LPCDreissues: Looking forward to the past

Released in 1981, 'Songs Of Love And Parting' was Robin's first solo album after the amicable demise of the Merry Band. It was also the realisation of a dream to write contemporary songs in a traditional manner. All the songs were written by Robin (with a few traditional tunes thrown in for good measure!) and are now regarded by many as his finest compositions.ï?¬ The album (originally released on the Irish Claddagh label) contained the classics 'For Mr Thomas' (a tribute to the Welsh Bard), which was later covered by Van Morrison, 'Fare Thee Well Sweet Mally' and 'Flower Of The Briar'.ï?¬ At this point in Robin's career he released a cassette of songs and poetry titled 'Selected Writings' which was only ever sold at concerts. The material on the cassette is closely linked with the 'SL&P' album as material from both collections made up a substantial part of Robin's 'Tree of Leaf & Flame' stage show.ï?¬ The cassette also contains Robin's major poetic piece 'Edinburgh' that reflected on his childhood and early years as a musician in his hometown.ï?¬ Together the two albums place a firm spotlight on Robin Williamson's most successful work during his long career in the Incredible String Band, the Merry Band and as a Solo Artist - as Robert Plant (a big Robin Williamson fan) said: "He is Scotland's finest living poet." TRACK LISTING: SONGS OF LOVE AND PARTING:1. Verses in Stewart Street 2. For Mr. Thomas3. Fare Thee Well Sweet Mally 4. Return No More5. Tarry Wool 6. For Three of Us 7. Sigil8. Flower of the Briar 9. The Forming of Blodeuwedd10. Gwydion's Dream 11. Verses at Balwearie Tower12. A Night at Ardpatrick 13. The Parting GlassSELECTED WRITINGS 1980-83:14. Song of Mabon 15. The Fair16. The Fair Dance 17. Edinburgh 18. Lammas