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> Login to your account > RegisterJohn Lees
From page 82 of Classic Rock Magazine June 2011
Cover of June 2011 issue.
A Major Fancy
ESOTERIC RECORDINGS
Barclays man lets out his musical frustration. Back in 1972, when things seemed unusually depressing for Barclay James Harvest, John Lees (founder member and one of the band’s leading lights) decided to do a solo album – if only to get rid of a growing annoyance at the way the band appeared to be falling apart.
The fact that it took five years for this to be released just added to the anger and frustration that haunts this album. While BJH might have been known for lilting, whimsical visions, there’s an edge to much of the music here. Even a very early version of Child Of The Universe , which would later go on to become a Barclays classic, has a clear social vehemence.
Now a second CD has been added, including a cover of The Eagles’ Best Of My Love , which was put out as a single in 1974.
A lost classic? Not quite; but this definitely showcases a more visceral side to Lees.
Malcolm Dome
