SPECTRAL MORNINGS

Rather good 1979 entry from Mr. Hackett, continuing to move bravely past Genesis and on with his music. First cut 'Every Day' sparkles with Hackett's energy and love of his instrument, and twee folkie 'The Virgin and the Gypsy' is a nice tune with a light midsection of strings and wood flutes. About half the material comprising the eight cuts is non-vocal which makes for a well-balanced album. 'The Ballad of the Decomposing Man' is a huge neo-classicism layered like an onion with a surprise taiko-style drum sortie and features obligatory Hackett comic relief 'The Office Party'. Quiet introspection 'Lost Time in Cordoba' is us alone with Hackett's nylon strings for a rare peek inside the private feelings of this maestro, and sci-fi soundscape 'Tigermoth' descends darkly, ready to take over the world and ends with an odd tale about the fate of German pilots in WW II. And the title is excellent-- confident and proud, as if Hackett was saying once and for all "I'm still on my feet". Indeed.