It doesn't matter that these veteran progressive rockers continue to attract sell out crowds—30 years after the band's heyday--without ever having occupied the top of the charts. It doesn't matter that Strawbs' 1974 release “Hero & Heroine” was named this year among the best progressive rock albums of all time or that their 2001 acoustic release “Baroque & Roll” clinched the #8 spot on Rolling Stone's Top 10 albums of 2001. It doesn't even matter that Strawbs topped the bill at the popular NEARFEST progressive music festival this summer or that both their electric and acoustic performances have triggered rave reviews since their return to North American shores last Spring. No matter what accomplishments these guys amass, they continue to remain best known as the band that launched the career of Yes' Rick Wakeman. With “Deja Fou,” Strawbs' first album of all-new material in 25 years, that's about to change. Featuring the very same musicians who brought us “Hero & Heroine,” “Deja Fou” is an electrifying compilation of emotion-drenched ballads and powerful rockers, sprinkled generously with the poetry and haunting melodies that are Strawbs' trademarks. From the hypnotic Riviera dei Fiori, an instrumental piece that segues flawlessly into "Under a Cloudless Sky," to the lovely-yet-disturbing imagery of “Face Down in the Well” and the whimsical La Bamba-like rocker On a Night Like This, “Deja Fou” is convincing proof that these often-overlooked lords of progressive rock are less nostalgic novelty than 21st century masters. It was worth waiting for.