Drawing a lot of perennial attention thanks to their artwork and Vertigo affiliation, BEGGARS OPERA’s early albums – “Act One,” “Waters Of Change” and “Pathfinder” – are often unjustly overlooked as prog masterpieces. The British band might have served as a launch pad for one genuine star, guitarist Ricky Gardiner who would go on to work with David Bowie and Iggy Pop, but vocalist Martin Griffiths deserved accolades too. He left the fold after those three platters and went solo, issuing a string of singles in the late ’70s and one in 1981, only there never was a longplay credited to the singer – until now.
Containing pieces penned over the decades – some started in Germany five decades ago, as proven by their acoustic versions, appended here as bonuses, and a different take “Time Machine” which opened the band’s sophomore offering and is an opener again, – “The Beggar” finds Martin, who had long since left music world, accompanied by his son’s group ALIAS EYE. Available from October 24th on Griffiths’ Bandcamp, it will be out on CD on November 11th and should become an essential listening.
The Beggar
1. Time Machine
2. The Beggar
3. Lonely City
4. My My My
5. Karey
6. Hear Me Calling
7. Listen To Me
8. I’ll Tell Him
9. Dream On/Fly Away
10. Friends In The Mountain
11. Cadaqués
12. She She Woman
13. Four Seasons
14. Love Song
15. I Found Love
bonus tracks
16. Radio Intro
17. Hear Me Calling (1975 acoustic)
18. Four Seasons (1975 acoustic)
19. Lonely City (1975 live acoustic)
20. Four Seasons (1975 live acoustic)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DK3uurog4Kw
