RICK WAKEMAN, JEFF WAYNE & KEVIN PEEK: BEYOND THE PLANETS

Since the first listen I gave to this album, I couldn't avoid to get a feel of weakness, not so much concerning the adaptation of the classical partiture, but rather the disturbing vacuum sensation generated by the inacceptable absence of a decent sounding rock band backing the pretty much likable efforts of Rick and Mr. Schulz in keyboards.

That absence constitutes a good part of the sideral (pun intended) difference that separates this record from the other one released immediately after its 2020 re-issue, "The Red Planet", where one can effectively hear the muscle and brain of Rick's own band, making the alien soundscape really vibrate and pulsate. Making also that scape in fact inviting and tempting for us, unrepentant prog fans.

And that's why I pass The Planets, except for The Red one (OK, enough silly puns, I promise)