TIME-LINE

While I was listening to the opening number, I was relatively surprised. Not too bad. Annie is still shining (vocally, I mean, because the album cover is somewhat weird). It is not a great song but when I saw all those low ratings I didn't think to be able to such an honourable track.

The last effort of the band was not really exciting either and in those eighties dark prog days, there was little great to expect from Renaissance. A song as "Missing Persons" is of course on the pop edge but I have listened to worse than that on "Camera Camera".

Things get worse with "Chagrin Boulevard" even if at times, Annie is still able to charm the listener; but the syrupy chorus reminds that awful disco beat. And the worse is probably achieved with the disgusting "Richard IX". Dreadful beat and chorus (backing vocals are really poor as well). Press nextT.

A breathe of fresh air with "Entertainer" which at least offers some genuine "Renaissance" moments: crafted music and pleasant vocals are there to remind us that the band can still write decent songs. But these moments aren't many here.

The well named "Electric Avenue" is the perfect song to leave the room and go to the toilet. Electro-pop, indeed. And not the greatest one. But maybe that your visit to the loom will be long enough (five minutes) to be able to have escaped it. Otherwise it will be a VERY painful experience.

To fill the next three minutes, I suggest you to go and get a drink (preferably downstairs if possible). It is the length of the next "Majik". Not magic at all, believe me.This album is a real blunder almost all the way through. Miserable music, no melody not to speak about inspiration of course. This one is next door.

The last three "songs" won't do any good to your poor ears, I'm afraid. Another long press nextT exercise. The life of a reviewer is hard at times.To be able to bear these brass on Orient Express is quite an experience. And the weak closing number Auto-Tech is just another useless song.

I am fully in-line with my fellow colleagues: one star (the maximum rating for such effort).