THE ADVENT OF PANURGE

I couldn't resist to write the first review for this single. It's really surprising to see that Gentle Giant released several singles. Just imagine the suspicious situation of complex Eclectic Prog being played from a jukebox in a pub! I wonder how many times such thing happened in the haydays of prog... Also it would be interesting to know how expensive this was if one happened to find it somewhere.

(I confess I can't tell if these songs differ from album versions, which makes my little just-for- fun review a fake in that sense, pardon me. But what to think of 18 ratings without reviews? There's no way of telling if any of them is based on better knowledge either.)

'The Advent of Panurge' is probably on my top ten (five...? maybe not quite...) of GG songs. This opening track of Octopus was a return to the Medieval fantasy world of Rabelais (the first one being 'Pantagruel's Nativity' on Acquiring the Taste). A great example of the highly unique composing style and extraordinary technical skill of the band, and all the more pleasing in the way the main vocals are for the softer voice of Kerry Minnear, making thus a sharp contrast to the edgier parts.

'Prologue' is a strange choice for the flip side, as it is from the preceding CONCEPTUAL album Three Friends. On the other hand it's just as (in)credible as a content of a 7" single as 'The Advent'. Hats off to GG for offering so complex music on a single! Roger Dean's impressive painting of an octopus graces the single too (I have never liked the alternative album cover with the octopus in a jar).

Fifth star for a single would call non-album material (that's one of those basic principles that I have as a PA reviewer), but God, what a single! 4½ stars!!

Review #102!

I found out about this single's existence and felt I needed to raise awareness and my opinion on it. Side one is 'The Advent of Panurge'. This is possibly one of the greatest prog tunes ever written. Taking lyrical inspiration from the 16th- century book series 'Gargantua and Pantagruel', this song is deeply rooted (like many other Gentle Giant songs) in the medieval theme, both musically and lyrically. It also has some strong funk undertones. 'Prologue' is found on Gentle Giant's 'Three Friends', and as expected, is the opening track. It is basically one big guitar solo until the vocals begin. It is also pretty funky. These are two great songs, and they pair well to make a great single. Prog on.