Of Queues And Cures dei National Health, album del 1978.
On Progressive Rock World, National Health are celebrated as one of the most important exponents of the Canterbury scene. Their self-titled album is considered a fundamental reference point of prog, in particular for the intertwining between the keyboards of Dave Stewart and Alan Gowen.
Active between 1975 and 1982, National Health released their second studio album, "Of Queues and Cures", in 1978. Sadly, they have been largely forgotten and rarely mentioned among the bands that have made rock history. Chances are, they haven't sold many records.
The line-up for the first album included Phil Miller (guitar), Dave Stewart (keyboards), Neil Murray (bass) and Pip Pyle (drums). The most significant change between the debut "National Health" and "Of Queues and Cures" concerns the bassist and the singer. Neil Murray was replaced by John Greaves, a former member of Henry Cow, whose more experimental style profoundly influenced the group's sound. Amanda Parsons, the lead singer of the first album with her ethereal Northettes-style vocal lines, left the band before the recording of the second album.
Although Alan Gowen was a founding member, on the first album he technically appears as a "guest" (he had already left the group but returned for the sessions), while the owner of the keyboards was Dave Stewart. Gowen would then return permanently later for the 1979-80 tours.
The title "Of Queues and Cures" (which translates to "Of Queues and Cures") is a perfect example of British irony and the Canterbury scene, famous for its surreal or everyday titles, which contrasted with the complexity of their music. Since the band was called National Health (like the British health service, the NHS), the title immediately makes you think of the medical environment. "Queues" and "cures" are typical elements of the waiting rooms of English public hospitals, and the title is a subtle satire of the British social system of the time. Dave Stewart, the keyboardist, chose the band's name because he wore "National Health" glasses (the free ones provided by the state), and the title of the album continues this "ministerial" and somewhat gray aesthetic.
"Of Queues and Cures" is an instrumental album that stands out as one of the masterpieces of the Canterbury scene and progressive rock. The album is full of complex rhythmic joints, odd time signatures and a dense writing that leaves little room for improvisation, preferring arrangements with attention to the smallest details. Moments of great energy alternate with darker and "edgy" sections (in the style of RIO - Rock In Opposition), interspersed with flashes of that typical British surreal humor that makes everything even more interesting.
Each member of the band gave a unique touch to the songs, creating a really interesting mix.
Dave Stewart on keyboards is the real brain behind the album. His "fuzz" organ and Minimoog playing is powerful and distorted, almost animalistic on tracks like "The Bryden 2-Step", which give an almost rock-symphonic vibe.
John Greaves on bass and vocals was fundamental to change direction. Coming from Henry Cow, he brought a rougher, more experimental approach. He wrote "Squarer for Maud", one of the most complex and virtuosic songs of the genre.
Phil Miller on guitar holds it all together with his clean yet intricate style. His main song is "Dreams Wide Awake", which balances the density of the album with more quintessentially Canterburian melodies.
Pip Pyle on drums is technically perfect. In addition to playing drums, he wrote the lyrics and music for "Binoculars", the only song with structured lyrics.
Finally, guests on winds and strings, such as Jimmy Hastings on clarinet and flute and Georgie Born on cello, add orchestral colors and almost chamber accents, making the album even richer.
Mine is the original Charly Records CRL 5010 vinyl version from 1978, a real gem for fans like me.
The album opens with "The Bryden 2-Step (For Amphibians) Pt. 1", a long and complex instrumental track that blends psychedelia, jazz and rock with classical references. The counterpoints are simply wonderful, of a rare excellence.
"The Collapso" stands out for the use of steel drums, which give an almost humorous and tropical touch, while maintaining a very high technical level.
"Squarer for Maud" is the highlight of the album, composed by John Greaves. Here you can feel all his RIO (Rock in Opposition) roots, with frenetic rhythms that touch on free jazz and a finale that leaves a sense of disquiet.
"Dreams Wide Awake" is the most powerful and aggressive song on the album, almost bordering on hard prog. It starts with a crazy organ solo by Dave Stewart, an overwhelming jazz-rock energy that leaves you no escape.
"Binoculars" is the only song sung, also by John Greaves. An epic track that includes a flute solo by Jimmy Hastings that is a true masterpiece, and horn sections reminiscent of King Crimson.
"Phlâkatön" is a very short interlude of meaningless syllables, typical of the surreal spirit of Canterbury, a touch of lightness in the midst of so much complexity.
"The Bryden 2-Step (For Amphibians) Pt. 2" resumes and concludes the themes of the first track, closing the album in a circular way with a jazz-rock driven by the organ that leaves you with the desire to listen to it again immediately.
This album is simply described with one word: Essential
Note: All links to the musicians’ works are in the TAGS under the article title or on the "Artists"
My Version
Label: Charly Records – CRL 5010
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Country: UK
Release: 1978
Tracklist
1. The Bryden 2-Step (for Amphibians) Part 1 (8:52)
2. The Collapso (6:16)
3. Squarer for Maud (11:30)
4. Dreams Wide Awake (8:48)
5. Binoculars (11:43)
6. Phlâkatön (0:08)
7. The Bryden 2-Step (for Amphibians) Part 2 (5:31)
Duration 52:48
LineUp
- Phil Miller - guitar
- Dave Stewart - acoustic and electric pianos, organ, minimoog (3,4)
- John Greaves - bass, piano interior (3), vocals (5)
- Pip Pyle - drums, percussion, clapping (3)
With:
- Jimmy Hastings - clarinetti (3,5), flauto (5)
- Phil Minton – trombe (1,5,7)
- Paul Nieman - trombones (1,5,7)
- Keith Thompson - oboe (3,5)
- Georgie Born - cello (1,3,7)
- Rick Biddulph - basso (4)
- Selwyn Baptiste - steel drums (2)
- Peter Blegvad - voce (3)
Listening links
I suggest the official Youtube channel of the band National Health
