“The Same Old Rock” is a truly remarkable piece. I make no apologies for merely repeating Roy’s own description here – after all he is the man of words. Of the track he says, it ‘records my opposition to continued dependence on the cheap opium of convenient mass religion. Humanity as hostage to superstition is a position which infuriates me. To allow superstition to control your life, as the world burns, is careless’. No matter what your own views on organised religion in all its forms are, the lyrics will challenge and provoke a deep reflection around the biggest subject matter of all. This is timeless and, if anything, has become even more relevant with the passage of time. Jimmy Page delivers a wonderfully sublime acoustic solo during this track that stands as one of his most pleasing of all meshing together with Harper’s own superb performance on 12-string.
Part III, “One Man Rock ‘n’ Roll Band”, is another timeless examination of the returning soldier (again disturbingly relevant). Different wars but the same circumstances are captured magnificently by a song writer not afraid to make us all feel uncomfortable.
Part IV, “Me and My Woman”, once again displays his incredible capacity to examine issues that have become a major factor as time has marched on. This time it is the environment – revealing that way back in 1971, while most of us lived our lives ignorant of the vulnerable balance of the planet, this particular song writer was raising it as a reality.
The case to have this album preserved for all generations is a strong one. This is no mere period piece. This is a remarkable work of insight and vision. Therefore I am happy to see that following much deliberation by the artist himself, Stormcock has been re-issued in such an impressively relevant format that it will stand any test of time.
Visit Roy Harper's Official Website for more news and information about the artist and this release.
Article comments
1 - Mike
Nice review, Jeff. I look forward to hearing the remaster!