OCTOPUS

I was very surprised that I didn't love this album, I mean look how highly rated it is. Of their first four albums this is the one I like the least. "Acquiring The Taste" and "Three Friends" are amazing and their debut is one I enjoyed a lot. I just found the sound to be really dense on this one with little in the way of emotion or power.

"The Advent Of Panurge" opens with fast paced, reserved vocals and keys. The song does get heavier and more complex. Some great piano and the dual vocals are a nice touch. "Raconteur Troubadour" features some violin and vocals to begin with.The electric piano and trumpet melodies are quite amazing. "A Cry For Everyone" is an uptempo rocker. I like the guitar/organ melody half way through the song. "Knots" has some unique, robotic style vocals to open followed by some complex vocal arrangements. A xylophone solo works well. Pounding piano trades off with the vocal melodies. The drumming is fantastic !

"The Boys In The Band" is my favourite song on this album. It's an instrumental that opens with the sound of a guy laughing followed by the sound of a coin hitting the floor. The instrumental work to follow is incredible. "Dog's Life" is apparently a tribute to their roadies. It's a silly song with funny lyrics, but the instrumental parts of the song I don't really like. "Think Of Me With Kindness" is sung by Minnear and has some good piano passages. This song is ok, nothing special. "River" is a bit of a mixed bag. I like the violin and guitar though.

Overall I feel let down by this recording, but i'm in the minority. Did they call it "Octopus" because there are 8 tracks ? I've never been a fan of the octopus.