Customer Reviews

Unfairground

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Wonderful! After such a long wait, this is a remarkable record. Instantly memorable songs by truly gifted artists: this is among Mr. Ayers finest collections of great music. I got an Ehrwurm (ear worm---when you can't get a song out of your head) on the first hearing of the first song (Only Heaven Knows) that lasted a full week. The last time that happened to me was the song "Scarred for Life" by Slapp Happy (from Ca-Va; also a great record. But of course, I am writing about Kevin Ayers here. Kevin lives up to his fine reputation of classy, bluesy R & B, and the man's voice has not diminished in the least with age. He has become more like a fine wine that only gets better with age. The only sad note is that Ollie Halsall's great guitar no longer plays on this earth. Wine, women, song, and of course, bananas (a banana is on the cover art and hard to find--sorry, no hints!)
So, whether or not you are already a fan, or have never heard him before, buy this disc with complete confidence. Not to brag (!), but I have all of his discs, and ALL of his LP's (still in near mint condition). Let us hope that Kevin Ayers dosen't make us wait another 15 years for his next sublime masterwork.

This album convinces me that Kevin Ayers is a true genius. Simple words wrapped in deceptively simple melodies which tell stories of love and loss and ageing and dealing with it all. A perfect album and it could well be the best thing he's ever done. The only thing missing is Ollie Halsall's guitar.

I cannot say how relieved I was to finally hear Kevin's follow-up to 1992's "Still Life With Guitar". It is a very organic-sounding record produced with the aid of several talented friends young and old. It hearkens back to the "Whatevershebringswesing" period with colorful arrangements and relatively dry production. "The Unfairground" is probably the best LP Ayers has recorded since "Rainbow Takeaway" in 1978 and stands proudly next to his best work. One hopes that he doesn't need another 15 years to produce another album. A couple of suggestions to those in the Ayers camp: get the 1983 LP "Diamond Jack and the Queen Of Pain" and the 1986 LP "As Close As You Think" released on CD; then, encourage Kevin to re-record the best of those songs ("Howling Man", "Stepping Out", etc.) with the same cast that appeared on "The Unfairground". He actually re-recorded "Only Heaven Knows" from the latter LP for "The Unfairground" with excellent results. This LP is recommended to fans of Kevin, Robert Wyatt, British psychedelia and accessible Progressive Rock.

A low key, whimsical return to form for Ayers, with some great help from an eclectic crew of old bandmates and new fans of his earlier work. Cold Shoulder and Brainstorm, among other tracks, are instantly catchy, but there's no duds on the album. His vocals are almost a talk through of the songs, and the laid-back tone feels like it could use a lift in places, but overall this is a long overdue comeback that harks back to his greatest 70s albums.

I can't believe its been over 30 years since I bought a Kevin Ayres album. I did buy a best of CD in the late 80's. A long wait indeed but I am enamored with this album. Many of the melodies harken back to his older songs but are completely reshaped and are new excellent songs. Lavishly produced and great hi-fidelity. Welcome back this distinct voice and songwriter and buy this album. Yes, as previously stated it's a bit pricey but I'm completely pleased I didn't let the price scare me off.

In a recent interview, Kevin Ayers said that he'd basically been "gone fishing" since the early '90s - and that he hoped this new release would stir up enough interest in his back catalog that he could now afford "the really good bait."

I've been a fan since I saw Soft Machine open for Hendrix in '68 (I know I'm not alone), and have all Kevin's albums - as well as those of Robery Wyatt and all of Soft Machine through the Hopper era. I'm really glad he's out there again, going for the really good bait. I've been re-listening to that back catalog, and find new layers to enjoy in each listen - not only of the old stuff, but The Unfairground, too. This new effort really paid off - at least to me!

This album is a bit pricey,....but it's well worth all the pennies!

This stands with Kevin Ayers' classics. It was recorded at Marlbourough Farms studios in Brooklyn(at least partially),and I recall being in one room there that might have been considered a "shrine" to Mr. Ayers himself! This is a case of Kevin's fans helping to make the album all of his fans have longed for for years. Thanks so much to all of them,...and of course to Mr. Ayers himself too!