Search - Nektar :: Down to Earth

Great Work from Nektar

T. D. Jared | Toledo, OH USA | 07/02/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"My favorite Nektar album is A Tab In The Ocean, hands down. So every other Nektar album I've heard has been compared to that. I didn't care much for the popular Remember The Future, but I did like Journey enough to buy it.



By Magic, the band is still in good form, as psychedelic and experimental as ever. The production is better than A Tab and overall, the songwriting is probably superior. My only complaint is that they seemed to get so experimental with sounds and instrumentation by this point that some of the glue that held previous albums together (i.e. recurring organ and guitar tones) is a little lost here. And I'm not overly fond of the lyrics, but Nektar (in my opinion) were never fantastic lyricists anyway. You listen to them because of the music and where it takes you.



Bottom line is that if you liked A Tab, and can accept Nektar going in slightly different directions from time to time, you'll like this one. And if you've never heard any Nektar, start with A Tab In The Ocean, but if you see this for cheap buy it regardless. It goes great with a few tabs and a book of Mati Klarwein art. Or to wake you up a bit after listening to Camel albums zoning out."

"Show Me The Way" please to get a remaster with multiple bon

Craig Fenton | Airplaneville, New Jersey | 07/14/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

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As the author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent" and a former radio disc-jockey, I am often asked to write and or discuss various music supplies and recordings from the 60's and 70's.



After one of the finest progressive rock masterpieces "Remember The Future" the guys from Nektar had to decide the direction of their next project. Do you continue with the theme record and the longer tracks or attempt something different? Nektar went with the alternate route and along with "Sounds Like This" comes their most underrated achievement.



1974's "Down To Earth" with Hawkwind friend Robert Calvert acting as ringmaster for the progressive circus is a tremendous listen. "Astral Man" is in its proper place as the album opens. Offering the perfect combination of catchy instrumentation with a great vocal, the three-minute tune would be superlative on stage as well. "That's Life" is a work of art. The beauty of the song comes alive each listen. "Fidgety Queen" is in your face Nektar rock and roll with no apologies needed. "Oh Willy" can be thought of as a shorter version of "A Day In The Life Of A Preacher" from "Sounds Like This." In short form it still takes hold of your body. The album builds momentum and by the time the eighth track rolls around "Show Me To Way" you are elevated to an even higher level of musical brilliance. Make sure to please purchase the remaster with 6 alternate versions and some Robert Calvert ringmaster outtakes!



If you are looking for the first Nektar CD to purchase any order of "Remember The Future", "Recycled", or "A Tab In The Ocean" will surpass your expectations. Once you have absorbed the wizardry, next should be "Journey To The Center Of The Eye", "Sounds Like This", and "Down To Earth." Those would cover the original Roye Albrighton catalog. "Magic Is A Child" with Dave Nelson stepping in takes a different approach but still a must own. You then will have several reunion choices and Roye solo projects to engulf.









Enjoy the music and be well,

Craig Fenton

Author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent"





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