EXPOSURE

I actually enjoyed "the trio" of Robert Fripp-produced albums released by Mssrs. Fripp, Gabriel and Daryl Hall at the end of the 70s. Though Robert was not a very good producer (allowing poor sound engineering choices), the crossover contributions of Tony Levin, Jerry Marotta, Sid McGinnis, Brian Eno, Peter Hammill, Terry Roche, Barry Andrews, Narada Michael Walden, and Phil Collins made me really give these three albums a close listen--often together. Of the three, I have to admit that this was and remains my favorite--though "White Shadow," "Mother of Violence" and "The Farther Away I Am" and "Without Tears" still get listens from me every once in a while.

Exposure, however, was always an entertaining start-to-finish play-through. Though many of the musical styles were not really my cup of tea, the arrangements and collaborations--as well as the amazing and wild variety--are all fascinating.

Favorite songs: "Water Music/Here Comes the Flood/Water Music II" (19/20); "Exposure" (9.5/10) (my favorite version); "North Star" (9.5/10); I smile like "Chicago" (4.75/5); the KC-like "Breathless" (9/10); "Mary" (8.75/10); "Disengage" (4.25/5); "Hååden II" (4.25/5).

A solid four star album of cognitive chaos that is often-questionable in its progginess as well as confusing and challenging to compartmentalize but really worth giving your time to.