558 - Plainsong - In Search of Amelia Earhart (1972)

BIOGRAPHY
by Chris Woodstra
A quartet formed by Ian Matthews in 1972 with Andy Roberts, Bob Ronga, and Dave Richards. They released In Search of Amelia Earhart the same year to critical praise but little commercial success. While working on their follow-up, the more country oriented Plainsong III, Ronga quit and Matthews and Richards were unable to agree on the direction the band would take musically. They disbanded before the album's completion. In 1993, a revived interest in the band inspired a new studio album, Dark Side of the Room, as well as a BBC recording of a promotional tour from 1972. In 1994, the band released Voices Electric. Sister Flute followed in 1996. In 1997, Clive Gregson (ex-Any Trouble, Gregson & Collister) joined the band, with New Place Now appearing two years later.
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REVIEW
by Brett Hartenbach
In just under three years, Ian Matthews split from Fairport Convention, went solo, formed Matthews' Southern Comfort - with whom he scored a number one U.K. hit - left the group at the height of its popularity, recorded three more records on his own (only two were released at this time) and in early 1972 started Plainsong, his fourth band in five years. And while his track record led one to believe that Plainsong may be just another short stay, the subsequent album, In Search of Amelia Earhart, proved to be worth the venture. Ian Matthews was of course the obvious draw, but Plainsong seemed to be formed as more of a collective effort, with lead guitarist Andy Roberts, who shares the lead vocal duties, the other focal point in the band. On the other hand, Matthews, whose folk and country-tinged tunes set the tone for the record, is the only member to contribute original material. Included among these is the thematic "True Story of Amelia Earhart," which along with the haunting "For the Second Time," leads a pack of five Matthews compositions that range from good to excellent. Elsewhere, Paul Siebel's heartbreaking "Louise," the dulcimer and harmony driven Appalachian gospel of "I'll Fly Away," and Roberts' readings of the playful "Yo Yo Man," Jim & Jesse's "Diesel on My Tail" and the mournful 1939 tale of "Amelia Earhart's Last Flight" are all highlights. Its title and artwork, along with notes by Charles Goerner on the flight and disappearance of Amelia Earhart and Frederick Noonan, gave In Search of Amelia Earhart the feel of a concept album, even though the title is nowhere to be found on the outside jacket and there are only two songs related to the subject contained within. It wasn't really a surprise when a follow-up, though recorded, failed to materialize, with the band parting ways on less than amicable terms, and Matthews going on to record two more records for Elektra. Still, In Search of Amelia Earhart fits nicely alongside the rest of his terrific early-'70's catalogue.
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TRACKS
1 For the Second Time Matthews 3:51
2 Yo Yo Man Cooper, Cunha 2:13
3 Louise Siebel 3:18
4 Call the Tune Matthews 5:22
5 Diesel on My Tail Fagan 2:03
6 Amelia Earhart's Last Flight McEnery 4:05
7 I'll Fly Away Brumley 2:03
8 True Story of Amelia Earhart Matthews 4:32
9 Even the Guiding Light Matthews 4:12
10 Side Roads Matthews 3:29
11 Raider Henske, Yester 4:32
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CREDITS
Timi Donald Drums
Martin Jenkins Mandolin, Cello, Mandola
Dave Mattacks Drums
Ian Matthews Guitar, Vocals
Dave Richards Guitar, Vocals
Andy Roberts Guitar, Vocals
Bob Ronga Bass, Vocals
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