Genre: folk-rock
Rating: 3 stars ***
Title: A Contemporary Folk Music Journey
Company: Elektra
Catalog: EKS-75036
Year: 1971
Country/State: US
Grade (cover/record): VG / VG
Comments: gatefold sleeve
Available: 1
GEMM catalog ID: 5120
Price: $35.00
I'll readily admit to vacillating on this one ... I've played it quite frequently over the five years it's been in my collection and during that timeframe I've continuously flip flopped as to whether it's an undiscovered (and still affordable) classic, or simply a dull and plodding slice of early-1970s folk-rock. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle ground ...
Singers/guitarists Steve Cowan and Steve Melshenker got their start while attending the University of Illinois, Urbana. Playing dances and local clubs, the pair managed to generate some local buzz, somehow attracting the attention of producer Gary Usher, who helped the pair sign with Elektra Records. Produced by Usher and credited to The Ship, 1971's "A Contemporary Folk Music Journey" was a concept piece, though the plotline was largely lost on me (the gatefold inner sleeve has the lyrics for anyone interested in the story line). While nothing here was overtly commercial or toe tapping catchy, all eleven performances were engaging in a low-keyed fashion. Exemplified by material like 'The Ship', 'The Calm' and '' the songs were highlighted by interesting lyrics, strong melodies and some pretty CSN-styled vocal harmonies. A little bit self-concious and the occasional country touches were forgettable ('The Man'), but it was never less than pleasant, and if you played it in the right mood it was a true keeper.
"The
Ship: A Contemporary Folk Music Journey" track listing:
(side 1)
1.) The
Ship (Steve Melshenker -
Steve Cowan) -
2.) The Order (Steve
Melshenker - Steve Cowan) -
3.) Innocence (Steve
Melshenker - Steve Cowan) -
4.) The Man (Steve
Melshenker - Steve Cowan) -
5.) The Calm (Steve
Melshenker - Steve Cowan) -
6.) The Storm (Steve
Melshenker - Steve Cowan) -
(side
2)
1.) Lost (Steve
Melshenker - Steve Cowan) -
2.) The Island (Steve
Melshenker - Steve Cowan) -
3.) The Reason (Steve
Melshenker - Steve Cowan) -
4.) The Return (Steve
Melshenker - Steve Cowan) -
5.) The Ship (Steve
Melshenker - Steve Cowan) -