THREE FRIENDS

Of the first seven so-called classic GG albums this is the least complex of the lot. It lacks the typical counterpoint complexity that characterizes much of GG's music. Yet, the simplicity is what actually makes this record so attractive.

The concept is very straightforward: Three Friends who grow up together then drift apart as each one goes his separate way. One ends up an artist, another a laborer and the third some sort of white collar type. A harmless and simple concept for an album.

You will hear more in your face blues guitar on this GG record than on any other as well as some very prominent riffing and comping. You will also hear some of GG's finest vocals. Had the same vocal quality been found on The Power And The Glory then that record may very well be one of the top prog releases of all time.

Of the classic GG recordings I rate Three Friends in the fourth spot, ahead of Octopus but behind Free Hand, In A Glass House and The Power And The Glory. I really like this record, mainly because of the way the songs flow from one to the other(something lacking with Octopus). The concept of the Three Friends is well developed and executed. A true concept album that places the emphasis on the story line without much glitter in the instrumentation department. However, being a GG effort you can count on the instrumentation being top shelf. But you will not find the extreme complexity of The Power And The Glory.

I rate Three Friends as an easy FOUR STAR album. It's not a prog masterpiece by any stretch, but certainly one that should appeal to fans of Art Rock concept albums.