[Review] Matthew Fisher: Journey’s End (1973)
One journey ends and another begins for Procol Harum’s organist.
Kronomyth 1.0: A harem of one.
I first heard this album many years ago before I’d developed an appreciation for the music of Procol Harum, so I didn’t really know what to make of Matthew Fisher’s declaration of independence. It seemed odd to me that someone would call their first album Journey’s End, although I guess the beginning of any journey marks the end of another. Today, this record sounds a lot like the ornate and elegant rock and roll that Procol Harum was known for—with the caveat that Fisher really does have a dismal voice. If I’ve complained about Gary Brooker’s voice in the past (and I have), forgive me; I didn’t realize how good I had it. It’s not just that Fisher has an average voice, though there is that, but it’s buried so low in the mix, as if Fisher were embarrassed of it. Say what you will of Steve Howe, he sang poorly, loudly. Too bad Fisher didn’t hire a lead vocalist, since the material deserves better. The songs and arrangements are quite catchy, from the opening Suzanne to the symphonic close of Journey’s End (Part 2). Early Procol Harum comes to mind, naturally, but so does early David Bowie (during his Bob Dylan phase). Ultimately, the strength of Fisher’s compositions win out over his weak voice. Marie, Play the Game and Hard to Be Sure are all enjoyable. Also featured here is an instrumental track from Fisher’s contribution to the 1967 film, Separation. Fisher multitracks himself on organ, piano and (light) guitar with strong accompaniment from Mick Hawksworth (ex-Andromeda) and Geoff Swettenham (ex-Grapefruit). Had he added a proper singer and guitarist, Journey’s End might have been a very good album rather than a merely good album. Still, it’s a solid (if bittersweet) start that will appeal to Procolytes in need of an organ transplant.
Original elpee version
A1. Suzanne (2:51)
A2. Going for a Song (4:18)
A3. Play the Game (4:31)
A4. Separation (Theme from the Film) (3:25)
A5. Hard to Be Sure (4:06)
B1. Marie (4:23)
B2. Not This Time (3:30)
B3. Interlude (4:33)
B4. Journey’s End (Part 1) (4:26)
B5. Journey’s End (Part 2) (2:27)
All songs written and arranged by Matthew Fisher.
The Players
Matthew Fisher (vocals, organ, piano, guitar), Mick Hawksworth (bass), Geoff Swettenham (drums) with Tony Burrows (harmonies on A3), John Carter (harmonies on A3), Bobby Harrison (harmonies on A2), David Katz (string and brass selections), Ken Lewis (harmonies on A3), Del Newman (conductor). Produced by Matthew Fisher; executive producer: Ronnie Lyons; engineered by Rufus Cartwright, Ashley Howe, Andy Morris and Bob; remix engineered by Gary Edwards and Geoff Emerick.
The Pictures
Album cover design by Acy Lehman. Photography by David Bailey.
The Plastic
Released on elpee and 8-track in 1973 in the UK (RCA, SF-8380) and the US (RCA, APL1/APS1-0195) with gatefold cover.
- Re-packaged w. I’ll Be There on 2-for-1 compact disc in 2000 in the UK (Beat Goes On, BGOCD-505).
- Re-issued on compact disc in 2021 in Japan (BMG, BVCM-37487).
