CYCLONE

I have no doubt that Edgar Froese knew the controversy that would erupt upon the release of "Cyclone" in 1978. I'm pretty sure that's why he called it "Cyclone". I would have loved to have seen the expressions on the faces of hard core TD fans when they first heard the vocals here. I mean I was really surprised myself, knowing there were vocals sure, but I didn't expect such a passionate singer. I was thinking the vocals would be more like FLOYD's "A Saucerful Of Secrets" style, you know mumbling the words pretty much. Nope! Steve Jolliffe is a singer. And a player adding more synths, flute, english horn, bass clarinet, tenor and soprano sax, electric and grand pianos. He brings a lot.

So it's been fun reading the passionate reviews on here for this controversial album. I like it myself but I'm also glad this was a one-off, and I'm sure that was the question many a TD fan had after spinning this record, is this a new direction? I would have been concerned. Reminds me of RUSH's "Signals" album, a complete left turn and I wasn't happy at the time. This is much more extreme. So three tracks with Froese and Franke doing their thing. And yes I like drummer Krieger's playing on here a lot. This is a great sounding album.

The first side has the vocals and certainly that opener "Bent Cold Sidewalk" would have shocked many a fan. I'm not into the processed spoken words to get us started but a nice relaxed sound takes over with upfront bass. Vocals come and go and then a complete change of direction at 4 1/2 minutes as the sequencers kick in along with synths. Some theatrical shouted words before 8 minutes. Back to that original theme after 10 minutes. Then we get the short "Rising Runner Missed By Endless Sender" at under 5 minutes and a post rock- like title. A determined sound that sounds really good as the vocals arrive. And he's singing with passion at times. Some theatrical vocals later and I love those spacey synths when the vocals step aside.

"Madrigal Meridian" ends it at 20 1/2 minutes. No vocals here and more like the TD we know and love. Lots of atmosphere early before it turns experimental. Sequencers kick in after 3 minutes and here we go. Fast moving here with active drumming. Violin-like sounds will follow which is cool. Sequencers continue but when the step aside it turns spacey. Piano after 16 minutes then flute 19 minutes in as it trips along to the end.

This may have been accepted more at the time if the singer wasn't so passionate, but I have no problem giving this 4 stars. I like it a lot.