INCANTATIONS

I first heard this suite of four songs in its live from Spain form, 1979's Exposed. I fell in love with it immediately--in both the live and studio versions--and it has remained my number two favorite MO album ever. The vocal performances of Sally Oldfield and Maddy Prior, alone, are stunning, and the musical journey wonderful in all four parts, though I have always been partial to the Phillip Glass-like opening quarter, the more spacious, folk-pastoral second side is gorgeous (and almost religious) and the use of Longfellow's "Gitche Gumee" Song of Hiawatha is genius. I guess the more classically infused and guitar-led third section would be my least favorite section, even though the woodwind parts are excellent; it too earns a five star rating. My favorite instruments to follow throughout (besides the vocalists) happen to be the African rhythmists and tuned percussives (especially Pierre Moerlin's xylophone). Fascinating--and the fact that they pulled it off so well live also astounds me. The weakest part of the composition, for me, is the electric guitars.

"Part One" (19:10) (39/40) "Part Two" (19:38) (38/40) "Part Three" (17:03) (31.5/35) "Part Four" (17:00) (32.5/35)

A/five stars; a standout masterpiece of progressive rock music.