Search - Jefferson Starship :: Windows Of Heaven

Jefferson Starship - Reunion Effort Similar To Mid-70's Mate

Steven Sly | Kalamazoo, MI United States | 06/05/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The saga continues. By 1998 Paul Kantner had long left Jefferson Starship behind. Mickey Thomas and Grace Slick had carried on under the moniker of just Starship. Kantner had gone on to form the KBC band with Marty Balin and Jack Cassidy former Jefferson Starship / Airplane members. At some point Mickey Thomas obtained sole right of the use of the Starship band name, but Kantner still apparently had the rights to use Jefferson Starship. So, to make sure everyone was confused the Mickey Thomas version of Starship was still out touring in 1999 Kantner put this version of Jefferson Starship together for this reunion album. The band features the 3 main members of the KBC band (and original Jefferson Airplane) along with newcomer Diana Mangano on vocals, Slick Agular on guitar, T Lavitz (Dixie Dregs) on keys, and Prarie Prince (The Tubes) on drums. It was a formidable lineup and for the most part they put out an artistically successful album. This album reminds me a lot more of The Starship's early to mid-70's output (i.e. "Red Octopus", "Spitfire", "Dragonfly", "Earth") than it does the later 70's early 80's Mickey Thomas led band. Paul Kantner is fully in charge here writing the majority of the songs with a couple of Marty Balin ballads thrown in as well. I have always been a fan of Kantner's writing but I can understand people who would not like it. He is in prime form here with his patented mix of sci-fi, space / prog, and social / political commentary. Many of the songs feature multiple vocal leads which has been an Airplane / Starship trademark for years. The quality of Balin's songs will probably depend on how much like his writing style. Personally I don't really care for much of what he does and the songs on this album don't do much to change my opinion. Vocalist Diana Mangano has a great voice, but unfortunately is not given enough to do in my opinion. I think that bringing her to the lead more would have been a beneficial move. The bottom line is that if you like the mid-70's version of Jefferson Starship and / or Paul Kantner's solo works you will probably enjoy this reunion effort from the band."

Great Millennium Album From Jefferson Starship

11/17/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"WINDOWS OF HEAVEN is Jefferson Starship's album to herald the millennium, and it's a great one. There are a couple of Marty Balin ballads- "Ways Of Love" and "Later On"- but they pale next to the other songs, which have roots in science fiction, politics, and the human condition. Much of the album seems to have a message about how we have neglected the environment, other people, and ourselves, and how all of that needs to change. If the songs seem a bit preachy and heavy-handed, at least it should shatter the complacency of the listener and inspire him/her to do something about the conditions affecting them. This is a great return for JS after numerous albums of commercial pap."

Successful Voyage of Starship /Kantner

Joseph P. Darak Jr. | Gallup, NM United States | 09/14/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If your a fan of the Jefferson Airplane, Paul Kantner, or Marty Balin then this should be a must for your collection. Likewise if your a fan of 60's type message music. Kantner continues to say the heck with commercialism and gives us a lot of interesting messages in politics, the environment, and the complexities of the modern world. Marty has a great song here in "Goddess." The music is great, the message is great, and the album is solid all the way thru.You get hard rock, some experimentation, and some nice ballads.If the radio stations had played it I think interest in the band would have been regenerated.

Jack Cassidy has since left the group and their recent live albums are not nearly as good in quality. This is the last studio album of new material from these rock masters. I would agree with another reviewer that Diana Mangano should be given more of the singing role. Prarie Prince is with the New Cars now so I wonder if Starsip can ever get clearance to fly again. It's a shame this album was overlooked and I suggest you buy it."