TURN OF THE CARDS

I think the description of this group in the liner notes explains why i've never really been into this band.They are decribed as being a folky Art Rock band with Haslam's clear soprano vocals and Tout's superb piano playing being the focus. And yes America really fell for them because of this. No electric guitar here either so yes the Prog-Folk fans are all over this. Sure I can appreciate the music which is why i'm giving it 3 stars, I just don't enjoy it.

"Running Hard" opens with piano and it doesn't kick in until around 2 minutes.Vocals join in as the tempo picks up. I don't like the orchestral bits though. Male and female vocal melodies before 5 minutes followed by an instrumental section.Vocals are back as it settles 7 minutes in. "I Think Of You" is mostly strummed guitar and vocal led early then piano and drums join in. "Things I Don't Understand" has some prominant bass to start as male and female vocals join in. Catchy stuff. Vocal melodies before 2 1/2 minutes then the vocals return before 4 minutes. Some piano before it settles with vocal melodies again.Vocals are back late.

"Black Flame" opens with acoustic guitar and vocals arrive before 2 minutes. A fuller sound follows.The fuller and mellow passages are contrasted throughout. "Cold Is Being" opens with organ as the vocals join in. Not a fan of this one at all. "Mother Russia" opens with piano and we do get these orchestral bits as it has a classical feel to it. It's building then it settles when the vocals arrive after 2 minutes. Some vocal melodies after 5 minutes.Vocals return before 8 minutes.

Just not the type of music I can appreciate a whole lot.