CAPTAIN BEYOND

I can't review an album based on a handful of listens. I really can't. I don't feel like I know an album until I can hear it in my head. As often as not, I will log in to write a review, start listening to the album, and realize that I need to wait a little while before I attempt the review.

That happened to me today. I logged on to write a review of the first UK album, loaded it up in WinAmp, and realized I wasn't quite ready yet. So I jumped over here to review the album that I've listened to more than any other in the last three months, the amazing debut from Captain Beyond.

So what makes these guys different and special?

While the sound of Captain Beyond may sound a bit dated nowadays, it was really something special back in 1972. Disciplined, restrained hard rock with psychedelic elements and a progressive vision was something that wasn't so easy to find back in 1972. Throw in the absolutely amazing rhythm section of Caldwell and Dorman and you have music that has the ability to transcend it's era. Pleasing vocals and vocal harmonies, abrupt transitions in melodies and rhythms, and guitar work that can be either blistering or restrained as required round out the number of candies in Captain Beyond's box of chocolates.

I so want to give this album five stars, but I'll restrain myself and award Captain Beyond the four that it has most deservedly earned.

EDIT: Man, I keep listening to this thing and the second half of it builds to an absolutely awesome conclusion. I'm not going to change the rating to 5 stars yet, but if this keeps up, the change is definitely coming. This may be the best composed album that I have ever heard. It's on the first four tracks that are keeping me from jumping this to five, and then just barely.