THE TURN OF A FRIENDLY CARD

"The turn of a friendly card" was a step forward after a misfit with "Eve". Not only is this one of the best APP albums but is belongs to the highlight of any art-pop music catalogue between 76-82. The tracks are well composed, structured and executed. The first poppy track "May be a price to pay" is a mixture of classic APP sound and Electric Light Orchestra influence. "Games people play" highlights a pleasant guitar solo towards the end of the song. "Time" is one of the most haunting ballands penned by APP, sung by who else then Mr. Woolfson who adds another dimension to it. "The gold bug" is a not very creative and laid-back instrumental track. The only standout is a saxophone solo. The one and only long epic composition a la second side of Abbey Road starts and lasts for over 16 minutes. What can we expect here? The two first parts are very catchy, followed by a symphonic and slightly progressive instrumental break. Eric Woolfson comes back with a reflective folkish number. Unusual hard guitar-based instrumental section that evokes the main motive follows. The remainder of the composition is characterised by repeating of the haunting melody that gains on its dynamics.

Overall, this is a very well crafted piece of music and albeit not very progressive, this might be exactly something for a girl of a proghead! The long 16-minute piece is fantastic regardless other tracks.