Speedy Return in Bloomington, MN

There's a little bit of a second-generation
British folk-rock
feel to
Ashley
's second album, links to the first generation being the presence of
Fairport Convention
's rhythm section (bassist
Dave Pegg
and drummer
Dave Mattacks
) on several tracks as well as some orchestration by
Robert Kirby
(who did the same for
Nick Drake
). It's mild, varied mid-'70s
sometimes verging on reflective
singer/songwriter
stuff, particularly on the tunes with strings,
"Broken Wing"
(one of the better numbers) coming almost close to
pop
. But there are also echoes of several forms of traditional British Isles
folk
music in the melodies and lilt of some of the rhythms, especially on
"Old John England,"
which is based on the traditional tune
"Pase el Agoa."
's thin, gentle voice doesn't carry his intricate, sometimes abstract lyrics with memorable force or nuance, though, and his melodies are pleasant but not outstanding. ~ Richie Unterberger