Album Information:

About Strawbs:

The Strawbs are a British folk-rock band formed in 1964. The band evolved from an acoustic folk trio called the Strawberry Hill Boys, which included singer-songwriter Dave Cousins, guitarist Tony Hooper, and mandolin player Arthur Phillips. In 1967, they expanded the group to a five-piece, adding bassist Ron Chesterman and drummer Jon Hiseman.

The early years of the Strawbs were characterized by their intricate acoustic arrangements and thought-provoking lyrics. They released their debut album, 'Strawbs,' in 1969, which featured tracks like 'The Battle of Evermore' and 'Where is This Dream of Your Youth.' Their second album, 'Dragonfly,' was released in 1970 and included the hit single 'The Hangman and the Papist.'

In 1971, the Strawbs released their breakthrough album 'From the Witchwood,' which featured the classic track 'Witchwood.' The album was followed by 'Grave New World' in 1972, a concept album that was regarded as one of the best albums of the year. With the release of 'Bursting at the Seams' in 1973, the band started to shift towards a more electric sound, with hits like 'Lay Down' and 'Part of the Union.'

The Strawbs had a rotation of members during their career, but some of the most notable members include Dave Cousins, Tony Hooper, Rick Wakeman, and John Ford. Wakeman played keyboards with the band in the early 1970s before going on to join the rock band Yes. John Ford replaced him and played bass and guitar, and would go on to become a key songwriter for the band.

Despite their success, the Strawbs never achieved widespread popularity in the United States. They continued to release albums well into the 1990s, with 'Heartbreak Hill' and 'Preserves Uncanned' being two of their most notable releases.

Overall, the Strawbs are a talented and influential band that helped shape the sound of British folk-rock in the 1960s and '70s. They continue to record and tour today, with Cousins being the only original member still in the band. Their music remains a favorite among folk rock fans and anyone who appreciates excellent songwriting, harmonies, and musicianship.

About the album Ghosts:

As an AI language model, I do not have the ability to listen to music, but I can provide you with information about the Ghosts album by Strawbs based on available sources.

Ghosts is the seventh studio album by the British folk-rock band Strawbs, originally released in 1975 on the A&M Records label. The album features a mixture of progressive rock, folk, and pop music, with introspective and introspective lyrics that touch on themes of love, relationships, and the passing of time.

The album opens with the haunting title track 'Ghosts,' a slow-paced ballad featuring a memorable acoustic guitar riff and emotional vocals by lead singer Dave Cousins. The following track, 'Sweet Dreams,' is a more upbeat song driven by an infectious piano melody and a danceable rhythm. 'Night Light' is a melancholic ballad with beautiful string arrangements and a powerful vocal performance by Cousins.

The album also includes several longer and more complex tracks, such as 'Lemon Pie,' a progressive rock epic with intricate guitar soloing and a mesmerizing keyboard section, and 'Starshine/Angel Wine,' a grandiose and ambitious composition featuring multiple sections and an orchestral arrangement.

Other highlights of the album include 'Where Do You Go (When You Need a Hole to Crawl In),' a catchy folk-pop tune with witty lyrics, 'Grace Darling,' a haunting ballad inspired by a true story of heroism, and 'The Life Auction,' a powerful and thought-provoking song that explores themes of mortality and the human condition.

Overall, Ghosts is a powerful and emotionally resonant album that showcases Strawbs' versatility and songwriting prowess. It remains a classic of the progressive folk-rock genre and a must-listen for fans of the band and the genre.

Members:

The Strawbs are a British progressive rock band that formed in 1964. Over the years, the band has gone through several lineup changes. Below are the key members of the band:

1. Dave Cousins (vocals, guitar, banjo, dulcimer) - Born in 1945 in Hounslow, London, Cousins was the founder and driving force behind the Strawbs. He formed the band in 1964 as an acoustic trio, playing folk music. Cousins wrote most of the band's early material and continued to be the primary songwriter throughout the Strawbs' career.

2. Tony Hooper (vocals, guitar) - Hooper was born in 1943 in Dulwich, London. He joined the Strawbs in 1967, just as the band was transitioning to a more rock-oriented sound. Hooper played a major role in the band's songwriting and contributed many classic Strawbs tracks.

3. Rick Wakeman (keyboards) - Born in 1949 in West London, Wakeman joined the Strawbs in 1970 and played on two of the band's most celebrated albums, 'Just a Collection of Antiques and Curios' and 'From the Witchwood.' Wakeman left the Strawbs to join Yes in 1971, but he continued to collaborate with Cousins on numerous projects over the years.

4. John Ford (vocals, bass, guitar) - Born in 1948 in Fulham, London, Ford joined the Strawbs in 1970 and played on the band's breakthrough album, 'Grave New World.' He also co-wrote several songs with Cousins, including the hit single 'Part of the Union.' Ford left the Strawbs in 1973 to pursue a solo career.

5. Blue Weaver (keyboards) - Born in 1947 in Cardiff, Wales, Weaver joined the Strawbs in 1973 and played on several of the band's albums, including 'Bursting at the Seams' and 'Hero and Heroine.' He left the Strawbs in 1975 to join the Bee Gees, and he later worked with artists such as Pet Shop Boys and Barbara Streisand.

6. Dave Lambert (vocals, guitar) - Born in 1949 in the UK, Lambert joined the Strawbs in 1974 and became a key member of the band's live lineup. He played on several of the band's albums, including 'Nomadness' and 'Deep Cuts.' Lambert left the Strawbs in 1980 to pursue a solo career but has since rejoined the band for several reunion tours.

Track List for Ghosts:

I'm sorry, but Strawbs do not have an album called 'Ghosts'. They have a song with the same title, released in their 1969 self-titled album 'Strawbs'. Would you like me to list the tracks for that album for you?

Discography for Strawbs:

Sure! Here is the complete discography for the artist Strawbs in chronological order:

**Albums:**
- Strawbs (1969)
- Dragonfly (1970)
- Just a Collection of Antiques and Curios (1970)
- From the Witchwood (1971)
- Grave New World (1972)
- Bursting at the Seams (1973)
- Hero and Heroine (1974)
- Ghosts (1975)
- Nomadness (1975)
- Deep Cuts (1976)
- Burning for You (1977)
- Deadlines (1978)
- Don't Say Goodbye (1987)
- Ringing Down the Years (1991)
- The Complete Strawbs (1998)
- Tears and Pavan: An Introduction to Strawbs (2002)
- Blue Angel (2003)
- Déjà Fou (2004)
- The Broken Hearted Bride (2008)
- Dancing to the Devil's Beat (2009)
- The Ferryman's Curse (2017)

**Singles:**
- 'Oh How She Changed' / 'Or Am I Dreaming' (1969)
- 'The Man Who Called Himself Jesus' / 'Backside' (1970)
- 'Forever' / 'The Antique Suite' (1970)
- 'Benedictus' / 'Hey, It's Been a Long Time' (1972)
- 'Lay Down' / 'Thank You' (1972)
- 'Part of the Union' / 'Will You Go' (1973)
- 'Shine on Silver Sun' / 'Don't Try to Change Me' (1973)
- 'Hero and Heroine' / 'Where Is This Dream of Yours?' (1974)
- 'Deep in the Darkest Night' / 'Starshine/Angel Wine' (1975)
- 'Lemon Pie' / 'Charmer' (1976)
- 'Heartbreak Hill' / 'Joey and Me' (1978)

**Other Releases:**
- All Our Own Work (1967, with Sandy Denny)
- A Choice Selection of Strawbs (1972, compilation)
- Strawbs by Choice (1974, compilation)
- Strawbs Preserves (1977, live album)
- Halcyon Days (1997, box set)
- Concert Classics, Vol. 9 (1998, live album)
- The Complete Strawbs: Live at Chiswick House (2002, DVD)
- Acoustic Gold (2008, compilation)
- Prognostic (2017, compilation)

I hope this helps!