THE STORY SO FAR

I have mentioned during my review of MA three studio albums, that I appreciate very much some of their numbers while some others were more fillers than anything else. At times rather dull and inexpressive to me.

This live album will actually feature most of their very good songs, and I can not be more happy with this. I believe MA works perfectly on stage. I missed one of their concert last year (I went to the concert hall a day ahead and did not want to go back because of the distance) ! I really felt sorry about that because having seen the corresponding DVD "The Story So Far" I realized that I preferred this band much more live than in studio.

Most of the songs sounds much more dynamic. The first two ones are just gorgeous. They were already the two opening numbers of their debut album. Their rendition here, is just incredible. Such beautiful and strong vocal harmonies. Even more powerful than the studio release. Just perfect, really. The addition of three backing vocalists is of course of great value for this live set.

There will be another two songs from "For All we Shared". The best one IMO is the Floydian "Heroes Never Die". Slightly longer here, its crescendo structure is truely magnificent. I just love it ! The highlight from this song, besides the fantastic and very C,S & N (Crosby, Stills & Nash) oriented vocals, is the sublime guitar solo. One of the many highlights of this live album.

The fourth one is : "The Night Sky". It is shortened by two minutes in comparison with the original version. But since its melancholic mood was a bit too monotonous to my taste, I can't complain. On the contrary, it sounds better in this format. Again, a wonderful and Gilmouresque guitar solo will punctuate the finale rather successfully.

Two songs from " The Spirit Of Autumn Past" of which the title track. Again, it was one of my preferred song from this work. This version is a bit rockier than the studio one. It is also a great track; a pleasure for the ears. It combines some beautiful and short spacey vocals. Another great song. But so far, there is nothing than great songs featured.

"Evergreen" is again a classic MA song. Languorous vocals from Heather combined with a very nice guitar solo. The finale being rather rocky and powerful.

Four numbers from their last album will complete this live recording. My preferred track "The Dark Before The Dawn" is present here as well (I am very lucky with the track selection). Nothing else to say : it remains brilliant while playing live.

"Shrinking Violet" is another fine song in which Heather excells in her vocal performance. It is not only a pleasure for the ears. When you look at their DVD, you realize that it is as well a pleasure for the eyes. She's so beautiful... Lucky Fish ! (yes, Fish, the singer). I have just read that he was going to marry her in August. Congratulations to both of them.

"Never The Rainbow" is one of their harder track even in the studio. Not to mention how it sounds here. Incredibly rhythmy. It rocks like hell. The fabulous keys sounding again like Jon Lord as I mentioned already in my review of the original track. Exceptional.

The long "Mother Nature" will be on par, even if it is a bit too melancholical and mellow during the first part. But the long and epic intrumental finale is so great that one even does not remember this detail.

This is a fantastic Mostly Autumn "Best Of". I recomend it to anyone who would like to investigate about the band. It is a cheap entry since this one holds almost all the highlights of their first three albums and none of their weaker tracks.

Actually, it is a perfect album. The sound is great, the musicianship very good, the track selection fabulous.

This album will please MA fans of course. But most of all, I believe that casual fans (as I am) can only be delighted with the music produced here.

Five stars.