SONGS FROM THE BLACK BOX

"Songs From The Black Box" is a compilation album by UK progressive rock artist Woolly Wolstenholme (real name: Stuart Wolstenholme). The album was originally released through Voiceprint in 1994. It compiles material recorded in 1981, which was meant to be released as part of Wolstenholme´s second full-length studio album titled "Black Box". Various circumstances meant that the 1981 recordings were shelved, but they are compiled here with all tracks from Wolstenholme´s debut full-length studio album "Mæstoso" (Polydor, 1980). So this compilation features all the early material recorded by Wolstenholme after he left Barclay James Harvest in 1979.

Stylistically it´s not surprising that this is progressive rock in the more lightweight and AOR melodic end of the scale. Other contemporary artists like Camel, Saga, and Yes also went down that route. It was just the sign of the times. Compared to Wolstenholme´s work with Barclay James Harvest, this is not the most interesting or intriguing material around, but it´s pleasant enough and had the material featured better sounding production values (this all sounds a bit thin and like it was recorded in an empty concert venue) it may have become more successful. It´s all very nice, melodic, and polished, and just a little more grit and danger wouldn´t have hurt. A 2.5 star (50%) rating is warranted.