CROSSINGS

This is 'Hancock's last album with Warner Brothers'. Perhaps they got cold feet, unwilling to step into the early 70's madhouse that many bands found themselves immersed in at this time?

The massive 24 minute opener 'Sleeping Giant' sounds like it has been recorded in 'Timex' clock factory. Seemingly random speed percussion is interwoven with Herbie's excellent electric piano. I guess this is one of those albums you'll either love to bits or find intensely annoying. Personally I prefer the more experimental followup 'Sextant', but this is still pretty good fayre. Matters get more tuneful and ordered the longer it progresses but it does retain a certain 'One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest' feel about it.

Quite a challenging album that can be tricky to find the right environment to play in. For example: don't take it to work if you use a computer and have to concentrate - you'll end up sticking your foot through your monitor in blind rage. Similarly, it's awful when trying to read a book. Guaranteed - you'll read the same line 4 times over trying to decipher its meaning.

I set out on this review with a definite 3 stars in mind, but listening to it with a fresh pair of ears leads me to an impressive 4. 'Hancock' was clearly an open minded musician in his day. For you 'proggers' out there, check this out and its prequel and sequel to discover some highly original music that stands proudly alone in his extensive catalogue.

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