CLOSE TO THE EDGE

The first four instrumental minutes of "Close To The Edge" are among the greatest achievements of the progressive rock genre. Mind you, the entire song itself is of historic importance for prog rock. It loses some steam at the "I get up, I get down" section, but not enough to diminish the song as a whole. You need this song in your collection.

"And You And I" is also essential for an historic progressive rock collection. The varying dynamics in the song, ranging from acoustic guitar to all out symphonic sections, are part of what makes progressive rock so interesting.

When I first started listening to this style of music, I didn't quiet get "Siberian Khatru", so I will assume that others just getting into progressive rock might not pick up on this song at first. After time however, it proves itself worthy to be on this album. The "Dood'ndoodit, dah, d't-d't-dah" vocals are perhaps a bit too dated sounding.

The album is a five star because it is "Essential: a masterpiece of progressive music".