Poor Man's Heaven

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Editorial reviews

Amazon.co.uk review
Seth Lakeman's fourth solo album, Poor Man’s Heaven, moves him ever closer to the mainstream, his frantic fiddle playing backed with a small, tight band fully aware of the power they generate. But the Dartmoor-based folk singer still digs into local folklore for material. The pounding opener "The Hurlers" refers to an ancient stone formation in Cornwall, while "Solomon Browne" commemorates the more recent loss with all hands of the Penlee lifeboat - Lakeman knew some of the bereaved as a schoolboy. Clearly a larger recording budget--his breakthrough record, 2004’s Mercury nominated Kitty Jay, was recorded in his kitchen for three hundred quid--hasn’t mollified his Saturnine tendencies. Having emerged from the purist folk scene, rather than the more chilled folktronica side, Lakeman must now be wondering how far he can go. The jaunty "Race To Be King" features maybe the loudest Jew’s harp ever recorded, while Kathryn Roberts' haunting backing vocals on "Cherry Red Girl" add depth (though he might be overdoing it on the old red though, included songs called "Crimson Dawn" and "Blood Red Sky"). The title track though is the giveaway, a blatant and undeniably effective reminder that Led Zeppelin defined the heavy folk-rock crossover decades ago. Lakeman yelps like a West Country Robert Plant, sounding like a man with stadia in his sights.--Steve Jelbert

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Description
Fourth album from the talented young English folk singer and his first original full-length release for EMI offshoot Relentless after their reissues of his third outing 'Freedom Fields' in 2006 and his impossibly rare debut 'The Punch Bowl' earlier in 2008. This new release sees him joined by a full band, bringing an edgy, propulsive rock vibe to his respectfully traditional compositions. Includes the singles 'Poor Man's Heaven' and 'The Hurlers'.

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Customer reviews

review by: date: 2008-07-25 rating:
Some thrilling moments
This is yet another uplifting and life-affirming effort from Seth Lakeman.

He seems to really divide opinion. I know a lot of people think he is overrated but I find it impossible to see him as anything other than one of the finest musicians currently working in this country! He is a superlative musician technically, able to play numerous instruments to a very high standard, a warm and inspiring singer and a first rate songwriter. The nay sayers need to seriously listen to him and not let some trad-folk prejudice against people who get things moving with a jaunty rhythm blind them. Listening to him is inspiring even when his songs aren't of the finest.

I am into all sorts of music but as far as folk goes I am definitely at Seth's end of the spectrum, upbeat, fast-moving, exciting folk. He is not a finger-in-the-ear folkie, get used to it. Don't do the man down for being motivated and exciting!

This album is not his best, but it is a fine record. As usual he covers many different musical approaches, from the drum driven Hurlers to more acoustic stuff. personally I think Crimson Dawn and Solomon Browne are the best songs on the album. The latter is a superb effort, really moving and beautifully played. The last three or four tracks are a bit dull but once again Seth has triumphed!

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review by: date: 2008-07-25 rating:
Another great album by the lord of Folk Music
Seth Lakeman is a VERY talented Folk Musician. His energy, his passion and his genius makes all of his albums breathtaking. His previous album, the Freedom Fields has attracted a large audience to his fantastic skills in music. Obviously when his new album comes out, after the success of the Freedom Fields, there are high expectations.

Now let's get this straight, Poor Man's Heaven is no Freedom Fields. It has a livelier tone to it in one way and unfortunately it doesn't reach the quality of the Freedom Fields either. Despite that, Seth Lakeman's passion towards Folk Music is shown here more than ever. It' takes a braver turn, and relies less on his trusty violin and uses more guitar like instruments (The Hurlers is an exception). But the songs are still much better than much other Folk musicians can conjure up.

His dream of folk music returning as popular music seems to be coming into a reality. Great job Seth Lakeman, keep up the good work, nay, great work.

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review by: hickman date: 2008-07-24 rating:
poor
Dont get me wrong i like all sorts of music especially folk however, this album like all of his other albums are overated. I actually think this album is the poorest of all of them. For a start its the same tempo through out and like his other albums they tend to sound the same. The main problem for me is his voice i suppose you either love it or hate it i find is voice grating after a couple of tracks. If you want to hear a great folk artistic who does this much better check out the great Richard Thompson and dont waste your money on this.

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review by: philp date: 2008-07-16 rating:
gets better the louder you hear it
I'm not a folk music fan (Roy Harper excepted) but I bought this because I liked Freedom Fields. On first listening I thought 'yep, Freedom Fields with a bit of punch' but wasn't overwhelmed. I then happened to see SL live at a local music festival last week. It was loud, the upright bass hit you like a bass drum, and the overall performance was exceptional.
My advice is to play this CD loud to get the full benefit. I would now rate it 4 stars rather than 3, simply by playing it louder. (I know I could have played it loud in the first place but I'm a slave to my prejudices).


review by: date: 2008-07-12 rating:
Folk-curious or in denial?
Ok ok, so I like folk music - there I said it. Nic Jones, Martin Simpson and now Seth Lakeman, it would appear that someone, somewhere is slowly indoctrinating me (Radio 2's Stuart Maconie I suspect). I wouldn't, however, declare myself a full-blown folkie; I do enjoy the more mainstream stuff and would never join the sandal wearing, beard touting, real-ale swigging, finger-in-the ear brigade.

Right, this album is absolutely fantastic. Having bought it ten days ago I have had it playing throughout the house, in the car and even at work at every opportunity. The tunes, whilst telling tales of traditional folk themes (why are there so many folk songs about whales?), are very well crafted and excellently delivered. They are even better played live; I saw him play in Frome last week and he had the whole place buzzing - there was even a trad folkie (early 60s, bald, beard, CAMRA member etc) head-banging to one of his songs! Try to get to one of Seth's gigs; you will not be disappointed.

If you are folk-curious and want to see what it is all about, buy this album. You will be pleasantly surprised and will have the tunes banging around your head for days. Come out of the closet and join the rest of us neo-folkies; you know you want to!

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