I was 18 when this album came out. I had this and Roy’s Sophisticated Beggar. Loved ’em both but this one received more needle-time. I lost myself in the philosophy as much as the music. It hit me at exactly the right time. I was taking my A Levels with a lot of pressure from teachers and parents dangling careers and money when all I cared about was music, girls and gorging on ideas, books, travel, poetry and an alternative type of life that had opened up before me. I was impervious to the pressures. I had no interest in careers, money or this narrow path on offer. I was reading Kerouac, getting into Beefheart, Dylan and motorbiking off to catch Roy playing two or three times a week. The London underground scene was in full swing and, blindly, I wanted in. The future could look after itself.
Consequently songs about pressures, infinity and possessions hit me right in the centre of my cerebrum. I wanted a life full of meaning and adventure, not boring security. Life for me was a quest. I was after something more fulfilling and meaningful. What Roy and this album had to offer was far more exciting than A Levels, a university place and some future career. I was ripe for it.
While this is not one of Roy’s favourites it still hits home every time I play it. Those words still resonate. The music is adventurous, melodic and captivating. The whole concept pushes the boundaries. Roy’s creative juices were on fire!!
This album remains one of my firm favourites.
