THE HISTORY OF SOLAR MUSIC VOL. 1

Grobschnitt

Symphonic Prog

4.46 | 17 ratings

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ZowieZiggy
Prog Reviewer

If you would ever think that Mike Oldfield has won the gold medal in re-using one concept ("Bells"), you'll have to revise your judgment.

"Solar Music" has already passed several lives before this history. And the journey only starts.

In my review of "Ballerman" their double album which features the original and studio version of "Solar Music", I conclude that it was a five star track. So, on this first "History", you get no less than three different versions!

But there are some other songs non related with "Solar Music" as well.

The opener highlights their incredible sense of humour. It is a cover version of an old Jamaican song "Banana Boat Song". Absolutely hilarious. One has the impression to listen to Mercury launching his "Day-o; Day-ay-ay-o". Irresistible (but not essential of course).

The only interesting track of these is "Ausgabe" (which could be translated as addition or bonus track). It sounds pretty much as some tracks from their first album ("Symphony" or "Travelling"). There is a strong relation with "Santana" music in here. Great percussion work and fantastic guitar play.

"Merry Go Round" is mainly a band's presentation. Not a big deal, but the studio track was not extraordinary either.

Now, three "Solar Music" versions!

My preferred one of all of them is probably the one recorded in "Warzburg" in 1978. You really need to listen to this if you are ever interested in space-rock music. There are a lot of ambient sections but most of all, so many passages are so poignant, emotional and truly symphonic as well.

This Work (yes, capital W), is a true masterpiece. One of the greatest song in the prog rock repertoire. This interpretation is magnificent. Truly sublime. To all "Solar Music" maniacs (n'est-ce pas Antoine - Febus), I can only recommend this version from this double CD set. It is such a jewel. Almost an hour of pure happiness. Splendid, really.

The second version we get here is much shorter (only 28'21"). I lack the long and spacey moments available from the Warzburg masterpiece. But still, it is a pleasant version.

The third version is a remastering of the original studio album. For more details about this jewel, I would refer you to my review (and lots of other reviewer's ones) in the appropriate entry.

Be prepared for a superb adventure. The quest for excellence has been rewarded. "Grobschnitt" has brought us there. Thanks to Eroc who has remastered them so brilliantly. The sound is perfect and makes it a wonderful musical experience.

I guess that you know the rate.The highest one for my 1,300th review.

ZowieZiggy | 5/5 | 2008-1-21

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