Search - Barclay James Harvest :: Eyes of the Universe

A Great Classic

mobby_uk | London United Kingdom | 08/28/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"BJH is one of the most underrated bands ever in Rock history, which is very sad since not only they are one of the few bands that are truly talented, but they have been consistent in producing intelligent, melodic classic songs since their debut in the early seventies.This is yet another band who has been totally ignored by the press and music establishment in their native England, and found a large and loyal fan base elsewhere mainly in Germany, (who says the Germans dont have a taste for fine music? They can't be excused for keeping David Hasselhoff's singing career alive and well, but on the other hand they have been also instrumental in supporting the careers of other talented foreign artists like BJH and Tony Carey).
Eyes of Universe is one example of how great BJH are, and as usual the song writing is divided equally between the two leads, bassist Les Holroyd (who left the band few years ago)and guitarist John Lees,a partnership that has worked so well since their early records.
Although they are largely seen as a progressive rock band, this label might be slightly misleading, for their style is compared to none. There are no epic song writing (expect maybe for Mockingbird, their most traditionally progressive song), nor there are over stretched solos. Instead what we get with BJH are well crafted and very melodic songs that instantly remain with the listener for a long long time.
I saw BJH live in London few years back and I was totally struck by how great the musicians are, especially Mel Pritchard on drums. Since BJH don't iclude complex drums in their songs like Rush, Eloy and Kansas, Pritchard's live playing blew my mind, and was at par with the greatest in progressive rock, like Phil Ehart, Nick Mason,Fritz Randow and Neil Peart.
So BJH is one of the best rock/prog bands ever, one that should be given the credit that they truly deserve."

Majestic music

Jeff Ferguson | Mississauga, On. Canada | 01/26/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have been a fan of BJH since I first heard BJH Live on the radio (CHUM-FM) in Toronto in 1974. I have most of their 70's and 80's albums. Eyes of the Universe is one of my favorites. Great songs, lyrics, and production. Listen through headphones to really connect with what BJH are saying. Great Music. Get it before it is out of print!"

Good record!

jeff | south florida | 07/05/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I remember getting a hold of a vinyl copy of this record in the mid 80's. i don't remember how i got it, but i remembered how i like the album. The vinyl copy is now long gone, but i was able to get it on cd and it sounds great. All the songs are good. Very much like what genesis and ELP and bands like that were doing at the time. Favorite song is Rock & Roll Lady."