RARE BIRD – BEAUTIFUL SCARLET: THE RECORDINGS (1969-1975) EPIC FOREST (Esoteric Recordings) (CD boxset) (the third album)

RARE BIRD – BEAUTIFUL SCARLET: THE RECORDINGS (1969-1975) EPIC FOREST (Esoteric Recordings) (CD boxset) (the third album)

This is one of my favourite albums, period. While there is no more keyboard dualling (Graham Field has left to form Fields. Mark Ashton has also gone to be replaced by Fred Kelly on drums), there is plenty of guitar interplay to make up for it. It’s hard for me to spot a weakness on Rare Bird’s first of three albums for Polydor and the single, an EP really,  that is included is the icing on the cake; outstanding songwriting, singing and playing throughout. Personal relationships are the predominant ‘theme’ with the low bass notes at the end of ‘Her Darkest Hour’ sending shivers down the spine. The title track really is epic and from ‘Hey Man’ onwards the music is seamless. A timeless masterpiece.

The fourth album: SOMEBODY’S WATCHING

One thing I’ve forgotten to mention is how superb these albums sound on CD, certainly brighter than my original vinyl copy. A highly underrated album in my opinion. Shades of Steely Dan in the guitar and keyboard interchanges on the title track. The album just flows. ‘Third Time Around’ is Rare Bird at its funkiest as they choogle along with more wonderful keys and guitar exchanges. And by the way John Wetton plays uber funk bass on ‘Dollars’, a lengthy excursion which includes extracts of Morricone. I can’t understand the low ratings on Prog Archives although one contributor comments on the incredible musicianship. Another says the album provides great songs, a groove and soul, music from the heart and not just the mind. The album has enough hooks to catch a giant fish (That’s me talking now). There are more songs on the human condition; ‘High in the Morning’ is about a drug addict friend of the band. This exceptional album was built to last. Steve Gould has turned into a mature singer, Dave Kaffinetti’s clavinette provides a uniqueness to the keyboard sound. Andy Curtis plays guitar alongside Gould, Fred Kelly continues on drums and there are guest percussionists on ‘Dollars’. Nic Potter plays bass on the rest replacing Paul Karas (All will be explained in the booklet!) The bonus single ‘Virginia/Lonely Street’ is included and it's not great to be honest,