Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

STRAWBS, The

UK folk-rock group formed '67, originally Strawberry Hill Boys, from that London neighbourhood. Singer/songwriter Dave Cousins, Tony Hooper on guitar, Ron Chesterman on bass and Sandy Denny recorded All Our Own Work '68, incl. early version of her 'Who Knows Where The Time Goes'; before it was released she left for Fairport Convention. Strawbs '69 was made with the help of Led Zeppelin's John Paul Jones, Nicky Hopkins; 'Man Who Calls Himself Jesus' and epic 'The Battle' marked Cousins as a songwriter of promise: though Dragonfly '70 was disappointing, his 'Josephine For Better Or Worse' was standout track. Chesterman left; Richard Hudson on bass and John Ford on drums were recruited; whizzkid keyboardist Rick Wakeman joined for exemplary live Just A Collection Of Antiques And Curios '70; From The Witchwood '71 brought Wakeman to the fore, incl. 'The Hangman And The Papist'; Wakeman left for Yes and Blue Weaver from Amen Corner was drafted in; Grave New World '72 was acclaimed, but marked by Hooper's departure. Bursting At The Seams '73 incl. their first real single hit, 'Lay Down', soon eclipsed by Hudson/Ford song 'Part Of The Union', no. 2 '73 (they left to capitalize on this success, had hit singles '73-- 4; albums Nickelodeon, Free Spirit, Worlds Collide and Daylight '73--7; as the Monks a surprise hit with punkish 'Nice Legs, Shame About The Face' '79). Cousins persevered with Strawbs: Hero And Heroine '74 was flawed; Ghosts '75, Nomadness '75, Deep Cuts '76 had some good tracks; they declined with Burning For You '77, Deadlines '78, split. Cousins had released solo Two Weeks Last Summer '72; his Old School Songs '80 incl. live versions of Strawbs favourites. Compilations etc on CD incl. BBC Radio 1 Live In Concert on Windsong, Choice Selection Of Strawbs on A&M, Uncanned Preserves on Road Goes On Forever.