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THE REVIEW
In London at the turn of the '60s and '70s, the folk scene was particularly rich with interesting artists, all excellent songwriters and skilled in mastering the fingerpicking technique: Nick Drake, Bert Jansch, Donovan, John Martyn are all names that come to mind thinking of that period.
A bit less known is perhaps Ralph McTell, who is mainly remembered for his "Streets of London," a song about the "homeless," the tramps of London, covered by numerous other artists over the years and to which McTell, who owes his stage name to Blind Willie McTell, practically owes his entire popularity.
This album is nothing but "Spiral Staircase," a 1969 work, re-released in 1975 with a different title to capitalize on the appeal derived from the aforementioned "Streets of London" and with the addition of two bonus tracks.
Besides "Streets of London," objectively of rare beauty, there are other very interesting pieces, in which McTell demonstrates excellent songwriting abilities, capable of ranging between different styles, moving from the country influences of "Country Boys," to the Latin sounds of "El Progresso," to more reflective pieces like "Grande Affaire" or "Lunar Lullaby."
The songs revolve around his voice and his guitar, but they aren't as sparse as one might expect from an artist of this type; on the contrary, the arrangements are varied and very pleasant, achieving the result of not making the listening too flat, a risk that is always around the corner in these cases.
If you are already familiar with the English folk scene of the '60s and know some of the artists mentioned at the beginning, with Ralph McTell you are on safe ground, and this album will certainly not disappoint you.
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Summary by Bot
Ralph McTell's album, reissued as 'Streets of London,' highlights his excellent songwriting and diverse musical influences from country to Latin styles. Known largely for the titular track, the album offers a rich and varied folk experience beyond that hit. McTell’s work stands out for its thoughtful arrangements and engaging fingerpicking technique. Fans of 1960s English folk will find this album rewarding and enjoyable. It successfully avoids the monotony sometimes found in purely acoustic folk albums.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
01 Streets of London ()
Have you seen the old man
In the closed-down market
Kicking up the paper,
with his worn out shoes?
In his eyes you see no pride
Hands held loosely at his side
Yesterday's paper telling yesterday's news
Chorus: So how can you tell me you're lonely,
And say for you that the sun don't shine?
Let me take you by the hand and lead you through the streets of London
I'll show you something to make you change your mind
Have you seen the old girl
Who walks the streets of London
Dirt in her hair and her clothes in rags?
She's no time for talking,
She just keeps right on walking
Carrying her home in two carrier bags.
Chorus
In the all night cafe
At a quarter past eleven,
Same old man is sitting there on his own
Looking at the world
Over the rim of his tea-cup,
Each tea last an hour
Then he wanders home alone
Chorus
Have you seen the old man
Outside the Seaman's Mission
Memory fading with the medal ribbons that he wears
In our winter city,
The rain cries a little pity
For one more forgotten hero
And a world that doesn't care
Chorus
Ralph McTell
English folk singer-songwriter and guitarist, born Ralph May. He took his stage name from bluesman Blind Willie McTell and rose from the late-1960s British folk scene. Best known for the song Streets of London, with acclaimed albums including You Well-Meaning Brought Me Here and Sand in Your Shoes.04 Reviews
