Heron - Black Dog (1997/2005)

The British group Heron made some rare albums in the early '70s, and continued to put out sporadic low-profile releases over the next few decades. The 15 songs on Black Dog were recorded in the late '90s, and made available on the band's website, but not released on CD until Hux picked up the material in 2005. (Other tracks recorded at the time had previously been released on the album River of Fortune.) Some of the songs were actually written (though not necessarily recorded) back in the '70s, though newer tunes were included as well. It's laid-back, undistinguished folk-rock that's closer to folk than most folk-rock is, with a definite but not overwhelming English feel. Occasionally, the harmonies recall Crosby, Stills & Nash and steer this slightly toward the '70s California folk-rock sound, though that resemblance never becomes strong enough that you'd be likely to mistake Heron for a Californian band. There's a tender, nostalgic older-and-wiser air to the songs, and while most decent sorts would be hard-put to disagree with any of the sentiments, they're not relayed in a very exciting fashion.