THE RAVEN THAT REFUSED TO SING (AND OTHER STORIES)

Well then, I didn't purchase this CD but my youngest son did, and it has been a grower for me. First listen - I was mildly impressed, but with each subsequent spin, it's been getting better and better. The influences are quite apparent here as Steve lifts bits from Watcher of the Skies and Anyway, and more subtle nods to mid seventies Genesis apparent all over the show. This is nostalgia, it captures the softer (often described as feminine?) parts of the Genesis style from 1970-76...It also has some excellent musicianship - a killer guitar solo in the second track especially catches my ear. Some nice use of flute - but he allows the sax evil in too, not fond but I tolerate it on this CD but it definately takes it out of the 5 star rating for me. if he replaces with guitar/synth solo - I'd be a happier man...anyway, the first four tracks are solid but then come the tracks that make this CD worth having. The watchmaker is excellent and very reminscent of Foxtrot/Nursery Cryme Genesis. then the title track!!! - What a sublime melody, that reaches parts of my psyche and makes the hairs stand to attention.....Only, STEVE this is a prog rock CD - EXTEND the track - explore the magnificent melody - get in a MONSTER guitar solo...if this track had been extended out to 15-20 mins - what a statement Wilson would have made...instead I feel that his commercial thirst has again stifled his true potential..... I have re-considered, this has definitely grown on me - I even like the Sax. Still think that the title track's superb melody could have been explored - but I'm up-grading this to a five star, because it's grown on me a LOT!!!