PARADOX HOTEL

MONSTERS AND MEN - This track alone will get this a FIVE STARS rating. Why? Well you ignore the intro of astronauts recording - why? A clip from Fawlty Towers would have been more apt for "Check in" or a clip from "Psycho" perhaps? Anyway - The truly awesome epic is underway at CD1 track 2 and it's a 21 minute treat - it's a mixture of yes like bits (check out the Close to the Edge you-get up bit) Floyd and Greenslade. ITS FULL ON SYMPHONIC PROG and the finale had my the hairs on the back of my neck standing up. It has some truly magnificent guitar licks STOLT is a genius. This track alone is ESSENTIAL in any symphonic rock collection, thus the five stars. Mind you, this track is of such a high-quality, it is expected that no other track on the double CD comes near it. But since the Flokis have given us a double CD and both of prodigious length - there are other tracks to get a mention. CD1, Hit me with a hit - Howe like guitar solo in a YES - Tormato stylee dort of track. The instrumental Pioneers of Aviation - Excellent Church organ and mini-moog with Rush base lines and an a "The Enid" like ending. The last track "End on a high note", again very Yes like buth then gets a bit like "Uriah heep", very good track.. CD2 - This is a lot less good on material, Track 9 - Blue Planet is the best by a mile and there is a Monsters and Men reprise - Thus it's a WINNER. Track 4 - Man of the World has an ace moog solo. The opening track "Minor Giant Steps" has some nice mini-moog flourishes and has a good instrumental part but overall is a bit on the poorer side. This CD is all about the EPIC. Anybody who is a fan of symphonic prog MUST get this CD just for that. You'll thank me.