FLOATING WORLD

Jade Warrior went from postpsych nobodies to highly original instrumentalists with an eastern slant on their fourth proper release. Rarely has the personality of a prog outfit changed in such a blinding manner. I can see how some would consider this lightweight or weak or even boring.

Personally, there are days I think this is my favourite musical recording of all time. Not just in prog terms, but the whole spectrum. I can and have listened to this album for days on end on repeat without tiring of it.

Now, I'm a person who has alienated most who know me with my listening choices, so I'll reiterate this is personal and my tastes TO ME seem to turn off people around me. Oh fucking well.

When I first heard Floating World (I had heard their previous three recordings before) I got a strong feeling all prog roads I had taken up til that point led to this band and this record.

The album flows like fine wine. My only teeny tiny complaint would be the album doesn't have a priceless ending, but I've come to terms it's really perfect for what the duo is going for.

Mountain of Fruit and Flowers, Waterfall, Rain Flower, and Easty are the highlights for me but the rest make the glue that holds it all together. In my mind, this is a left field prog masterpiece that is really the first ambient recording I have in my collection (Brian Eno has stated Floating World is an important album).

Steve Winwood was a champion for Jade Warrior after playing with them on the circuit, and he was crucial to the signing of the duo to Island Records. Steve encouraged Jade Warrior to go with all instrumental concept albums. This raises my professional esteem for Winwood's art quite a bit, right or wrong. Roll with it Baby

For me, it's not tough to pinpoint the excessive attraction. Yes, I'm familar with Eastern music and customs, Yes I like things that fly in from left field and hit you on the chin. Yes, I root for the underdog, which Jade Warrior remained throughout their existence. Yes I'm fond of art that is truly original. Yes I believe SIMPLICITY and ACCESSIBILITY is an attraction enhancer, along with thought provocation and stimulation.

I think the only other record that MAYBE has made me feel that way that I recall is Penguin Cafe Orchestra.

Streamlined left field greatness. I think unheralded is the proper term. Terrific packaging and liner notes make for a true listening experience, I find headphones are the preferred method