Search - Steve Hackett :: Defector

A Gem on the Dusty Road of Music

J. Nelson | MD USA | 12/05/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm thankful my older brother introduced this album to me when it first came out; allow me to introduce it to you.



There are some albums you own that make you think: 1) I'm so glad this album has come into my life--I'm richer for hearing it; 2) The artist has mastered his/her instrument and plays with a wisdom that conveys unspoken language; 3) It isn't enough to own it, you have to tell others about it, so that they won't miss out on it. Steve Hackett's Defector is one such album.



I pulled this CD off my shelf the other day and found it has not lost any appeal whatsoever for me. The music (vocal-laced songs and instrumentals) is beautiful, clever, occasionally precious, gentle, sometimes hard, and confident. It is always interesting aurally.



Steve Hackett is such a wonderfully good guitarist with an ear finely attuned to interesting melodies and harmonies. His writing comes across as effortless; a natural progression.



If you are looking for an entry into the Steve Hackett catalog, Defector is my recommendation for where to start. Another fine Steve Hackett CD, but just so you know it is acoustic and quite relaxed, is Bay of Kings.



If you have an enormous CD collection, you might already own this album (get it out and give it another spin!), but if not and you are just browsing reviewers' recommendations desparately looking for something not on the well-trod path but altogether interesting look no further that Steve Hackett's Defector."

I like some of it

Tnahpellee | Australia | 12/20/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Maybe I branched out a little too far by buying this, since I am only an admirer of Genesis. I was determined to buy this, however, after the masterful performance Hackett gave on 'Blood on the rooftops'. That won me over. I bought this one and can say I like some of the songs. I admit, I am not a fan of instrumental music, perhaps my mind is not open enough, yet. However, my favourite track is a beautiful spanish guitar piece called 'Two Vamps As Guests', which lasts about a minute, whiich I like because I have a short concentration span. I also like Hammer in the sand, a nice piano meets string song. The Show is a fun 80's pop song, while Time to get out is a great pop meets prog song. Also, Toast and Leaving are really nica Folk songs that have a very mysterious aura aroudn them. Slogans, Jacuzzi and Steppes are complex prog instumentals which aren't really my thing but the prog fan will really like them. Sentimental institution is a daring attempt at old fashioned 20's pop. I don't mind it but it's not a song I really like or anything. I personally feel he could have done better with that last one, maybe I'm wrong.

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