This is an official re-release on vinyl under licensed courtesy of BMG Rights Management, UK, remastered from an original master copy out of the vaults of BMG. The album was originally released in 1972 on Peg records. Old Boot Wine, Spirogyra`s 2nd album showcased a harder-edged sound than their predominantly acoustic debut. It was adding Mark Francis on guitar and keyboard and having less Julian Cusack hence less violin play. Spirogyra's second effort is incredible! We are given the epitome of the Spirogyra sound, if not the all encompassing opus of all acid or psychedelic prog in general. Side one starts with 'Dangerous Dave’, which rocks out nicely, with a brief melancholic bit in the middle and back again. 'Van Allen's Belt’ is in a more sombre mood with acoustic guitar and piano.
'Runaway' is the most proggy piece on the album. It features 3 distinctive movements, some organ and lovely piano playing, vocals from Mark Francis and the beautiful Barbara Gaskin. Starting out uptempo, but finishing in a dreamy way with Gaskin's gorgeous voice - a well performed proggy-folk epic in under 5 minutes! 'Grandad' is again a sombre piece of fragile beauty featuring a delicate Cockerham with his acoustic guitar, backed by Cusack's string arrangement. 'Wings of Thunder' is a pleasant rocker.
Side two opens up with the only long number, 'World's Eyes', of which the first half of the song recalls a bit of the eccentricities of their debut, 'St. Radigund', containing a brief moment of manic energy, hyperactive bass from Borrill, some semi-tone riffs and strange vocals. 'Don't Let it Get you', is a nice ballad. 'Disraeli's Problem' features more dreamy vocals from Gaskin, with mellow sections to enjoy immensely. Last track, 'A Canterbury Tale', has a sombre first half which is beautiful, finishing with a multi-tracked Gaskin vocal backing with Cockerham singing over the top. An amazing album, as is to be expected from Spirogyra, the masters of the acid folk scene. This is also one NOT to be missed. Album comes with 4-sided cover-sized insert sheet with band story, photos and all lyrics.
