Light in the Attic have continued with their revival of Michael Chapman’s early years by re-releasing ‘Window’. Originally recorded in 1970 whilst he was with the Harvest Label it’s not a part of his career Chapman likes to dwell on. Although he has given his blessing for this release he states “It is a piece of my history for those interested in that, even though I think it sounds like a piece of crap”. Light in the Attic obviously disagree, as do we. Check the track below:
There’s another reason why Chapman hates the album. It was never released as intended, after the first recording Chapman took his band out on the road with the intention of recording the final acoustic guitar tracks on his return. These would replace the guide tracks originally used. 34 years on he did set out to correct this but this release is presented in it’s original form although it does include two CD-only bonus tracks: The Hobo’s Lamentation (aka Hobo’s Meditation) / Never In My Life.
Interestingly, Chapman rose from the Cornish Folk scene, one that was based around the famous Folk Cottage, later the Sawmills. It was an important launchpad for many others including psych-folk pioneers C.O.B and Ralph McTell whose big break came when he landed a spot on the Isle of Wight festival. Chapman’s came with a TV spot on the Peter Cook and Dudley Moore show that gave him huge exposure.
You can read more about these formative years in Rupert White’s ‘Folk in Cornwall’.
Release dates for Window:
CD Available: February 2, 2015
LP Available: March 6, 2015