BIRDS OF FIRE

Mahavishnu Orchestra

Jazz Rock/Fusion

4.33 | 1449 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

I'd say this one is on the top of the 70's fusion heap, next to its predecessor "Inner Mounting Flame". Definitely an essential edition for listeners of 70's prog.

It starts out with the title track, and McLaughlin rips a brutal solo. This song really sums up what Mahavishnu was about: fast, technical melodies and fast, technical solos. The Violin/Guitar interplay on Celestial Terrestrial Commuters is one of the highlights of the first half.

Thousand Island Park is a nice break from the electrified first 12 minutes. It's a nice acoustic piece with good piano and acoustic guitar work. Not the best acoustic piece here though. One Word is the real highlight of the album. Awesome solos, Cobham particularily.

Sanctuary is a really beautiful piece. McLaughlin playing is even more impressive on the acoustic guitar. This is the acoustic highlight of this album. Resolution lives up to its name, closing the album nicely.

I'd say this is one of the essential albums of the 70s. If you like it, fusion is for you. If not, I'm not sure how much of the genre you're going to enjoy.

Essential, 5/5.

YYZed | 5/5 | 2006-8-17

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