ANTITHESIS

First reviewer - cool!. I'll start by saying that if you know Gypsy at all, especially from their 1st double album, you will equally enjoy this one. All the original elements are there, WONDERFUL harmonies, nice guitar work etc. The most immediate difference I hear is a more modern jazzed up - maybe a little 'funkier' Gypsy.

For those not familiar, I'll say that it's not really a very "progressive" album in the strictest sense. But if you like a nice variety of compositions, good harmonies, and nice organ work, check it out. Before I review each track, let me comment on the "biography" section here. I can certainly see the CHICAGO reference,though I think they have a unique sound (I'd recongnize any Gypsy song easily). but I wouldn't think of SANTANA here - no latin vibes. That writer calls this album "bubble gum pop" - I happen like bubble gum pop and this aint it.

Now on to the tracks:

1. Crusader. Nice base line driven tune - as a I said a bit funky in places. And, hey! the Prog lyrics are there: "Oh Crusader, sword in hand, Drive the demons from this land. Toungues of dragons firing lies. PLease Crsader save our lives!" Soaring harmonies (ala CSN, Eagles), short guitar solo, 6/10.

2. Day After Day. Very's 70's cool sound. Catchy tune. A "complete" song if that makes sense. 9/10.

3. The Creeper. A bit of blues here. Voodoo lounge baby! 7/10.

4. Facing Time - VERY funky base to start, rock stead drum beat and high hat. Some very good Hammond keyboards and bendy guitar. Reminds me a little of Chicago of the time. 8/10.

5. Lean on me. Piano solo and organ background. Solo lead singer this time (James Walsh?) followed by some nice (as usual) backing choir-like harmonies. A gospel quality to it. Short but sweet. 7/10.

6. Young Gypsy (3:06) . A bit more heavy rock here. Singing is nothing to get excited about, nor the lyrics. Lead guitar (James C. Johnson) and wah-wah rythm guitar (Enrico) are decent but otherwise - eh. 4/10.

7. Don't Bother Me. (Rosenbaum is the song writer not part of the title!).

8. Travelin' Minnesota Blues (Go Gophers)

9. So Many Promises. Hey it's The Little River Band! hehe 6/10.

10. Antithesis (Keep Your Faith). Slower song. Nice Hammond and harmonies. Very pleasant. 9/10.

11. Edgar (Don't Hoover Over Me). Put's in mind Little Feat's Dixie Chicken. Fun little song, some blues funk. - probably the least "prog-like" but ok. 6/10.

12. Money. Starts out a bit bland but speeds up at the end and contains a nice little organ solo. 7/10. James Walsh is no Rick Wakeman but listenable non the less.

So, if you like the first two albums, I think this one still holds up against them. If its the beginning of a slide, I'd say we are still on the shallow slope. I'd give it 3 1/2 stars if I could. Not essential but not a disappointment either.