RECYCLED

A fabulous album, enough to satisfy the most demanding prog-rock fan, and very likely to leave him/her breathless, gaping - "what a masterpiece...". I really do not understand why Nektar is considered "Space/Psychedelic" - that makes no sense at all. Their best albums, such as this one, "A Tab In The Ocean" and "Remember The Future" are really symphonic progressive in the true sense. There is nothing spacy or psychedelic about them at all. "Recycled" has moments of great symphonic intensity, just listen to the choir! It's one of the most grandiose choral arrangements that can be heard on a rock album. The construction of the album is symphonic as well, with a sense of unity and direction, and the songs flow seamlessy from end to finish. The arrangements are lushly orchestrated with a variety of keyboards, but despite that, the layered guitars remain an integral part of the sound, sometimes quite heavy, but never overpowering. Brilliant arragement work. The vocal work is of equal high quality. The same can be said of the compositions, very sophisticated and refined, they convey the impression of being carefully thought out. This is almost too good to be rock, but it rocks! There are some attempts at pop in "Marvellous Moses", but it still is light years ahead of anything that Elton John or the Who are capable of.

I'll finish with the cliche - "this album is essential in any serious progressive rock collection". The same applies to the other Nektar albums I have mentioned.

And oh, yes - can someone pleeease get Nektar out of "Space/Psychedelic?" Leave that to Pink Floyd and The Doors?