PHANTASMAGORIA

I still think that "Air Cut" was by far their best album. It's filled with mellotron and I just like the songs better.The "Second Album" was good but this the follow-up to that has left me feeling pretty indifferent. No mellotron and I don't know but there's little that I like on here at all. Apparently there was a lot of in-fighting in regards to what direction the band should take musically on this one. Mike Wedgewood (CARAVAN) is the new bass player.

"Marie Antoinette" along with "Over And Above" are my two favourite tracks.Those two standout above the rest.This opening number is a mid-paced tune with piano, vocals and bass standing out.The guitar comes in at 2 minutes followed by a change as we get a calm.Then it picks back up. "Melinda (More Or Less)" is another mid-paced track with vocals and flute leading the way.

"Not Quite The Same" is more uptempo with horns blasting. It settles back before 1 1/2 minutes with piano and reserved vocals before picking back up.Violin before 3 1/2 minutes. "Cheetah" is an instrumental with pounding drums as the violin plays over top. "Ultra- Vivaldi" is a short instrumental piece. "Phantasmagoria" is a catchy vocal track. It's okay.

"Whose Shoulder Are You Looking Over Anyway?" is experimental with organ as these processed spoken words come in. "Over And Above" is pretty intense as the violin joins in. A classical vibe here with lots of violin and vibes. "Once A Ghost, Always A Ghost" has lots going on as the horns blast.Vocals too and it sounds like there's a party going on in the background.

A low 3 stars for me