CARGO

This is a review of the newest reissue of this album on Pseudonym Records (2012). This version is a deluxe, 2 CD edition which includes all the band's singles under the moniker September, as well as several demos.

The main reason I bought this album is for, well, the album. The biggest problem with this edition is the sequence of the tracks, which is in order by when each one was recorded. This means that the actual Cargo album consists of the final four tracks on the second CD, which has a total of eight tracks on it. Not very convenient when you just want to pop in the CD and listen to it. The only other issue I have with this version is that several of the tracks are really nonessential, and only worth an occasional listen. These include several demo versions of album tracks which are inferior to the ones that actually made it on to the original album.

That being said, I still really like this release. Of course the actual album (tracks 5-8 on CD 2) are the highlight, my favorite track being the soulful "Summerfair." All four tracks are a great example of great, jam-filled 70's rock, with a noticeable European touch. The dueling guitars and nice bass-work keep the long songs interesting. Even some of the singles and demos are good. These include: "Little Sister," "One More Chance," "Run Away," "Lydia Purple," and "Choker" (all on CD 1). "Lydia Purple" is a soulful, superior version to the original from the Canadian band The Collectors.

All in all, an exceptional example of a great band, with a lot of potential that never got the big break it deserved.. Recommended for those who like 70's heavy rock style prog, but with a slightly different, European flavor.