THE POWER AND THE GLORY

Oh so hard for me to not give this album 5 stars since it's the re-mastered 35th anniversary edition and SO much better sound-wise then the previous edition. Cymbals are heard, with Derek's tamborine which I've never heard before so up front and clear. But the only negative tidbit shows up on the first song, "Proclamation"; the singing is so disjointed and, dare I say, a little off. Just listen to the chorus as Gary Green's guitar wails. The other song that I have a problem with is the off-kilter singing in the beginning of "No God's a Man", just all over the place, and I've played this album so many times since it's been out (1974), those parts still bug me. But fret not, it also includes some of my favorite GG songs, "Playing The Game" and "Cogs In Cogs" are just plain brillant. Being the re-mastered edition, it includes a live rendition of "Proclamation" from a German TV show in 1974, which in fact is included on the Gentle Giant DVD. Plus, included is an unreleased studio track, "The Power and the Glory", a rather straightforward rocker with their odd sound and I think would have made a great single. The packaging on this edition is top-notch with the original rounded edges (like a playing card), on the insert and lyrics. Awesome! I highly recommend this album, but if you're looking to start out try "Three Friends" or "Octopus". In conclusion, it's a tad under five stars, but just barely!