One of the most unique and short-lived folk groups, Dr. Strangely Strange released two albums (1969 - 1970) and their difficult third album some thirty years later. While many people feel that their first album, "Kip of the Serenes" is their best, "Heavy Petting" has its charms, which grow on you the more you play it.
"Heavy Petting" finds the Doctors in a more electric mood. Not strictly in a rock 'n roll sense, however. Many of the tunes here feature an electric guitar - Gary Moore (later of Thin Lizzy), but the instrument is fit into the music rather than being featured as the be-all and end-all focal point. Each of the songs has a distinct character, some folk, some for rolling out the beer barrel. Others, like the very lovely and very melodic "Sign on my mind" is almost impossible to strictly classify and offers a calm, thoughtful and silky smooth instrumental passage that combines whistle with electric guitar and some of Dave Mattacks' most expert and restrained drumming.
The album was created with a good sense of humour and a fine ear for melody, plus some genuinely weird lyrics. The album cover also happens to be one of the first of Roger Dean's commercial designs, in a die-cut and fold out finish that is one of the most genuinely odd album covers I've ever seen. If you like some of the more eccentric limits of the Incredible String Band, Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span, The Amazing Blondel or others, Dr. Strangely Strange will give you just a bit more, but not just more of the same. DSS albums are a bit like marmite, but this album, with the misprint on the label ‘Sigh on my mind’ is genuinely rare and collectable.
