Michael Chapman - Window / Wrecked Again (2004) FLAC

BGO's two-fer reissue of Michael Chapman's most mysterious recording, Window from 1970, and its sequel, Wrecked Again, are two welcome reissues in the British singer/songwriter's CD catalog. Window is the great anomaly in Chapman's erratic, maverick career. The album was due to be recorded as a quick follow-up to the sensation that his debut, Fully Qualified Survivor, created on the British media scene. According to Marc Higgins' fine liner notes to this package, Chapman was supposed to record between touring dates. After a first demo and track session, Chapman went on tour, returning only to find that EMI had rushed 20,000 copies of the demo to print! Chapman himself warned fans off the record, telling them specifically not to buy it, but has performed songs from it in his live show continually for the last 30-plus years. The material is strong, and at this late date, nearly three and half decades after the fact, it sounds fresh. Immediacy, warmth, and the excitement of "first thought, best thought" are all over the set. Chapman's musical aides on this material include bassist Rick Kemp (Steeleye Span), drummer Ritchie Dharma, and lead guitarist P. Harold Fatt (a pseudonym for Phil Greenberg). Its standout tracks include "Among the Trees," "Last Lady Song," "A Scholarly Man," and the medley "Lady on the Rocks/Song for September." Wrecked Again is another exercise in restlessness and showcases Chapman's considerable skills as an electric guitarist as well as his acoustic prowess. Once again Rick Kemp is aboard, along with Albert Hammond on backing vocals. The more rollicking sound is as much a tribute to the recording situation -- Rockfield Studios -- as it was Chapman's restlessness in not wanting to be just another English "folkie." Standout cuts here are the opening "Polar Bear Fandango," "Indian Queens," "Mozart Lives Upstairs," and "Shuffleboat River Farewell." ~ Thom Jurek