In Search of Amelia Earhart [Import]

In Search of Amelia Earhart [Import]

Track Listings

1. For the Second Time

2. Yo Yo Man

3. Louise

4. Call the Tune

5. Diesel on My Tail

6. Amelia Earhart's Last Flight

7. I'll Fly Away

8. True Story of Amelia Earhart

9. Even the Guiding Light

10. Side Roads

11. Raider

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
'it's Just an Album I'm Continually Proud to Promote.' --iain Matthews (August 2001)

Tracks:

For The Second Time
Yo Yo Man
Louise
Call The Tune
Diesel On My Tail
Amelia Earhart's Last Flight
I'll Fly Away
True Story Of Amelia Earhart
Even The Guiding Light
Side Roads
Raider
Seeds And Stems
Tigers Will Survive
Spanish Guitar
Time Between
Truck Driving Man
I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry
Wreck Of The Old 97
I'll Fly Away (Demo)

Tracks:

Old Man At The Mill
Urban Cowboy
The Fault
Swinging Doors
Keep On Sailing
Miss The Mississippi
Home
First Girl I Loved
Save Your Sorrows
Nobody Eats At Linebaugh's Any More
The Goodnight Lovin Trail
All Around My Grandmothers Floor
That's All It Could Amount To
Amelia Earhart's Last Flight
Any Day Woman
Poor Ditching Boy
Even The Guiding Light
True Story Of Amelia
Raider
Miss The Mississippi
Along Comes Mary
Even The Guiding Light

Customer Reviews:

Great chestnut, thankfully re-released!.......2007-01-04

I first heard of Plainsong not, as most listeners probably did, as a fan of Iain Matthews' Southern Comfort/ Fairport Convention, but actually through Andy Roberts' later-70's collaboration with the legendary Roy Harper as a guitarist in his band and live accompanist. After hearing this album, I'm glad I went to the trouble to track it down.

The first disc, Plainsong's only official album, is the more together of the two--Plainsong's sound is typified by beautiful, flowing, clear vocal harmonies (Matthews has such a smooth voice!), their excellent selection of covers (from the title Earhart tune to folk and country standards to more obscure gems like Paul Siebel's "Louise," Gene Clark's "Spanish Guitar" and Henske/Yester's "Raider"), and their expert blending of country, rock, folk, and even a touch of psychedelia, using acoustic and electric instrumentation like slide guitar and dulcimer.

On the first disc, it's pretty easy to distinguish Matthew's self-penned songs from the covers, but it doesn't really take away from the album's flow. Matthews' tunes like "For the Second Time," and "Side Roads" are often the album's quieter moments, although "Even The Guiding Light" is one of the album's harder-rocking moments. "Yo-yo Man" and "Diesel on My Tail" lighten the mood (maybe a little more than necessary), and the pair of Earhart songs present two different stories of the famous aviator--a romanticized hero's tale, and a melancholy lament about what was more likely her actual, uglier end. The bonus tracks range from OK to very good, with a couple medium-caliber originals and some more well-chosen covers ("Seeds and Stems" is great weepy stoner country). I really have to hand it to Plainsong and Matthews for their eclecticism--these two discs have quite a broad range of great country songs as well as more obscure classics. The only drawback with Plainsong's one and only album is that at times it seems a little too polished--the vocals are so smooth, the production so clean that sometimes the music floats by without creating as much of an impression based on unique personality as it might. Regardless, how many British bands made this genuine, reverent country rock in the 70's that actually sounded this good?

The second disc, containing Plainsong's second, unreleased album, "Now We Are 3," and a great live set, is much less essential than the first disc. Really, I like to think of it as more of an entire bonus disc. "Now We Are 3" finds the band tinkering with their sound in some ways that don't really work as well (saxophone?), but also continuing to blend originals with some great covers. Unfortunately, this time around, the originals (although aided by Roberts on a few) just aren't as good, and many of the covers don't sound as heartfelt. Perhaps it was Matthews' growing plans to leave the band (check out the liner notes, that also have a lot of info about the artists Plainsong covered), or a bit of writers' block, but the spark that lit up the first album isn't as bright here. The live set is great, though, offering different versions of many of their signature songs, and "Along Came Mary" at the end is pretty enjoyable.

All in all, I heartily recommend this economically-priced twofer for fans of straight up country, country rock like the Byrds and Gram Parsons, and also for fans of Matthews and British folk rock. There's a lot to enjoy here for fans of both folk and rock, and it just might get you more interested in country. Hopefully it also gets you interested in some of the amazing artists that are covered here, especially cult legend Paul Siebel and psych-folk Judy Hensky/Jerry Yester.

Five Full Stars for a four-piece.......2006-10-02

This is a wonderful reissue and hats off to the WATER label for making such a wonderful expanded release available.

'In Search of AH' is an album I discovered in 1976 during a time when I was spending two or three nights a week at CBGB's. The fact that this gently masterful album captured my heart is testament to its transcendence. The group's second album remained unreleased as Elektra Records President Jac Holzmann convinced Ian Matthews to pursue a solo career. The unimaginatively-titled 'Now We Are 3' did not build on all the strengths of the debut; the wonderful (almost) Abbey Road-like production touchs and haunting guitar lines gave way to a more orthodox mix of folky and country material, but it is nonetheless a wonderful album. A few of the songs went on to grace Matthews solo albums.

The live and BBC bonus material is fine and it's fun to hear the single version of Guiding Light and Along Comes Mary.

I really can't recommend this album highly enough... anyone who might think it's up their alley will be very satisfied.

Astonishing and Important.......2005-12-10

I apologize for the seeming hyperbole, but this is truly an important and special release: WOW! Ian Matthews joined this group briefly before launching a full-fledged solo career in the early 70s, but what a mark they left! This is intelligent, inspired, music for the soul -- as vital as if they recorded it last week rather than 30 or so years ago.

The entire song cycle regarding Amelia Earhart is simply brilliant, as are the pitch-perfect and tight versions of "Yo-Yo Man," "Old Man at the Mill," "I'll Fly Away," "Save Your Sorrows," or the many other fantastic tunes on this disk. Marrying thoughtful, sweet lead vocals over tight harmonies, surrounded by inspired rock, folk, country, bluegrass, and cosmic-cowboy stylings, this was music way ahead of time. We've finally caught up.

consistently good, but not exceptional.......2005-12-04

Plainsong continued Iain Matthew's forays into country rock and roots music, after he had abandoned Matthews Southern Comfort.

As band member Andy Roberts notes in this reissue's booklet, Matthews had a comprehensive knowledge of both American and English roots music, and many fine old 'chestnuts' are covered in this 2 cd package, alongside some memorably good songs written by Matthews himself.

With Plainsong, Matthews seemed to be aiming at a middle-of-the-road country rock sound, with pop overtones. At times Plainsong can sound like America, the Eagles, early 70's Hollies, John Denver, Mason Proffit, and many other bands of the period. A few tunes ("The Old Man and the Mill", "Raider") recall Matthews first band, Fairport Convention.

Matthews has a slight, pleasant tenor voice which can seem sweetly bland--he always sounds the same. Roberts, the other mainstay of the band, comes across vocally as a cross between Harry Chapin and John Denver. The instrumental backing is very good, particularly Dave Richards thudding, melodic bass playing, which helps the band to rock a little harder.

All in all this is a nice, wholesome-sounding band that chose to play mostly excellent material (John Hartford, Utah Phillips, Richard Thompson, Gene Clark) with only a few missteps ("Seeds and Stems"?). Very solid, but nothing groundbreaking. At two discs with two hours of music, it is worth the asking price.

5 Stars is not enough!!!.......2005-08-03

Great to see one of my all time favorite albums re-issued in this wonderful two cd set. Ian Matthews at his best in this short lived group. Too bad Elektra convenced him to move to the US and become a solo artist, leaving the group hanging with a second album already in the can. This band could have been a major contender in the folk rock genre. The unreleased LP is here along with a selection of live, radio and demo cuts. These recordings are so well done, great choice of originals and cover tunes done in tasteful folk-rock arrangements. I bought the original LP in a cut out bin for .99 cents in the mid seventies, the best buck I ever spent! A desert island selection for sure! Hats off to Water for superb, justice doing re-issue!

Average customer rating:

Classic Ian Matthews
A long lost friend, found
An album of songs that's anything but Plain.......
Still a favorite
One of the "missing ones" is here

In Search of Amelia Earhart
Plainsong
Manufacturer: Perfect Pitch UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

Folk | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00005RFH3
Release Date: 2002-07-09

Tracks:

For the Second Time
Yo Yo Man
Louise
Call the Tune
Diesel on My Tail
Amelia Earhart's Last Flight
I'll Fly Away
True Story of Amelia Earhart
Even the Guiding Light
Side Roads
Raider

Album Details

'it's Just an Album I'm Continually Proud to Promote.' --iain Matthews (August 2001)

Customer Reviews:

Classic Ian Matthews.......2005-04-08

I only own the LP from when it was originally released on Elektra Records [and in Excellent condition] still, luckily. I orginally taped it onto cassette and have since burned a copy onto CD.
Ian Matthews material has always been among my favorite to collect, and now in my old age, I'm re-discovering his talents.

The Plainsong 'In Search Of Amelia Earhart', is probably the 5th or 6th best Iain [now] has recorded, IMHO.

There's not a bad cut on this LP, a SHOULD-HAVE in any Fairport, Iain Matthews, etc. Collection. It's not a "If You Saw Thro' My Eyes" or Early Fairport Convention-type LP or even Matthews Southern Comfort, but close enough for greatness. Enjoy!

A long lost friend, found.......2004-01-31

A few years ago, I actually had a guy from New Zealand ask me to e-mail him if I ever found out that "Amelia Earhart" had been released on CD. This is a terrific album and since it harkens back thirty (!!!) years to my youth, perhaps the five stars is a little too generous, but still . . . "Yo-Yo Man," "Raider," both Amelia Earhart songs, "I'll Fly Away." That's five great songs right there; most bands would be happy with one or two good songs on their albums. Those songs and the others make you feel that you're listening to a concept album, that Plainsong was mining an era after the Great Depression and before the Second World War. Interesting that T-Bone Burnett included "I'll Fly Away" in "O Brother, Where Art Thou?"

An album of songs that's anything but Plain..............2003-05-26

This is up there with my most memorable albums and represents a beautiful collection of haunting melodies (with real sophistication) and in 1972 was way ahead of its time.Ian Matthews himself still cites it as one of his very best products. I had despaired of ever finding it on CD and was gob-smacked to find it on Amazon recently. Its now winging its way to me. Now if only I can find another 'desert island' recording by some nondescript group one of the Pink Floyd members played way back in 1976 0n Radio 1 during a London interview, my life would be complete............!

Still a favorite.......2003-01-16

This recording (which I own on LP, not CD yet) made a huge impact on me when I first heard it in the early 80s. I immediately went to the library, found and read Goerner's book (The Search for Amelia Earhart) on which the title song was based.

But although the Earhart theme was captivating, those songs were not musically my favorites:

-- For a catchy, fun toon that will persistently pop into your head at the oddest moments for a long time after hearing it, try "Yo-Yo Man".

-- For haunting, even heart-touching effects, try "For the Second Time" or "Raider" (although the second one defies categories).

-- And if you like to sing, you will not be able to resist their folky, down-to-earth harmonization on "I'll Fly Away."

There are others I like almost as well as these, and a few I usually try to skip (they could have left off "Louise" without hurting my feelings). The voices, instruments, rhythms and over all tone of this recording are wonderfully sensitive and satisfying.

I hope you will enjoy it as much as I do.

One of the "missing ones" is here.......2002-05-23

Gaps remain in many a music lover's collection -- and mine is no exception -- because certain titles have yet to be issued on CD. But now I can finally remove Plainsong's "In Search of Amelia Earhart" from my wish list. Cheers to England's Perfect Pitch label for issuing this wonderful album! (By the way, the sound of this CD is excellent. And I can't say that about some of the other imports of older albums I've bought in recent years.)

Originally released in 1972 on Elektra Records, this recording by Fairport Convention founding member Ian (Iain) Matthews, Andy Roberts, Dave Richards and Bob Ronga (with drummers Tim Donald and Dave Mattacks and multi-instrumentalist Martin Jenkins) never attained widespread popularity here Stateside. That, despite my efforts as a record store manager with a worn store-play copy! Anyway . . .

Since its departure from the retail music scene decades ago, this album has achieved a status among music lovers that borders on legendary. Those of you familiar with Plainsong's beautiful harmonies and superb playing on this album don't need urging from me to buy a copy, and those of you who have at least heard (and who enjoy) Iain Matthews' voice and songwriting via his solo recordings and concert performances may wish to give "In Search of Amelia Earhart" serious consideration. (It's important to note that, while I am a lifelong fan of his, Iain Matthews does not sing lead vocal on all tracks -- including a couple of my favorites.) Yes, it's an import, so you're not going to pick it up for a couple of bucks. But I feel very fortunate that this classic recording, which weaves folk, pop balladry and country blues, is now playing on my stereo. My only complaint is the same one I've always had with this album: I don't know what the band put into this thing, but the refrains are so addictive that I can't get 'em out of my head. Happy landings to you, indeed, Amelia, wherever you are in that great beyond.

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