Strawbs Magic Of It All (2023)

The Magic Of It All’ by Strawbs, recorded in Cape Town and featuring David Cousins, Blue Weaver, and John Ford from classic 1970s line up joined by some of the finest musicians and singers in South Africa. Strawbs were high in the charts with ‘Grave New World’ and ‘Bursting At The Seams’ 50 years ago which coincided with a pivotal moment in the struggle for freedom in South Africa, when students and workers launched a new wave of resistance against so-called “resettlement”. The resistance in South Africa identified with Strawbs songs, especially ‘Part Of The Union’, ‘Lay Down’, and ‘New World’.

The Magic Of It All’ by Strawbs, recorded in Cape Town and featuring David Cousins, Blue Weaver, and John Ford from classic 1970s line up joined by some of the finest musicians and singers in South Africa. Strawbs were high in the charts with ‘Grave New World’ and ‘Bursting At The Seams’ 50 years ago which coincided with a pivotal moment in the struggle for freedom in South Africa, when students and workers launched a new wave of resistance against so-called “resettlement”. The resistance in South Africa identified with Strawbs songs, especially ‘Part Of The Union’, ‘Lay Down’, and ‘New World’.

And so, here we all are, just four weeks to go before Strawbs make their last ever live appearance at Fairport’s Cropredy Convention, and Dave Cousins and Co. have provided us with a blistering new collection of songs which celebrate the (almost) 60 years of the band’s life and demonstrate that these old fellas still have a few new tricks up their collective sleeve.

One of the unsung British progressive bands of the early 1970s, the Strawbs differed from their more successful compatriots – the Moody Blues, King Crimson, Pink Floyd – principally in that their sound originated in English folk music rather than rock. Their transformation from acoustic bluegrass outfit to progressive folk-rock innovators was an impressive feat, and they hit their stride with gems like 1972's Grave New World and its follow-up, Bursting at the Seams. As the '70s wore on, the Strawbs' career began to falter with ongoing lineup and label changes marring their progress. They survived a breakup at the end of the decade and went on to enjoy a robust revival in the mid-'80s that, while not quite up to the level of their peak years, helped carry them and their fans into the 21st century. The Strawbs of the 2000s were particularly prolific, delivering an array of studio albums with highlights like 2005's Painted Sky and 2009's The Broken Hearted Bride. Over the years, the group has managed to remain stylistically adventurous even on late-period outings like 2021's Settlement, released over 50 years after their debut, and 2023's The Magic of It All, featuring songs written for a film about the band's following in South Africa.

NOW is proud to present the next instalment in our ongoing ‘Yearbook’ series – and taking our longest trip back in pop history so far – 50 Years – with 83 tracks on 4 CDs, to celebrate a landmark year of Pop singles… NOW – Yearbook 1973.

NOW is proud to present the next instalment in our ongoing ‘Yearbook’ series – and taking our longest trip back in pop history so far – 50 Years – with 83 tracks on 4 CDs, to celebrate a landmark year of Pop singles… NOW – Yearbook 1973. Opening with the iconic ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’ from Elton John and followed by Paul McCartney & Wings’ Bond theme ‘Live And Let Die’, this epic beginning to this journey back to 1973 continues with a run of massive Glam-Rock infused hits from T. Rex, Mud and Alvin Stardust, and #1s from Suzi Quatro, Wizzard, 10cc, ‘Cum On Feel The Noize’ from Slade and Sweet with ‘Blockbuster’.

Now That’s What I Call Music celebrate 1973 with a new Yearbook devoted to those 12 months which includes hits from Elton John, Paul McCartney & Wings, Slade, T. Rex, Faces, Billy Joel, Elvis Presley, Marvin Gaye, Fleetwood Mac, Rod Stewart, John Lennon, Bruce Springsteen and more. As usual you can choose from the 4CD deluxe set in book packaging or a standard card sleeve version. Both offer 83 tracks from 1973 and there’s even room for some David Bowie this time, although perhaps not the track you were expecting. A 3LP vinyl edition offers a cut down 47-track selection and is pressed on red vinyl. Full tracklistings for both formats can be found below. Special Edition: NOW Yearbook ’73 will be released on 8 September.