CRESSIDA

This was such a pleasant surprise. I've seen this band associated with some Proto-Prog bands so I wasn't expecting much considering most of these organ / mellotron led late sixties bands just don't do a lot for me. Add to that the poor rating on this site and I just assumed this would be a disappointment. Well check out the first review for this album on here from a Collaborator (Sean Trane) and also the high ratings on the Gnosis and RYM site and you'll see I am not alone in my praise for this 1970 release.The vocals are so appealing, kind of a cross between Hayward (MOODY BLUES) and Hastings (CARAVAN) plus a little Robert Wyatt.The songs are fairly short and samey but i'm just drawn to their sound with the floating organ and the odd guitar solo.Well crafted tunes are the strength of this record.

"To Play Your Little Game" opens with vocals that remind me so much of Wyatt then it kicks in before a minute.Vocals become more passionate as contrasts continue. A guitar solo ends it. "Winter Is Coming Again" builds as reserved vocals join in. It gets fuller on the chorus each time. Nice guitar melodies and laid back organ here. "Time For Bed" is uptempo with strummed and picked guitar along with piano and vocals standing out. "Cressida" features pulsating organ with bass and drums as the vocals join in. Far out stuff right here. Mellotron too as It turns dreamy 2 1/2 minutes in then back to the original programming. "Home And Where I Long To Be" is another relaxing song with vocals that does pick up at times. I like the guitar melodies in this one.

"Depression" opens with organ then it kicks in with vocals and a full sound. A guitar solo 2 minutes in followed by an organ solo after 3 minutes to end it. "One Of A Group" is mainly organ and drums early. A piano solo 3 minutes in then the guitar joins in to end it. "Lights In My Mind" is such a great little track. Some tasteful guitar too. Drums shine late. "The Only Earthman In Town" picks up before a minute with vocals leading the way. Some beautiful guitar melodies 2 1/2 minutes in then the organ solos. "Spring '69" has some cool lyrics with sad vocals and gentle guitar. "Down Down" has these floating organ melodies and reserved vocals leading. I like it. It picks up when the vocals stop. Mellotron in this one too. "Tomorrow Is A Whole New Day" opens with organ then it picks up with vocals and drums.The guitar leads then organ. Some vocal melodies later. Moving stuff.

A great and enjoyable album.