''Nicely Out of Tune'' is the debut

album An album is a collection of audio recordings issued on compact disc (CD), vinyl, audio tape, or another medium such as digital distribution. Albums of recorded sound were developed in the early 20th century as individual 78 rpm records co ...

by Lindisfarne, released in late 1970. It charted more than a year after release, thanks to the huge success of their second album ''Fog on the Tyne'', which topped the charts early in 1972. " Lady Eleanor" and "Clear White Light (Pt. 2)" were both released as singles. The former was reactivated once the group became successful, and gave them a No. 3 hit in 1972. "We Can Swing Together", a song written by Hull about an abortive police raid on a party, became one of their favourites on stage, featuring an extended medley of traditional folk tunes played on harmonica by Ray Jackson. A live version can be found on the group's ''Lindisfarne Live'', recorded in 1971 and released in 1973, and as a bonus track on their third album, '' Dingly Dell''. Elvis Costello singled out "Winter Song" as one of the greatest songs ever. The title of the seventh track, "Alan in the River With Flowers", is a parody of

The Beatles The Beatles were an English rock band, formed in Liverpool in 1960, that comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. They are regarded as the most influential band of all time and were integral to the developmen ...

' song "

Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" is a song by the English rock band the Beatles from their 1967 album ''Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band''. It was written primarily by John Lennon and credited to the Lennon–McCartney songwriting partnersh ...

", and was given its original title of "Float Me Down the River" on the American version. The "flatulette" was actually one of the band members blowing raspberries during the instrumental break in "Down". Ray Laidlaw: ''the story behind the album sleeve(s)'' - Making of... The Nicely Out of Tune Album Cover
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Critical reception

Bruce Eder of ''AllMusic'' praised ''Nicely Out of Tune'' as "easily the best album the group ever recorded".

Track listing

# " Lady Eleanor" (

Alan Hull James Alan Hull (20 February 1945 – 17 November 1995) was an English singer-songwriter and founding member of the Tyneside folk rock band Lindisfarne. Career Hull was born at 68 Sutton's Dwellings, Adelaide Terrace, Benwell, Newcastle upon ...

) # "Road to Kingdom Come" ( Rod Clements) # "Winter Song" (Hull) # "Turn a Deaf Ear" (

Rab Noakes Robert Ogilvie Noakes (13 May 1947 – 11 November 2022) was a Scottish singer-songwriter. Noakes was at the forefront of Scottish folk music for over 50 years and recorded over 19 studio albums. He toured folk clubs and often performed at the G ...

) # "Clear White Light (Pt. 2)" (Hull) # "We Can Swing Together" (Hull) # "Alan in the River with Flowers" (Hull) # "Down" (Hull) # "The Things I Should Have Said" (Clements) # "Jackhammer Blues" (

Woody Guthrie Woodrow Wilson Guthrie (; July 14, 1912 – October 3, 1967) was an American singer-songwriter, one of the most significant figures in American folk music. His work focused on themes of American socialism and anti-fascism. He has inspired ...

) # "Scarecrow Song" (Hull) Bonus tracks on CD reissue: # "Knackers Yard Blues" (Hull) (B-side of "Clear White Light (Pt. 2)" single) # "Nothing But the Marvellous Is Beautiful" (Hull) (B-side of "Lady Eleanor" single)

Charts

Personnel

;Lindisfarne *

- vocals, acoustic guitar, 12-string guitar, organ, piano, electric piano * Ray Jackson - vocals, mandolin, harmonica, flatulette (sic) * Rod Clements - electric bass, organ, piano, violin, guitars, vocals * Simon Cowe - lead, acoustic and 12-string guitars, mandolin, banjo, vocals * Ray Laidlaw - drums

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Nicely Out Of Tune 1970 debut albums Lindisfarne (band) albums Charisma Records albums Elektra Records albums Albums produced by John Anthony (record producer)