GLORIFIED MAGNIFIED

My first Earth Band album - just released when I bought it. It's also both my favorite EB LP as well as their best, IMO. Easily more variety here on Glorified Magnified than on any other release of theirs.

The band's ace in the hole? Guitarist Mick Rogers, no question. It's not his technique as much as his choice of notes - totally unlike any guitarist I've ever heard. Intervals cherry-picked from (usually) minor scales that are never the obvious selections. And often the solos are so strong that they could often be mistaked as formally composed counter melodies. I'm probably making this more clinical than necessary, but for those who appreciate distinctive prog melody messengers via a lead guitar should do themselves a favor and listen to Rogers' work here. The whole band cooks, too, which certainly doesn't hurt!

Best tune on this album is no doubt the closing title track - a remarkable display of dynamics starting from the gentle trickle of Chris Slade's ride cymbal slowly rising to the final whoosh of a full choir and church organ chord. And when the whole band kicks in about a minute or two in, we get nothing less than one of prog rock greatest heavy riffs ever! No kidding! And all in under 5 minutes. My heart's racing just thinking about it.

OK, I'm simmered down now. But give Glorified Magnified a chance if you can. An easy 4 stars from me.