VOYAGE OF THE ACOLYTE

Being a big fan of Genesis in the first place, it was a real treat to get this first solo album by then guitarist Steve Hackett. I heard him do some amazing guitar work, so I was ready to hear more. Man, was I ever floored. He just up and kicks you in the teeth with the in your face tune "Ace of Wands." This dude knows how to play prog as good as anyone out there. I just loved the way he connected "Hands of the Priestess[part 1], A Tower Struck Down, and Hands of the Priestess[part 2]." It is like eating fresh cherries in spring. Delicious!!!!

I also enjoyed "The Hermit," even with Steve's weak vocals. It isn't that bad, as far as I'm concerned.

I think the high spot on the B side is the last song, called "Shadow of the Hierophant." I love hearing Sally Oldfield's vocals. Very pleasing to the ear. Some nice guitar work as well.

I do have to say that I was a little disappointed with the B side because there was about half as much going on there and the album was losing steam for me as the end neared. I don't like endings where the same idea is repeated for 2 to 4 minutes. I think it stinks. If Steve have done the same thing for the last three songs as he did for the first side, I could have easily given this release 5 stars. As it is, I give it 3.5 stars because, like I said, there just isn't enough going on as far as the prog element goes. It is still a must have for any prog head because of the first side, but that is about it. So it really gets 4 stars for Progarchives.