THE GYPSIES

After recording their first two albums in England, Carmen decided to record their new one in New England, as their tour ended in NY, far away from either LA (their original home) or London (their adopted one). Completely exhausted from long tours with Tull, they had no choice than to record another album and looked for a suitable place to compose. The group, still with its original line-up, released this record in haste and unfortunately it sounds a bit like it. Although the album has a very inviting cover (I suppose this artwork is partly responsible for my Gypsy girl fantasies), it does not come to the waist level of its predecessor.

As the album starts with the promising Daybreak, it quickly sinks with the mediocre Shady Lady and a no-better High Time (a rare track written by Glascock), it is clear that the group had said everything it had to say on the previous albums. The rest of the first side slides smoothly along, unremarkable and almost unnoticed, even if Joy is rather good.

The flipside does start on the best (longest and title) track of the album; it is also the more dramatic one, with plenty of instrumental interplay, rhythm changes and plenty of energy. Had they written two more tracks like this beauty, this album would've been of equal quality to FIS and close to DOACW. Siren Of The Sea (know of any other kind?) tries hard to maintain the level, but fails because of the cheesy vocals (and lyrics) and predictable songwriting. Worse still the album sinks rock bottom with the atrocious sing- along Come Back (just completely idiotic really), while the poor closing instrumental shows just how the end was near.

Uninspired songwriting (most likely written during the recording sessions), a tight schedule, a group nearing its end, needless to say that this album is not quite as good as FIS and DOACW, but I have seem many groups end in a much lesser manner than Carmen did. Glascock will join Tull, but the others will not really survive in the professional music industry. I believe Amaral gives Flamenco guitar lesson and Angela gives dancing lessons. Hardly essential, even best avoid, only the lead-off track on each side are worthy of the previous albums.