CLOSE TO THE EDGE

Growing up in the upper Midwest in the 1970's. Things can get rather cold during the winter months. To pass the time until the thaw, we would spend our evenings playing cards and enjoying various for cabin fever. Music was a large part of this experience. Each of us in turn would select the next audio excursion. Close to the Edge was called "the old standby". You could select this album and never need to worry about taking some heat for upsetting the "mood".

The album Close to the Edge encompasses all the reasons I enjoy progressive rock over all other forms of music. The lengthy songs, the complex arrangements, the tempo changes and layers of audio textures. The swelling, swirling rush inducing keyboards.

The original album was tracked with Siberian Khatru as the first track followed by And You and I on side one. Side two was Close to the Edge. I prefer this track sequence to the current CD's that have Close to the Edge as track one. There was a build up to the final notes of Close to the Edge as you drifted along to the sound of the birds.

I still listen to Close to the Edge at least once a month. I have a playlist on my Ipod that contains every version of the three songs from this album I can get my hands on.

Anyone wanting to get a glimpse of the glory days of FM radio, when DJs played side long tunes and sometimes complete albums uninterrupted, pick up a copy of Close to the Edge, put on the headphones, switch on the black light and relax.