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Poor Man's Heaven

by: Seth Lakeman

June 30, 2008
Well, album number 4 from Seth Lakeman finds him backed by a major label. Not good news for someone who's used to recording albums in kitchens. So, it was with some scepticism that I listened to Poor Man's Heaven and it was to say the least, a huge letdown. For a start, I don't personally LIKE the songs. They are bland to the extreme, and as several reviewers have already noted, mostly at the same tempo. Did his metronome break or something? Not good. On the plus side, I do like Crimson Dawn and Solomon Browne. The latter is a slightly obscure subject but is poignant and comes across well, despite sounding cluttered - a sparser sound may have suited it better and let the lyrics breathe a little.

To me it all sounds far too mainstream ... Read More:

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Kitty Jay

by: Seth Lakeman

October 09, 2006
This is a grudging four-star review (rounded up from three-and-a-half). I had come across Lakeman before in his local band Equation. I heard he had come up with a solo album based on local legends and my curiosity was aroused. This review addresses superficially the songs individually before looking at the album as a whole.

"John Lomax" is surprisingly good; making the chorus softer and quieter than the verses is very effective. "The Bold Knight" displays Lakeman's skilful handling of the violin. "Fight for Favour" is too sparse, whilst the title track displays marvellous energy in its violin cross-rhythms. The opening to "Farewell My Love" is a cringing parody of folk music. There is good drumwork in "Blood Upon Copper", but the song ends ... Read More:

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Freedom Fields

by: Seth Lakeman

November 13, 2006
First saw Seth Lakeman on Channel Five's "My Music". Thought he sounded great and not too folky. I bought Freedom Fields CD and thought it was excellent. Found out that he was gigging in Peterborough where I live so went with the wife to see him live. Thought he was excellent. The wife rated him 6 out of 10. Her tastes are West Life and Wet Wet Wet. I usually listen to bands like Coldplay, U2, The Doors, The Killers, The Strokes, Radio Head, REM, Take That etc but I like a song to tell a good story which Seth pulls off in his song writing. The only downside (LIVE)is his guitar playing brother in the band who doesn't look the part. He looked too wooden and is riding on his brother's success. I would recommend you buy this CD and go see Seth live. The crowd is ... Read More:

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The Punch Bowl

by: Seth Lakeman

June 12, 2006
Having come to the brilliant Seth Lakeman through his Mercury nominated 'Kitty Jay' and the follow up 'Freedom Fields' and having seen an electrifying live performance at Liverpool's Academy. I had procrastinated about getting Seth's first album which appears to have been lost from critical evaluation on the Amazon pages. I presumed that perhaps a younger Seth had been a 'finger in yer ear' Martin Carthy traditionalist and The Punch Bowl was full of earnest but dull renditions of sea shanties and songs about maiden's losing their....thingymagig.
In truth, The Punch Bowl is a pure Seth Lakeman album full of catchy riffs,wailing fiddles and those emotive vocals. With Cara Dillon providing sweet backing vocals and the rest of the Lakeman clan rustling up the ... Read More:

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The White Hare

by: Seth Lakeman

October 23, 2006
I wish I had read the review which correctly pointed out that this item was incorrectly listed by Amazon. It has just arrived and, yes, it has 2 tracks only. Needless to say it will be returned...

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Freedom Fields

by: Seth Lakeman

August 21, 2006
First saw Seth Lakeman on Channel Five's "My Music". Thought he sounded great and not too folky. I bought Freedom Fields CD and thought it was excellent. Found out that he was gigging in Peterborough where I live so went with the wife to see him live. Thought he was excellent. The wife rated him 6 out of 10. Her tastes are West Life and Wet Wet Wet. I usually listen to bands like Coldplay, U2, The Doors, The Killers, The Strokes, Radio Head, REM, Take That etc but I like a song to tell a good story which Seth pulls off in his song writing. The only downside (LIVE)is his guitar playing brother in the band who doesn't look the part. He looked too wooden and is riding on his brother's success. I would recommend you buy this CD and go see Seth live. The crowd is so ... Read More:

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Freedom Fields

by: Seth Lakeman

March 20, 2006
First saw Seth Lakeman on Channel Five's "My Music". Thought he sounded great and not too folky. I bought Freedom Fields CD and thought it was excellent. Found out that he was gigging in Peterborough where I live so went with the wife to see him live. Thought he was excellent. The wife rated him 6 out of 10. Her tastes are West Life and Wet Wet Wet. I usually listen to bands like Coldplay, U2, The Doors, The Killers, The Strokes, Radio Head, REM, Take That etc but I like a song to tell a good story which Seth pulls off in his song writing. The only downside (LIVE)is his guitar playing brother in the band who doesn't look the part. He looked too wooden and is riding on his brother's success. I would recommend you buy this CD and go see Seth live. The crowd is so ... Read More:

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Poor Man's Heaven Ep [7" VINYL]

by: Seth Lakeman

October 22, 2007
Seth live is best, but this will give you the flavour of his vigorous style on fiddle and mandolin to mention only 2 of the instruments he plays so well. From the stomping first 3 numbers ,( how can you keep your feet still during these?), to the aching lyrics and gentle harmonies of Lilywhite Girl, Seth showcases his talent here, so well. If you cant get this, keep trying, its worth it.

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The White Hare [CD 2]

by: Seth Lakeman

October 23, 2006
I wish I had read the review which correctly pointed out that this item was incorrectly listed by Amazon. It has just arrived and, yes, it has 2 tracks only. Needless to say it will be returned...

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Lady of the Sea (Hear Her Calling)

by: Seth Lakeman

August 07, 2006
I wish I had read the review which correctly pointed out that this item was incorrectly listed by Amazon. It has just arrived and, yes, it has 2 tracks only. Needless to say it will be returned...