THE GOOD EARTH

3.5 stars. This is better then I thought it would be. This band certainly know how to create great songs and this album is no exception. I like what it says in the liner notes."The band's popularity live was increasing rapidly and by late 1974 they were touring to packed houses headlining with label mates URIAH HEEP and the up and coming (soon to be supergroup) Rush". Haha.

"Give Me The Good Earth" opens with a crowing rooster before guitar and vocals come in. I like the guitar solo 3 1/2 minutes in, and when it ends the song settles down and we can hear birds chirping. It kicks back in around 6 1/2 minutes. "Launching Place" builds slowly with synths and drums. Vocals before 2 minutes.The guitar is prominant 4 1/2 minutes in. "I'll Be Gone" is catchy with this "down home" feel to it.

"Earth Hymn" takes a minute to get going as vocals and a beat come in with synths. Guitar before 2 minutes. It kicks in before 4 minutes to the end. "Sky High" has no real melody and lots of synths early. The tempo picks up 2 minutes in with drums, bass and piano. Synths start to play over top then it's the guitar's turn. "Be Not Too Hard" is a beautiful track. Fragile vocals, synths and acoustic guitar lead the way early. A fuller sound 2 minutes in. "Earth Hymn Part 2" opens with synths and mellotron. Faint vocals come in. There's a bit of a FLOYD vibe 2 minutes in. Vocals 3 minutes. Great sound.

This is one of those albums right on the edge of 4 stars.