Spiral Staircase (1969)

About this title: McTell's second album remains most remembered for the first version of "Streets of London," although this acoustic version is different from the mid-'70s re-recording that made it to number two in the British charts. It's a low-key and wistful record, no surprise there, as McTell has never been an in-your-face kind of performer. The tone is predominantly acoustic, with some appropriately soft, graceful orchestral arrangements by Mike Vickers. A few of the songs, like "England 1914" and "The Fairground," have nicely sad, ethereal melodies and forceful observational lyrics. Others are merely ... read more

Tracks:

1. Streets of London [McTell]
2. Mrs. Adlam's Angels [McTell]
3. Wino and the Mouse [McTell]
4. England 1914 [McTell]
5. Last Train and Ride [McTell]
6. The Fairground [McTell]
7. Spiral Staircase [McTell]
8. Kindhearted Woman Blues [Johnson]
9. Bright and Beautiful Things [McTell]
10. Daddy's Here [McTell]
11. Rizraklaru (Anag) [McTell]
12. (My) Baby Keeps Staying Out All Night Long [Moss]
13. Terminus [McTell]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.