PRIVATE PARTS & PIECES

This first instalment in the long running Private Parts & Pieces-series was initially a free give away that came together with the Sides album in the UK. If I understand it correctly it was a separate release in some other territories at the time, and it has subsequently been given a separate release on CD with a bonus track.

While I'm not a big fan of the Private Parts & Pieces-series (or of Anthony Phillips solo career in general), this first Private Parts & Pieces album is weak even in comparison with other entries in the series. The second Private Parts & Pieces album (subtitled Back To The Pavilion) is, for instance, a much better and interesting album that is closer in style to The Geese And The Ghost.

The present album is frankly dull with endless strumming on acoustic guitars without any memorable melodies. The album is almost completely acoustic, and with the exception of only a couple of tracks (including the CD bonus track, Stranger) also entirely instrumental. The style is probably best described as Classical guitar music with some medieval flavour. Needless to say it has nothing whatever to do with progressive Rock. The music is by no means unpleasant or offensive as such, and it works reasonably well as background music while working. But it is definitely not one for focused listening, it will bore you or at best make you fall asleep.

The few vocal numbers are pleasant enough and the instrumental Reaper includes a memorable opening strongly reminiscent of Gordon Giltrap's playing. The latter number however re-appeared in an electric (and improved) version on Private Parts & Pieces II.

This album should probably have remained a bonus disc as it does not stand very well on its own. I can only recommend it to those who insist on having the complete Private Parts & Pieces series in their collections.

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