HQ (album)


HQ is the eighth studio album by English folk/rock singer-songwriter and guitarist Roy Harper. It was first released in 1975 by Harvest Records. In the United States the album was released under the title When An Old Cricketer Leaves The Crease, which is also the name of the LP's most popularly known track.

History

Harper considered HQ to be "...probably the best record that I have made to date" and "...a great album made at one of the best times of my life" Originally the album was to be called Blood From a Stone, but it was changed to avoid unwanted comparisons with Dylan's Blood on the Tracks.
The album features David Gilmour and John Paul Jones, playing lead guitar and bass respectively, on "The Game" and The Grimethorpe Colliery Band on "When An Old Cricketer Leaves The Crease", one of Harper's best-known songs.

Album cover

The album's artwork was created by Hipgnosis. Of the artwork Harper stated:

Awards

In 1975, HQ was awarded Record Of The Year in Portugal, and received a similar award in Finland.

2012 reissue

In 2012 the album was digitally remixed and re-released in a 24-page case bound booklet with new pictures, prose, poetry and a new sleeve design.

Track listing

All tracks credited to Roy Harper.

Personnel

;Additional Personnel