ONE LIVE BADGER

The Apotheosis of Mediocrity! - Badger's first Lp is the typical 2 star LP in my view. Collectors/Fans of YES might be interested - but the music is far from a Yes aesthetic, landing itself in a more AOR-Americanised feel. this in itself isnt' a bad thing - but Banks just doesnt' carry if off with any panache. With the Hammond organ dominating, with occasional mellotron - these instruments aren't forgrounded like they were in his old band but just provide more meat to the mix. The music inhabits a kind of Rock-Soul-Gospel territory, there is some nice guitar playing on "Wheel of Fortune" the opener - by Brian Parrish, but its down hill from here. Two starts means collectors/fans only - its just a pity that in this case its fans of the cover designer Roger Dean who have most to benefit. Great Cover but the music is seriosuly lacking in spark - lacking sparks that even a pop-up Badger cannot redeem!!!