Dr. Strangely Strange

Label: Vertigo
Country: UK
Released: 1970
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Album Overview

Released on September 11, 1970, "Heavy Petting" is the second studio album by the Irish band Dr. Strangely Strange. The album was launched under the Vertigo label, catalog number 6360 009, during the label’s swirl-label era. Produced by Joe Boyd, this release further explores the band’s blend of folk rock and psychedelic rock.

Musical Composition

The album features a mixture of original compositions and traditional influences. Core members Tim Booth, Ivan Pawle, and Tim Goulding contribute guitars, bass, keyboards, and vocals, showcasing their versatility across various folk instruments. Guest musicians enrich the sound with their contributions. Notably, Gary Moore plays lead guitar on several tracks, while Dave Mattacks from Fairport Convention provides the drumming. Irish folk musicians Andy Irvine and Johnny Moynihan lend their skills on mandolin and bouzouki, respectively.

Tracks of Interest

Among the standout tracks, "Ballad Of The Wasps" and "Summer Breeze" highlight the band’s lyrical and melodic strengths. The lively "Kilmanoyadd Stomp" and the reflective "I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes" further illustrate the album’s diverse soundscape. "Gave My Love An Apple" features Brendan Shiels on bass guitar, adding a unique texture. The tracks often blend elements of folk and rock, creating a distinctive listening experience.

Artistic Presentation

The visual aspect of "Heavy Petting" is significant as well. The album cover was designed by Roger Dean, who later gained fame for his work with the band Yes. The original pressing is noted for its unlaminated gimmick sleeve, which enhances its collectible nature. The cover art complements the music, reflecting the eclectic and innovative spirit of the band.

Production Details

The engineering of the album was handled by Roger Meyers, ensuring a polished sound that captures the essence of the band’s style. The production choices made by Joe Boyd play a crucial role in the overall feel of the album, blending acoustic and electric elements seamlessly.

Conclusion

Dr. Strangely Strange's "Heavy Petting" contains diverse musical influences and features various guest artists, including Gary Moore and Dave Mattacks. The album was released by Vertigo in the UK.

Tracklist

A1	Ballad Of The Wasps Bass Guitar, Vocals, Mandolin – Ivan PawleBouzouki – Johnny MoynihanDrums – Dave MattacksGuitar, Vocals – Tim BoothLead Vocals, Organ, Piano – Tim GouldingWritten-By – Goulding*
A2	Summer Breeze Bass Guitar – Ivan PawleDrums – Dave MattacksLead Guitar – Gary MooreRecorder [Treble], Organ, Piano – Tim GouldingVocals, Rhythm Guitar – Tim BoothWritten-By – Booth*
A3	Kilmanoyadd Stomp Drums, Bells [Doorbell], Percussion [Coffee Beans] – Dave MattacksGuitar, Backing Vocals – Tim BoothLead Vocals, Harmonium, Piano – Ivan PawleRecorder, Backing Vocals – Tim GouldingWritten-By – Pawle*
A4	I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes Lead Vocals, Harmonium – Tim GouldingVocals – Ivan PawleVocals – Tim BoothWritten-By – Goulding*
A5	Sign On My Mind Bass, Backing Vocals – Tim BoothDrums – Dave MattacksLead Guitar – Gary MooreLead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Organ, Whistle – Ivan PawleMandolin – Andy IrvineWritten-By – Pawle*
B1	Gave My Love An Apple Bass Guitar – Brendan Shiels (The Brush)Drums – Dave MattacksFiddle, Piano, Backing Vocals – Tim GouldingLead Guitar – Gary MooreLead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar – Tim BoothOrgan, Backing Vocals – Ivan PawleWritten-By – Booth
B2	Jove Was At Home Autoharp, Vocals – LinusGlockenspiel – Jay MyrdalGuitar, Vocals – Tim BoothLead Vocals, Guitar – Ivan PawleRecorder [Bass], Organ, Vocals – Tim GouldingVocals – Heather WoodsWritten-By – Pawle
B3	When Adam Delved Guitar – Tim BoothGuitar, Harmonium – Ivan PawlePercussion – Dave MattacksRecorder – Tim GouldingWritten-By – Pawle*
B4	Ashling Fiddle [One String], Vocals – Tim GouldingFinger Cymbals, Whistle [Gull Whistle] – LinusGuitar, Tin Whistle, Vocals – Ivan PawleLead Vocals, Guitar – Tim BoothWritten-By – Booth*
B5	Mary Malone Of Moscow Banjo, Backing Vocals – Tim BoothBass, Backing Vocals – Ivan PawleDrums – Dave MattacksLead Guitar – Gary MooreLead Vocals, Organ – Tim GouldingMandolin – Andy IrvineWritten-By – Goulding*
B6	Goodnight My Friends Vocals, Harmonium – Annie XmasVocals, Harmonium – Ivan PawleVocals, Harmonium – JohannaVocals, Harmonium – Tim BoothVocals, Harmonium – Tim GouldingWritten-By – I. Pawle*