THE SINGLES

The opener "Speechless" is a very old song written somewhere in 95 when Rob and Christina were playing in the band "Tripa". It's a poppy-prog song like they were writing regularly with this band.

From their album "Seven", several songs are taken out. The very good "Anger" which is available in its full version. Almost poignant to listen to it. The long and wonderful guitar solo in the last part of the song is always a pleasure. Such a delicacy for the ears. We learn from Rob that it is the third take of this track. This should be the definite version (dixit Rob : "I'm not recording it again"). Superior to the album version.

The whole of the EP "Broken" is fully featured here which makes this one completely obsolete. The title track and the excellent and passionate "Lemminkainen's Lament" are the highlights. This mix holds a superb guitar solo instead of some Celtic music featured on the single version. I far much prefer this one.

"Call Me", "Opus 3" were just average and my opinion about the orchestral mix for "Sloth" was not enthusiastic since these strings were rather useless.

The advantage of these shorter songs (except two) is that they sound more as "Magenta" (even if the "Renaissance" mood is there of course).

One of my least favourite is "Cold". Just a mellow acoustic and dull piece of music. I was also a bit afraid while listening to the start of "King Of The Skies". Heavy orchestrations, but just for a few seconds and not too invading after. It's a rockier song than usual, almost heavy. Not bad.

The most interesting numbers/versions are "Speechless", "Lemminkainen's Lament" and of course the full "Pride" song (extended by eighty seconds when compared to the original album version).

This is good mix of "Magenta" song. A more personal part of their repertoire (except "Pride" which is "Genesis" and "Yes" influenced).

Three stars.

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