Amazing Blondel "Blondel" 1973

Following the departure of chief writer/guitarist Gladwin, Baird and Wyncott elected to continue the band as a duo. Having shortened the band name to 'Blondel', 1973's cleverly-titled "Blondel" marked a major change in musical direction. While the sound remained predominantly acoustic, with the exception of the pretty instrumental "Solo" and "Weaver's Market" (cool backing sounds), the band's earlier penchant for traditional English folk was replaced by a much more pop-oriented sound. Entirely written by Baird, material such as "The Leaving of a Country Lover" and "Young Man's Fancy" boasted some of the band's prettiest harmony work and several wonderful melodies. Maybe its just us, but on songs such as "Easy Come, Easy Go" and "Lesson One" Baird's vocal delivery recalled Gerry Rafferty and Stealers Wheel. The LP may not have hit the same creative heights as earlier releases and the change in direction certainly upset longstanding fans, but Baird and Wyncott turned in what proved to be a surprisingly impressive and commercial set. One of those unexpected charmers, its a set that we're consistently drawn back to - one of the few LPs we've transferred to CD-R. Elsewhere, Bad Company's Simon Kirke and Paul Rodgers and Traffic's Steve Winwood provided backing vocals and instrumental support on several tracks. (The album was originally released with an embossed gatefold sleeve.) ~Bad Cat Records