Bob Lind - Since There Were Circles

He was still elusive in 1971

After a worldwide hit with Elusive Butterfly and two fine albums in the mid-60s, Bob Lind disappeared into a haze (partly of his own making), only to resurface with this rare and collectable 1971 album, which he considers his best. Arranged by Jimmy Bond and cut with session players Carol Kaye and John Buck Wilkin (aka Ronny & The Daytonas), the album also included input from Doug Dillard and Gene Clark, whose help raised Sweet Harriet especially into a fine example of late folk-rock. Lind’s songs examine the tribulations of relationships, and his heartfelt vocals and melodies take us to places James Blunts can only dream of. While there isn’t the pop sheen that Jack Nitzsche’s arrangements gave to Lind’s earlier work, this album (and the five fine bonus tracks here) underscores why he is so respected by the likes of Jarvis Cocker, Richard Hawley and The High Llamas. Lind’s own reflections on the music are included in a package that makes the material available for the first time in well over 30 years.

RPM | 321

Reviewed by Kingsley Abbott
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