Customer Reviews

Stormcock

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How this album did not elevate Harper to the commercial status of his mates in Zep and Floyd is almost as mysterious as the music contained herein. Everyone knows about the collaborators on this album but the likes of Page and Bedford combined with some inspired production to produce an album of such supreme originality that I guarantee you'll never have heard anything quite like it before. Gothic, but not in the rediculous melodramatic sense, there is such a tangible sense of foreboding on this album that it really could have been the soundtrack to one of those atmospheric early 70's horror films, and I mean the Wicker Man and not some dodgy Vampire pic. The last six minutes of The Same Old Rock is possibly the most spine chilling passage you're likely to hear, but there's also the beautifully orchestrated Me And My Woman, an epic love song with some superb seasonal metaphors. All the tracks are over 8 minutes long but when you hear them, you'll be glad that record companies were once so indulgent.

This is an amazing album- every song is relavant and it is definitly Roy Harper's masterpeice. Whether back by a strings or just Jimmy Page the music just flows with intelligent emotional expressions- Me and My Woman especially does that. The album goes through so many deeply moving changes that it expresses a lifetime of experience. Unfortunately most of his work including this album are very hard to find and most people think I mean Ben Harper when I talk about him- but ROY Harper was a very important artist with a very distinct and original vision. He was and is a very respected musician in the UK but never got the proper respect in the States besides being recognized as the guy how sang Have A Cigar on Pink Floyd's Wish you Were Here or the respectful recognition on Led Zeppelin's III Hats off to Roy Harper. HQ, Stormcock, Flat Baroque and Berserk, and any of the BBC tapes I strongly recommend. You can buy any of these at the Roy Harper Web Site.

Sort of a cult figure, Roy Harper has been active in London's folk scene since 1965. 'Stormcock', easily his best, was released in 1971 following his drugier 1970 effort 'Flat,Baroque and Berserk' (which, by the way, desrves to be re issued)

All 4 songs are personal and moody, yet mature both lyrically and musically. True, Jimmy Page is featured here, but make no mistake, Harper himself is an acoustic guitar wizard.

This is one of those albums that you will never get tired listening to. It kind of rubs on you with each listening.

Essential for folk lovers and guitar players.

What can be said about Stormcock? "Masterpiece"? "Work of Genius"? Sure, its all this and more. I loved Roy's earlier albums, especially "Flat Baroque" (saw him perform "White Man" and "Hell's Angel's" at Bath Blues/Folk Festival in 1969)so I knew him as a brilliant and brave lyricist and guitar player. Even so, nothing prepared me for the sublime experience of hearing "Stormcock" for the first time. Its a total experience, more of a mystical journey than just listening to an album of "songs". Also its different every time - I must have heard this music thousands of times over the years and it still suprises, confuses, challenges, delights and encourages me each time I hear it. Background music it ain't: this demands your full attention, ideally on headphones late at night. You can have a go at interpreting the "clues" or you can just float along the dreamscape of this seamless music. Good to read Roy's own thoughts on this music, which is an astonishing achievement even by Roy's standards. Great to know that it came from the heart (not that I ever doubted that) of a true artist - thanks Roy!

I can only say that every record/ cd collection of every person on the planet earth should have this in it. the world would be a better place.

Roy Harper is an Englishman whose songs are a celebration of life itself. Stormcock is the best intoduction to this great artist's work. The provocative intensity of his lyrics(in the spirit of Bob Dylan)combined with the matching drive of his performance("The Same Old Rock", and the beautiful love song "Me And My Woman,") makes Stormcock an album that grows richer with the passage of time, and each listening will reveal some new facet to the listener. This album is pure poetic magic.

Roy Harper is one of those unfortunate souls who suffer from relative anonimity here in the United States. What is truly sad is that this tremendous talent is virtually unknown among the younger generation, unless they ask about the song on Led Zeppelin III. Stomcock reflects the artist's brilliant and deft musical and emotional transition even within songs. "Me and My Woman" is, in my opinion, one of rock's seminal moments and should be recognized for the work of genius it is. If you have no other Harper album, get this one! Hats off to Harper!

One of Harper's best; unquestionably the height of his craft as a master story-teller. Roy Harper is one of rock's most underrated and unknown treasures; given his talent and the consistent quality of his work makes his relative anominity truly hard to believe. Those not familiar with Harper's work, Stormcock is great place to start. I assure you, after hearing Stormcok you will want everything this man has recorded!

This is the one Roy Harper album everyone should own. A masterpiece

This cd is one of the top 3 best by Roy. He is one of the best on the guitar, his playing is distinct, and recognizable. His "snaky" "one man rock and roll band" is one of my favorites. the rest of the album is just as good. this is one of Roy's favorites too. Roy is my favorite artist, can you tell?