(A BALLAD OF) A PEACEFUL MAN

3.5 stars. GRAVY TRAIN's second album is less experimental and the jamming has been stopped, so yes this sounds quite different in style when compared to the debut. I like this better surprisingly enough.This album offers up a collection of good songs with Norman's expressive vocals and the ever present flute standing out. I must admit i'm surprised at how quickly I warmed up to this record but there's an emotional element at work that just draws me in. Unfortunately there are a couple of tracks I just don't like at all.

"Alone In Georgia" opens with flute,strummed guitar and strings as the vocals come in.Too commercial sounding to my ears, I just can't get into it. "(A Ballad) Of A Peaceful Man" is better especially when it picks up before 2 minutes with guitar and some attitude. It settles back as contrasts continue. "Jule's Delight" opens with flute as reserved vocals and other sounds help out in this mellow soundscape.The vocals do get passionate at times though. Good song. "Messenger" is the only track with mellotron on it. I like when it settles into a very CAMEL- like mode.That changes when the vocals arrive 1 1/2 minutes in. Flute then leads before 4 minutes followed by guitar. Nice. Excellent track.

"Can Anybody Heal Me" like the first track is one I can't get into.This one is heavy with flute and aggressive vocals. A soaring chorus too. It just doesn't work for me. "Old Tin Box" is good with that steady beat and sax. Catchy. Vocals before 2 minutes. A calm with percussion before 3 1/2 minutes then it kicks back in with vocals. "Won't Talk About It" features relentless guitar as the flute plays over top.Vocals join in. A brief guitar solo comes in at 1 1/2 minutes. Good song. "Home Again" is one of the best tracks on here. A native-like beat as the flute and guitar join in. Soft vocals also join in along with backing vocals. I like the atmosphere here.

Like the album cover for the debut the cover art here leaves me scratching my head. Oh well the music is good and that's the important thing.