LIFESIGNS

I've held off posting a review or rating for this album for months because I knew, upon first listen, that herein was something special, something that required time to seep into my brain cells. There is such professionalism, such polish and thought and detail gone into this album that it is hard to not want to give it the five star "masterpiece" rating. Yeah, "Telephone" may well be my favorite song of the year and "Carousel" is not far behind, but I have to admit it that the album's other three songs are lacking something. Call it memorable 'hooks' or 'magic' if you like but, despite wonderful compositional and performance displays throughout--and awesome production--and one of my favorite album covers of the year--this album still comes up a bit short of "essential" and "masterpiece." Actually, I find this album most intriguing for the way three things keep drawing my attention (and I have listened to these songs dozens of times): 1) the backup vocalist (whom I believe is Nick Beggs) and vocal arrangements that are so reminiscent of one of the most magical groups at vocal arrangements of all-time, AMBROSIA, 2) the masterful bass/Chapman stick play, and 3) the incredibly alluring flute contributions (which, I believe, are courtesy of Thijs Van Leer).

I wanted so much to find the same magic in all of these well-polished songs that I find in the above two but, alas! it is not to be. I hope against all hopes, however, that John, Nick and "Frosty" feel compelled to give their collaboration one more try. I, for one, will be looking for that release with high interest.

Five star songs: 2. "Telephone" (9:18) (10/10) and "Carousel" (11:46) (9/10).

Four stars: a most excellent addition to any prog rock music collection.