'Garden Shed' remains a long held favourite of mine. So glad to find the band recorded more than just that masterpiece. Old 'proggies' never die, they just smell that way naturally! Loving your work Mr Webb!😄
Thank you, Prog Line for posting this! Probably one of the greatest compositions of the early 70s (IMHO). At the very least, it's a remarkable piece of writing for a 3-piece band (keyboards, guitar and drums with every one sharing vocals). I've recently recorded a new version of this track with 'The Samurai of Prog' (easily found by search, called 'Imperial Hotel'). With love, Robert Webb (keyboard player and vocalist with this band in the 70s).
Exceptional performance, for joy with your participation. I can only repeat your words: "At last ... 'The Imperial Hotel' sees the light of day." Thanks!
I must agree with U a wonderful piece of music in the prog genre I got captured the first time England was compared 2 Yes but iI disagreed this band was unique and the melodies were pretty strong Garden Shed 1 of my fav records of the era if I only can find a copy of Imperial Hotel I can rest in peace!
Really enjoying the shred out at the end as I write! I can't help noticing a strong influence of Nursery Cryme --> Lamb era Genesis here. Was that something you did knowingly back in the day, or was it just the zeitgeist? (I was born '72 so don't have this context)
1840, it was built for nobility Victoria commanding the throne Kensington Palace made Victoria cross So she wanted a new summer home Viceroys, viscounts, uncles and royal aunts The majesty acted as host Now the mansion's deserted and Victoria's dead And all that remains is her ghost 1920, enourmous and empty now The house has become a hotel Business is slow but old Emma's in charge She's determined that she'll never sell This is a house that is now a hotel Where are the guests? Well, it's hard to say Queen Victoria's housemaid is a prisoner here Waiting for a prince that will never appear Now Emma's in charge, she wants that made clear There'll be no young ladies or girls staying here If a young man arrives, she'll welcome him though To return to her youth that she lost long ago A sea of dim-lit faces From a half remembered past Are all that Emma clings to As she gazes through the glass Her youth and faded beauty Are all memories gone by The misty frail old lady As flimsy as a sigh But oh the times you knew here Emma But of the time has really flown Brush aside a tear old maid From the wonder in your face I know that youth was yours to hold When you wandered in this place But don't believe its gone forever Oh the memories you own Will return to you tonight and then Your angel might be shown But oh the times you knew here Emma But of the time has really flown Coming up the drive, he's soon to arrive A young millionaire in his Rolls Royce Like the queen before him, he knows what he likes And this fine country home is the obvious choice Ah young man, young man You're far too blind to realise you're part of a plan Walking through the door, he likes what he sees A man of means, he's not easy to please But he's not thought of Emma, who hates to see things change But he doesn't feel the Imperial Holds something very strange Ah young man, young man You're far too blind to realise you're part of a plan Emma's waiting for him, she's acting out her mind I'll have to play along he thinks, I'll have to take my time So he signs the empty register, the first guest in years But Emma rubbed her wizened hands, dispelling all her fears Ah young man, young man You're far too blind to realise you're part of a plan Follow me, my dear, and the best room shall be yours Our finest is the bridal suite, unused for fifty years Take your time in choosing, a mistake is ill-advised So act the perfect gentleman, and the hotel will be your prize Along the hall and to the right, you'll find the bedroom door Fling it wide and enter in, the bridal ghost is yours The furnishings are thick with dust, the walls are dark with age The windows show no sign of use, his room is like a cage I'll play my part up to the hilt, and join her down below The ballroom waits expecting me, for it's new guests to show So if I am to own this house, I must stand out this charade With me as guest and her as host, it will not prove too hard James Alexander dancing so strangely there in the hotel's darkened ballroom Dancing with someone whose not there There in the shadows, Emma is lurking Waiting for James to come and join her Waiting for him to say: "May I have this dance, please?" Emma shuffles to the kitchen, puts the kettle on Thinking as she fills the teapot, where is her Don Juan Shuffles out into the foyer, bearing cups of tea Not a sign of James downstairs, she knows where he'll be First step on the stairs to heaven, will her dreams come true? Climbing with anticipation, James's room in view Now she's standing on the landing, knocking at his bedroom door James knows just what she's knocking for Come in, Come in Could this be the one thing that might make her sell, or am I wasting my time? There's only one way to get this hotel, I must be out of my tiny mind to give myself to her This wrinkled aging relic from a nightmare I want to take my body and posess it as her own, Recalling her lost youth and fargone past To flatter her will not suffice for love is her desire, to fill her with a love that will always last So I must do this thing The hotel will be mine before the night is out As she puts the teacups down and wraps her arms around him with each kiss she feels her body growing stronger, growing younger He can't believe what's happening his youth is fading fast, and though Emma was so old she seems so young now, he can't see her, he's an old man, part of her plan Two steps and she's through the door and racing down the stairs His unsure step just cannot match the pace See his old face, he's in her place He comes to a stop in front of the door and watches her escape His last view of Emma shows she's old no more, he's paid for his mistake So now at last he has his wish, he owns this great hotel A prisoner in these four walls and desperate to sell Left alone with his memories, he was so much younger then One day his turn will be done and the story begins again Left alone with his memories, he was so much younger then One day his turn will be done and the story begins again
Hi Jeremy. It will soon be out on vinyl! It will be incorporated into a new double LP called England The Concerts in Japan. Probably for release (in Germany) in 2021 as I'm still reconstructing the 'live' recordings from Japan.
very well..................................................................................................................................................................................................
Its a shame they were late onto the scene. These guys are incredible. They would have assumed top commercial position had they arrived earlier I have no doubt.
Not sure about top position but they’d definitely be up there. I doubt as many people would like them as much as Genesis or Yes due to them being a little more abstract overall.
I think that some people forget that recording an EP in a studio then was the equivalent of borrowing a Boss Micro BR for a few hours in return for several months pay
If you like and appreciate this album you might like a band called ‘Gnidrolog’. They’re from a slightly earlier period in prog rock ie very early ‘70s. A little bit like Gryphon in some respects. They’re on You Tube.😊
How did I not know about this album? This band was so damn great. I would pay money to have a remastered version this. Is this the best quality gets on this one?
I don't know about THIS original recording. But if you want an updated version of this album, The Samurai of Prog did a cover on this entire album. It's fantastic, and recorded in amazing quality.
Special mini CD of The Imperial Hotel (originally recorded in 1975, but not released until resurrected for a Japanese tour by the revived band in July 2006. Actually, a couple of dates at Club Citta in Tokyo), a free issue released by Club Citta and Strange Days Records under license from Garden Shed Music. Is not officially for sale. Send me a friend of mine from UK fan of the band.
I think this is the band who recorded Garden Shed. I say that because there was a band with the same title but they were a Cumbrian one. It s hard to find out something in progarchives or in progresiva70s about them. If somebody knows something please let me know. Thank you so much
Yes, the Cumbrian band are NOT the same. They only did one LP. England (the London and South-East based band) have done 3 studio albums and a 'live' album (2006). I'm now posting these up on Bandcamp. wLove, Robert (composer, keyboard player and vocalist for England).
Interestingly, while I think I prefer the simpler, more precise instrumentation in this original version, I prefer the vocals in The Samurai of Prog's cover.
I commented on this version three years ago (which was a big surprise to see), and I take it back: both the vocals and instrumentation are pretty messy in this original version. I now much prefer The Samurai of Prog's cover.
I prefer this version. It has a live-like sound, which I'm personally very fond of. I also much prefer the vocals, especially since The Samurai of Prog's version sounds like Nad Sylvan (who I have heard even live, during the Genesis Revisited tours), and I'm not keen on his vocals at all. The vocals in this version really resemble Peter Gabriel's voice throughout early Genesis, and it to be far more expressive overall. Sure, some parts are better and I think work really well in the more recent version, however, as a whole piece, I think this one is a more interesting listen. Both are good though.
@@creaketh I'm glad you enjoy this original version so much. :) The original version is still a great song, but I just prefer The Samurai Of Prog's cover. Have you listened to The Samurai's cover of Singring And The Glass Guitar by Utopia? I think The Samurai's cover is far superior, as the original has very rough instrumentation (again, this is my personal taste talking) and some really obnoxious vocals.
As far as I know he's been working on individual projects. He did some songs for the Decameron albums, helped the Samurai of Prog, and formed Sanctuary (I think). All fantastic projects as well.
I'm still here! (I live in Greece now). The internet facility helps me make music with other musicians across the world. I've done articles for various 'prog' magazines, and I've been lucky enough to keep going with music (so far!). We've got Box of Circles coming out this year (the band, England, that is). I don't know whether it will be well received by the 'prog' fan. Its not 'prog' in the sense of prog nostalgia. But I have used lots of Mellotron, and 'real' Hammond, and 'real' piano to bring my compositions alive. (That's because I have these sounds in my head). I also do choir arrangements of 'pop' and 'jazz' classics, and these have been well received (but only used on 'live' performances---not recordings, yet). The new England website will be launched in April 2018, giving more info about the band, and its members (and their current activities). At the moment I use my Facebook site ... and the 'England Webb' Facebook site for updates. With best wishes, RW
This recording of The Imperial Hotel will be coming out on vinyl in 2021. It will be part of a double LP entitled 'England, The Concerts in Japan'. I'm still reconstructing the 'live' recordings.
A good prog work here. This composition sounds like an improvisation rather than a well thought out composition. But still, this is a good composition.
'Garden Shed' remains a long held favourite of mine. So glad to find the band recorded more than just that masterpiece. Old 'proggies' never die, they just smell that way naturally! Loving your work Mr Webb!😄
Thank you, Prog Line for posting this! Probably one of the greatest compositions of the early 70s (IMHO). At the very least, it's a remarkable piece of writing for a 3-piece band (keyboards, guitar and drums with every one sharing vocals). I've recently recorded a new version of this track with 'The Samurai of Prog' (easily found by search, called 'Imperial Hotel'). With love, Robert Webb (keyboard player and vocalist with this band in the 70s).
Exceptional performance, for joy with your participation. I can only repeat your words: "At last ... 'The Imperial Hotel' sees the light of day."
Thanks!
I must agree with U a wonderful piece of music in the prog genre I got captured the first time England was compared 2 Yes but iI disagreed this band was unique and the melodies were pretty strong Garden Shed 1 of my fav records of the era if I only can find a copy of Imperial Hotel I can rest in peace!
Robert-WOW-fantastic song Are you on the Three Piece Suite Album?
Really enjoying the shred out at the end as I write! I can't help noticing a strong influence of Nursery Cryme --> Lamb era Genesis here. Was that something you did knowingly back in the day, or was it just the zeitgeist? (I was born '72 so don't have this context)
garden shed sevcrow 3 piece suite is one of the tracks
Fabuleux et lumineux 🎉🎉
1840, it was built for nobility
Victoria commanding the throne
Kensington Palace made Victoria cross
So she wanted a new summer home
Viceroys, viscounts, uncles and royal aunts
The majesty acted as host
Now the mansion's deserted and Victoria's dead
And all that remains is her ghost
1920, enourmous and empty now
The house has become a hotel
Business is slow but old Emma's in charge
She's determined that she'll never sell
This is a house that is now a hotel
Where are the guests? Well, it's hard to say
Queen Victoria's housemaid is a prisoner here
Waiting for a prince that will never appear
Now Emma's in charge, she wants that made clear
There'll be no young ladies or girls staying here
If a young man arrives, she'll welcome him though
To return to her youth that she lost long ago
A sea of dim-lit faces
From a half remembered past
Are all that Emma clings to
As she gazes through the glass
Her youth and faded beauty
Are all memories gone by
The misty frail old lady
As flimsy as a sigh
But oh the times you knew here Emma
But of the time has really flown
Brush aside a tear old maid
From the wonder in your face
I know that youth was yours to hold
When you wandered in this place
But don't believe its gone forever
Oh the memories you own
Will return to you tonight and then
Your angel might be shown
But oh the times you knew here Emma
But of the time has really flown
Coming up the drive, he's soon to arrive
A young millionaire in his Rolls Royce
Like the queen before him, he knows what he likes
And this fine country home is the obvious choice
Ah young man, young man
You're far too blind to realise you're part of a plan
Walking through the door, he likes what he sees
A man of means, he's not easy to please
But he's not thought of Emma, who hates to see things change
But he doesn't feel the Imperial Holds something very strange
Ah young man, young man
You're far too blind to realise you're part of a plan
Emma's waiting for him, she's acting out her mind
I'll have to play along he thinks, I'll have to take my time
So he signs the empty register, the first guest in years
But Emma rubbed her wizened hands, dispelling all her fears
Ah young man, young man
You're far too blind to realise you're part of a plan
Follow me, my dear, and the best room shall be yours
Our finest is the bridal suite, unused for fifty years
Take your time in choosing, a mistake is ill-advised
So act the perfect gentleman, and the hotel will be your prize
Along the hall and to the right, you'll find the bedroom door
Fling it wide and enter in, the bridal ghost is yours
The furnishings are thick with dust, the walls are dark with age
The windows show no sign of use, his room is like a cage
I'll play my part up to the hilt, and join her down below
The ballroom waits expecting me, for it's new guests to show
So if I am to own this house, I must stand out this charade
With me as guest and her as host, it will not prove too hard
James Alexander dancing so strangely
there in the hotel's darkened ballroom
Dancing with someone whose not there
There in the shadows, Emma is lurking
Waiting for James to come and join her
Waiting for him to say: "May I have this dance, please?"
Emma shuffles to the kitchen, puts the kettle on
Thinking as she fills the teapot, where is her Don Juan
Shuffles out into the foyer, bearing cups of tea
Not a sign of James downstairs, she knows where he'll be
First step on the stairs to heaven, will her dreams come true?
Climbing with anticipation, James's room in view
Now she's standing on the landing, knocking at his bedroom door
James knows just what she's knocking for
Come in, Come in
Could this be the one thing that might make her sell, or am I wasting my time?
There's only one way to get this hotel, I must be out of my tiny mind to give myself to her
This wrinkled aging relic from a nightmare
I want to take my body and posess it as her own, Recalling her lost youth and fargone past
To flatter her will not suffice for love is her desire, to fill her with a love that will always last
So I must do this thing
The hotel will be mine before the night is out
As she puts the teacups down and wraps her arms around him with each kiss she feels her body growing stronger, growing younger
He can't believe what's happening his youth is fading fast, and though Emma was so old she seems so young now, he can't see her, he's an old man, part of her plan
Two steps and she's through the door and racing down the stairs
His unsure step just cannot match the pace
See his old face, he's in her place
He comes to a stop in front of the door and watches her escape
His last view of Emma shows she's old no more, he's paid for his mistake
So now at last he has his wish, he owns this great hotel
A prisoner in these four walls and desperate to sell
Left alone with his memories, he was so much younger then
One day his turn will be done and the story begins again
Left alone with his memories, he was so much younger then
One day his turn will be done and the story begins again
It is amazing that there is so much great music we do not know about and comes from the distant past. This gem is one of them, thanks for posting!
Everybody listen to Garden Shed by them, it's amazing
Wow, that's all I can say. Love Garden Shed, had never heard this gem.. wish I could get a copy on vinyl!!! This is incredible!!!
Hi Jeremy. It will soon be out on vinyl! It will be incorporated into a new double LP called England The Concerts in Japan. Probably for release (in Germany) in 2021 as I'm still reconstructing the 'live' recordings from Japan.
great prog album! very enjoyable!
Excelente!!!
Cuánta buena música que no conocemos
Gracias por compartirlo
Outstanding band! Superb vocals and faultless harmonies!
England material I did not yet know about? Haba, haba, haba! :-)
i cant believe how amazing this is. wow
Very fine music,,,,new to me until now,Thank´s for sharing it.
Extraordinary music, amazing!
MUSIQUE MAGNIFIQUE ET RAFFINÉE
great piece of music!
I see you everywhere. You have good taste, man!
@@creak3293 thanks, pal! you too!
What a brilliant EP! At 6.30mins-absolutely majical. Thanks Prog Line for posting.
Great Virtuose....Progressive....!!
And this still remains nonexistent on vinyl?! How can this be?!
very well..................................................................................................................................................................................................
Fantastic stuff..!
great stuff!
Such an epic !
Brunch's Ready
Where have these guys been all my life. I blame the American music machine powers that be.
Its a shame they were late onto the scene. These guys are incredible. They would have assumed top commercial position had they arrived earlier I have no doubt.
Not sure about top position but they’d definitely be up there. I doubt as many people would like them as much as Genesis or Yes due to them being a little more abstract overall.
I think that some people forget that recording an EP in a studio then was the equivalent of borrowing a Boss Micro BR for a few hours in return for several months pay
Surprise, surprise. Another rare n great prog group. Another group went with the same name too.
If you like and appreciate this album you might like a band called ‘Gnidrolog’. They’re from a slightly earlier period in prog rock ie very early ‘70s. A little bit like Gryphon in some respects. They’re on You Tube.😊
The next time someone asks me what is prog, i'll send this video to them.
'The Samurai of Prog' version of this song brought me here.
How did I not know about this album? This band was so damn great. I would pay money to have a remastered version this. Is this the best quality gets on this one?
I don't know about THIS original recording. But if you want an updated version of this album, The Samurai of Prog did a cover on this entire album. It's fantastic, and recorded in amazing quality.
Special mini CD of The Imperial Hotel (originally recorded in 1975, but not released until resurrected for a Japanese tour by the revived band in July 2006. Actually, a couple of dates at Club Citta in Tokyo), a free issue released by Club Citta and Strange Days Records under license from Garden Shed Music. Is not officially for sale. Send me a friend of mine from UK fan of the band.
Hi Prog Line. Are you still around?
Шедевр !!!!!
QUALITEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!
What can I say? AI prog , I love it
good stuff
The part from 9:13 is really really cool!
How do I get a copy of Imperial Hotel by England please.
Wow close your eyes and it has a lot of similar riffs as Genesis. the lead singer is a spitting image of a young Peter Gabriel
me gustaron
Much prefer this album...kind of an early-Genesis does Tull's Passion Play, but Canterbury style, sort of...pretty badass.
How do I receive a copy of this ep? I have Watershed and Jubilies.
I think this is the band who recorded Garden Shed. I say that because there was a band with the same title but they were a Cumbrian one. It s hard to find out something in progarchives or in progresiva70s about them. If somebody knows something please let me know. Thank you so much
Miguel Arruabarrena en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England_(band) Lee el último párrafo de la biografía.
Gracias, saludos
Yes, the Cumbrian band are NOT the same. They only did one LP. England (the London and South-East based band) have done 3 studio albums and a 'live' album (2006). I'm now posting these up on Bandcamp. wLove, Robert (composer, keyboard player and vocalist for England).
Interestingly, while I think I prefer the simpler, more precise instrumentation in this original version, I prefer the vocals in The Samurai of Prog's cover.
I commented on this version three years ago (which was a big surprise to see), and I take it back: both the vocals and instrumentation are pretty messy in this original version.
I now much prefer The Samurai of Prog's cover.
I prefer this version. It has a live-like sound, which I'm personally very fond of. I also much prefer the vocals, especially since The Samurai of Prog's version sounds like Nad Sylvan (who I have heard even live, during the Genesis Revisited tours), and I'm not keen on his vocals at all. The vocals in this version really resemble Peter Gabriel's voice throughout early Genesis, and it to be far more expressive overall. Sure, some parts are better and I think work really well in the more recent version, however, as a whole piece, I think this one is a more interesting listen.
Both are good though.
@@creaketh
I'm glad you enjoy this original version so much. :)
The original version is still a great song, but I just prefer The Samurai Of Prog's cover.
Have you listened to The Samurai's cover of Singring And The Glass Guitar by Utopia?
I think The Samurai's cover is far superior, as the original has very rough instrumentation (again, this is my personal taste talking) and some really obnoxious vocals.
@@QUANTUMJOKER I haven't yet. Thanks for the suggestion. I'll check it out soon!
How do I obtain a copy of this ep?
Now on digital download from Bandcamp, John. england1.bandcamp.com/album/the-imperial-hotel-1975
wLove, R
Good but not as good as the tracks on the LP which is so early YESish but in some ways better. What ever happened to Robert Webb? Anybody know?
As far as I know he's been working on individual projects. He did some songs for the Decameron albums, helped the Samurai of Prog, and formed Sanctuary (I think). All fantastic projects as well.
I'm still here! (I live in Greece now). The internet facility helps me make music with other musicians across the world. I've done articles for various 'prog' magazines, and I've been lucky enough to keep going with music (so far!). We've got Box of Circles coming out this year (the band, England, that is). I don't know whether it will be well received by the 'prog' fan. Its not 'prog' in the sense of prog nostalgia. But I have used lots of Mellotron, and 'real' Hammond, and 'real' piano to bring my compositions alive. (That's because I have these sounds in my head). I also do choir arrangements of 'pop' and 'jazz' classics, and these have been well received (but only used on 'live' performances---not recordings, yet). The new England website will be launched in April 2018, giving more info about the band, and its members (and their current activities). At the moment I use my Facebook site ... and the 'England Webb' Facebook site for updates. With best wishes, RW
This recording of The Imperial Hotel will be coming out on vinyl in 2021. It will be part of a double LP entitled 'England, The Concerts in Japan'. I'm still reconstructing the 'live' recordings.
It looks now as if 'England; The Concerts in Japan' will just contain 'live' material. So this track remains to be published on vinyl.
Bon groupe mais chanteur très moyen ...
A good prog work here.
This composition sounds like an improvisation rather than a well thought out composition.
But still, this is a good composition.
Já, góðan og blessaðan daginn
You are extremely wrong, probably you are not a musician
Love the Garden Shed album but have to say this piece is lacking in any decent melody. I'll pass.