Michael Head was once famously dubbed 'the best songwriter you've never heard of'.
Well, he seems content to embody both parts of that statement. Continuing to produce wonderful material – seriously, check out his second record as Michael Head and the Red Elastic Band – the songwriter forever manages to escape the success which enraptures lesser talent.
Initially released in 1997, 'The Magical World Of The Strands' is perhaps the songwriter's most enduring statement. Crafted by Michael Head and The Strands, it remains a glorious, baroque pop masterpiece, an ambitious statement which captures that hazy feeling of a deeply English summer.
Set to be given a full re-issue, a series of demos and unreleased recordings from those sessions have been pieced together as a separate, accompanying statement.
'The Olde World' makes for fascinating listening, expanding our knowledge of 'The Magical World Of The Strands' while standing on its own musical feet.
Recorded during the sessions for 'The Magical World Of The Strands', 'Poor Jill' fit perfectly on the record but something, somewhere was missing.
Recently spruced up, Clash is delighted to be able to share this track with the world – think Arthur Lee's most pastoral visions, The Zombies' most gloriously emotive songwriting and you'd be close.
Check it out now.
'The Magical World Of The Strands' and 'The Olde World' will be released on July 13th.
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