Category Archives: MEDICINE HEAD
MEDICINE HEAD Live In London DVD
Medicine Head had a string of hit singles in the 70′s, but they were known as a hard-working live band too- one year they took the record of the most gigs played in that year. John Fiddler went on after Medicine Head to join the British Lions, who also included members of Mott The Hoople minus Ian Hunter of course, and the subsequent band Box Of Frogs were huge in the USA, had continual play on MTV and it was the only the reluctance of the other members that prevented the band touring.
Here on this excellent DVD, it’s not the original line-up of course, but replacing Peter Hope-Evans is Darrell Bath, who does an excellent job on guitar. John and Darrell go through the back catalogue and perform the hits such as One And One Is One and Pictures In The Sky. One More Chance To Run from the Lions is included as well as favourites such as Return Of The Buffalo, from John’s solo career.
The DVD was recorded last summer before an invited audience and the quality of the songs shine through. The atmosphere in the studio is warm and relaxed and you can see a good time was had by all. The DVD has 5.1 surround sound and DTS so that is very welcome and there are excellent interviews with John Fiddler, Darrell Bath and Keith Smith (who runs the Mott The Hoople Fanzine, 2 Miles from Heaven.)
Philip Holbrook (April 2004)
…all the offerings here are Fiddler through and through – booming acoustic guitar and soulful, roaring vocals. Moving, while entertaining and beautifully recorded, and there are interviews with Fiddler and Bath
Nick Dalton, Record Collector (June 2004)
There is something very special about musicians performing with just the bare essentials, and while John does also play harmonica it is vocals, guitars, and great songs that capture the attention. This DVD is three hours long, with the gig itself lasting for two hours and containing 23 songs…Yet another very worthy release from Angel Air.
Feedback, (June 2004)
With 22 tracks and bonus interviews you can’t quibble about value for money…if you know Fiddler more from recent stints as frontman of Mott spin-offs British Lions or ex-Yardbirds act Box Of Frogs…you’ll be more than satisfied.
Michael Heatley, Classic Rock (July 2004)
MEDICINE HEAD – Fiddlersophical
‘I’ll Turn You On’ is the best power ballad this side of hard rock and it’ll take ages to forget Laurence Archer’s slide figure that carries ‘The Haunting’.
DME Music Site (October 2011)
…a terrific album, though perhaps slightly unbalanced in so far that the first half has the gear considerably cranked up and gives musicians Neil Conti and Laurence Archer plenty of room for their own spiel…Not that it’s doing the album’s overall quality any harm of course!
Music-News.com (October 2011)
…this is an excellent album full of Med Head trademarks. ‘First I Lost My Mind’ has that unique drum sound that characterised so much of the band’s early period with the lonesome harmonica that Peter Hope-Evans used to play, and ‘Halfway’ has that reverb-drenched guitar. Elsewhere there is the fuller sound of the later years – songs like ‘Cadillacs And Diamonds’ and ‘The Haunting’ – while the opening ‘Free’ puts a new twist on the familiar sound and ‘Narcisister’ takes it to extremes.
R2 magazine
In a somewhat surprising move, original Medicine Head founder John Fiddler has revived the name for what is, to all intents and purposes, a Fiddler solo album, as he has written everything, and played almost everything on here as well. Taken on its own merits as a solo effort, this is actually pretty good.
Fiddler has a pleasant singer/songwriter style, with some echoes of the sort of country-tinged ballads that the Stones used to do so well, and tracks like Cadillacs And Diamonds, The Haunting and Halfway are very accomplished and mature pieces of songwriting, delivered in a most agreeable manner…
Classic Rock Society
MEDICINE HEAD – Radio Sessions 1971-1977
Musically, the CD offers some excellent performances fizzing with energy and force in a live setting while the majority of tracks exhibit admirable sound quality.
Hi-Fi World (April 2010)
The hugely informative liner notes tell us that it was an early airplay that prompted John Lennon, Manfred Mann and Pete Townshend to contact John Peel to make sure that he was aware of Medicine Head…
This set captures the very best of Medicine Head in session during a period that produced the majority of their impressive output…
Jeff Perkins, Classic Eurorock (February 2010)
Such a diversity and timespan encompassing the band’s classic years gives ‘Radio Sessions’ not only the historic value but also the satisfaction factor.
Let It Rock ( www.dmme.net ) (February 2010)
This is classic British based blues rock and it includes their no. 3 hit single ‘One And One Is One’. Their earlier work hints at T. Rex most notably ‘(And The) Pictures In The Sky’ whilst later songs such as ‘Walkin’ Blues’ show what an accomplished blues guitarist John Fiddler is.
A definite must for fans of the band and being radio sessions the recordings are very good quality, including those recorded in front of live audiences. Often overlooked Medicine Head are an important part of the 70′s blues rock scene. 4/5
Jason Ritchie, www.getreadytorock.com (February 2010)
…preserving the unique character of this duo fronted band…
TNT Audio ( www.tnt-audio.com ) (February 2010)
…rocking like bedheads in a bordello…dusting off primal rock ‘n’ roll archetypes and fitting them out in natty stardust suits…
Record Collector (February 2010)
The great thing is time has been kind to these songs and these recordings sound extremely fresh and vibrant. Whether you’re a Medicine Head junkie…or you’re just curious to find out what they were all about, Radio Sessions 1971-1977 is a top notch release from top to bottom that will satisfy both the diehards as well as the newbies.
Ryan Sparks, Sea of Tranquility (March 2010)
…this will clearly be snapped up by any fans of the band
Classic Rock Society (April 2010)
…a welcome artefact of this underrated English band.
www.e-gear.com (May 2010)
…17 superlative tracks…this is as good as it’s going to get on a single album
Maverick magazine (August 2010)
…an opportunity to experience alternative versions of perennial crowd-pleasers…
Kevin Bryan, Stirling Advertiser (July 2010)
The finished product offers their diehard devotees an opportunity to experience alternative versions of perennial crowd pleasers…
Kevin Bryan, various regional papers (January 2011)
MEDICINE HEAD – Don’t Stop The Dance
Guitarist John Fiddler and harmonica/jews harpist Peter Hope could never decide how many people they wanted in Medicine Head, even though they were a perfectly capable blues duo, especially with Fiddler banging the bass drum
Classic Rock, March 2005
…an enjoyable album, with Johns’ vocals and guitar playing very much to the fore…the sound is very much of a blues band trying to find their roots, not an established act that had already had plenty of hits…
This is definitely a worthwhile reissue…As usual this Angle Air release contains plenty of photos and interesting comment.
Feedback, May 2005
Recorded during 1974, the previously unreleased Don’t Stop The Dance catches Medicine Head during its period of expansion from unique duo to five-piece blues-rock band. Releasing a half dozen British albums during the early 1970s, guitarist-songwriter John Fiddler and harmonica player Peter Hope-Evans created a full-throttled two-man band sound. On these Tony Ashton-produced tracks, the twosome was joined by bassist George Ford, ex-Family drummer Rob Townsend, and guitarist Roger Saunders of the power trio Freedom.
Fiddler unleashes his heavy blues-based guitar attack on the title track, and he mixes swampy slide guitar into “Walkin’ Blues.” Displaying his songwriting talent, Fiddler takes the atmospheric “Dark Side Of The Moon” in an acoustic, English folk direction, while the influence of the Stones’ “Wild Horses” drives the muscular ballads “Can’t Live A Lie” and “You Gotta Love Somebody.” Besides adding stylish licks throughout, Hope-Evans delivers propulsive harmonica leads on “Lay Around” and Muddy Waters’ “Just Wanna Make Love.”
In addition to the never-before released album tracks, Don’t Stop The Dance compiles three concert recordings and the CD-debut of two U.K. singles. “Part Of The Play” nicely fits the era’s singer-songwriter style; pumping up the tempo, “Come On Over” competes with the most infectious glitter rock of the early ’70s; “Mama Come Out” and “It’s Got To Be Alright” display Fiddler’s knack for dropping sly guitar riffs into cleverly offbeat tunes. Live versions of the 1973 Anglo hits “Rising Sun” and “One And One Is One” underscore the manic energy that Hope-Evans’ Jew’s harp brought to Fiddler’s guitar-powered tunes. With a mix of blues-rock album tracks, pop conscious singles, and energetic live cuts, Don’t Stop The Dance offers a snapshot of 1970s British rock.
Joseph Tortelli, April 2005
…this just unearthed unreleased and unfinished…album from 1974 shows that, had they perservered, they could have cracked it. Fiddler’s songs rock more, his growling guitar is to the fore and Hope-Evans harmonica leads the show.
Record Collector (June 2005)
…Full of harmonica, Jew’s harp and blues rock, these recordings sound like a crossover between the free-spirit white-blues of Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac, the R&B psychedelia of The Rolling Stones and the fierce folk romanticism of Thin Lizzy.
www.maelstrom.nu (June 2005)
MEDICINE HEAD – Fiddlers Anthology – Greatest Hits Live
This CD, with tracks taken from that show, highlights some great music taken from across Fiddler’s career. Recorded with ex Ian Hunter Band guitarist Darrell Bath, the duo produce a great sound. Mixing both electric and acoustic guitars, Fiddler also adds vocals and harmonica.
Many of John’s bands released singles that get replayed here, including the Medicine Head cuts `Pictures In The Sky’ and `One And One Is One’ (the latter a top 3 hit).
The music’s great, but largely acoustic throughout. It is still very enjoyable and atmospheric, and enjoyed by the audience.
Joe Geesin, www.getreadytorock.com (April 2004)
With extensive sleeve notes and an explanation about each song it is as good a read as it is a listen
Neil Makin, Classic Rock Society (May 2004)
…the booklet is extremely good stating who recorded the song and when it was first released…a reflective and enjoyable jaunt through the back catalogue
Feedback (June 2004)
The contents are direct, uncluttered and just as appealing as ever…
Kevin Bryan (June 2004)
Twelve brilliant songs…These two musicians make a tremendous sound and is a gret release from the boys and should captivate a lot of music fans over here as it does in the rest of Europe and the USA
Rimmer, Modern Dance (August 2004)
MEDICINE BAND – Two Man Band
This is a surprisingly laid back, almost dreamy album which has a lovely innocent quality which permeates through the majority of the tracks…Great stuff from one of the better, and most original bands from the 70′s
Steve Ward, Wondrous Stories (October 2001)
The album is real nice and has highlights like the snappy ‘Mother Love’, ‘Over You’ (with its cool Jaw Harp) and reminds me of two Free songs mixed into one – ‘Mr Big’ and ‘Fire And Water’…Recorded by Pete Townsend at his Eel Pie Studios…it’s been re-released…with three bonus tracks which make it worth buying if you already have the original crackly vinyl…
A beauty of a buy if you like folky 70′s rock (8/10)
Glenn Milligan, Metalliville (October 2001)
This is a great introduction to the band, as it encompasses many of their styles from blues to singer songwriter, lots of acoustic as well as some electric…This was the last release as Peter and John parted ways permanently soon afterwards, but they left on a strong note. A goody.
Feedback, (November 2001)
There’s a bluesy feel throughout the album, with hints of pop imbibed with a timeless quality that means the music doesn’t sound dated at all…this album is important as it marks the end of one of the unique bands of British Rock…
Adrian Perkins
Against all the odds, Two Man Band turned out to be a remarkably positive and, in the circumstances, upbeat album. The band’s rawer side was sidelined in favour of finely crafted melodic songs imbued with an innocent pastoral quality that conjured up images of lazy summer afternoons, sippin gice cold drinks and watching the world go by…
Two Miles From Heaven (November 2001)
What a pleasant surprise it was to hear the unique chugging bluesy twang of the opening track. And things just kept getting better…
This is the first time on CD for this gem from 1976…And while the Byrds may have perfected the sound of twangy guitars, twang really don’t get much stronger than the noise made by Medicine Head’s jew’s harp!
Clint Thigh, Bucketful Of Blues (November 2001)
This…is their rootsiest, countriest collection. John Fiddler’s songs are at their gentlest, and warmest…although still with his knack of writing neat pop songs…A lovingly-prepared reissue with several bonus tracks and excellent sleeve notes. Play it just as the sun’s going down. Divine
Nick Dalton, Country Music International (November 2001)
…a must for fans, and the sleevenotes and extra tracks all make for a comprehensive history lesson.
Joe Geesin, Record Collector (December 2001)
Magical soft rock that captivates with its innocence and simplicity. Gentle rhythmoic rock with clever and catchy lyrics are the perfect medicine for those wanting a remedy for some of today’s less appealing music.
Hartlepool Mail, 31 December 2001
…a defiantly contrary collection of rootsy. Bluesy gems…One reaches the end astonished that a band that still sounded this vital, vibrant and vivacious should have felt the need to break up.
Jo-Ann Green, Goldmine, January 2002
The music is very easy to listen to. I suppose it’s gentle rock including a couple of nice ballads…This is Medicine Head at their softest and best despite it being their last album together; this album stands up well and is well worth a listen.
Modern Dance #39 (August 2002)
MEDICINE HEAD – Two Man Band
This is a surprisingly laid back, almost dreamy album which has a lovely innocent quality which permeates through the majority of the tracks…Great stuff from one of the better, and most original bands from the 70′s
Steve Ward, Wondrous Stories (October 2001)
The album is real nice and has highlights like the snappy ‘Mother Love’, ‘Over You’ (with its cool Jaw Harp) and reminds me of two Free songs mixed into one – ‘Mr Big’ and ‘Fire And Water’…Recorded by Pete Townsend at his Eel Pie Studios…it’s been re-released…with three bonus tracks which make it worth buying if you already have the original crackly vinyl…
A beauty of a buy if you like folky 70′s rock (8/10)
Glenn Milligan, Metalliville (October 2001)
This is a great introduction to the band, as it encompasses many of their styles from blues to singer songwriter, lots of acoustic as well as some electric…This was the last release as Peter and John parted ways permanently soon afterwards, but they left on a strong note. A goody.
Feedback, (November 2001)
There’s a bluesy feel throughout the album, with hints of pop imbibed with a timeless quality that means the music doesn’t sound dated at all…this album is important as it marks the end of one of the unique bands of British Rock…
Adrian Perkins
Against all the odds, Two Man Band turned out to be a remarkably positive and, in the circumstances, upbeat album. The band’s rawer side was sidelined in favour of finely crafted melodic songs imbued with an innocent pastoral quality that conjured up images of lazy summer afternoons, sippin gice cold drinks and watching the world go by…
Two Miles From Heaven (November 2001)
What a pleasant surprise it was to hear the unique chugging bluesy twang of the opening track. And things just kept getting better…
This is the first time on CD for this gem from 1976…And while the Byrds may have perfected the sound of twangy guitars, twang really don’t get much stronger than the noise made by Medicine Head’s jew’s harp!
Clint Thigh, Bucketful Of Blues (November 2001)
This…is their rootsiest, countriest collection. John Fiddler’s songs are at their gentlest, and warmest…although still with his knack of writing neat pop songs…A lovingly-prepared reissue with several bonus tracks and excellent sleeve notes. Play it just as the sun’s going down. Divine
Nick Dalton, Country Music International (November 2001)
…a must for fans, and the sleevenotes and extra tracks all make for a comprehensive history lesson.
Joe Geesin, Record Collector (December 2001)
Magical soft rock that captivates with its innocence and simplicity. Gentle rhythmoic rock with clever and catchy lyrics are the perfect medicine for those wanting a remedy for some of today’s less appealing music.
Hartlepool Mail, 31 December 2001
…a defiantly contrary collection of rootsy. Bluesy gems…One reaches the end astonished that a band that still sounded this vital, vibrant and vivacious should have felt the need to break up.
Jo-Ann Green, Goldmine, January 2002
The music is very easy to listen to. I suppose it’s gentle rock including a couple of nice ballads…This is Medicine Head at their softest and best despite it being their last album together; this album stands up well and is well worth a listen.
Modern Dance #39 (August 2002)
MEDICINE HEAD – Live At The Marquee 1975
This CD captures them at their live, thunderous best and was recorded in the latter part of their career…
Make no mistake, this is no one-dimensional performance, with John playing guitar, drums and handling vocal duties while Peter accompanies him with harmonica, jews’ harp and claves, at times you need to pinch yourself to remember this is just two guys, not a five-piece band.
The delivery is paced just right, too, with heavy, fast, crunching numbers mixed in with the slower ones. Like set opener How Does It Feel and Pictures In The Sky getting everyone present nicely warmed up. Two Men Now slows things down nicely (Peter’s jews harp is clearly audible) before picking up again for Home’s Odyssey…
A demo of Pictures In The Sky rounds the CD off nicely, but its the live material you’ll be buying it for. A 12-page booklet (written by MTHAS’ Keith Smith) summarises Medicine Head’s career, complete with discography and rare photos.
Medicine Head was a band that was championed by DJ John Peel (they were even signed to his Dandelion label for a while) and which, despite finding some fame in 73/74 with hit singles he never tired of. One of the reasons is they never lost touch with what they were really about. All the evidence is here on this disc. I like live albums anyhow, and I think you’ll like this one too.
Adrian Perkins (June 2001)
Excellent quality recording…the gig itself is top quality, and a reminder how underrated this rather obscure duo were…an essential purchase for any Medicine Head/John Fiddler fans. 8/10
Jilly’s Rock World (June 2001)
This performance was recorded in June 1975 at the height of their commercial success…Musically the band sit somewhere between rock, pop and blues…Anyone familiar with the work of Hardin & York from the early 70′s should substitute the organ for guitar and this should give you an idea of where Medicine Head were at. Serious collectors of the Yardbirds should be very interested in the CD’s bonus track, a demo version of ‘Pictures In the Sky’ recorded in John Fiddler’s kitchen with features Keith Relf on guitar.
Medicine Head were a joyous one off, and this CD shows them in all their unique glory.
Steve Ward, Wondrous Stories (July 2001)
They rock in a way that predates punk yet manage to sound as if they’re in a sleazy Louisiana roadhouse rather than London’s Soho…Thrown in for good measure is an echoey demo version of Pictures that could have come from Sun Studios, circa 1959. Awesome.
Nick Dalton, Country Music International (July 2001)
This superb concert captures the combo in full force with their compelling lyrics and passionate vocals.
Norfolk & Suffolk Preview, (July 2001)
Originally issued in 1995, this set adds excellent extensive sleeve notes and a discography, as well as a bonus track that features the Yardbirds’ Keith Relf. Essential for fans and a good place to start for beginners.
Record Collector, (August 2001)
…catches the duo of Fiddler and Peter Hope Evans at their hit-making peak…one wonders why, with material of this quality at their disposal, Medicine Head didn’t make more of a splash during their lifetime.
Jo Ann-Greene, Goldmine, (August 2001)
It may be dated, very Seventies, but there is good clear sound, and the music is in the hands of guys who care. Worth hearing.
Feedback, (Sep 2001)
…a welcome tonic…in this world of computerised gadgetry and synthetically enhanced, mass-production lines comes this delicious slice of naturally grown, wholesome organic music. And what’s more – it’s really good for you!
Two Miles From Heaven (November 2001)