SLOW DANCE

3.5 stars. "Slow Dance" is Anthony's highest rated album on here released in 1990(recorded in the late 80's) but I prefer his debut from 1977 "The Geese And The Ghost". The biggest difference between the two albums is that Philipps almost discards his guitar on "Slow Dance" for synths and there's more of a Classical bent here. The man is such a wonderful guitar player I mean just listen to his work on GENESIS' "Trespass" album for example or his debut. There are a slew of 5 star reviews on here for this one but even many of them complain abut the lack of guitar on here.

It was interesting to read the Mike Oldfield comparisons as I too felt there was some similar ideas. Two side long tracks although apparently conceived as one long 50 minute piece. This is fancy music with oboe, flute, clarinet, harp and trumpet being involved plus a string quartet. Like the two collaborators who reviewed before me this just isn't my kind of music and also feel it's a 3 star record. Part one is 24 minutes long with plenty of tempo shifts while Part two is more about repeating themes and it's over 26 minutes long.

The highlights for me are those rich, lush moments that I just wish would linger longer but no. It opens that way as it ebbs and flows for around 4 minutes before changing. And on part two we get that same lush atmosphere after 12 minutes but not as long this time. The tempo really speeds up just after this rich section which will return after 19 minutes briefly. I do like those oboe led sections early on Part two but I'm not big on the electronics before 10 minutes. I felt that Oldfield connection on Part one after 12 minutes. A yikes moment with that dancing flute after 8 minutes. A lot of sparse moments during Part one.

I'm in the minority here but I "get" the love for this one believe me.