Second Oblivian Express album, originally released in 1971, co-written by Auger and guitarist Jim Mullen. Includes the previously unreleased bonus track 'Mariah's Wedding' (live in Reutlingen, Germany, 1972). Castle. 2004.
Second Oblivian Express album, originally released in 1971, co-written by Auger and guitarist Jim Mullen. Includes the previously unreleased bonus track 'Mariah's Wedding' (live in Reutlingen, Germany, 1972). Castle. 2004.
CD Reviews
Simply beautiful!
D. Lockman | Southern California, United States | 10/27/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It is a hallmark of a truly gifted artist to have even UNKNOWN works be of extremely high quality, as this exquisite album is. A perfect marriage of jazz, pop and rock, A Better Land never falters for an instant. It is a beautiful work, from beginning to end. Not one note is extraneous, or out of place. My favorite cut is "On Thinking It Over", with its clever and sensitive use of the open-sounding suspended chords in the chorus. Auger's vocals are touching and appropriate, with effective use of doubling. And what a gorgeous piano solo! "Marai's Wedding" is bright & lively, delivered with a deft musical touch. "Women Of The Seasons" is gently hypnotic, and "Tomorrow City" is a melodically catchy, yet uncertain vision of the future.
The messages are ever-resonant. The title cut, with its positive vision of the future, has brought tears to my eyes (especially since September 11th, 2001, when our collective future suddenly became so potentially troubling).
The musicianship is superb--Even some of the basslines are quite catchy & memorable as they run counterpoint to the vocal melodies. All the guitar work is snappy and resonant. Auger's playing is melodic
and expressive, and there is an undeniable chemistry between the musicians. This is an album with a good and gentle heart, even in the uptempo numbers, and that heart really shines through. In this day and age especially, that is a true sign of distinction.
When I was a DJ on 1970s progressive college radio, this album was a "biggie" for me. And it has never diminished in its beauty or timelessness, in my opinion. Auger is reportedly a resident of Southern California, as I am. If I should ever run into Brian Auger, I will probably make a damn fool of myself gushing out my praise of this little-known masterpiece. I hope he'd understand. This album just does it for me. Always did. Always will. Give it a shot. It's worthy."
Sharpest Auger bits!
D. Hartley | Seattle, WA USA | 02/17/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"While more than a few have recently come to include Brian Auger's mid to late 70's output as part of the seminal roots of what is now called "acid jazz", this material stands tall on its own merits. Cut for cut, "A Better Land" is one of Auger's better moments with his "Oblivion Express" line-up. While Auger's excellent keyboard work is integral here, what makes "Better Land" unique is the interplay of keyboards and rich layers of bright acoustic guitar work. No other Auger albums quite captured this perfect mix of jazz,progressive rock, funk and even folk elements. There is an exuberance in the vocal arrangements that even recalls "The Yes Album" at times. If you only have to choose one Brian Auger title for your collection-this is it!"
Cristaline perfection!!!
PortugueseMusicFan | Porto, Portugal | 10/19/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's really a shame how this man is so ignored even today, with all that new fusion stuff!!!!!!!!! All of his records are top class and especially this one, softer, like a cool breeze, would please anyone with a pop taste... if only they give a listen!!! You'll not find any rating of Brian Auger (and also Julie Driscoll...) records in All Music Guides or in terrible Rolling Stone Album Guide...Why???
As a choice, "A Better Land" is a wonderful starting point toward recognition of a fantastic talented musician, one of the best in the seventies fusion movement!!! Go for it!!!"
Positive mood music from the past
L. Peyronnin | Phoenix, AZ United States | 07/25/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This album came after a short-lived lineup of Oblivion Express which had sported the guitarist John McLaughlin, when Auger cut some of his heaviest records. And yet this record, of all the Oblivion Express releases, comes closest in style to Auger's late Trinity days. John McLaughlin had just left to join Miles Davis, and Auger was plainly in a frame of mind to elaborate on the lovely sonic atmospheres he had first explored on the Trinity's "Befour" album. In my younger days I used to use this album as an ice breaker with femme friends who'd come over for a nightcap. It always melted whatever ice may have been there. The clear sound (remarkable for that time, but then London's Advision was a great studio then; also the old RCA Dynaflex pressings were a good compliment to this record's sound) the clean, amiable, romantic and almost idealistic voice of Brian Auger (an under-rated vocalist) always made company most congenial. I still listen to this today and think of many old friends."
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1