DAY FOR NIGHT

After their first three studio albums this was a step down in quality in my opinion. It just seems more commercial, streamlined and accessible. This is still a SPOCK'S BEARD record though, and there is a lot to like on this album.

"Day For Night" is a great way to start. It kicks into gear before a minute with some excellent bass and organ, and drums also impress. Vocals and some prominant bass 1 1/2 minutes in. A calm after 3 1/2 minutes as reserved vocals are added. Scorching guitar after 5 minutes followed by some ripping organ. "Gibberish" is one of those GENTLE GIANT influenced songs that is all about the vocal arrangements. Mellotron 3 1/2 minutes in. "Skin" is a mid paced tune with steady drums. Minor riffs join in on this toe tapper. "The Distance To The Sun" opens with some intricate spanish guitar. Reserved vocals join in this mellow song that also has some piano later. "Crack The Big Sky" has a nice drum intro as bass then a full sound arrives. It settles down to a jazzy vibe before a minute. It kicks back in with some powerful organ runs then clapping. Vocals after 2 minutes as it calms. Uptempo again as contrasts continue. Sax 6 minutes in.

"The Gypsy" is bombastic at times and at other times mellow with lots of mellotron. Some great chunky bass later. "Can't Get It Wrong" seems like an ironic title for this ballad-like tune. "The Healing Colors Of Sound (Part1)" is the first song of a six part suite. Funny they don't make that clear with the song titles. Not commercial friendly I suppose. Anyway the first part is fantastic with a great melody. Scorching guitar 2 minutes in. "My Shoes" has a powerful intro that settles quickly with processed vocals. Fuller 2 minutes in before calming back down 3 1/2 minutes with piano. "Mommy Comes Back" has some amazing instrumental work on it,especially the bass and drums. "Lay It Down" has some meaningful lyrics. I like this one a lot. "The Healing Colors Of Sound" isn't as good as the first part. Lots of piano. "My Shoes (Revisited)" is a great closer with powerful organ early. Guitar come in around 2 minutes and doesn't stop until the song ends. Nice.