Rating: **** (4 stars)
Title: Reach for the Sky
Company: Columbia
Catalog: PC 33982
Year: 1975
Grade (cover/record): VG/VG+
Comments: minor ring wear
Available: 1
Price: $7.00
There aren't many albums we readily keep two copies of, but this is one of those rarities. Most folks have never heard of The Sutherland Brothers and Quiver and this album didn't sell worth cr*p when released. That's unfortunate, since 1975's "Reach for the Sky" may be the best mid-'70s album you've never heard.
Say what you will about Rod Stewart, but you have to admit the guy knew how to identify hit records. That was certainly the case when he elected to make a lame cover of Gavin's "Sailing". Even though Stewart's cover sucked, it went top-40; in the process getting
this band signed by Columbia.
Produced by Howard and Ron Albert, "Reach for the
Sky" is one of those rarities; an album where every track is worth hearing. Admittedly, there isn't anything particularly innovative or groundbreaking to be found here. That said, penned by namesakes
Iain and Gavin Sutherland, material such as "When the Train Comes", "Dirty City" and "Love On the Moon" found the quartet turning in an impeccable set of pop-rock. While all ten tracks were worth hearing, best of the lot were the single "Arms of Mary" (which hit #81 on the pop charts), and the the reggaefied "Dr. Dancer" (with some great lyrical and musical nods to classic rock hits). If you like great melodies, smooth group vocal harmonies ("Something Special") and cutting guitar (courtesy of Tim Renwick), this stands as an album you need to add to your collection . By the way, long time fan David Gilmour provides the pedal steel guitar on "Ain't Too Proud". (Back by strong critical reviews, the album actually managed to crash the American charts, peaking at #195.)
"Reach for the Sky" track listing:
1.) When the Train Comes (Iain Sutherland) - 3:56
2.) Dirty City (Iain Sutherland) - 3:32
3.) Arms of Mary (Iain Sutherland) - 2:36
4.) Something Special (Iain Sutherland) - 4:08
5.) Love On the Moon (Gavin Sutherland) - 4:18
6.) Ain't Too Proud (Gavin Sutherland) - 3:20
7.) Dr. Dancer (Gavin Sutherland) - 4:48
8.) Reach for the Sky (Gavin Sutherland) - 3:16
9.) Moonlight Lady (Iain Sutherland) - 3:06
10.) Mad Trail (Iain Sutherland) - 4:06