If You Saw Thro' My Eyes by Ian Matthews - Uhune

ALBUM

In late 1970, shortly after his band Matthews Southern Comfort hit number one in Great Britain with its version of Joni Mitchell's "Woodstock," Ian Matthews decided that he needed more creative freedom and left for a solo career. The subsequent album, If You Saw Thro' My Eyes, his fourth and best release since leaving Fairport Convention in 1969, was recorded and released within the next few months. It also reunited him with former Fairport bandmates Sandy Denny, who had left the band in late 1969, and Richard Thompson, who would depart by the time of this album's release. Both would bring their distinctive personalities to the proceedings without ever overwhelming Matthews' own vision. As a bandleader and songwriter, Matthews' growth is quite evident here, guiding a stellar cast through seven excellent new originals and three well-chosen covers (also included is the a cappella "Hinge" and its instrumental reprise). Throughout, Matthews' sweet yet evocative tenor is perfect for the material, which succeeds in its blend of British and American folk, rock, and pop. Furthermore, he once again shows a keen eye for the work of others, while also proving his prowess as a first-rate interpretive singer. A pair of songs written by the late folksinger Richard Farina -- "Reno, Nevada" (resurrected from Ian's days with Fairport) and "Morgan the Pirate" -- are given fresh, inspired readings, highlighted by Thompson, Tim Renwick, and Andy Roberts' superb guitar interplay, providing a real folk-rock edge. But it's the beautiful, prayerlike title track that is the record's crowning moment. Joined simply by Denny's piano and breathtaking second vocal, along with a tasteful backwards guitar interlude by Renwick, Matthews' quiet plea for guidance is as moving and personal a song as he's ever recorded. A number of other highlights, such as "Hearts," "Southern Wind," "It Came Without Warning," and "You Couldn't Lose," make If You Saw Thro' My Eyes one of the best efforts by a Fairport alumnus.

1. Desert Inn

by Ian Matthews

Primary Artist: Ian Matthews; Main Performer
Composer: Ian Matthews; Composer
Lyricist: Ian Matthews; Composer
Producer: Ian Matthews; Production

2. Hearts

by Ian Matthews

Primary Artist: Ian Matthews; Main Performer
Composer: Ian Matthews; Composer
Lyricist: Ian Matthews; Composer
Producer: Ian Matthews; Production

3. Never Ending

by Ian Matthews

Primary Artist: Ian Matthews; Main Performer
Composer: Ian Matthews; Composer
Lyricist: Ian Matthews; Composer
Producer: Ian Matthews; Production

4. Reno Nevada

by Ian Matthews

Primary Artist: Ian Matthews; Main Performer
Composer: Richard Farina; Composer
Lyricist: Richard Farina; Composer
Producer: Ian Matthews; Production

5. Little Known

by Ian Matthews

Primary Artist: Ian Matthews; Main Performer
Composer: Ian Matthews; Composer
Lyricist: Ian Matthews; Composer
Producer: Ian Matthews; Production

6. Hinge (Pt.1)

by Ian Matthews

Primary Artist: Ian Matthews; Main Performer
Composer: Ian Matthews; Composer
Lyricist: Ian Matthews; Composer

7. Hinge (Pt.2)

by Ian Matthews

Primary Artist: Ian Matthews; Main Performer
Composer: Ian Matthews; Composer
Lyricist: Ian Matthews; Composer

8. Southern Wind

by Ian Matthews

Primary Artist: Ian Matthews; Main Performer
Composer: Ian Matthews; Composer
Lyricist: Ian Matthews; Composer
Producer: Ian Matthews; Production

9. It Came Without Warning

by Ian Matthews

Primary Artist: Ian Matthews; Main Performer
Composer: Allan Jacobs
Burham; Composer
Lyricist: Allan Jacobs
Burham; Composer
Producer: Ian Matthews; Production

10. You Couldn't Lose

by Ian Matthews

Primary Artist: Ian Matthews; Main Performer
Composer: Ian Matthews; Composer
Lyricist: Ian Matthews; Composer
Producer: Ian Matthews; Production

11. Morgan The Pirate

by Ian Matthews

Primary Artist: Ian Matthews; Main Performer
Composer: Richard Farina; Composer
Lyricist: Richard Farina; Composer
Producer: Ian Matthews; Production

12. Thro' My Eyes

by Ian Matthews

Primary Artist: Ian Matthews; Main Performer
Composer: Ian Matthews; Composer
Lyricist: Ian Matthews; Composer
Producer: Ian Matthews; Production

Technical Specifications

Volume

1 volume only

Tracks

12 tracks available

Type

ALBUM

Format

Digital Media

Duration

39 minutes and 22 seconds

Explicit

None

Coverart

Available and up to 1000x1000 px

Booklet

Not available

Max Quality

CD Quality (Lossless)

16bit / 44.1 kHz

Stereo

Audio Extension

Lossless: FLAC, M4A, WAV, WV, AIFF

Lossy: AAC, MP3, M4A, MP4, OGA, OGG, OPUS, WMA

Archive Format

Available in these formats: ZIP, TAR, RAR

Lyrics

Only 1/12 tracks has lyrics

Synchronized Lyrics

No synced lyrics found

Genres

Folk, Folk-Rock

Label

EMI

Music Distribution Service

UMG Global

Country

United Kingdom

Language

No language found

Popularity

Release Date

Dec 31, 1970

Track Preview

Available

Delivery Charge

Free

Delivery Method

Digital download link via Email or Personal Dashboard on this site

UPC

602517618794