BEDSIDE MANNERS ARE EXTRA

Greenslade

Symphonic Prog

3.60 | 235 ratings

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ZowieZiggy
Prog Reviewer

This second album from ''Greenslade'' is very much in-line with their debut released some months prior to this one and which I had rated with three stars.

''Bedside Manners Are Extra'' is of course not very different and the ones who liked their first release, shouldn't dislike this one even if the long ''Drum Folk'' is very transparent and little interesting. Closer to improvisation than a structured track (especially during the first half).

The second part is saved by a beautiful and melodic keyboards (simulating flute). The closing (and second) drum solo from this instrumental track is again far from being necessary. But I have never been over enthusiast over this ''performance'' on a studio album.

There are too few tracks which can blow away the listener to be honest. But ''Greenslade'' never played in the first division; which is fine since not all bands can play major roles in the music history.

On the contrary of most of the reviewers here, I preferred their debut album even if the ELP influence was too clearly marked. The loose and jazzy structure of ''Sunkissed You're Not'' can't attract my attention, at least on the positive side. But before this track, the mellowish and passionless opener (and title track) gave already a hint of what was going to be available on this record.

IMO, the best song is ''Pilgrims Progress''. Bombastic as you wish, melodic as I like. Gorgeous mellotron and at last, some feeling of unity in the music. It is also the most ELP oriented song from this offering. An excellent number and the highlight for sure.

The closing ''Chalkhill'' is also worth a listening and shines brighter than the rest; but this was not a daunting task frankly. All in all, this is not a great album. I would say average (five out of ten). Upgraded to three stars.

ZowieZiggy | 3/5 | 2008-12-17

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