk roots with progressive elements, reflecting on themes of identity and community struggles.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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