Ralph McTell
SAND IN YOUR SHOES
Red House 107
visit Ralph's website
also avaliable on amazon
This is the newest disc of songs by one of the finest tunesmiths from the British Isles. It contains some wondrous gems which are fitting for this veteran of the folk scene. When I give out stars for discs I am sometimes absolutely torn as to how to rate them. Most of the cuts on this disc more than pass muster, there are 3 or 4 sensational tracks, and there are a couple that I just don't care for. I will admit that I am guilty of not being able to keep the tune of TOUS LES ANIMAUX SONT TRISTE out of my head. A splendid song crafted around a quite sad life. JESUS WEPT is another cut that provoked a strong chord in me. He weaves his stories in an economy of words that brings a poignant moment to life. His voice here has gathered a richness and mellowness that it lacked in early times. It is a perfect vehicle for the stories he brings to the table with him. There are times when the craft of the song almost overpowers the message that is always there in his tunes. Ralph McTell is a strong defender of the individual and personal freedom that is wrought with a social consciousness that pervades these gems that flow from him. He uses his players wisely and judiciously, keeping the music at a level so that it doesn't quite overpower the songs. This is a well crafted disc that has some true gems on it.
Songs, Times, and Writers - All songs by Ralph McTell except where noted
1. TOUS LES ANIMAUX - 5:23
2. THE ISLANDS - 4:32 - Ralph McTell and Martin Allcock
3. FEAR OF FLYING - 4:03
4. CARE IN THE COMMUNITY - 6:10
5. I DON'T THINK ABOUT YOU - 3:55
6. THE ENEMY WITHIN (THE BAND) - 4:32
7. SAND IN YOUR SHOES - 3:44
8. JESUS WEPT - 6:04
9. AFTER RAIN - 4:03
10. PEPPERS AND TOMATOES - 5:36
11. THE CASE OF OTTO SCHWARZKOPF - 4:52 - lyrics from a poem by Schumuel Huppert (translated from Hebrew by Neville Teller) adapted with additional lyrics by Ralph McTell music by Ralph McTell and Martin Allcock
12. DADDY'S WHISTLING HOME - 4:58
13. STILL IN DREAMS - 4:32
14. AN IRISH BLESSING - 5:23
Musicians and instruments
Ralph McTell - lead vocals, guitar, keyboard, harmonica
Martin Allcock - nylon, guitars (6 &12 string, nylon & electric), fretless bass, accordion, keyboard, mandolin, bouzar, uilleann pipes (Padrig Molard), big drum, backing vocal
Gerry Conway - drums
Allun Davies - guitar
Jerry Donahue - electric guitar
Frank Gallagher - fiddle, whistles
Chris Leslie - fiddle, violin, violin solo, viola
Dave Pegg - bass guitar
Guy Barker - trumpet
Chris Laurence - string bass
Graham Preskett - piano
Ralph Salmins - drums
Phil Todd - sax, clarinet
Leah May, Phil Beer, Rebecca Moncur, Steve Knightly - backing vocals
Mary Hopkin - vocal
Mevagissey Male Choir (Geoff Wheildon conductor) - voices