OCTOPUS

This was the first Gentle Giant album I ever heard. It is a concept album, that tells the story of a young octupus named "Panurge" (yes, his father was cruel, but who wouldn't be, with a name like "Pantagruel"?). One day, while playing with his ocean friends, Panurge happens to pass by a fishing boat. There he hears the singing of a Raconteur Troubadour. From then on, Panurge dreams of being human. He lets out A Cry For Everyone, and ties himself in Knots. Finally, he locates The Boys In The Band, who introduce him to a wizard, who grants his deepest wish. He is now a human, with big Disney eyes (nowhere near as big as anime eyes, but you get the idea). But after joining the band, he befriends a dog. He sees the cruel way people treat the dog, and pities the Dog's Life. He begins to regret his wish, leaves the band, asking the group to "Think Of Me With Kindness". They don't. Yearning for his past aquatic life, Panurge spends the rest of his days by a River.

Seriously, this is an album of amazing music. In my opinion, one of the two best of this band, and one of the all time greats of progressive rock.