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Beggars Opera

Symphonic Prog

3.37 | 169 ratings

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ZowieZiggy
Prog Reviewer

Beggar's Opera returned somewhat with the style of their debut album which was more heavy-rock oriented than their symphonic Waters of Change.

The opening song has this Mark I feeling and vocals are especially close to Rod Evan's one. Hobo has a very commercial feel, but it is quite pleasant to listen to.

The first highlight from this album is their cover version of Macarthur Park (which was also covered by Donna Summer FYI). They have revisited this song as the Fudge would have done: a brilliant intro, which is miles away from the original song and which introduces it brilliantly. The rest of their interpretation might not be on par, but it remains an excellent work . This is how covers should always be.

My favourite song is The Witch: it is a pure heavy-rock song which features solid heavy organ during its six minutes. I am really found of such songs: the rhythmic section is absolutely great and they go along pretty well with the fine vocals (another constant from this band). It is a really powerful song: the Heep is not far away. 3The Witch is an excellent piece of music.

If ever you would like more Heep music, just get a listen to the upbeat and melodic Pathfinder. It was released the same year as Easy Livin and sounds as great. And most of the album is actually a fine performance even if the finale of From Shark To Haggis is a bit too much Country & Western oriented, its psychedelic start (Mark I oriented) could have led to a much more better song.

The closing number is one of their most disjointed. It reminds Fire from Arthur Brown: a wild beat, surprising vocals and a complete chaos to close. What a ride!

This is another fine album by the band which hasn't released a weak one so far. Three stars

ZowieZiggy | 3/5 | 2008-10-9

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