GAUCHO

This was their troubled last album from the 'classic' period, which, unfortunately, has always left me a bit cold. There are some fine tracks here as well as their usual great production and musicianship throughout. But this one stretches their softer, slower smooth jazz focus to the limit, resulting in a somewhat dull and sterile feel. Production and arrangements are a bit too perfect sounding. I prefer some of the discarded tracks from the 'Lost Gaucho' sessions to those that made it onto the final album. Still a quite good album, but relative to everything that came before this, a much weaker entry. Best songs-'Babylon Sisters', 'Time Out of Mind', 'Hey Nineteen'. Weakest songs-'My Rival', 'Glamour Profession'. rating: 3.5