Search - Plainsong :: In Search of Amelia Earhart

One of the "missing ones" is here

05/23/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Gaps remain in many a music lover's collection -- and mine is no exception -- because certain titles have yet to be issued on CD. But now I can finally remove Plainsong's "In Search of Amelia Earhart" from my wish list. Cheers to England's Perfect Pitch label for issuing this wonderful album! (By the way, the sound of this CD is excellent. And I can't say that about some of the other imports of older albums I've bought in recent years.)Originally released in 1972 on Elektra Records, this recording by Fairport Convention founding member Ian (Iain) Matthews, Andy Roberts, Dave Richards and Bob Ronga (with drummers Tim Donald and Dave Mattacks and multi-instrumentalist Martin Jenkins) never attained widespread popularity here Stateside. That, despite my efforts as a record store manager with a worn store-play copy! Anyway . . .Since its departure from the retail music scene decades ago, this album has achieved a status among music lovers that borders on legendary. Those of you familiar with Plainsong's beautiful harmonies and superb playing on this album don't need urging from me to buy a copy, and those of you who have at least heard (and who enjoy) Iain Matthews' voice and songwriting via his solo recordings and concert performances may wish to give "In Search of Amelia Earhart" serious consideration. (It's important to note that, while I am a lifelong fan of his, Iain Matthews does not sing lead vocal on all tracks -- including a couple of my favorites.) Yes, it's an import, so you're not going to pick it up for a couple of bucks. But I feel very fortunate that this classic recording, which weaves folk, pop balladry and country blues, is now playing on my stereo. My only complaint is the same one I've always had with this album: I don't know what the band put into this thing, but the refrains are so addictive that I can't get 'em out of my head. Happy landings to you, indeed, Amelia, wherever you are in that great beyond."

A long lost friend, found

G. Zaehringer | Ventura, California United States | 01/31/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A few years ago, I actually had a guy from New Zealand ask me to e-mail him if I ever found out that "Amelia Earhart" had been released on CD. This is a terrific album and since it harkens back thirty (!!!) years to my youth, perhaps the five stars is a little too generous, but still . . . "Yo-Yo Man," "Raider," both Amelia Earhart songs, "I'll Fly Away." That's five great songs right there; most bands would be happy with one or two good songs on their albums. Those songs and the others make you feel that you're listening to a concept album, that Plainsong was mining an era after the Great Depression and before the Second World War. Interesting that T-Bone Burnett included "I'll Fly Away" in "O Brother, Where Art Thou?""

Classic Ian Matthews

Raven | Baltimore | 04/08/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I only own the LP from when it was originally released on Elektra Records [and in Excellent condition] still, luckily. I orginally taped it onto cassette and have since burned a copy onto CD.

Ian Matthews material has always been among my favorite to collect, and now in my old age, I'm re-discovering his talents.



The Plainsong 'In Search Of Amelia Earhart', is probably the 5th or 6th best Iain [now] has recorded, IMHO.



There's not a bad cut on this LP, a SHOULD-HAVE in any Fairport, Iain Matthews, etc. Collection. It's not a "If You Saw Thro' My Eyes" or Early Fairport Convention-type LP or even Matthews Southern Comfort, but close enough for greatness. Enjoy!"