PLEASE DON'T TOUCH!

#78: 1978. The first Hackett album I heard - perhaps in '87 - and definitely among the favourites. The other song sung by Steve Walsh (Kansas), 'Racing in A', is the only track I don't like, but 'Narnia' is a great opener full of energy and fairytale delight, and probably helped me to find Kansas too. Some say that Richie Havens and Randy Crawford are out of place guesting on a prog album - NOT AT ALL! Mrs Crawford's emotional 'Hoping Love Will Last' is a wonderful example how entertainment vocal music and prog can be brought together. Very beautiful. Havens' bluesy voice fits surprisingly well into Hackett's sound. More guest singers that fine and various on your later albums too, please!

Like most Hacketts, a good deal is instrumentals, but as always, full of drama and colour. 'The Voice of Necam' refers to a computer, and also some sounds of entertainment park's machines and crowd are heard. This must be the most dramatic and exciting of his albums; it rushes into very many directions but does not quite yet suffer from it. 'Carry On Up The Vicarage' is a hilarious tribute to Agatha Christie detective stories, and the treated vocals (by Steve) add nicely to the peculiar feel. 'Kim' is a serene Satie-like piece with flute and guitar. Even with a short length (38:38) and one unpleasant song I can reward this with 5*.