Having returned from the Half Moon in Putney, I can report that The Strawbs have never sounded so good. The "Electric" line-up sounds as full and melodic as they ever did. John Hawken really does an excellent job weaving mellotron textures through the songs. These are taken from the Pinder CD and I think you would be nit-picking to say that the concert sound was the poorer for using these. In fact from talking to him, he has an inbuilt reticence in using the real deal. Doing it this way, at least gives him the confidence to give of his best. The brass on both "New World" and "Hero and Heroine" was brilliant with loads of presence. Also, the 3 violins on "Autumn" and choir on "Down by the Sea" were both highlights.
Get to see them if you can. I managed to get them to re-sign a 1974 tour programme I had them sign way back when. I was thinking that there's not to many bands who could boast exactly the same line-up after 31 years.
Whilst, maybe not as well known as the Crimsons/ Genesis/ Yes's of the world. They did a great deal to spread the Tron Gospel for a considerable period in the 70's.
Andy K