Strawbs-Grave New World (1972)

Strawbs were one of the most original British bands due to their constant evolution, fusing English folk and progressive rock. Founded by guitarist and singer Dave Cousins ​​in the mid-1960s, they had to wait until almost the end of that decade to release their self-titled debut album. A year later, the addition of keyboardist Rick Wakeman gave them a more avant-garde style, steering their music towards symphonic rock, as demonstrated on "Dragonfly" (1970) and with greater emphasis on the following album, "From the Witchwood" (1971). However, after this latter release, Wakeman decided to join Yes and left Strawbs, being replaced by keyboardist Blue Weaver. Weaver, along with drummer Richard Hudson, bassist John Ford, guitarists Dave Cousins ​​and Tony Hooper, and with arrangements and production by Tony Visconti, recorded Strawbs' fourth album. In this release, the band presents a concept album about the life of man, from birth to death. "Grave New World", a title that references the novel by Aldous Huxley, contains everything from pleasant melodies, along with ironic and biting lyrics in the glorious "Benedictus", to psychedelic forays in "Queen Of Dreams", passing through the energetic guitars of "Heavy Disguise", the symphonic ballad "Flower and the Young Man", and the vigorous progressive rock of "Tomorrow", all interspersed with the folk interludes "On Growing Older" and "Ah Me, Ah My".