IT'S ALL UP NOW - ANTHOLOGY

I've been listening to this 2-CD very actively for two weeks and I really wonder how this band has remained so unknown. For an "old school" proghead like me (grown up with Yes, Genesis, etc) FRUUPP gives a pleasure of discovering some wonderful genuine prog: beautiful, pastoral, exciting, part jazzy, part folkish, and with a fairytale-like aura. It's like finding a hidden room - or a garden - from your old beloved home.

While Erik prefers their debut Future Legends (1973), that's the hardest one for me to enjoy, with an exception of 'Decision' and tiny title tracks. Bit too rough guitars and overall sound for my taste. Later albums have clearer emphasis on keyboards (not meaning any breathtaking solos but a pastoral soundscape). Already the second album Seven Secrets (April 1974) has notably mellower sounds and compositions; it reminds me some moments of Trespass (Genesis, 1970).

The second disc of this anthology started my growing interest and gave me an ecstatic listening pleasure already when I listened to it through for the first time, early in the morning with headphones. Self-produced Prince of Heaven's Eyes (November 1974) is regarded as their short career's highlight. Absolutely lovely it is. Also Modern Masquerades (1975) is graet, even when Stephen Houston (keyboards, oboe, add. vocals, and a good deal of composing) had left the band. John Mason (keys, vibes, add. vocals) was a perfect replacement. And the writer of probably the best track of the album, 'Gormenghast', which was inspired by fantasy novels of Mervyn Peake. --- The other reviewers have been critical about the choice of omitted tracks (only one per album!) and I truly agree especially on 'Janet Planet'. An irritating pop song, like some throwaway from 60's flower power years. What the hell is it doing amongst this wonderful, arty, dreamy, original prog rock? But even with minor imperfections this anthology is a true treasure box! The beautiful original album covers are included too.