Paws For Thought Profile 1976
Not to be confused with some American groups of the same name, this is a very obscure UK album of simple unpretentious progressive British folk, a genre that has been sadly overlooked among Christian collectors. Not so among collectors in general who've discovered the beauty and charm of albums like this. When you do catch on you're gonna be bummed bigtime since the price of UK private pressings has skyrocketed through the roof. Layered vocals, acoustic guitars, autoharp, flute, recorder, glockenspiel, tandem harmonies all work together to set the mood here. Good renditions of Graham Kendrick and Parchment tunes plus several originals, some in the vein of old- time traditional English folk. In some ways they remind me of Parchment's best moments, minus the electric components, resulting in a warm acoustic sound. 'Beauty' is a poem of the beauty of God and His creation recited over acoustic guitar. Their acappella rendition of 'The King' tops even Steeleye Span's version. Pity that more people can't appreciate albums like this. KS

Second Helpings Profile 1977
There's something about these delicate British guy/gal folk groups - a certain magic in the air that fills their music with an undeniable charm. Carpenter's Apprentice. Presence. Caedmon. Aslan belongs right beside all these greats. Second Helpings is even more endearing than the excellent Paws For Thought, with more original songwriting. My heart melts as they casually stroll through 'The Ballad Of Thomas Cook', cruise 'Earthbound' and waltz gracefully through the 'Song of The Seasons'. All the instruments from Paws return - the glockenspiel and autoharp in particular combined with the quaint harmonies give Asian their refreshingly unique identity. KS