COCOON

Here is a delightful throwback recording from multi-instrumentalist Peter Jones. It is right in my personal prog wheelhouse, full of melody and intricate storytelling. I liken it to early Phil Collins led Genesis (Trick of the Tail, Wind and Wuthering). Melodic progressive music with a sensible pop edge.

The instrumentation is neither sparse nor overloaded. The production quality is impeccable. Nothing seems to get lost in the mix.

The compositions are lighthearted and engaging, but not overly complex. It is easy to listen to and hard to put down.

My one complaint with the album is the inclusion of four sonic "vignettes" each representing a season of the year. I like the idea in theory, but on the record they come across as too short and undeveloped to contribute to the whole. "Winter" is the strongest of the four, but I think it would have been better if they had been dropped from the release altogether.

So now comes the knotty question. 4 or 5 stars? Masterpiece?

Not quite. But with this release Peter is knocking at the door of a masterpiece. I think he has it within him.

Final score: 4.4 stars. Unfortunately rounded down to 4. Sad, because this recording deserves to be on the list of all-time best prog albums. Somewhere around 100-150 in my opinion.

Enjoy!