IN A GLASS HOUSE

I would like to state my conclusion first: A very good album but not when it comes to Gentle Giant. Yes, it has its moments don't get me wrong. This selection has some fantastic prog on it, but as a whole does not stand up to other Gentle Giant works.

The First track caught my ear right away, not just because of the smashing glass, but because the jangly single coil rhythm guitars reminded me so much of early Dire Straits. This track utilizes Derek's voice to the best extent. I think he should have sung more in this fashion because it is effective and original. The synths on "The Runaway" aren't top notch but as in its entirety, this is a really great track!

Number 2, the lullaby one sounds like they were trying to be progressive just for the sake of it. It is still listenable and fun but does not hold too much water when compared with the really great Gentle Giant tracks.

Way of life sounds a little bit butt rocky at first, but I would urge you to the stay the course and hear the intricacy's of this tune. A very beautiful striving hymn-like majestic section arrives and really makes you sing along. The recorders sound fantastic and Kerry Minnears voice sounds really great. The main rock and roll part isn't much to write home about though...

Experience is classic Gentle Giant, medieval and such, however it seems I should like this track more than I do but for me its just another solid track. Good "Ba-roque and roll"

Reunion...so short and sweet, there is nothing to not like about it! It is kind of like "For Absent Freinds" on Nursery Cryme by Genesis, folky and nice and it only takes about 2 minutes of your time!

In a Glass House seems forced at times but when it gets into that "Zeppelinish" part...wow! It rocks. Some good acoustic instrumentation and such...good tune.

I bought the cd in the mall and the version I have contains the bonus live track "experience" which is actually a combo of "Runaway" and "experience" I have to say...this track is absolutely fantastic! So much energy. Gentle Giant in a ballsy live form! This version is better than the studio version of both songs! If this track counted with the album it would raise it to 5 stars...however I don't count bonus tracks for that.

Gentle Giant fans? DEFINETLY. Get it! Others...start with "Free Hand" you wont regret that! Good album, there is better by them though.