X-DREAMS

I bet this is the kind of record that induces mixed feelings and reactions, even to the same person.

First comes first: Amazing musicianship, clearly emanating from the almost impossible bunch of special guests, including Mick Ronson on guitar, and Bill Bruford on drums. Almost every second something astonishing (most times in the good sense) is happening. The "songs" are mostly free-form jazzy improvisations, with Annette's vocals coming in and out, and ranging from gutural to screeching, and from understated to full-blown.

Don't worry, the girl can sing, and Bill The Great is always there, sweetening and dignifying the musical circumstance.

Annette Peacock is an American composer, multi- instrumentalist, singer and on and on. She was at the forefront of Timothy Leary's movement in the early 60's as well as feminist movements as heard in her often irreverant lyrics. She is probably connected most to the avant/jazz style of music even though she was an early user of the moog as Robert Moog gave her a prototype in the late 60's.

"X-Dreams" is her second studio album from 1978 and her vocals are the focus as she speaks, sings and well you name it. Even though we have an astonishing amount of talent on here instrumentally she didn't take advantage of that. We get 5 bass players including Jeff Clyne, 4 drummers including Bill Bruford, 6 guitarists including Mick Ronson, Brian Godding, Chris Spedding, one keyboardist Peter Lemer, 3 sax players and 2 conga shakers. She had to be an influence on Laurie Anderson the way she speaks and sings and the sensual nature of the lyrics. I really do not like "Dear Bela" but the two opening numbers along with the closer are pretty good.

3 stars as the enjoyment factor is low.