Edgar Broughton Band

Release Overview

The Edgar Broughton Band is the third studio album by the British band of the same name, released in May 1971. This self-titled album is often referred to as "The Meat Album" due to its striking cover art created by the design group Hipgnosis. The cover features wrapped meat hanging in an abattoir, which aligns with the band's bold and unconventional style.

Band Lineup and Production

For this release, the Edgar Broughton Band expanded to a four-member lineup with the addition of Victor Unitt, a guitarist and keyboardist previously associated with The Pretty Things. The album was produced by Peter Jenner and engineered by Peter Mew at the famous Abbey Road Studios. The combination of these talents contributed to the album's distinctive sound.

Musical Elements

This album blends elements of rock, psychedelic rock, progressive rock, and blues rock. It features orchestral arrangements by composer David Bedford, adding depth to several tracks. Backing vocals were provided by The Ladybirds, enhancing the vocal harmonies throughout the album. Noteworthy guest musicians include Mike Oldfield, who plays mandolin, and David Bedford, who contributes piano on the track "Thinking Of You." Johnny Van Derek also appears on violin in "Piece Of My Own."

Key Tracks

The album opens with "Evening Over Rooftops," a track that combines progressive acoustic elements with orchestral backing. Other significant songs include "The Birth," "Poppy / Don't Even Know Which Day It Is," "House Of Turnabout," and "Madhatter." The two-part composition "For Dr. Spock" is another highlight, showcasing the band's intricate arrangements and lyrical depth.

Recording Details

The Edgar Broughton Band was recorded at Abbey Road Studios, a location famous for its association with many legendary artists. The album was released on the Harvest label under catalog number SHVL 791.