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Colin Masson - The Southern Cross CD (album) cover

THE SOUTHERN CROSS

Colin Masson

 

Crossover Prog

3.58 | 39 ratings

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SouthSideoftheSky
Special Collaborator
Symphonic Team
2 stars A mixed bag of generally tasty leftovers

The Southern Cross is The Morrigan main man Colin Masson's third release under his own name, but it is not strictly speaking a third solo album as most of the compositions actually predate not only his first two solo albums, but also several of the albums by The Morrigan. The original compositions on The Southern Cross are around 20 years old, but the recordings are (partly?) new. The nature of the music differs from what could be found on Isle Of Eight and The Mad Monk And The Mountain as well as from the music of The Morrigan, but there are also some similarities. This album is something of a mix between Folk Rock and Progressive Electronic, with the first half being folky and the latter more electronic. The influence of Mike Oldfield is still strong, particularly on Masson's tasteful guitar playing.

South Australia and Wreckers already appeared on Morrigan albums, but these versions are older and different. But hardly better! The majority of the album is very pleasant and enjoyable even if a step behind his previous two albums. Right in the middle of the album there is a silly spoken passage in which Masson introduces the second side of the album (as it was originally intended for vinyl release). For me this functions as something of a "mood killer". But it doesn't spoil too much.

Masson is a great musician and this album is indeed a nice addition to any collection that already holds Isle Of Eight and The Mad Monk And The Mountain as well as the albums by The Morrigan. For newcomers, however, I would strongly recommend to get these other albums (especially the very good albums by The Morrigan) before venturing this deep into Masson's discography. Please don't let my low rating for this release discourage you from checking out the music by Masson in general.

Recommended for fans!

SouthSideoftheSky | 2/5 |

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