Freedoms Children – Battle Hymn Of The Broken Hearted Horde [LP 1969]

Tracks

Movement One

1. Introduction
2. Season
3. Judas Queen
4. Mrs. Browning
5. Country Boy
6. Your Father’s Eyes

Movement Two

7. Eclipse
8. Ten Years Ago
9. Kafkasque
10. Boundsgreen Fair
11. Miss Wendy’s Dancing Eyes Have Died

Bonus on CD reissue

12. My Death (Kafkasque, 2nd Movement) originally released on the b-side of “Eclipse” single in 1968

All tracks written by Ramsay MacKay.

Musicians

• Ramsay MacKay: Bass, vocals, narration
• Julian Laxton: Guitars on “Eclipse” & “Kafkasque”
• Colin Pratley: Drums
• Nic Martens: Keyboards
• Pete Clifford: Guitar
• Dennis Robertson: Vocals
• Stevie van Kerken: Vocals
• Steve Trend: Vocals
• Peter Vee: Vocals
• Harry Poulos: Keyboards on “Eclipse” & “Kafkasque”
• Brian Davidson: Vocals (unconfirmed)

Release information

LP: 1969, Parlophone, PCSJ 12049
CD: 2008, Fresh Music, freshcd 152

This album has all the wonderful excesses of early progressive rock; the deep “meaningful” poetry, spoken words, majestic organ-playing, sound effects, choirs, long guitar solos, etc. I love it!

The unusual Scottish/South African accent of Ramsay MacKay guides us through this album of contrasts. From the country sounds of “Country Boy” to the Traffic-style rock of “Judas Queen” this album does not let up for a moment. It rocks, it soothes, it challenges, it even refreshes (thanks to the inclusion of a Pepsi advert!). A great album, which has seen the light of day on CD (at last!), thanks to Fresh Music.

Brian Davidson says that he sang a bit on this album, but this is unconfirmed.

Stevie van Kerken was Robert John “Mutt” Lange’s first wife.

Brian Currin