Barclay James Harvest

Label: Polydor
Country:
Released:
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Release Overview

Barclay James Harvest released their fifth studio album, Everyone Is Everybody Else, on June 14, 1974. This release marked the band's transition to Polydor Records, catalog number 2383 286. The album was recorded at Olympic Studios in Barnes, London, between March and April 1974 and mixed at Trident Studios. Rodger Bain, known for his work with Black Sabbath and Judas Priest, produced the album, while engineering was handled by Rufus Cartright and Ted Sharp.

Band Lineup

The classic lineup of Barclay James Harvest during this period included John Lees on lead and acoustic guitars and vocals, Les Holroyd on bass, acoustic guitar, and vocals, Stuart "Woolly" Wolstenholme on keyboards, Mellotron, and backing vocals, and Mel Pritchard on drums and percussion. This configuration contributed to the band's distinct sound, blending elements of rock, art rock, and progressive rock.

Musical Content

Within Everyone Is Everybody Else, several tracks stand out. "Child of the Universe," penned by John Lees, presents an anti-war message. Other key tracks include "For No One" and "The Great 1974 Mining Disaster." Les Holroyd contributed songs like "Negative Earth" and "Crazy City," showcasing the band's range in lyrical themes and musical styles. The album's arrangements feature rich instrumentation, including the use of the Mellotron, which adds a lush texture to the sound.

Visual Presentation

The album cover features photography by Alex Agor, with art direction led by Vincent McEvoy. The visual elements complement the album's themes and the band's artistic vision, providing an aesthetic that aligns with the music.

Recording Context

This album was the first of three records the band would release under the Polydor label. The recording sessions at Olympic Studios were a crucial time for the band as they sought to evolve their sound and expand their audience. The choice of recording location and the involvement of experienced producers contributed to the sonic quality of the album.

Everyone Is Everybody Else was produced at Olympic Studios, London, in March and April 1974.

Tracklist

A1	Child Of The Universe Backing Vocals – John LeesBacking Vocals – Les HolroydBacking Vocals – Mel PritchardBacking Vocals – Wooly Wolstenholme*Lead Vocals – John LeesWritten-By – John Lees
A2	Negative Earth Lead Vocals – Les HolroydWritten-By – Les HolroydWritten-By – Mel Pritchard
A3	Paper Wings Backing Vocals – John LeesBacking Vocals – Les HolroydBacking Vocals – Wooly Wolstenholme*Lead Vocals – Les HolroydWritten-By – Les HolroydWritten-By – Mel Pritchard
A4	The Great 1974 Mining Disaster Backing Vocals – John LeesBacking Vocals – Les HolroydBacking Vocals – Wooly Wolstenholme*Lead Vocals – John LeesWritten-By – John Lees
B1	Crazy City Lead Vocals – Les HolroydWritten-By – Les Holroyd
B2	See Me See You Lead Vocals – John LeesWritten-By – John Lees
B3	Poor Boy Blues Backing Vocals – John LeesBacking Vocals – Les HolroydLead Vocals – Les HolroydWritten-By – Les Holroyd
B4	Mill Boys Backing Vocals – John LeesBacking Vocals – Les HolroydLead Vocals – John LeesWritten-By – John Lees
B5	For No One Backing Vocals – John LeesBacking Vocals – Les HolroydBacking Vocals – Wooly Wolstenholme*Written-By – John Lees