IAN CARR'S NUCLEUS: ROOTS

" "Labyrinth" had been all by me, composition-wise," recalls Carr." But I wanted to use the other guys in the band as writers. So I suggested to them that we do an album called "Roots", which would delve back into our childhood roots, or any kind of roots that meant something to us in our lives." So returning from the "Labyrinth" sessions were Carr (of course), Smith, MacRae and Thacker. Both albums were released in 1973 and I have a difficult time picking one over the other. They're quite different from one another but both are amazing.

"Roots" and the two tracks that follow are Carr compositions. I like the atmosphere to start on "Roots" as the drums beat and other sounds come and go. It kicks in before 3 minutes then settles back. This is so good ! The guitar, drums, bass, horns and keyboards all sound incredible. It settles back one more time to end it. "Images" is interesting because Thacker plays percussion instead of drums and Aureo De Souza plays drums instead of his usual percussion. This is a mellow tune and the only one with vocals. Joy Yates is the singer and she's married to keyboardist Dave MacRae. Some elctric piano and flute as well. Good track.

"Caliban" opens with solid drumming, guitar and electric piano. Horns around 2 minutes. Amazing sound after 3 minutes as the guitar comes to the fore and the horns blast. "Whapatiti" and the next two tracks that follow are Brian Smith tunes. Since he's from New Zealand he puts the focus on that country along with his astrological sign. The first of these is uptempo with lots of piano and horns. The drumming is outstanding as well. They slow it down on the next song "Capricorn" with smooth horns and liquid keys. Guitar before 2 1/2 minutes. "Odokamona" is one I like a lot, especially the rhythm section with the horns playing over top. It ends in an experimental manner. "Southern Roots And Celebration" is Dave MacRae's composition. He also is from New Zealand. The electric piano to open sort of echoes then the song picks up and gets fuller. Flute before 4 1/2 minutes. Big finish.

Man I just love NUCEUS' sound, I guess that's the bottom line when it comes to music isn't it ?