GREENSLADE

When I first heard this album I was somewhat disappointed as I came expecting I Spider Part Two. That is not what Greenslade offers on their debut, this album will please fans of the band members earlier bands (Colosseum, Web, King Crimson circa Lizard). The music is less jazzy and overall more chipper. Anyways, I fortunately tried out Bedside Manners Are Extra and loved it right away so I tried this album again and slowly warmed up to it.

Feathered friends opens the album with a minute long instrumental opener that is soon joined by the singing of Dave Lawson. Delivery his lines with their own intonation, his voice is absolutely hit or miss and this song will allow one to see if they can tolerate his voice at its most unhinged. I think this is the best song on the first side as it feels the most complete.

An English Western is a short one that shows Greenslades love for westerns. This song is probably the most representative of the Keyboardists later years as sound track musicians. The song is okay and has neat key lines, still pretty forgettable.

Drowning man opens with deep keys that soon becomes a very old timey song with string synth, stately percussion and anthemic singing. I don't think this song really goes well on the album.

Temple Song is a very calm song with chimes and vibes.

Melange is cool song that kind of reminds me of a condensed Valentyne Suite, present bass, great keyboard playing and a little bit of vocalizations for the right flavour.

What Are You Doin To Me is rather similar to Feathered Friends and quite good. The vocals work well the music, driving home the melody/emotion. (Lawson sounds a bit like Mick Jagger on this one and the sequel from chorus to verse is superb)

Sun dance has some sublime piano playing, very pretty. After about a minute the band comes in to allow for lovely keyboard leads to soar. Eventually the music becomes quieter so that when it comes back, it comes back more energetic and thunderous. (Tempo change?) The section is followed by a return to the opening piano theme, just beautiful. Wonderful closing to the first chapter for the little green man, Greenslade.

Overall I think this is a great album that is definitely lopsided, side two being much stronger.