A Beginners Guide - Strawbs
- Jun 19
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 11
The Strawbs were a highly respected British progressive folk-rock band formed in 1964. Led by singer-songwriter Dave Cousins, they blended folk, rock, and progressive elements with thoughtful lyrics and strong musicianship, earning a dedicated cult following in the 1970s.
Key Hits & Classics:
“Lay Down”
“Part of the Union”
“Shine On Silver Sun”
Known for their evolving sound — from acoustic folk roots to ambitious progressive rock — The Strawbs built a reputation as one of the most intelligent and consistent bands of the era. Dave Cousins’ songwriting and the band’s dynamic live performances remain highly regarded.
The Strawbs UK Singles Discography
Title | Catalogue | Release Date | Format | UK Chart |
Oh How She Changed / Or Am I Dreaming | AMS 725 | June 21, 1968 | 7" | 17 |
The Man Who Called Himself Jesus / Poor Jimmy Wilson | AMS 738 | November 22, 1968 | 7" | 28 |
Forever / Another Day | AMS 791 | July 24, 1970 | 7" | 27 |
Witchwood / Keep The Devil Outside | AMS 837 | April 2, 1971 | 7" | 68 |
Benedictus / Keep The Devil Outside | AMS 874 | December 3, 1971 | 7" | 17 |
Here It Comes / Tomorrow | AMS 7002 | April 28, 1972 | 7" | 69 |
Lay Down / Backside | AMS 7035 | October 13, 1972 | 7" | 8 |
Part Of The Union / Will You Go | AMS 7047 | January 4, 1973 | 7" | 12 |
Shine On Silver Sun / And Wherefore | AMS 7082 | August 31, 1973 | 7" | 28 |
Hero And Heroine / Why | AMS 7105 | April 19, 1974 | 7" | 17 |
Hold On To Me (The Winter Long) / Where Do You Go | AMS 7117 | May 31, 1974 | 7" | 27 |
Grace Darling / Changes Arranges | AMS 7139 | November 1, 1974 | 7" | 9 |
Lemon Pie / Don't Try To Change Me | AMS 7161 | April 18, 1975 | 7" | - |
I Only Want My Love To Grow In You / (Wasting My Time) Thinking Of You | 2066 705 | July 30, 1976 | 7" | 14 |
Charmer / Beside The Rio Grande | 2066 744 | October 29, 1976 | 7" | 2 |
Back In The Old Routine / Burning For Me | 2066 818 | May 20, 1977 | 7" | 3 |
Keep On Trying / Simple Visions | 2066 846 | August 19, 1977 | 7" | - |
Joey And Me / Deadly Nightshade | ARIST 159 | January 14, 1978 | 7" | - |
New Beginnings / Words Of Wisdom | ARIST 179 | March 31, 1978 | 7" | - |
Part Of The Union / Lay Down | AMS 7425 | March 2, 1979 | 7" | 1 |
Quick Recommendation for Beginners: Start with their biggest hits: “Lay Down”, “Part of the Union”, and “Shine On Silver Sun” — these best represent their folk-rock and progressive sound.
Comments