MUSIC INSPIRED BY THE LORD OF THE RINGS

First of all, I am not a specialist of The Lord Of The Rings. I have not read the books (although I bought them for my son) and I appreciate moderately the movies. Nevertheless, I would have thought that there was sufficient material for producing a great record based on the creative script (started some seventy years ago) from Tolkien.

When one listen to the "Overture", all hopes are allowed. It is somptuous, even grandiose. A very good opener, a bit repetitive yet interesting. A bit scary with some bizarre sounds (vocals ?) to enforce this feeling. A flamboyant start.

The first track in which Heather is featured on this album is "Greenwood The Giant". Beautiful vocals of course but this song will easily lead you to fall asleep. Little texture, weak melody. Rather poor for almost four minutes. And then, all of a sudden, a superb and furious guitar break (hi David - Gilmour, of course) will wake you up. Mostly Autumn often delivers such tracks in which a fantastic and bombastic finale saves the song. There will be several cases like this one of this "inspired" album.

We don't have to wait long actually because the next track "Goodbye Alone" which sounds like an Irish folk ballad à la Corrs is rather dull as well (don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that Corrs are boring). It will be saved from misery thanks to the brilliant second part (hi David).

With "Out Of The Inn" we'll get a Monthy Python-esque intro. This song sounds as a medieval gigue. Pure traditional folk music. Not my cup of tea as you might know. The track will again evolve into a vibrant finale, but violin and keyboards will accompany the guitar this time (what a change!).

"On The Wings Of Gwaihir" is a repetitive instrumental till 3'30". And then, guess what ? Yes, we"ll get another fabulous guitar solo that comes to the rescue (thanks David). At this time of the record, I really believe that LOTR could have generated more passionate and bombasitc moments. Instead, we get average music (at times great, but not too often unfortunately).

"At Last To Rivendell" is again a very uninspired intrumental (especially the long intro). "Journey´s Thought", on the contrary is a pure Floydian track. An intro with some acoustic guitar reminds me of "Wish You Were Here". It is quiet, with great background keys and an intriguing mood. I would expect more tracks of this vein. One of my preferred track of this work even if the origin is obvious.

There will even be an attempt to produce an almost hard-rock number "Caradhras The Cruel". Needless to say that they do not excell in this genre but at least it breaks the dull mood of the album.

Heather comes back on the lead with "The Riders Of Rohan" : it is much more convincing than "Greenwood The Giant". A bit short to my taste, but another good moment. Nothing grandiose, just a nice ballad in which her voice makes miracle. What a duet she will do with Fish at home once they'll get married ! (in August 2007). Lucky man.

"Lothlorien" is another beautiful song but it will provide you with the utmost sleepiness. "The Return Of The King" is also a good song (Floydian, would you believe!) but too short.

"To the Grey Heavens" is a quiet instrumental that closes this album is a very smooth way. I would have hoped a more bombastic finale, but nothing as such.

I appreciate very much MA for their beautiful vocal harmonies, but there are almost none here. I believe that MA missed a good opportunity in releasing a great album. Very little of these songs will make a long life during their concerts.

I have nothing against bands sounding as other ones. I must even say that is precisely the MA side that I like best : when they are WELL inspired by Floyd. I know they are really truthful in their admiration (it will even lead to a live album full of Floyd covers, but that's another story) and they have never hidden this aspect of their work.

I also find it boring that for several songs, only the last part sounds great. What a great record could have Floyd made out of this !

I have a rather mixed feeling as to rate this one. Again, to rate on a ten points scale would have been easier (one should definitely think of that on PA). Five out of ten. I will upgrade it thanks to these brilliant breaks I have described.