A TRICK OF THE TAIL

Here we have one of my favorite two albums by a Progressive Rock monster. Sure Gabriel is not on this, but that in no way detracts from the excellence of this set of music compositions. Start to finish, this album ranks as one of the top five Prog releases in my book. A big reason for that comes from an accomplishment few bands can or could ever achieve. Writing flowing melodies that make you want to sing along with them, and doing so in unquestionable Progressive fashion. This is not an easy task. The future success of the band in the non-Prog realm is a testament to the ability to write a great song for the myriad listeners. This album provides an early view into that window.

This album does not have a low point. Each song offers something different and can stand alone as a masterpiece. And each part of each song sounds like it was crafted, not thrown together in haste. The aggression of Dance on a Volcano, the complexity of 13/8 in Robbery, and the dissonance of Squonk, the etherealness of Entangled, all satisfy the Progressive ear. Of course, Los Endos is a perfect ending with it's return to themes of previous tunes, not to mention the throw back acknowledgement or thanks to Peter Gabriel in the background singing of Collins "There's an angel standing in the sun".

If you haven't heard this album, please do yourself a favor and get it. You shan't be let down.