 | | Reviews | | |  SHOW OF HANDS
Country Life
Hands On Music HMCD19
Steve Knightley and Phil Beer steer ever closer to the mainstream market with this latest studio album. All the usual SOH ingredients are present: soulful vocals, accomplished instrumentation, excellent production, original compositions featuring politically-charged lyrics, the occasional nod to the tradition. The latter takes the form of Reynardine, curious in its softly galloping rhythm and downbeat vocal and Adieu Sweet Lovely Nancy, fittingly dedicated to the late Martin Bloomer.
Don't be fooled by the sepia-toned images on the luxury gatefold cover: the rural folk depicted are more rough than rustic as is the country life of Knightley's title track, an acerbic indictment of modern values. Further lyrics speak of youth, love and disillusionment, castigate old friends for selling out (Hard Shoulder) or celebrate historical figures (Drake) and odd characters (Red Diesel and Tommy, Kelly Joe Phelps' raw tale of schizophrenia and arson and the album's only non-Knightley original).
Several guests add occasional touches to Knightley and Beer's multi-instrumental talents (fiddle, guitars, bass, mandocello, mandolin, cuatro, concertina, melodeon) though it's Ilfracombe teenager Jenna Witts, currently under SOH patronage, who makes an impression with her vocal/piano contribution to Seven Days, a lament for the Devon fishing industry which she co-wrote with Knightley. From anthemic pop-rock to easy-listening melancholia, Show Of Hands do MOR minstrelsy at its best.
Lavishly packaged with a bonus CD - promotional video, live footage from the Royal Albert Hall plus lyrics, a photographic slideshow and downloadable screensaver - Country Life will have SOH's mighty fan base in seventh heaven.
Tom Jewsbury - November 2003
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Personally I've never saw the appeal of this pair. It's all a bit passionless, like those guys you see giving demonstrations in music shops. Nice playing, but resolutely dull. Like a latter day Foster and Allen. The fact they have legions of diehard cult fans only makes them even more dubious - they're like the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy of folk music, all nerdish appreciation and something those of us not in the know are unlikely to want to get to know.
Mick Mulligan, London
While I prefer Show of Hands's previous studio album, Cold Frontier, I still think Country life is superb, deserving better than the rather dismissive "anthemic pop-rock to easy-listening melancholia" and "MOR minstrelsy" in Tom Jewsbury's review. In some ways, Show of Hands go beyond folk music, as do Oysterband and Afro-Celts in their own ways, and they deserve praise for that. Is there something wrong with folk music being popular?
Paul Rooney, Edinburgh
Love it! Beautiful compelling songs, full of dark humour and emotion. And tunes that will swim round your head long after you listened to it. Go on Radio 2, why don't you play a few tracks?
Catherine, Chichester
I first saw Steve Knightley on the Faith, Folk, Anarchy tour. I went because Tom Robinson was in the show. I had never heard of Steve Knightley or Martyn Joseph. I have spent a life time almost exclusively listening to punk and new wave music. I have since seen Martyn live and now also Steve with Show of Hands. I bought the Country Life CD at the gig and it is my first folk album ever purchased. I have to say it is a great listen. I can't compare it to other folk albums, because I haven't heard any, but I am sure anyone who hears it will not be disappointed. Do yourself a favour and get this CD. What I can say is it has opened my ears to a differant type of music to my usual and I like it very much. From now on I will watch and listen to Steve at every opportunity. Is ther any space for a punk convert in the folk scene? I hope so.
CO79, Long Eaton
The enigma that is Show of Hands is back with this stunner of a studio album that makes you question once again why they’re dabbling in the backwaters when they could knock spots of many mainstream music icons. Perhaps it’s because Devon’s independent acoustic music duo are simply indefinable. Short-listed for numerous folk awards they may have been but much of this is nothing like the folk I’ve ever heard.
Steve Knightley’s "windswept" voice and astonishing and prolific song writing skills are matched only by Phil Beer’s awesome multi-instrumental prowess –fiddle, slide guitar, Spanish guitar, cuatro, mandocello, melodeon, percussion – in fact give that man any instrument and he’ll play you a tune. Add to that Beer’s distinctive and contrasting voice and Knightley’s own mastery of cuatro, concertina, mandocello and bass and you’re simply tripping over talent. <edited for length>
Fans lobby vehemently to get them more airplay (with some success). But the irony would be if they truly succeeded. If SoH lost their "indy" tag and were snapped up by a major record label the whole ethos of Beer and Knightley would change; their accessibility would go out the window and fans would bemoan the fact they weren't what they used to be.I reckon a lot of those fans actually like the fact that Show of Hands are one of this country's best kept musical secrets. And with talent like this it's a hell of a secret....
JB, Sussex
Show of Hands were mentioned in Tom Jewsbury's review as being "Middle of the Road Minstrels". Hey! Obviously a phrase to summon The Troops to Battle!! Minstrels? Yes, but with the power of John Wesley! Setting the Nation ablaze wherever they go! Filling the halls across the Country, be they Village or The Royal Albert in London! Making converts of people all over the land, and these people stay with them for life! You cannot stop Show of Hands, for a talent this brilliant will never stop shining! It cannot be held down or shut away and there are thousand upon thousand of people who hold this band in incredibly high esteem, for their musical perfection, songwriting brilliance, breathtaking professionalism and their caring attitude to their audiences. Country Life? Well, One CD To Rule Them All! Show of Hands? Just Stars!!
Lizzie Cornish, Sidmouth
I admit I am an ardent SOH fan, but anyone who listens to this album, or any other by this duo, will be amazed at the richness and variety of both lyrics and instruments used by Steve and Phil. The gritty Country Life opening track reminds you that the counrtyside is not always the green and pleasant land many folk like to believe, there are real problems that are addressed with repsect and passion in this song. My favourite on the album if I had to pick one would be the last song- 'don't be a stranger' a tale of two friends parting their seperate ways, powerful and thought provoking. Speaking as a fairly young fan- go out and buy a genuine piece of proper music, one with feeling and depth-not the manufactured rubbish that lines the shelves of record stores.
Paul Collom, Plymouth
My first taste of SOH having come late to UK Acoustic Folk based music. For my money this album is the prefect riposte to anybody who takes the stereotypical attitude to the genre. It is Savage, dark and haunting and so beautifully played and produced that to me this is a lasting testament to those largely un celebrated musicians who still do it for the love of music not the at behest of fashion and cheap hits. The album journeys from the familiar ancient tales and stories into contemporary politics and hits harder for the crafted passion of the lyrics and arrangements. Rumour has it that the men in suits Radio think the title track 'To political' to play!Funny how nobody complained when the Specials went to No1 with 1 in 10 in the '80's, but I guess that's the price we pay for the current obsession with all things having to meet a certain approved image as prescribed by a sterile and vapid media. Buy it, tell your friends and if you live in the countryside, send a copy to your local MP.
Richard Worrall, Berkshire
In 100 years time people will listen to this and know what it was like to live in the West Country in the beginning of the 21st century. Yes it's more mainstream than traditional but it is the folk of the future. My great grandchildren (hopefully) will listen to this and learn why the Earth they inhabit is like it is.
The track "Country Life" is a bitter diatribe against those that have really destroyed the countryside, and that is not us working class townies. Stand up the landed gentry and those in the "Countryside Alliance". This track should be an anthem for all those real country people that have had their lives destoyed by capitalism.
Keith Margetson, Buntingford
I first saw Show of Hands in the early nineties when they supported Ralph McTell on his nationwide tour. They always have been a wonderful live act but this album captures them in the studio at their very best. Such a shame that the title track Country Life has still to find itself on the BBC playlist. Still it is hardly surprising that if you live in an urban sprawl you may not fully understand the real issues of Country Life. These two do, and if you want to as well, get the album now. You will not be disappointed!
Mike Cohen, Bristol
A brand new fantastic album from Show of hands, they just get better and better. I went to see them with the Oyster band recently and when they all performed "country life" together, well it was a moment that should be recorded forever! Listening to the title track, it took me a while to get all of the pieces together to work out the song but once it was all there (with the well incorperated reference to the CAP) I understood it for what it was. Again a great new album and I look forward to more from them
Tim Graham, Dorchester
This Double Album, comprising of Country Life and Promo CD is aimed at mainstream. A gamble, as they have a legion of supporters, who are used to Steve Knightley and Phil Beer being Up Front and Acoustic. That gamble paid off. This album is excellent. Quite a few fans will have heard some of the tracks on the album as they were aired on the last tour, earlier this year. Therefore a good many folks have long anticipated this album.
The opening track Country Life is a raunchy up-tempo number, penned by Steve and highlighting the plight of the Countryside and its inhabitants. A strong political message is present too. Drums and keyboard can be heard together with multi-talented Phil on his fiddle. Red Diesel is another uptempo track on the album and I defy anyone who says they don't know anyone who this song could be about! The album also contains the song Tommy sung brilliantly by Phil, written by Kelly Joe Phelps, highlighting a delicate subject of a chap in a world of his own. I have always loved Phil singing Adieu Sweet Lovely Nancy, a traditional song given the Knightley/Beer overhaul.
Seven Days has to one of my favourites on the album and introduces Jenna Witt, who has a wonderful voice, and who I saw first at Abbotsbury and then at the Eden Sessions in Cornwall singing with Steve and Phil. She co-wrote this song with Steve and the lyrics just leave nothing to the imagination and get the emotions flowing! Wonderful stuff. We will be hearing a lot of more of Jenna I am sure.
Be Lucky, I Promise You, Don't Be a Stranger, Smile She Said are all new additions to the Steve Knightly repertoire. I could mention all the tracks as they are all stirring lyrics with some fabulous guitar/fiddle/keyboard. The enhanced bonus CD has the Country Life video; Hard Shoulder and I Promise You with stills, and the Train video taken from the Royal Albert Hall in full glorious Technicolor. Worth buying just for that! The downloadable screensaver is different too.
The booklet enclosed with the CD gives all the lyrics, with photographs of this intrepid dynamic duo. Very well packaged and will be well received by all who purchase it. One of the best albums I have in my collection. A definite must have.
Jean Camp, Ivybridge, Devon
In replying to Mick Mulligan, sorry Mick, you either get the point or you don't, it's quite that simple, or to put it another way, it's a Westcountry thing, and the Foster and Allen remark..? that's even not worth cvommenting on. World Music From The Westcountry of England...? You Bet! and long may Show of Hands sing!
Countrylife, Manitoba, Canada
Heh heh -- I'm sure Mick Mulligan is merely trying to provoke the legion of SOH into righteous indignation, and I have to say that it is refreshing to hear somebody who doesn't like them... I wonder if he's ever listened to them! This album is incredible, although I don't quite get the MOR label of Tom Jewsbury -- the mere fact that the title track can't get airplay on radio 2 for being 'too political' rather militates against that interpretation. The title track is certainly the highlight -- it growls and snarls at its subject matter, and leaves this towny in no doubt about ruined idylls in the countryside. But it is the consistency of the album that is most impressive. With the possible exception of 'Tommy' there is not a weakness. And it has also introduced to us Jenna Witts, who sings delicious vocals on 'Seven Days' and 'I Promise You'. When she is rich and famous I will derive great pleasure in telling people that I let her in front of me at the burger van queue at Abbotsbury in 2003. This is a penetrating record that confirms SOH as the best songwriting duo, of any genre, in the land.
neil rushton, Lingfield, Surrey
Steve Knightley and Phil Beer are truly and impressive duo. If one loves the power of the word you'll be satisfied with Steve's latest contribution, Country Life. The clear, powerful lyrics are lifted up with tunes that hauntingly remind one of traditional tunes with the edge of fastfolk. Phil's multi-instrumental workmanship added with Steve's driving guitar and mandocello completes a wonderful project. True, this CD may sound more modern than prior works, but this may be nothing more than their choice of other wonderful musicians to fill in the landscape they build as a duo. Wonderful work. Hard to find anything to compare on this side of the Atlantic!
Bob de Andrade, Nashville, TN. USA
I heard some of these songs on Radio 2 on my back from a mad dash to Devon and back to Wales 2 weeks ago. I decided to treat myself to the "Country Life" album and I have been enjoying it solidly since. 7 Days is my favourite; beautiful tune and melancholic lyrics and the title track is superb with it's heart felt reading and drive. . I think there are only two songs on the CD that I tend to skip over. Tommy and Reynardine. I am looking forward to hearing some of their earlier CDs and maybe seeing them in Bristol later in the year. MOR ???? Who cares ..... it's fantastic listening regardsless of it's pigeonhole !!
Georgina Beazeley, Devon .... a very long time ago !
I thought Country Life was an excellent album. I have not listened to any other of their musics, but I thought it was original from any other thing I had ever hear, and I liked especially 'Red Diesel', because it addresses moderne issues and is different. I like the mellow sound, and am now in to folkmusics.
Anna, Germany
As a reasonably intelligent (?!) person with eclectic tastes I never thought of myself as a 'folkie' until I heard Show of Hands Live at The Bull in Bridport in 1992 (yes I do listen carefully to the live album to see if I can hear myself - sad isn't it). Their performance was captivating, and all I can say is that Mick Mulligan has obviously not seen them in the right sort of venue. The early Live album is still one of my favourites, but Country Life comes a close third to this and As You Were - the live album of autumn 2004. I personally think that the live albums capture the magic of their music much better - somehow the studio albums don't quite do it for me - perhaps this is what Mr Mulligan was referring to. All I can say is that if you get the chance to see them live go and see for yourself. You won't be disappointed.
Andy Campbell, Dorset
Saw this band quite by chance at the Chichester Festival last year and was absolutely transfixed. They closed their first set with "Be Lucky", from this album and I was just so stunned by its atmosphere, energy and, well, it's just a great sound. You don't have to be into folk to like this - that track in particular I feel can compete on equal terms with the U2s of this world. Turn it up to the max and let it get right inside your head. But that's the great thing about this album is that every track is so different; it is such an extraordinary collection of moods. But the one thing that remains constant from beginning to end is its quality. I can (and do) listen to it over and over and over again.
Bill Dawes, Pagham
Country Life - what an album - perfect for washing up to at the end of a VERY long day, absolutely adore "Sweet Lovely Nancy" and try singing along (very badly) to it and also "Seven Nights"? is beautiful with the young female singer in harmony. Mind you, Steve Knightley just has to smoulder and he'd have my vote anyway!!!
Sue Vlissidis, Wilmslow Cheshire
I am a huge fan of classic rock music, and really into jazz and classical as well. But i accidently collided with show of hands when they played a local folk club! I am now just another die hard fan....learning all steve's songs, and emulating phil (as much as possible!!) then country life came along and it blew me away! Be lucky is my favourite track, but there are so many powerful songs on te album, and you really can listen to it over and over again. all my mates are into the album and have even started coming to the infactuating concerts. My favourite claim to SOH was at my first SOH gig- i hugged phil beer!!! what a legend! SOH for ever!!!!
Jamie Wesley, Congleton, Cheshire
My fisrt encounter with Show of Hands was after listening to a folk compelation CD and I can honestly say that they stood out above all the other singers. The lyrics and instruments are so cleverly used and the songs are completed by haunting melodies and Phils fantastic voice! I am now officialy a fan and have a nimber of their albums- none of which have disappointed me!
I agree with Paul- whats wrong with folk being popular? I think show of hands deserve to recognised much more than they already are!
Catherine, Kent | | | | | | |  |
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Folk & Acoustic
