Big Big Train - The Underfall Yard (3 LP)
- LP
- 3 piece(s)
- 2021
- 10 tracks
- 1 uur, 49 min
- progressive rock
The Underfall Yard
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Average of 8 reviews
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While not my top pick from Big Big Train, "The Underfall Yard" was notably absent from my physical collection. Fortunately, this 2021 reissue allowed me to rectify that. Remastered, remixed, expanded, and housed in an attractive digibook, the album now has the presentation it's always deserved. As the band notes inside, this album marked a new beginning for them, with Nick D'Virgilio and David Longdon becoming full-time members, a change that, in my view, helped propel the band to greater success and recognition. I may not consider "The Underfall Yard" my favorite Big Big Train album, but it does include two of their standout songwriting achievements: "Victorian Brickwork" and the title track. These two songs alone make this reissue worthwhile, but there's more. The second disc features a new studio recording of the title track by the 2020 lineup (pre-Danny Manners, Rachel Hall, and Dave Gregory), along with a splendid brass prelude—one of the highlights of this reissue, as it expands the use of brass over synths, as heard in "Winchester Diver." "Victorian Brickwork" also appears here re-recorded and somehow linked with "Fat Billy Shouts Mine," intended to be part of a larger piece called "Songs From The Shoreline." A new and beautiful song, "Brew And Burgh," in the finest melodic Big Big Train tradition, closes the album. Overall, this reissue is a worthy addition to any Big Big Train collection, even if you already owned the original. It offers a fresh perspective on a real game-changer for a band that has not only upheld the best of English classic prog rock but also expanded and kept it relevant in modern times.
While not my top pick from Big Big Train's discography, "The Underfall Yard" had been conspicuously absent from my physical music library. Fortunately, this 2021 reissue gave me the chance to rectify that oversight. The album has been remastered, remixed, expanded, and housed in an attractive digibook format, finally receiving the deluxe treatment it deserves. As the band notes in the liner notes, this album marked a new era for them, with Nick D'Virgilio and David Longdon becoming permanent members, a change that, in my opinion, propelled the band to greater heights and broader acclaim. I may not consider "The Underfall Yard" my favorite Big Big Train album, but it does contain two of their most impressive compositions: "Victorian Brickwork" and the title track. These two songs alone make this reissue worthwhile, but there's more to discover. The second disc features a new studio recording of the title track by the band's 2020 lineup (prior to Danny Manners, Rachel Hall, and Dave Gregory's departure), accompanied by a splendid brass prelude (which I believe is a standout feature of this reissue—expanding the use of brass over synths as heard in "Winchester Diver"). "Victorian Brickwork" also reappears here, re-recorded and seemingly linked with "Fat Billy Shouts Mine," intended to be heard together as a whole titled "Songs From The Shoreline". A new and enchanting song, "Brew And Burgh," in the finest melodic Big Big Train tradition, concludes the album. Overall, this reissue is a valuable addition to any Big Big Train collection (even if you already owned the original), offering a fresh perspective on a pivotal album from a band that has not only preserved the best of English classic prog rock but also evolved and remained relevant in contemporary times.
Oh, this vinyl triple set is simply outstanding! I snagged it as part of a limited edition of 500 from Burning Shed in the UK, and even though it's now sold out, it's worth every single penny! If you're a fan of the original CD like I am, this set is like a gift from above. Be sure to check out the track listing to see what you're in for. The only version still available is the black vinyl set. It arrived in flawless condition—no warping, no dust, no scratches, just as you'd hope for a £55 purchase. The sound quality is incredible, with a punchy bass and quiet moments that shine. The remixing is spot on, and the newly recorded versions are fantastic. In short, if you love Big Big Train, you'll adore this set, assuming you have a turntable. I'm guessing 99% of us here do, or at least have access to one. I expect many hours of listening pleasure, especially during the autumn. Don't you find this music perfectly suited to open log fires, candlelight, and dusk? Maybe it's just me, but David Longdon's voice just evokes such imagery. This, along with Foxtrot and Songs From The Wood, are perfect autumnal treasures. Maybe add John Barleycorn Must Die by Traffic to that list too. This is definitely one of my top 10 vinyl edition albums of all time, with my collection ranging from 1967 to 2021. EDIT 2022 April. I completely forgot about writing this comment, but oh my, how devastating was that news before Christmas about David passing? What a horrible shock! Words cannot express my utter inability to comprehend how someone with such talent and still comparatively young can be taken from this earth. My condolences, obviously very late here now, go to his family and band members. I am lost for words, so I'll say no more other than recommend that anyone who happens to read this in the future when we're all passed, can I simply ask you to take a listen to two tracks from this monumental album? First, listen in awe to the opening instrumental called Evening Star, then go right to the final track of the original album, the title track itself, The Underfall Yard. If you don't shed a tear at the utter greatness of those vocals then I'd be very surprised indeed. Sheer emotive class. Thank you David, job done.
Here comes the first outing from the incredibly gifted multi-instrumentalist, David Longdon.
Farewell, David Longdon. You'll be greatly missed! Your music keeps your spirit alive forever.
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