RETROSPECTIVE

During the 70's, this was a band I never knew about. Probably because of the lack of coverage by the Australian press at the time. Then again, I'm sure many artists never attained the heights they deserved because of circumstances beyond their control. Happy the Man, as far as I'm concerned, must have been of them. I didn't know about them until 2003! Had I been aware of them in the 70's, I would surely have ranked them along the likes of Genesis, Gentle Giant, Yes, Focus, King Crimson, Todd Rundgren/Utopia, Zappa, Jan Hammer etc. The curious thing about this band is that they sound(ed) more British than their American contemporaries. HTM are definitely on the melodic side of 'prog' without the 'twee', or 'safe' commercial leanings of say Styx and Starcastle etc. Sure HTM were influenced by the 70's Genesis, Steve Hackett and GG, but are certainly not just a diluted copy. There was (is) plenty of personality and skill within the ranks to stand on its own merits. This 1989 compilation is a great introduction for anyone wishing to explore HTM. Ifind myself playing it quite regularly. ...I wonder who else I missed out on?