THE SILENT CORNER AND THE EMPTY STAGE

Obviously, when you have to review an album that has been a long-lasting companion, it's entirely different then assessing music you've just come to know for a few years.

Can you be impartial and review it without nostalgic sentiment? Or doesn't it stand a chance against new stuff that always sounds so fresh and exiting? Can you avoid being over-critical when you know every little detail of it by heart? When it comes to Hammill's Silent Corner, the answer to those questions would be 'No'. Thrice.

No, I'm not impartial. This used to be my Hammill favorite at an age where one doesn't listen to new albums every day. So whatever you listened to, you put almost on endless repeat. As such, the album became an essential part of your life and every time you hear it again, you're flashed back, right to the days and ambiance of your past.

No, it doesn't stand a chance against new stuff. The acoustic guitar and piano sounds old and aged. The rusty production can't live up to modern standards.

No, I can't help feeling critical towards the often weird twists in the songs and the theatrical vocals. Nor can I always support Hammill's naïve and inexperienced choices in the sonic arrangements.

So no, I wouldn't be surprised if even the people that have similar tastes wouldn't get this album at all. Luckily, many seem to share my appreciation of this masterpiece: the pure emotion, the sparkling creativity! 4.5 stars!