Customer Reviews
A Long career - By: Mr. T. Jones, 25 Jul 2007 
I was going to say almost the same as the previous (1) review. The Best of Ralph was to come after this collection. I you want a real in-depth collection buy the "The Journey" the 4 cd box set. it;s brilliant & so is the sound1 failing that look out for "Silver Celebration" releasedin 1992. It's a pretty fair representation up to that year but then again his finest album was to comein 1995 "Sandin your Shoes".
Good, but not that good - By: R. A. Cross, 06 May 2006 
Why do they insist on calling these repackages of Ralph's early material 'Best of'? The man has made somethingin the region of twenty studio albums; these recordings are all from his first three. Originally released during 1968-9, Ralph had yet to find his feet as a recording artist, so it is no put down to say that his best was yet to come.
So, what of this collection? All the usual suspects are here, including 'Streets of London', but not the hit version which came about six years later. Unfortunately it also includes the dreadful 'Granny Takes a Trip', a cover Ralph was presurised into recording by his record company. At this price you may say 'why complain?' Well, simply because there are now better low price compilations of this period available.
Good, but not the best - By: R. A. Cross, 06 May 2006 Why do they insist on calling these collections of early McTell music 'Best of'? To date the man has recorded somethingin the region of twenty studio albums; this one covers his first three! The songs were all originally released during 1968-9 on the legendary Transatlantic label, & since then they have been repackaged regularly. Ralph was still finding his feet at this time, searching for direction, so it's no put down to say that his greatest work was yet to come.
So, what's actually on this collection? To be fair it's pretty good value, containing 23 out of a total of 38 available recordings from this period. It does include 'Streets of London', but not the hit version, which came about six years later. The compilers do seem to have tried to include a truly representative selection from this period, & one or two of the more obvious songs have been ommited to make room for some seldem heard recordings. All the songs here are self-penned, althought the original albums contain a number of covers. These were recorded either at the request of his record company, or as a genuine tribute to his musical heroes, but their ommision is no great loss-the former were generally dreadful, the latter have often been done better since.
If you're interestedin this period of Ralph's career you can't really go wrong at this price. Two of the three original albums have never been releasedin their entirety, & the third, (Spiral Staircase), Is likely to be quite difficult to find.
Streets of London - By: Rich Milligan, 08 Mar 2005 If, like me, you'd always loved the most famous of Ralph's tracks, "Streets of London" but never quite got round to checking out his other works then this album of 24 tracks is probably the ideal place to start.
Although none of the other 23 tracks are as memorable as the opening "Streets of London" they do make up a pleasant little mix of acoustic folk & guitar blues. The style of most of the tracks is just Ralph & his guitar although some of the songs do feature some background orchestrations & backing singers.
The overall feel is very much like Cat Stevens or The Humblebums with the nature & subject of the tracks swinging from the melancholy of lost love to the quirky dreaminess of seemingly drug induced trips!
At this price? With 24 Tracks? Can't be bad!
Soulful and often moving music from a string guitar - By: , 14 May 2001 Ralph Mctell's Streets of London is an album that will delight fans of this underrated folk singer. Alwaysin the shadow of Clapton, Mctell delivers some great tunes (Kew Gardens, Mrs Adams Angels) & heart rending soul (Michaelin the garden & Streets of London). Overall its a marvellous guitar album if you like this kind of thing.
