Reviewed by Tony Cummings

I never quite shared Strait magazine's view that this album was a classic but I'm still pleased to see this long-deleted outing from 1984 out again on a pristine CD. So what was Charlie doing on his album debut? Very much the kind of thing he's doing now, in fact one or two of the songs here like the eerily haunting "Whole Lot Different Whole Lot The Same" became a mainstay of his live set for years to come. Many of Charlie's most beloved characteristics that rasping blue eyed soul voice, those intriguing unexpected melodic and rhythmic twists are here while his lyrics abound in 'thinking man's faith' imagery. My favourite is the rocker "Human Condition" with some tasty guitar from the 77s' Mike Roe and even though the drum programming sounds limited and demo-quality by today's standards 'Lie Down In The Grass' is still an important album.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.