ISLANDS

I only discovered this album recently. As with numerous albums of the 70's I'm glad I did. The 2nd track (A Soldiers Tale) is a prog masterpiece. Fripps manic guitar is accompanied by various other strange sound effects which seem to draw you to the galaxies as displayed on the CD cover.

The 1st & last tracks are very pastoral tracks which have a gothic or ghostly ambience. Formentera Lady has a very haunting climax where you hear her singing in the background. Her voice becomes louder until it fades into the next track. The last track (Islands) would be suitable at someone's funeral. Indeed this album shares certain themes to two other 1971 albums Acquiring The Taste & Pawn Hearts. These being The Sea & a feeling of gothic resignation. That is why this album is such a unique experience.

The Ladies Of The Road is the weakest track on the album. Someone said the lyrics display an ignorance of women. I don't think understanding women on the road requires any intelligence. Young men feel only one thing in those situations & its got nothing to with anyone's sensibilites. Therefore these lyrics are entirely appropriate.