GARDEN SHED

This is undoubtedly one of my favourite Prog albums of the 70s. It stands up well alongside their obvious Yes, Genesis and Gentle Giant influences. The musicianship is of a very high standard, and for some reason the drummer uses a snare drum without the snares, so it sounds like a differently pitched tom throughout the album.

All the songs are of excellent quality, and "Three Piece Suite" has some sublime melodies. "Poisoned Youth" - a musical depiction of the "Picture of Dorian Gray" - is quite amazing, and you can hear where a certain theatre-music writer lifted a theme for his best-known (and longest-running) stage show - the one with a Phantom in it! That "writer" certainly owes this band very substantial royalties and an apology for using their work without credit!

If you can find a copy of this album - grab it! You will not be disappointed if you're a fan of intelligent, somewhat experimental 70s prog.