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Eloy - The Best of Eloy Vol. 1 - The Early Days 1972-1975 CD (album) cover

THE BEST OF ELOY VOL. 1 - THE EARLY DAYS 1972-1975

Eloy

Psychedelic/Space Rock


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Trotsky
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR
Honorary Collaborator
4 stars The world of German progressive rock has a few heavyweights like Tangerine Dream, Can and Faust, all of whom I had read about extensively before I heard them. Eloy on the other end, proved to be a genuine discovery that I made simply because the CD was cheap, the songs had "progressive" titles and lengthy running times, and the compilation album was dated 1972-1975. Bought in the latter half of that distant decade that is the 90s, this CD remains the most listened-to slice of German prog in my collection.

While it's hard to deny the power of the original albums from which this compilation draws its material (Inside, Floating, Power And The Passion), I have a strong sentimental attachment to this excellent compilation. It's worth pointing out that Eloy had a number of phases and this compilation focusses on the second phase which saw Frank Bornemann (lead vocalist/guitarist), Manfred Wieczorke (organ), Fritz Randow (drums/guitar/flute) and Wolfgang Stöcker (the bassist who was replaced by Luitjen Jansen after Inside) forge an extremely raw heavy rock/space rock hybrid. In fact I rate some of their riffing during this phase as up there with the best of Black Sabbath and Rush.

The eight pieces on here are generally fantastic and the fun starts with Inside. It's a tune that has its all ... a moody intro, great organ lines, a stong "structured jam" feel that defines Eloy's sound during this phase with the odd spacey moments cropping up. Future City begins with a more ethnic acoustic vibe, before taking off with lots of nice attacks and a jam that would appeal to Santana fans with lots of percussion backing. I really like the vocal melodies and although Bornemann's incredibly thick German accent seemed laughable when I first heard it, I'm now really fond of it and I couldn't imagine Eloy without it.

The songs from Floating include The Light From Deep Darkness a generally impressive epic with another moody beginning, energetic hard rocking attacks, strong organ playing, lengthy solos and a spacey feel. The band take it down around the 6 minute mark before finding the stratosphere again, although I admit it does drag a little towards the end. Castle In the Air with its awesome Arabic sounding riffs is one of my favourite Eloy tracks and Madhouse features great interplay between Bornemann and Randow, although by this point the compilation reflects the fact that Inside and Floating were similar albums and the jam style is in danger of getting repetitive.

Fortunately the next track Love Over Six Centuries is the most subtle piece they recorded during this phase, with a wonderful build-up and glorious yet simple keyboard work, showcasing Wieczorke's move away from "just" organ to other synths which help expand the spacey sound. I also love Mutiny, which is a perfect encapsulation of the band's evolving style, more atmospheric, but still the tendency to speed up and rock out towards the end ... imagine Hawkwind with Mannfred Mann on Moog! The album concludes with one of its most futuristic songs The Bells Of Notre Dame, a concluding piece reflecting the fact that Power And The Passion was a concept album ... the development of the keyboard palette on this one clearly points the way towards Eloy's future sound (which is more than a little influenced by Pink Floyd) .. although ironically Wieczorke himself would not be around to see it happen.

I know it's almost criminal for prog fans to hear albums divided over compilation but I still think this particular selection works very well as an entity in its own right. The omission of Land Of No Body (from Inside) and Plastic Girl (from Floating) prevent this from being the perfect collection of Eloy highlights from this era, but really there's no song I would have dropped from it. ... 75% on the MPV scale

Report this review (#3312)
Posted Thursday, March 10, 2005 | Review Permalink
ZowieZiggy
PROG REVIEWER
4 stars This is an excellent "Eloy" compilation. If ever you would like to discover their early works (from 1972 to 1975), I can only recommend this album. It is very much complementary to their very good "Chronicles I" since different periods of their career are covered.

This compilation would have been phenomenal if "Land of Nobody" of the album "Inside" would have been featured. But since it was a seventeen minutes tracks, I guess that the format wasn't appropriate for a compilation. Too bad.

But don't worry, the other best two songs from "Inside" (their second album) are here. The fully hard-rocking / psychedelic "Inside" as well as "Future City".

Two of the best songs from "Floating" IMO also sit here. The fantastic "The Light From Deep Darkness", an incredible psychedelic trip and one of the best "Eloy" song ever written. Unedited and featured in its almost fifteen minutes shape. Closely related with the greatest of the early "Floyd" work. Really.

"Madhouse" is also an excellent song : a mix between psyche and the hard Tull. Quite successful I must say. Great guitar and very strong bass work for this original song. Full of madness (superb percussion work as well).

"Castle In The Air" is hypnotic, repetitive and Oriental music inspired. Just average and the weakest from this whole compilation.

The last album covered by this compilation is "Power & The Passion" (1975). From this one as well, we'll get the best three numbers (over twenty-five minutes). The long "Love Over Six Centuries" is a solid mix of "Floyd" ("Careful With That Axe Eugene") and "Heep" depending on the passages : wild or spacey.

"Mutiny" is also a vibrant psychedelic anthem. Like almost all songs featured on this excellent compilation album. This period from "Eloy"s career was the one that I liked best (well actually till "Silent Cries..." in 1979 the band will deliver great albums).

To proof me wrong, "The Bells of Notre Dame" is fully symphonic and sweet. It is building crescendo and finishes in a wonderful guitar part. Very emotional and dark song.

For less than six ? (+ shipment) this CD is available on the Internet. It is really a bargain for so much (over seventy minutes) and so good music. A great way to discover this good German band.

Four stars.

Report this review (#151138)
Posted Friday, November 16, 2007 | Review Permalink
AtomicCrimsonRush
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR
Honorary Collaborator
4 stars This is the first volume of the 2 volume set that goes through the Eloy highlights in chronological order. Of course I have all the material on the original albums as a bonafide Eloy addict, but I love hearing it jammed together on this one CD, similar to volume 2. It is fantastic music and I love listening to this on repeat often on any given day. The three albums represented are all masterpieces so I can't argue with any of the tracks, in fact they are well chosen and are a must for those wishing to dip their toes into Eloy's back catalogue. It doesn't get much better than this music.

From the brilliant "Inside" are 'Future City, sounding more like Jethro Tull in the intro until the cool riff locks in, and 'The Light from Deep Darkness' has some challenging musicianship. From the stunning album "Floating" is my favourite Eloy track, the one that led me to them, 'Castle in the Air'; sheer genius musicianship with killer riffs and incredible melodic rock that never fails to lock into my brain. Also we have 'Madhouse', a heavier Eloy on show here with extended lead soloing and drumming. Then from "Power and the Passion" are the classics, 'Love Over Six Centuries; 'Mutiny', 'The Bells of Notre Dame', 'Daybreak; the 1970 single, and 'Journey into 1358'.

Overall this compilation captures a heavier side of Eloy but it is wonderful to hear for those who like creative riffs mixed with beautiful ambience. 4 stars for the brilliant music throughout but the original albums are definitely worth getting hold of if you can afford it.

Report this review (#849835)
Posted Saturday, November 3, 2012 | Review Permalink

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