SNOW

Hard not to compare this album to Genesis's 'Lamb Lies Down On Broadway', it tells the story of one man, (an albino alien?) and his quest (ends up in New York City) for enlightenment. Yet, it's told simply. When I bought this back in 2002, I was underwhelmed. Musically, it's comparible to their previous album 'V', many poppish songs ala 80's Kansas sprinkled with some proggy numbers and an epic or two. It wasn't until I pulled this out and played a week straight not too long ago. I can tell you that many, many of the songs stuck in my head and stayed there for awhile, and I'm not just talking about the poppish numbers. I can honestly say that this album is their best to date. Neil never sung with so much emotion, (listen to 'I Will Go' and 'Made Alive Again/Wind At My Back', they gave me goose bumps!) and the prog moments are their best, ('Ladie's And Gentlemen....' and 'Snow's Night Out'). Sure, it's not the most progressive/symphonic album out there. I really don't think Spock's Beard should be listed as symph, more Art Rock to these ears. But for my money, Neil and company wrote there masterpiece here. Not 5 stars, but damn close.