SOLAR FIRE

This is the record they should have put on the Voyager space vessel in the mid-Seventies. The artwork is obviously derived from King Crimson's Island album. But the crimson king's album was a very earthly record whereas this one manages to convey The Outer Space by its music somehow. So the secret of this album is atmosphere. The female voices are simply indispensable - they lead us into the depth of Space, as does the guitar. The keyboard keeps us there until we return to Earth - the circle of life is the final stop on our journey from God the Father of day and father of night. Everone knows this epic track - and for good reason. But the most atmospheric pieces are In the Beginning, Darkness and the title track Solar Fire. On our journey we pass barking Pluto, calm Saturn and winged Mercury till we reach Earth, The Circle Part 2 - retitled Joybringer and that title is most fitting for the groove. Earth the Circle (Part 1) is a bit annoying because the slower part sounds like a lullaby (anyone remember Kate Bush's line ? ) and the faster part reminds me of a musical box (no reference intended here). So the journey comes to a peaceful end. Although a critic more vicious than this one might say that the album starts with a (big) bang and ends with a whimper you shouldn't miss this one. Rooted musically in the Seventies, this is a timeless record.

Highly recommended - 5 stars

Share this MANFRED MANN'S EARTH BAND review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to strayfromatlantis
• Report this review (#163700)
• Buy MANFRED MANN'S EARTH BAND music online with PA partners
• Show all MANFRED MANN'S EARTH BAND MP3/Stream
• Go to MANFRED MANN'S EARTH BAND page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Solar Fire page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for MANFRED MANN'S EARTH BAND related discussions