Eden Burning - Smilingly Home

Tuesday 1st June 1993
Eden Burning - Smilingly Home
Eden Burning - Smilingly Home

STYLE: Roots/Acoustic
RATING 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 4981-870
LABEL: FFG FFG404
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1

Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Yep, here 'tis, the one to prove that all those words of praise Cross Rhythms have printed about Cheltenham's finest folkies are not hype. For here the band finally deliver an album which shines with the glow of dues-paying, brings into focus all the rich potential of contemporising English folk music, and which captures all the sweat, drive and passion of their live concerts. 'Smilingly Home' couldn't fail to do the latter of course as this is a live album, cut in their hometown during the last concert of their Vinegar And Brown Paper tour. And quite an historic gig it was for you got two mandolin players for the price of one, the band's superlative Neill Forrest (now off to pastures new) and the team's new picker Charlie Ingram. I suppose there might be some Edenites who, when they scan the sleeve, will feel a tad disappointed at so many familiar songs (there are two songs from Thin Walls', three from 'Much More Than Near' and five from 'Vinegar And Brown Paper'). But many of these live versions leave the studio cuts for dead. There are one or two glitches - Paul Northup's singing is gruff, gutsy and moving on most tracks but on "If I Go Up" his pitching is way out (shame, producer Dave Pick could have dumped the track - the playing time is a generous 50mins 22 sees). Also, the band's version of the Waterboys' "Medicine Bow", though a favourite with the crowd, doesn't do anything for this reviewer. But overall, this is a delicious, romping delight from that opener "There Was A Time" to the engaging "Feel The Rain" closer.

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.

Reader Comments

Posted by Ami Cooper in Clacto-on-sea, essex @ 17:41 on Feb 19 2007

I have loved listening to Smilingly home, Vinegar and brown paper, Mirth and matter as a child and I still have the tapes and I listen to them often. I thought that due to the bands break up I could not get Eden's burning on Cd which i was disheartened at but in looking at this I was happy and will be getting some more Cd's. I listened to the band through both my parents who went to an Eden's burning concert and I would very much like to be able to play some songs from Eden's burning. My favourite song has to be 'So you brought me here,' it has helped me through dificult times at school and the comment is, is that it is a real blessing to listen to, the song proves to me that I am here for a purpose and that it does not matter what circumstance I am in, God is wth me. You are a pleasure to listen to and I wil not stop. God bless Ami


Reply by Andrew @ 21:57 on Jan 16 2009

I am listing "Smilingly Home" on Ebay starting Jan 22nd, in a lot of CDs

[report abuse]


Posted by P J Willoughby in sheffield @ 00:13 on Jul 16 2005

Great live album. Reminds me of one of their concerts that i went to see.....vibrant.....leaves you with a smile on your face.
Pete



The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.

Add your comment

We welcome your opinions but libellous and abusive comments are not allowed.












We are committed to protecting your privacy. By clicking 'Send comment' you consent to Cross Rhythms storing and processing your personal data. For more information about how we care for your data please see our privacy policy.