CARESS OF STEEL

"Bastile Day" singlehandledly brought awareness of this tragically under-celebrated holiday to legions of hard rock fans across the world, and as a song it's notably hard and relatively adventurous for 1975 rock. "I Think I'm Going Bald" is funny the first time, and possibly thoughtful upon repeated listenings (same theme as CSN's "Almost Cut My Hair", really), but apart from some good guitar work is relatively forgettable. "Lakeside Park", however, is really quite good- a flowing and vivid feel that can take you on a ride. While the longer pieces don't really work yet, "The Necomancer" is more fleshed-out than "By-Tor" was, and "The Fountain of Lamneth" takes the progression even further, preparing us and the band for what was to come on the next album. They are refining their style and their chops here- it makes a more satisfying album than "Fly By Night" but the meal won't be quite ready to eat until "2112".