RARE BIRD [AKA: SYMPATHY]

But Rare Bird produced some other very pleasant and melodic music in those times. Keyboards are predominant in their early work which is fine, even if the absence of lead guitars might be disturbing. Still, the opener "Beautiful Scarlet" is rather a good song.

Of course, when you compare it with Sympathy, it is completely overshadowed by this succulent ballad. Incredible melody, sweet keyboards play, powerful vocals for one of the best slow available (as Writer Shade Of Pale, Nights In White Satin, I'm Not In Love etc.). The top of the genre, for sure.

I have never been too enthusiastic about Steve Gould's vocals. He has a warm and rasping voice which fits better soul than prog music. But compositions are pleasant and Natures Fruit is another good moment from this album. Very few to no tracks are bad on this debut album. Even some masterpieces will be featured. And when not reaching this status, there are some good numbers like Bird On A Wing for instance.

Another very good number is the fully psychedelic God Of War. Very Floyd oriented (Piper and ASOS). Remember, this album has been released in 1969. The psyche mania is not yet over. Another highlight.

Same very pleasant music is displayed during Iceberg. If ever you like ELP, you would be delighted to listen to this track. Very powerful bass play, gorgeous and heavy keys : a damned good track, really. Nothing shy to the best ELP songs (excepting Tarkus and Karn Evil). Another highlight which contrasts with one of the weakest one of this album. The rocking Times does not fit very well into their repertoire. Still, I can't consider this one as poor. Good bass work, again.

The last two songs are weaker as well. A pity because otherwise, I would have rated this album with four stars.

Rare Bird is not an influent band nor a first league one. But fans of keyboards-oriented music should really pay attention to it (maybe in the form of a compilation work). This album deserves seven out of ten. Three stars.

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