Second Helpings

Description

Second Helpings is the sophomore and final album by the British folk group Aslan, released in the UK on Profile in 1977. The album was recorded and mixed by Steve Kendall, Roger Beale, and Dave Close at Profile Recording Studios in Wheathampstead, Hertfordshire, England; with Kendall producing (the man behind the Profile label).

There’s something about these delicate British guy/gal folk groups – a certain magic in the air that fills their music with an undeniable charm. Carpenter’s Apprentice. Presence. Caedmon. Aslan belongs right beside all these greats. Second Helpings is even more endearing than the excellent Paws For Thought, with more original song-writing. My heart melts as they casually stroll through the happy/sad «The Ballad Of Thomas Cook», cruise «Earthbound» with jet sound effects, or waltz gracefully through the «Song Of The Seasons». The backing instruments take a breather for the minor-key a cappella traditional «Three Kings», as well as the spoken poem «Outside». Conversely, the vocals are set aside for the tick-tocking instrumental «Interlude». All the instruments from Paws return, plus samplings of piano, violin, harp, accordion and saxophone. The glockenspiel, autoharp and recorder in particular combined with the quaint harmonies give Aslan their refreshingly unique identity. Member Pam Burgess also recorded a couple solo tracks for the This Side Of The River compilation on the same label. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th edition]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “The Ballad of Thomas Cook” – 3:32
A2. “Earthbound” – 2:49
A3. “Three Kings” – 0:57
A4. “Interlude” – 2:12
A5. “Outside” – 2:25
A6. “God Make Us Your Family” – 3:46

Side Two
B1. “Song of the Seasons” – 3:00
B2. “Dirty Old Town” – 2:28
B3. “On Tiptoe” – 3:17
B4. “I am a Rock” – 4:33
B5. “Fisherman’s Son” – 4:25

Note: Has been re-issued on CD.

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