THE SALE

This is a nice return to form for Crack The Sky, possibly because of the return of original bassist, Joe Macre. You can hear hints of the original band (now with 3 original members back, and drummer Joey D'Amico is said to be returning for at least one live show), and at times they sound like they are trying too hard to get that sound.

There are many songs using the bass/drums syncopation that drew me to the original lineup. There are songs that recall Flashlight, Lighten Up McGraw, and even the eastern sound of Animal Skins. There are songs that could have been on From The Greenhouse, and a few that have the modern CTS sound from Cut.

My only complaint is that the mix, particularly the vocals, is a bit mushy from the use of effects. And since the disc doesn't provide lyrics, you sometimes can't understand what Palumbo is singing.

The lyrics are politically left wing. Personally, I like that. But I suspect that in 10 years or so they'll sound dated.

I'm looking forward to seeing them live.

The new CD release from Crack The Sky harkens back to their beginnings.Any fans of the first three (Crack The Sky S/T,Animal Notes, and Safety in Numbers) will enjoy this.Similar lyrically to the early releases, John Palumbo sharpens his razor wit and acerbic humor on all the issues of the day.On loss of privacy (Patriot Act),Big Business (The Voice of Corporation) and Immigration (immigration pt. 1 & 2).'

The Voice of Corporation' does have the same feel as 'Animal Skins' from Animal Notes.Palumbo takes a serious turn on 'Letter from Home' about the Iraq war, and the grim reminder of what soldier's have to deal with on the battlefield.The song is stripped down to acoustic guitars and a mandolin, yet very poignant and moving.

'The Face of God' will recall some similarities to King Crimson's Larkstounges in aspic.Because of Palumbo being the main focus because of his songwriting, Rick Witkowski's guitar work rivals that as one of the best players in Progressive Rock.Joe Macre has brought back that original feel to the band in his playing.Check out the bass line in both Immigration' and the Voice of Corporation'.Very original playing, that few can match.

All in all, a stellar effort.yes, at times John Palumbo is difficult to hear his vocals. I don't think it's much the mix, as it is his raspiness as he's gotten older, and the fact he likes to bring a ethereal sound to his vocals. This was especially true on the 2001 release of Ghost, and Palumbo continue's that sound on The Sale.

Overall, The Sale ranks with maybe one of the top 5 of their releases.Considering that they have nearly 30 releases in 32 years, It has to be considered on of their best.