SOLAR FIRE

4 stars. I guess I shouldn't be surprised at all with all the organ and synth work that there is on this album considering Manfred Mann plays those instruments. And I agree wholeheartily with tszirmay that Mick Rogers is a brilliant guitarist, and he's very prominant as well on this record. Yes they apparently were listening to a lot of PINK FLOYD before recording this album and that influence is thankfully present throughout. This is just a joy to listen to.

"Father Of Day, Father Of Night" is a Bob Dylan penned tune so it's not surprising that the lyrics are thought provoking and meaningful. I like the way MANFRED MANN'S EARTH BAND could make a song they covered their very own. It's truly a gift that they had. I really like the way this song goes from pleasant, mellotron drenched beauty to those heavier and darker sections. Great contrast throughout. Special song. "In The Beginning, Darkness" opens with this dark and heavy soundscape that quickly turns lighter with a steady beat. Vocals come in. The guitar is fantastic throughout, but especially after 3 minutes when Mick lights it up. "Pluto The Dog" is an instrumental that reminds me of Krautrock because of the hypnotic beat. Synths and a barking dog rounds out the sound. I like it.

"Solar Fire" opens with organ as synths, drums, guitar and vocals come in. Vocals are great with female backing vocals joining in as well. Guitar makes some noise 1 1/2 minutes in. PINK FLOYD-like spacey synths after 2 minutes. The guitar plays over top, just ripping it up. The organ is back. Themes are repeated. "Saturn, Lord Of The Ring / Mercury The Winged Messanger" starts off slowly as relaxed guitar melodies come in. Guitar leads the way until a spacey calm 3 minutes in. The song kicks into a higher gear 5 minutes in as Mick and Manfred put on a show. "Earth,The Circle Part 2" features vocals 30 seconds in that remind me of GENTLE GIANT a lot. Manfred takes over as drums beat away. Some good guitar follows. "Earth,The Circle Part 1" opens with processed vocals. Synths take over with piano before a minute then vocals return. Piano replaces vocals as it settles down.The tempo picks up after 2 minutes. "Joybringer" is a good title for this song because it's such a feel good track. I like the vocals a lot. I like this album a lot.