Gay and Terry Woods Tender Hooks CD

Husband and wife team Gay & Terry Woods were a product of the 60s explosion, both in Ireland (Terry was part of the hugely influential Sweeney's Men) and the UK (the two were founder members of Steeleye Span). However, after recording just one album with the folk rockers--Hark! The Village Wait, a fantastically raw and spirited recording--they decamped back to Dublin to work on their own music, of which 1978's Tender Moments (here on CD for the first time) was the highlight. Any expectations of a folk workout are rapidly dispelled by the countryish rock of opener "We Can Work This One Out". Despite an impressive cast of Irish session names, this is a very transatlantic sounding album, making more than the occasional nod to the American 70s sound of the Eagles et al. It's all rather engaging, even if it has dated a little. The Woods would part company and head their separate ways--Terry to a stint with the Pogues at their height, Gay to front gothic synth punks Auto De Fe before returning to the Steeleye fold where she still remains. Tender Hooks sounds like nothing either of them have ever done, before or since, and as such is a curio that is worthy of further attention. --Phil Udell

Tracklisting

1.  We Can Work This One Out

2.  Friends Of Mine

3.  Full Moon

4.  I've A Lady

5.  The Reward

6.  I Won't Believe It

7.  Dream Come True

8.  Piece Of Summer

9.  Lonesome Blue

10. Heart Of Stone