Search - Thorinshield :: Thorinshield

Finally...Thorinshield....

J. R. Thelin | 01/09/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Every once in a while, I would type "Thorinshield" into the Amazon Music box...and nothing...until...lo 'n' behold, the damn thing has finally been issued on CD - and with two new tracks, too. So it immediately goes onto my Wish List. In the meantime, I still have my vinyl LP on Phillips, from which I will make a few comments.



First be prepared on the length: it is short, even by late 1960s standards. On the other hand, there is not much padding or filler. The band was a trio though no instruments are listed on the album jacket. The main thing is the songs and the singing. Tight, intricate with the two main voices (the two songwriters, I presume) weaving - often in counterpoint - a lush tapestry. The lyrics, while not necessarily profound, are still of some interest. Many are love songs, including the haunting ballad, and only song over 3 minutes, "Prelude to a Postlude." Forgive the pretentious title (though it IS sort of intriguing in a sophomoric way) - and concentrate on the mini-tale of a love affair gone...wrong, of course. I like that the lyrics do not speak of why things went badly; instead, they focus on imagery and the singer's regret. It may also be the only title which features only one vocalist.



So, overall this might be called intellectual pop. The sound is light, almost airy, but there is density in the arrangements: the contrast between the two makes for a satisfying listening experience. Until my Wish List is fulfilled, I will undoubtedly find that "daydreaming is growing....""