Octoberon

Love it surround sound is great!

This pleasant 1976 release continues in the tradition of richly arranged symphonic pop that characterized much of their output. In contrast with previous releases however, the arrangements seem a little more elaborate and even include the use of an orchestra and a choir. The overall feel of the album is a bit sad and somewhat dark.The lineup on this album included Les Holroyd (bass; acoustic guitar; and vocals); Woolly Wolstenholme (Hammond organ; mellotron; synthesizers; and vocals); Mel Pritchard (drums and percussion); and John Lees (electric and acoustic guitars; vocals). In general, the one thing that really stands out on this album are the vocal harmonies, which are superb. I also love the use of synthesizers which add a great deal to the symphonic aspects of this album.The seven tracks on the album range in length from 4'21" to 7'57 and are all excellent examples of symphonic pop. Arrangements are lush and the instrumentation emphasizes acoustic textures, although there are a few up-tempo and electric sections. One of my favorite moments on this album is during the choir section (augmented with a celestial, "churchy" sounding organ), whereby a smaller chorus of male voices sing in a completely different key and meter than the rest of the choir. Although the effect is subtle, I found the dissonance to be pretty cool. In large part however, the pieces are very well arranged songs that feature pleasant melodies and excellent vocal harmonies. In addition to the more lavishly arranged pieces, there are a few straightforward pop songs on here, e.g. Rock and Roll Star, that are vaguely reminiscent of American west coast soft rock (think Eagles here). There is a unifying mood to all of the pieces and that is one of melancholy. In fact, the last song describes someone committing suicide (complete with sound effects I might add). I think that it is this emotional sophistication that really makes the band work for me.This remastered version is just great and features loads of liner notes, pictures of the group, and lyrics. The bonus tracks on the album include remixes of the same tracks included on the original album and do not add too much.All in all, this is a great album of symphonic pop with a lot of emotional sophistication. Recommended along with Everybody is Everybody Else (1974) and a few other albums that are somewhat similar in texture including a few by the Strawbs (Hero and Heroine, 1974; Ghosts, 1975); and a few by The Alan Parsons Project (Tales of Mystery and Imagination, 1976; and I Robot, 1977).

This music is so excellent that I reserve it for October...it really fits the early autumn! There's an electricity, a feeling unique to this album and it's even better if you deny your ears for eleven months. This has been a ritual with me over the last quater century. A spiritual chord is struck within me and listening this way is like another way to demonstrate prayer. It's like a relay where blessings are emparted to me that I may empart them to others. If thats to criptic, than let me put it this way..."This Is Magic Music"! It can help you cope and show you pathways of understanding. "The World Goes On"! All we can do is prepare for and answer the bell when it's time to go another round...you can reflect upon the lyrics your whole life through. "May Day" delves into insanity asking: Who's insane? Me? Or the society I live in? The choir during the conclusion of this song is so unique, to me it's an incantation of sorts and can only be followed by "Ra"! For this reason I always listen to side two (of the original album) first. In this way after the thud at the very end of "Suicide"..."The World Goes On" (as if to say) even after your gone. These songs fit like puzzle pieces, not unlike 'Moody Blues' albums from 1967-71. The Moodys' and Bee Gees are the only groups B.J.H. are related to albeit vaguely. I feel that "Once Again" Barclays' second album from 1971 is there all time greatest achievement..."Octoberon" is one of their best, an intense recording not for the simple minded containing some of this groups' finest work.

This was when bands had great musicians, and when you played the LP, you loved every song from start to finish. No filler, no junk. This is probably their best album. It's classic rock you may not have heard of, and it hardly gets radio play in the US. But it is relevant, original and inspiring. Maybe you could call it electric folk rock. It's progressive rock in the same genre as early Genesis and Yes. It is in the same calibre as Tull and Floyd. They are one of the greats. I was in the UK in the 70's, and this was considered a great album alongside Yellow brick road and all the true classics. They can rock, but they have more of a subtle feel. This music is timeless because it is thoughtful, introspective and mature, making relevant social statements. There was a lot of good music made in the 70's that had nothing to do with being commercial, wasn't made for dancing to and wasn't for head bangers. I've been into all kinds of genres, and this is the type of music that makes you think and feel, without making you feel agitated. It is not light like Air Supply or America, it's more hard edged than Crosby Stills Nash and Young. It can be emotional, it can be dark. It takes you places in your mind. It's the music you played in your study in a boarding school, alongside Bad Company, Doors and Stones. I miss albums which are truly created as art.

An excellent 5.1 mix, superb in fact! A little more aggressive on surrounds then recent Steve Wilson mixes, but nevertheless.Also it is quite telling comparing old and new stereo mix - old have more subtle guitar sound, but with less stable image and less pronounced bass. New remix sounds more satisfying, with driving bass, enveloping soundstage and clearer instrument separation, perhaps with slight price of reduced certain details and dynamic range.Recommended for all BJH fans, just like any other new BJH expanded editions with 5.1 DVDs by Esoteric Recordings.

BJH when they are in the mood.

I always like BJH but the original mixes lacked detail in the guitars and sounded quite flat. This remix/remaster was nicely done without going over the top.

My absolute favorite Barkley James Harvest album. They were clearly at their best here.