TIME AND TIDE

Greenslade is on the same level with the "ick!" factor as Gentle Giant upon first hearing them. These guys are an acquired taste - especially the voice of Dave Lawson(he's not a David Surkamp from Pavlov's Dog; but he might be a cross between Glenn Hughes of Deep Purple/Trapeze, Al Stewart & Lol Creme). I'm really surprised "Time And Tide" has received such a low rating here as this album sums up everything about Greenslade. Certainly a "love them" or "hate them" band...no grey colours here. :-)

"The Ass's Ears" is a great track that could've been a hit if it were released under a more commercial name like Uriah Heep. Not that it sounds like Uriah Heep, but it has that aura about it. "Time/Tide" is a wonderful instrumental in the Yes-like/ELP tradition. The highlight here is the closer "Doldrums/Gangsters". A reflective tune with a great Dave Lawson vocal, a gothic sounding backing vocal (mellotron? not sure) and some tasty electric piano from Dave Greenslade...concluding with an instrumental. This is my favourite Greenslade album, along with "Bedside Manners Are Extra". "Time And Tide" is Greenslade's best produced album and least dated sounding. Recommended.

Note: One thing that I've always liked about Greenslade is that they have a great knack at "rockin' out" without screaming guitars. That in itself makes them special, IMHO.