RADIO GNOME INVISIBLE VOL. 3 - YOU

You by Gong is, of course, an odd album. This is pretty much the last album of Gong's space-rock era. It has it's silly moments, like any Canterbury album, and some amazing instrumental moments. Overall, I am happy I bought this.

A description of the music: "Thoughts for Naught" is a short track that is pretty much just spacey singing with a little bit of flute. "A P.H.P.'s Advice" is a happy song with very silly lyrics. "Magick Mother Invocation" is a filler track with some psychedelic noises which flows directly into "Master Builder", the greatest track on the album. It features brilliant saxophone work and some of the greatest drumming I have ever heard. The next track is "A Sprinkling of Clouds" which is a slightly boring track full of keyboard noises. It moves at a very slow pace. "Perfect Mystery" is similar to "A P.H.P.'s Advice" in the sense that it is a short, happy, silly track. This one is incredibly enjoyable with some very interesting and creepy female vocals. "The Isle Of Everywhere" shows many flashes of instrumental brilliance, but drags on at moments. "You Never Blow Your Trip Forever" is a very fast-paced track that seems to go by in no time at all. It has many musical changes and never ceases to entertain.

PROS:

Drumming: As said earlier, "Master Builder" features some of the greatest drumming of all time in my opinion. "The Isle Of Everywhere" also has great moments, but none can match up to "Master Builder".

Uniqueness: The unique sillyness of the Canterbury genre is always enjoyable. It may scare some people off, but if you've already accepted the Canterbury genre, you will almost surely enjoy this album.

Spaceyness: The spaceyness of some tracks are great, and relaxing to the ears. "A Sprinkling Clouds", although boring, is great to just relax too.

CONS:

Patchyness: This album contains small patches of boringness which hurts it a bit.

Weirdness: A pro for some, and a con for those looking for a more serious approach to their music.

Vocals: The vocals are barely audible at times. The singers have a tendency to mumble their lyrics at times.

Song ratings: Thoughts for Naught: 6.5/10 A P.H.P.'s Advice: 7/10 Magick Mother Invocation: N/A Master Builder: 10/10 A Sprinkling of Clouds: 6/10 Perfect Mystery: 8.5/10 Isle Of Everywhere: 8/10 You Never Blow Your Trip Forever: 9/10

Recommended for: Space-rock fans. Nearly essential to anyones Canterbury collection.

My rating: 4 stars. Patchy, but overall a great album that is well worth the buy.

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