PAMPERED MENIAL

I guess that it's no mystery why some people don't like David Surkamp's voice although personally I never judge vocalists by their pitch but merely by applying the performance in relation to the music. By doing just that I can conclude that Pavlov's Dog debut release is an amazing album! I didn't fall in love with this straight away but over the course of a couple of weeks I just couldn't put this album down and the more I listened to it the more I enjoyed these wonderful songs.

The album begins with the bands most familiar anthem Julia which I like a lot but it's hardly the best track that Pampered Menial has to offer! My personal favorites are the much rockier Song Dance with some spectacular vocals sections and the very melodic and dreamy Theme From Subway Sue. These two composition can even make the cloudiest day feel better and always leave me with a smile on my face. The rest of the material fills in the blanks for a complete experience of a complete masterpiece.

There has been some speculation as to whether Pampered Menial should be considered progressive rock but I have no doubt on that subject matter and therefore consider it to be an essential album in any progressive rock music collection.

***** star songs: Julia (3:10) Late November (3:12) Song Dance (4:59) Theme From Subway Sue (4:25) Preludin (1:39)

**** star songs: Fast Gun (3:04) Natchez Trace (3:42) Episode (4:04) Of Once And Future Kings (5:27)