SINGLED OUT

The artist will always be one step ahead of the fans and the critics (gosh, I hate that word), they create and then, decide what to keep working on and what to release. As a purely stylistic rule, I am rarely fond of compilations and even less so of 'greatest hits' (ugh!). But in some rare cases, the material that has aged in casks like fine wine, used as B-sides to singles, has leaped out to become classics. Drifting Sun has made a career of putting out exciting and vibrant albums that have pleased fans worldwide. After releasing Planet Junkie, their latest studio effort, Pat Sanders has decided to repackage and release some of those vintage pieces from the past, namely the earlier years with Pete Falconer on vocals. It is a fine proof of quality when your 'left-overs' are as delicious as the freshly cooked material, often fussed on, set aside only to be revisited because of some glittering spark that needed some added ventilation. The musical talent is unimpeachably obvious, and this impromptu recording has a feeling of intimacy that is quite unique to any artistic career. In some cases, the sketches have remained honed little gems that needed only a bit of polishing, perhaps a brief and fascinating window into how musicians construct their often-meticulous craft. Pat always composes on the piano, and that template for creation is abundantly clear on all of tracks. Here are some highlights:' Vagabond' was originally released on the majestic Safe Asylum album and has a blistering guitar solo that is gut-wrenching, courtesy of David Storey. Particularly loved 'Eternal Cycle', with the patented lively piano leading the way, great vocals as the norm, both lead and backing, with an added spoken whisper, dotted with fabulous recurrent orchestrations and a sense of release that is Drifting Sun's raison d'etre. The extended axe solo from Matthieu Spaeter is phenomenal, intricate yet accessible.

'Atlantis' is utterly sublime, surely a DS classic, crushing softness and raw courage emanate from the notes, the mood is serene and yet vivid. Piano and vocal duet. Vividly serene I guess ... (silly laughter). Keeping the piano on the forefront, 'Bubble' is just a sterling piano etude there to applaud. I could close me eyes and imagine seeing this in concert, a candle on the keyboard as the only illumination. The dexterity and rhythmic ability are there to behold, in sheer splendor. Last of the solo piano pieces, 'A Year in Black' is equally awe inspiring, as pain often does, surely more than bliss.

Huge change of pace, 'The Blond Ghost' has an almost Ultravox feel to it, very progressive synth-pop, but oozing class and orchestral sound, an unexpected moment of revelation, as I remain a big fan of this style (John Foxx happens to be one of my idols).Well done little jewel.

And now the epic 10 minute 'Cascading Tears' that is quite the scream for release, equally vivacious and emotional, a bellow for catharsis, even soothing. The vocal work is astounding, the slippery synths in tune with the pulse. Top that off with a killer guitar solo (Spaeter), that just goes on and on in a furious rampage and you get to the glittering prize! Masterpiece.

The audacity to flash some shimmering organ as on 'Last Supper'! Another DS classic. Need I go on? 'Closure' a piano finale: Its all just brilliant music.

This might just be my favorite DS release, uniquely private glimpse into a fine band that just keeps on drifting towards the sun.

4.5 Solar picks