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Steve Hackett - Spectral Mornings CD (album) cover

SPECTRAL MORNINGS

Steve Hackett

 

Eclectic Prog

4.15 | 966 ratings

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ljackson
4 stars Spectral Mornings

A track by track assessment:-

Every day: A great start to the album a nice catchy prog song about having too much of a good thing, in this case his beautiful wife Kim and here voracious appetite for erm carnal pleasure shall we say, poor old Steve having to perform for her everday (and we're not talking guitar virtuosity here).

Virgin and the Gypsy: probably one of my favourite Hackett tracks, seems slight at first, but on repeated listenings bears much fruit. The song itself is a nod towards Shakespears "A Midsummer Nights Dream" which of course he returned to much later on for a full album.

The Red Flower of Tachai Blooms Everywhere: an unusual oriental flavoured instrumental, makes me want to nip to the local chinese takeaway, i'd say this is inspired by Tianenman Square as Steve is known for his Human Rights beliefs.

Clocks (The Angel Of Mons): another instrumental set to a ticking rhythm initially, but soon breaks into Steves trademark prog licks, ticking away time wondering where youth disappeared to seems to be the prevailing sense of this tune.

The Ballad Of The Decomposing Man (Featuring - The Office Party): A humourous song which at first doesn't seem to fit into the context of this album, but again a few repeated listenings, reveals a darker side about Steves early days playing northern English working mens clubs for a pittance having to play cover versions to appease the factory workers of the time.

Lost Time In Cordoba: A beautiful acoustic guitar instrumental seems to be reflecting on the death of somebody close (or maybe he just lost his watch in a car).

Tiger Moth: An anti war demonstration? Seems to follow on great guitar work in this a strong ending to the album is in sight

Spectral Mornings: Ah the title track indeed is a phenomenal ending to this album, 6 mins of Steves handiwork, seems to loop to the beginning of the album about his wifes ...demands about the mysteries of morning arousal.

So all in all a good album not my favourite Hackett album, about 3rd or 4th I'd say, but well worth investing in.

| 4/5 |

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