FLYING TAPES

4.5 stars. Man this is such a find and I have to thank Todd for making it happen. This is a compilation album that the band released in 1978 and they've re-worked the tracks so they do sound somewhat different from the originals. It's been interesting reading the opinions about this record as some feel the new versions aren't nearly as good as the originals and besides it's a compilation album so they rate it low, while others like myself are blown away at how good this sounds from top to bottom. If it wasn't a compilation album i'd give this 5 stars, that about sums up my feelings on this release.

"Fragments Of Light" is my favourite. This is really beyond words. The guitar tone playing over the beat is heaven. Synths come and go beautifully. "Music Is Painting In The Air" has a catchy beat as the guitar solos over top. Spacey synths come and go. Great sounding track. "Leave My Chemistry Alone" sounds so good to start with the guitar and drums building. So much tension like a MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA song. That flavour disappears quickly though. The drums are crisp throughout. "Strange About The Hands" is spacey with atmosphere to open. The guitar and drums come out of that mood. So good ! "Cold Nose Story" is actually a track from Franco Falsini's solo album. We get vocals for the first time in this spacey and dreamy soundscape. So much atmosphere.

"Boat Of Madness" is almost experimental to start with those synth sounds then the drums kick in with vocals. Synths lead when the vocals stop but they don't stay quiet for long. This rocks out pretty good late. Nice. "Fleetwood Trip L-Track" is a short hazy drugged out piece. "Warped Notions Of A Practical Joke" opens with intricate guitar then it kicks in hard before a minute. Strummed guitar before 2 1/2 minutes as the sound changes. Spacey synths too as the drums pound. "Faux Batard" is a catchy vocal track but it is psychedelic all the way. There's a tasteful guitar solo half way through.

A must for both SENSATIONS' FIX and Psychedelic music fans.