Marvin, Welch & Farrar ; Second Opinion (2006)

Twee albums, uit 1971 en 1973, op één CD, van twee (toen) ex-Shadows-leden plus de Australiër Farrar. "One can not imagine a further cry from the old band. Cut in 1971, "Marvin, Welch & Farrar" may or may not be the template around which everyone from vintage 10CC to Wishbone Ash modeled their magic. But it certainly sounds like it should have been. Full harmonies and scything guitars disavow even a suggestion of revivalism, while "Faithful" finds the trio heading firmly towards American stadium territory. "Second Opinion" contains another set of great folk/pop from these minstrels: a goldmine of melodies, harmonies, and clever chord changes. "Ronnie" is the Beatles meet the Hollies while "Far Away Falling," one of four Peter Best/John Farrar compositions, is a nice mellow diversion before "Let's Say Goodbye," a total Beatlesgem with vocals that swell like a gospel choir. Alan Parsons is one of the tape operators, but this trio probably didn't need his input to emulate the Fab Four as they do." (Allmusic)