SHOOT OUT AT THE FANTASY FACTORY

The heavy opener "Shoot Out?" is quite an embarrassing tune I have to say. IMHHO, it was quite a mistake to have placed this track there. You know, in those remote days, you went to your record shop, and usually you were played a few seconds of the opening track, and eventually the same for the second one. And you had to make up your mind based on this short introduction. Not quite convincing, unfortunately?

After this quite messy track, good old "Traffic" is back with "Roll Right Stones": a good rocker of a song that also combines good fluting and enjoyable percussion work. But don't expect real ecstasy: the moment IS pleasant but no more. A good musical combination played by skilled musicians. Is this anything extraordinary?

I very much prefer the melancholic "Evening Blue" which features an excellent vocal part from Steve (but this is again usual). This is a truly moving rock ballad which features a damned good (but short) sax part.

The jazzy instrumental "Tragic Magic" holds little magic as far as I'm concerned. Another pleasant soft-jazz-rock number for sure. But weren't we expecting more from the band? Maybe I wasn't since I were never a huge fan and my preferred album of theirs will always remain "Welcome To The Canteen" (for specific reasons outlined in my according review).

My fave track is the closing one. I would say that on the contrary of its title, this song is indeed very much inspired, emotional and in one word: beautiful. The backing band performs superbly and Steve is again phenomenal in his vocal duties. A moving guitar break and excellent percussions add a definite "Santana" feel to the whole. THE highlight.

This is a fair critic from someone who did listen to it carefully. And I'm not kidding. Three stars.

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