IT'S A BEAUTIFUL DAY / MARRYING MAIDEN

This is a straightforward re-release of the band's first two albums as single CD package. There are no bonus tracks, so the two albums fit comfortably onto a single disc.

The band's self titled first album is the main reason they appear on this site at all. The diversity and beauty of the album sets it apart as a milestone in the development toward prog. The opening "White bird", which features the wonderful violin of David LaFlamme and his vocal harmonies with Pattie Santos is one of the most delightful pieces of music of any generation.

"Marrying maiden" is a much lighter affair, where pop and country influences come to the fore. Apart from the jazz based opener "Don and Dewey", the songs here tend to be shorter melodic pieces with strong harmonies. While many of the tracks include a fine instrumental break of violin, guitar or organ, such breaks are kept brief with the focus remaining on the main vocal theme.

In all though, a fine pair of albums, and a convenient way to obtain both of them on CD.