Here we have a copy of `Lantaloon` released in 1972 in the UK by Folk band `Dando Shaft`. Original 1st UK issues were on the Orange/White RCA Victor Label (SF 8256) and came with a large fold out poster of the band. It`s hard to understand how a major label like RCA Victor would allow such poor sales as this album received but it means that today original mint copies are very hard to find (particularly the white rear of the sleeve showing the lyrics usually turns up very `grubby`). Also hard to find with the poster still inside, which is why a top copy sold in 2019 for £200! Interesting that the labels on the record replace ` Melancholic Fervour (It’s Only Us)` with `Melancholy` & `The Harp Lady I Bombed` with `Harp Lady`?
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Side 1
1. Road Song 0:00
2. Is It Me? 3:34
3. Down To You, Up To Me 7:29
4. Melancholic Fervour (It’s Only Us) 10:50
5. It Was Good 14:36
Side 2
1. The Harp Lady I Bombed 17:01
2. The Black Prince Of Paradise 22:08
3. When I’m Weary 24:54
4. I Heard Somewhere 28:34
5. Magnetic Beggar 31:16
Forsaking electric instruments, Dando Shaft nevertheless radiated the same level of energy as electric British folk bands like Fairport Convention and Steeleye Span. Driven by Ted Kay’s hand percussion and Roger Bullen’s standup bass, the Coventry-based group created a sound marked by intricate patterns and complex textures. Formed as a five-piece group, Dando Shaft initially featured the melodic interplay of guitarist/vocalists Dave Cooper and Kevin Dempsey and mandolin/violin player and vocalist Martin Jenkins. In 1970, Dando Shaft added Leamington Spa-born vocalist Polly Bolton, who had previously sung with June Tabor, before recording their album, Dando Shaft, in 1971 sales of the band’s albums remained disappointing. After recording their album, Lantaloon, in 1972, the group disbanded.
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