PAMPERED MENIAL

For my seven hundredth review, I could choose no better than "Pampered Menial". I do not really remember how and when I was first confronted with this album. Somewhere in 76 or so, on a loan basis. What's for sure is that it was love at first sight. Brilliant vocals, sublime harmonies, great fluting. So, so, SO different music.

Actually, this album is rather hard to categorize. It is just extraordinary. I re-discovered it in '78 when a friend of mine wanted me to listen to one of his album. We spent the whole afternoon hearing it : again and again. I finally purchase the CD edition, much, much later (in '96).

And the charm was always operating. Just like now, when I listen to it for this review. I should actually listen to it more often. It is such a great souvenir. Part of my flesh and bones actually.

I can only recommend this album to anyone interested in rock music. There are some vibrant keyboards and guitar passages here, lots of wonderful songs, to which "Julia" belongs of course. But this is only a fraction of the great numbers featured here.

My second fave and an incredibly devastating song is : "Song Dance". Oh, boy ! What a strenght ! These vocals ! Aaaaargh... It is a wild and extremely powerful song. Almost heavy at times. But the violin will temper this. Kansas reference is obvious. This song will knock you down, for sure. This is heaven.

Would you fancy a quieter and one of the most melodic one ? You'll get it : "Fast Gun" is there. Another highlight (but it is the third one out of four songs). What a great violin and keyboards play. And the voice. I am FULLY in love with it (but I can even imagine that some of you might be irritated. I really feel sorry for you, but that's not my case). Brilliant. I tell you.

Do you want a good rock'n'roll song ? You're being served : "Natchez Trace" will rock you over. Great piano. Great rhythm. Great song. Would you like and revert to a fabulous melody ? Just listen to "Theme From Subway Sue" and succumb. The finale is wonderful and wiiiiiiiild. Did you say highlight ?

Are you still hungry ? Anything else you need ? A great crescendo song maybe ? OK. No problem. Just listen to "Episode" and you should be fully satisfied. I suppose that a short instrumental break such as "Preludin" will do no harm, right ?

This album is of course very short, but once you have reached the great "Of Once And Future Kings" you can only be sad that the ride is already over. Only one feeling prevails. Let's go back to "Julia" and hear this fantastic album again.

When I listen to this gem, I can only deeply regret that due to health reasons I missed a concert that Pavlov's Dog was playing at the Spirit Of '66 in Verviers (June '07).

This album is full of emotional music, superb vocals, and sensational harmonies. Part of my youth is also involved so yes I am deeply in love with this masterpiece. Did you say five stars ?