SIDES

Football sides, Fussbal sides, two sides of a record, pop side, prog side, and I don't think I've exhaused the play on words that is often employed in Anthony Phillips' work. SIDES is his third solo album, and his second of three attempts, Invisible Men being the third and final one, to make AOR/pop-style commercial music. In line with its sequence of release, it's his second best effort, behind the great Wise After the Event, and way ahead of Invisible Men. Unlike many other reviewers of this album, I like side one, the pop side. It's got toe tapping, good, if not somewhat forgettable melodies. A refreshing "alternative" to mainstream pop music. The first three songs, Um & Aargh, I Want Your Love, and Lucy Will, are all good, with very good musicianship. I don't care much for his reggae send-up of Holy Deadlock. Side two is solid progrock. All good songs, all well played, Sisters of Remindum being my favorite. However, what really stands out about this record, which is exasperatingly infrequent on AP productions, is the sound quality and production. They are top notch here, equal to his very best stuff, and better than most 1970's and '80's Genesis. However, this style of music is not what AP is best known for. For the essence of Anthony Phillips, you have to look elsewhere in his body of work. Still, even a slighty better than than average AP, is better than most of the others best.