GRAND HOTEL

"Grand Hotel" is often considered as the most polished album of the band: their best achievement and the one which remains into the memories of oldies like I am. Like Matti, I also regret that so few reviews with comment are available on PA for such an emblematic work.

Brooker has now the full command since Trower's departure. Most of the members featured here were already present on the grandiose Edmonton affair.

There is one masterpiece of music on this album. I am referring to the title and opening track of course. A fantastic journey into "Procol Harum"'s world. An opera on its own. A brilliant moment of music, full of classicism, wonderful orchestration (and when you know my aversion for this type of mix, it is even more to be highlighted). And Brooker's voice fits perfectly well this type of song.

Brilliant. THE highlight.

Grand Hotel is a fine album with its pieces of emotion ("A Rum Tale", "Bringing Home the Bacon", another highlight IMO), some fine melodies ("T.V. Caesar" and its good old organ sound). And some weirdoes as well ("A Souvenir Of London").

What I miss in this album is the great organ sounds of their first couple of albums and the great guitar job of Trower. Still, a song as "For Liquorice John" is fully in line with their best work. The cold darkness of this song is absolutely wonderful. Sounds as a nice and melodic little song but is all dark and death. Another highlight.

Actually, this album is extremely pleasant to listen to. Very few weak songs (only a couple), and those wonderful melodies which are the trade mark of the band ("Fires"). There is little risk that one shouldn't like this album. If 10CC is amongst your liking, you should be very receptive to "Grand Hotel". The excellent closing song Robert's Box only adds to the feeling.

Four stars.