SKY 2

A candidate for the best instrumental rock album of all time.

This, SKY'S second and most important release, sold extremely well in the UK in 1980, becoming that year's tenth highest selling album. That may, in fact, make it the year's biggest selling progressive rock album. Yet few people know of it now, or remember it, though they ought to.

This jazz/classical/rock fusion works so seamlessly, and the music is produced so effortlessly, that many listeners make the mistake of considering it muzak. Nothing could be further from the truth. There are original compositions on this double-album set that rank with the best instrumentals written. The 17- minute 'Fifo' and the 12-minute 'Scipio' are both glorious, brimming with changing moods, shimmering solo sections which allow each musician to display his talents, and, in the case of 'Fifo', a truly progressive finale.

SKY show us they can rock out ('Hotta'), have fun ('Dance of the little fairies') and create music with drama and hair-raising moments ('Sahara') - all on side one of four, all original compositions, and all essential listening. Sides two and four offer us longer pieces, and side three contains diligent reproductions of classical pieces, and a little gem of a piece ('El Cielo'). The most well-known piece, a spirited interpretation of Bach's 'Toccata', possibly resulted in many people dismissing them as 'Hooked on Classics'. Nothing could be further from the truth. I really can't imagine a fan of progressive rock not finding something to enjoy on this release. Highly recommended.