The Best!
Michael Dempsey | Orlando, FL USA | 08/18/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the definative Curved Air album. The first album (Air Conditioning) and 3rd (Phantasmagoria) have a few good tracks on them but even Air Cut (4th album), which is a good album, does not compare to this one.
Although there are many good tracks on this album the final 'extended' track (Piece of Mind) is the perfect 70's British Rock instrumental piece.
Having said that... Sonja Kristina's vocals are haunting at times ... just as she herself always was in concert.
If you like the early 70's British Rock bands I think you'll like this album."
One of Brit Prog's Finest
Kezzworld | England | 10/03/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Curved Air - a corner of my heart will always be reserved for this band - they headlined the first gig I went to in 1972 (Birmingham Town Hall) and of course gave me (and the rest of the world's pubescent males) Sonja Kristina!
In my opinion this 2nd album is far and away their most important offering, serving up an eclectic mix of finest prog to pop to classical (a propsicle?) - all of which bursts with the unique moods and atmosphere created by Kristina's unique voicing, Monkman's musical genius and Way's .... well way I suppose. In fact I will declare that this is prog Britain at its very best.
A couple of special mentions: Young Mother and Piece of Mind - possibly two of the finest prog tracks ever recorded. The first, an incredible dreamscape dominated by Monkman's superbly programmed synth (a track that sounds as fresh and exciting to me today as it did back in 1971) - the second a prog symphony that exercises every member of the band throughout its seamless movements. Again Monkman is nothing short of massive throughout and the band as a whole serve up an awesome achievement that, like classical music, is likely to remain listenable forever.
The CD doesn't reproduce like the old vinyl but at least it's clean and easy to fish out and put on!
Highly recommended to anyone of any age that takes their music seriously.
"
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1