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. ~ Brett Hartenbach