Road to Ruin [Import, Original recording remastered]

John & Beverley Martyn, John Martyn | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 10, 2005)
• Original Release Date: 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import, Original recording remastered
• Label: Universal I.S.
• ASIN: B0009YA3C2
• Also Available in: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #23,805 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #38 in Music > Imports > Folk
  • #49 in Music > Folk > British & Celtic Folk > British Folk

Track Listings

1. Primrose Hill

2. Parcels

3. Auntie Aviator

4. New Day

5. Give Us A Ring

6. Sorry To Be So Long

7. Tree Green

8. Say What You Can

9. Road To Ruin

10. Here I Am

Editorial Reviews

John and Beverley Martyn's classic album from 1970 has been digitally remastered and expanded with 1 Previously Unreleased Demo recorded at Sound Techniques, Chelsea - August 1970. This album is John and Beverly's follow up to Stormbringer. In much of the same manner as that album, here Martyn recruited Pentangle member Danny Thompson on bass (who would end up playing on most of Martyn's albums over the ensuing years). John went solo again after this album after Beverley had given birth to their second child. Features 9 tracks including 'Parcels', 'Give Us A Ring', 'Say What You Can' & 'Tree Garden'. Island. 2005.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Positively not on the road to ruin - Still not amongst his best, October 2, 2006

By 

Martin Vallner (Norrköping, Sweden) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Road to Ruin (Audio CD)

Sometimes all you will need to say is "This is a John Martyn record" and people will comprehend. Though "Solid Air" may be one of his best and most popular excursions, too many of his albums have been virtually ignored.
Released in 1970, John was at the time concerned with the album's lack of spontaneity and it's obvious that he wasn't pleased with the whole idea of overdubs. Hence the best songs are those relying on John's guitar playing.
"Parcels" is a nice tune flavoured with some classic JM guitar work, "New day" features Danny Thompson's first appearance together with Martyn and "Give us a ring" was originally meant for Nick Drake.
Though John's music may seem complicated and experimental it is never hard to digest. He always ads a natural flow to it and his singing is great. If you are hesitant about buying it since it's more of a collaboration you should reconsider. In hindsight it's an important album in Martyn's catalogue and though it's neither "Solid Air" nor "Bless the Weather" it's still a very enjoyable album.

4.0 out of 5 stars Oldie but Goodie, January 18, 2008

By 

H. Widdowfield "Gettin Oldie" (Nederland, CO USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Road to Ruin (Audio CD)

I have often thought about this "album" for many years since I gave away all my vinyl (perhaps a mistake!). I was thrilled to see it back on CD. It is slightly dated but some wonderful musicianship from John & Beverly Martyn. Most of the songs hold up. Makes me wonder what happened to them..........

4.0 out of 5 stars british folk rock, November 23, 2007

By 

echoes of empires (San Francisco, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Road to Ruin (Audio CD)

This album ranges through all kinds of feeling, from upbeat to quite harrowing. It's up there with Martyn's best late sixties/early seventies work, and his then-wife Bev's voice is just wonderful - lilting and sensitive, tending to be more expressive than Martyn's more laid back singing. "Auntie Aviator" is right up there with Nick Drake's best - like "At the Chime of a City Clock," for instance - brooding, haunting, and intense. The album overall is more upbeat, however. If you like Nick Drake, the Pentangle, Fred Neil, early Fairport Convention, etc. you should definitely pick this up.