MACARTHUR

I like to think that I have pretty wide-ranging taste in music, but I always return to prog eventually. Especially prog with an 'edge', with nice 'crunchy' guitar. MacArthur fit that predilection very nicely. This is late era (1979) edging towards Neo-Prog. Guitarist Ben MacArthur is the star of the show here. that's not to dismiss the other musicians (keyboardist Bill Hefflefinger shines, particularly on the last track, 'Shock of the New'). So what do MacArthur sound like? Well no-one in particular, although the last few tracks could probably stand being described as a rockier sounding Supertramp.

The highlight of the album, for me anyway, is Generations/First Contact (with its slightly naff sci-fi lyrics excepted!)

Any gripes? Well the production leaves a bit to be desired and sometimes guitarist Ben sounds like he is about to shoot his fingers off the fretboard, but other than that this is a wee gem!